FAQ | Holly Brows

Frequently Asked Questions

am I suitable for the treatment?

The ability to have brows that we’ve always dreamed of and have them tattooed in a very natural and discreet way still excites me even to this day - hence why I've chosen this exciting journey as a cosmetic tattoo artist!

There are different methods, colours, shades and techniques available and of course this is all discussed with you in prior consultation and determined by the result you want and the best option for yourself.

Most importantly however, we first need to know that you are 'skin fit' before getting too excited with all of the rest. We determine this from your age, sensitivity and the condition and quality of your skin, a lot goes into the safety and effectiveness of the cosmetic tattoo process. Any pre-existing skin conditions and skin treatments can heavily compromise the effectiveness of cosmetic tattooing, so we please ask you to read the following information carefully before making a booking.

As an artist, my goal is always to ensure that you receive the best possible results from your treatment.

This is heavily reliant on your skin being healthy, strong, and calm.

Skin conditions:

Skin Complications - If you have skin prone to complications with eczema, psoriasis, keratosis pilaris and dermatitis (i.e., your skin is constantly flaking, itching, or aggravated), chances are your skin is in a constant state of unrest and shedding and is not suitable for tattooing and therefore won’t hold the pigment well.
Chronic Conditions: Like chronic Acne and Rosacea. The inherent nature of this type of skin causes easy bleeding, which again means your skin will not retain the colour very well.

skin type:

Normal & dry skins tend to hold best!

Excessively OILY SKIN can cause this tattooed hair strokes to blur together resulting in more of a solid effected instead of crisp hairstrokes. Ombre-powder brow technique is more suitable for this skin type. What is a more 'makeup look' and can be done in a natural or more defined look depending on your preference.

If you have Fitzpatrick Skin Type 1 (i.e., you are a redhead, have thin, translucent skin with light eyes), your skin is very likely to be hypersensitive and your skin will not be able to tolerate microblading well. The same applies if you just have generally thin skin - it will bleed easily and not retain colour well.

state of the skin:

If your skin has large pores, specifically in the region of the eyebrows and forehead (aka the T-Zone), the colour will blur and result in a powdered look. Along similar lines, tattooed hair strokes will not lay properly on skin with deep wrinkles, which can make the overall look appear uneven. Moles, bumps, piercing, and general raised skin around the eyebrows will also not be able to retain colour.
Sunburn - If you are hoping to have microblading done however have gotten a tan or worse, a sunburn, it’s best to wait until your skin has resumed its normal colour and density and allow your sunburn to heal before booking in for a procedure.

Medication Interactions:

Individuals who have been taking acne medications such as Roaccutane or Retain-A within the last year have an altered skin condition that will not heal well after the procedure. Same goes with the use of Pro-Active and skin-peeling acids. It's very important that you wait a year before tattooing the skin.
Retinol and Vitamin A users should discontinue the use of each 1 month prior to their procedure.
Photo sensitising antibiotics e.g. Doxy Cycline and high doses of anti-inflammatory medicine or topical medical creams you cannot be treated until 6 months after you have ceased usage of these drugs. Some antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications interact with the tattooing adversely. Please inform me well BEFORE your treatment date if you are using these as your appointment may need to be cancelled.

Medical Conditions (Important):

Autoimmune - Even more seriously, if you have an autoimmune disorder such as lupus or frontal fibrosing alopecia, you will not be a good candidate for this treatment due to your compromised skin health caused by these disorders.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have hemophilia, or a heart condition, it is absolutely not recommended that you get any form of cosmetic tattooing done as this puts you in a high-risk position.
People who have heart issues often are on medications that thin the blood which will cause excessive bleeding resulting in a poor result with cosmetic tattooing. It is also NOT suitable for those who are prone to keloid scarring
If you suffer from anxiety disorders please consider carefully if tis is something for you as the process takes a good 5 - 8 weeks to be completed and can be an anxious wait as the treatment is not perfected until after healing of the touch-up.
Trichotillomania (i.e., the compulsive pulling of body hair) causes the scar tissue in the eyebrow skin to be prominent, which does NOT allow the colour to heal properly.

Previously Tattooed Eyebrows:

People who have had their eyebrows tattooed before may be looking to change or fix what they have had previously. In my experience most clients who are unhappy with their eyebrows usually need to consider tattoo/laser removal prior to any further tattooing. In this case it is best to see someone who offers both removal and tattooing, therefore you will be in the best hands for corrective work.
For those who are happy with their previously tattooed brows however are seeking a refresh:
- BEFORE BOOKING: You must either make a consultation appointment so I can have a look at your brows, or send clear photos of your skin to see if I am able to assist you. Failing to let me know you have previous tattooing from else where may result in a loss of deposit.

* We understand that these terms are strict yet we want to make sure that you are fully prepared for your semi permanent treatment.

Are you ready for your new fabulous brows??

If you think this is for you and you are ready for your cosmetic tattoo procedure, it is important to know that the results of your semi permanent makeup will be based on the health and quality of your skin.

Results will vary from person to person, and if you have pre exisiting skin conditions or are on medications, you may still be eligible for a procedure but should adjust your expectations based on your situation. Like any procedure, every person is unique and will react differently.