Feather Touch Brows also known as Microblading is a long lasting Cosmetic Tattooing technique for the brows.

The longevity of your Feather Touch brows depends on a number of factors, first and foremost you must abide by pre-treatment instructions. That means no coffee, alcohol, fish oils, pain killers, flax seed oil, coca cola etc at least 34hrs before your appointment. No working out before your appointment or sitting in front of a heater right before your appointment!

All of those things will either thin the blood or increase blood pressure which causes bleeding during the Microblading process that pushes the pigment out. You also need to stop using Apha Hydroxy Acids in your skincare at least 4 weeks before your appointment, any acids in your skincare expholiate and thin the epidermal layer which will also cause more bleeding during the process.

Technique will also effect the longevity, Feather Touch brows requires precision of depth and correct angling of the Microblade during the procedure. Do you research and make sure your Cosmetic Tattooist is producing clean fine strokes, it’s also important to see healed work before you go ahead and book.

If you have any medical conditions or are on any medications it’s best to contact Melissa before booking.

Lifestyle can also play a huge part in how long your brows last, if you work out regularly and engage in Detox programs or use Saunas regularly this will fade your brows quicker than usual.  If you’re out in the sun on a regular basis this will also fade your tattooed brows quicker, so be sun smart use sunscreen, hats and sunglasses! Just like regular tattoos the pigment will fade from sun exposure.  If you’re a smoker this can also effect the longevity of your beautiful new brows!

Skin types can also effect how long your brows will last for. Dry to normal skin types will generally last longer than Combination to Oily Skin types.

So, to ensure you get the best healed results you need to strictly follow pre-appointment instructions and protect your brows from Sun exposure and harsh skin care products.  If you’re someone who has regular facials make sure you make your beauty therapist aware of your tattooed brows so they can avoid the area whilst using strong products or exfoliating the skin.

It’s impossible to give a definite time frame on how long Feather Touch brows will last, everyone is chemically different and has different lifestyles.

Generally, Feather Touch brows last 12 months and require Annual Touch ups, they can in some cases last up to 3 years (this would usually be dry skin types who don’t work out or go out in the sun for long periods of time) they can also last longer if you go deeper than the epidermal layer of the skin although this is not recommended as you can cause scar tissue which will effect retention long term.

In this day and age, the brows definitely help make the woman.  Whether you’re like Cara Delevigne with naturally bold, untamed brows or more tamed and sculpted like Rihanna, a full, beautiful brow is the newest accessory in the fashion and beauty worlds.

But for many women, the tiny brow trend of the 90’s still haunts us – our overplucked brows never came back!  So how do you get those full, natural-looking brows of your dreams without endlessly drawing them in each and every day?  For many the answer is simple – feather-touch brows.

What are Feather Touch Brows?

Feather touch brows, also known as the “Embroidery Technique,” are one of the latest and greatest trends in the beauty industry that are used to help you get the natural, full-looking brows of your dreams.  This is a semi-permanent treatment process that uses a micro-blade hand tool to etch very fine hair-like strokes into the skin to simulate brow hairs.  The result is a very natural-looking brow that lasts between 12 months to 24 months with minimal touch-ups.

Because this method is used to create natural, realistic looking brow hairs, it can be individually customized.  You can elect to have your brows filled in or entirely remodeled if you so desire.  Since the technician uses pigment rather than ink, feather-touch brows can be tailored to suit the skintone and hair color of the customer.  With this method, you can evolve your brows over time rather than having a permanent style that cannot be changed.

The Procedure

The feather touch brow process is fairly simple and near-painless procedure that is performed by a licensed technician with a small micro-blade hand tool.  A topical anesthetic is applied to the area 30-60 minutes before, numbing the area entirely before the procedure begins.  The micro-blade uses a row of tiny needles to draw in each individual brow hair before pigment is applied and allowed to absorb into the skin.  This is repeated 3-5 times to get the desired look of the customer.  Because the pigment is applied after the hairs are etched, this makes the process impossible to mess up – the technician simply doesn’t have to apply pigment to the area.

This procedure can take anywhere from ½ an hour to 2 ½ hours, depending on the technician and the desired effects.  Oftentimes the technician will start the procedure very conservatively to determine how the customer’s skin will react to the pigment before going in with a heavier hand.

Pre-Treatment Notes

Prior to the procedure, there are several steps that you should take in order to ensure that your feather-touch brows are a complete success:

First and foremost, you should schedule an appointment with your technician to discuss your desired shape and color before the procedure.  This way, you are both on the same page for the appointment itself.

Secondly, you should avoid having your brows tinted prior to the appointment, as the pigment can make it difficult for the technician to match your brows appropriately.

Additionally, you should avoid using AHAs, BHAs, or exfoliants on the skin for three days prior to your appointment, as this can cause irritation in the skin when the micro-blading tool is being used.

Finally, you should be sure to wear plenty of sunscreen on your brow area!  If you are sunburned, your technician will be unable to complete your appointment due to risk of irritation.

After the Procedure

Immediately after the procedure, your brows will appear very dark and pigmented – don’t worry!  This effect will fade up to 50% in the first week, reaching your desired color.  Because the skin cell turnover rate is so high in the face, your skin may push the dye out at different rates, but it will even out over time.  And if the final effect is not what you were looking for, you can always schedule a touch-up with your technician to adjust the color, shape, and depth as needed.

Just like a regular tattoo, feather-touch brows will need some care and upkeep after the procedure is completed.  Oftentimes, it will take approximately 1-2 weeks for your brows to heel fully.  You will need to apply a barrier healing cream for a week or more after treatment to help speed up the healing process.  Additionally, you should avoid the use of exfoliation and cleansing steps in your skincare routine, as these can cause fading in the pigment and slow down the healing process.

Are Feather Touch Brows Right for You?

When considering semi-permanent makeup such as feather brows, you need to take a few factors into consideration.  Primarily, what type of brow style are you looking for? If you prefer a more natural style, feather-touch brows might be the perfect choice for you.  However, if you are looking for a trendier style, you may prefer something different, such as ombre brows.

Another important factor to consider is the skill of your technician.  For semi-permanent makeup such as feather touch brows, you need to consider them an investment.  Search for a licensed technician that has experience doing feather brows in Melbourne with great reviews and a clean office.  A great job will often come at a higher price and often requires maintenance to keep your brows looking beautiful and natural.

When it comes to the word tattoo— eyebrows aren’t the first thing to come to mind. Something about tattooed eyebrows seems harsh, unnatural, and well, permanent. I agree. When it comes to a more permanent eyebrow solution, feather touch brows are the way to go—tattoo yes, but absolutely soft and natural looking. Feather touch brows originated in Asia, and have taken Melbourne by storm. The technique is becoming popular among trendsetters in Los Angeles, New York, Milan, and Paris.

But what does this have to do with you? Good question. If you have sparse eyebrows from over plucking in your teen years, they’re naturally light in pigment, or you’re just lacking in the brow department, feather touch brows might be the perfect solution for perfecting your look. If you’re in Melbourne, then I’d love to help you out! Because of my special training, technique and expertise, I’ve had people travel interstate to get their brow fixed.

But while I’ve got your attention— here’s (mostly) EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FEATHER TOUCH BROWS

What is it?

A technique known as microblading, means each hair stroke is created individually by hand, and then the colour is applied to the top layers of skin. What makes this technique so sought after, is that it takes great care to create each eyebrow—with each stroke done with great precision. The overall effect is completely natural, but also completely flawless brows. I like to call them “artisan brows,” because of the craft and heart that is put into their creation. If brows could be art, this is it—and you can get it done here in Melbourne.

I customise brows to compliment your face shape and the natural shape of your brow line while also picking the perfect shade to enhance, yet blend with your overall look.

How long does it last? Feather touch brows can last anywhere from 1 to 3 years depending on skin type and their exposure to the elements. I recommend you do a touch up session 6 to 8 weeks following your initial appointment to add more colour and intensity as needed, although this is optional. To ensure long lasting brows be sure to follow care instructions, including:

• Keep brows dry and clean for seven days (this includes steam from a shower).
• When brows are healing don’t itch or pick at them.
• Don’t exfoliate brow area or use exfoliant products on brow area.
• Apply sunscreen and avoid exposure to sun.

Does it hurt?

Depends on the person. I can apply an anaesthetic cream to ensure the area is numb first. You may notice pressure. Some clients prefer to wear ear phones and listen to music so they don’t hear the procedure. But most customers (especially busy mums) relish an opportunity to lye still. Many have commented on how peaceful the salon is.

Other things you should know:

• After a couple days the colour will darken as the brows heal. Then it will lightly scab and flake away to eventually return to the original colour. I recommend you allow time for healing before any special events.
• Remember it might take a few days to adjust to your new brows, especially when you’re not wearing makeup. You’ve been used to your old brows for a lifetime, so give yourself a little time to acclimatise to your new look. Your brows will soften with time.

Unlike eyebrow tattooing, which is harsh and permanent (the pigment and sometimes ink often turning to red or blue), feather touch brows enhance your look without being overstated. In fact, most customers say that no one notices, “what they did,” but just comment that they look younger, fresher, or more put together. After all, brows are the frame for the face. Aside from cosmetic surgeries, brows are the quickest way to update your look, while shaving 5 to 10 years off your appearance!

But don’t just listen to me—here are comments from a few customers:

Christine shares, “my uneven sparse brows are now full and perfect!”

Amelia says, “I never I imagined I could have such full, beautifully shaped, natural looking brows. There are no words for how thrilled I am.”

Nina shares, “I was so impressed with her work and how stunning my brows look. Melissa is a perfectionist who takes the time to shape brows according to your facial features. My brows are now so full with a perfect arch.”

Thanks ladies! Never underestimate the power of an eyebrow.