The days before a permanent brow appointment matter more than most people think. A few simple choices can reduce bleeding, help the pigment settle better and make the whole session more comfortable. Most of them are easy. The tricky part is that nobody tells you about them until you are already booked.

This guide follows the same instructions I send to my own clients when they schedule with me. It applies to microblading, powder brows and combination brows. If you are still choosing a technique, start with this comparison: Microblading, Powder Brows or Combination Brows? How to Choose.

What actually happens at the appointment

Knowing what to expect takes away a lot of nervousness, and many people arrive nervous. Here is how a session goes with me.

1. Consultation. A consultation is free. If you have brows from earlier work, I need to see them first so I can judge how dark that work is and whether I can work over it. If your brows are natural, you do not need one, but I am glad to do one so I can explain the process, show you how the result would look and answer your questions.
2. Design. I take measurements of your face and build a design for your features. The design is personal, so no two clients get the same one.
3. Your approval. Before I begin anything, you approve the design.
4. The procedure. Once you approve, I prepare the area and do the technique you chose. Anesthesia, pigments and needles are included, and I open the needle in front of you.
5. Aftercare kit. At the end I give you a kit with what you need for healing. It is included in the price.
6. A check in. One week later I message you to ask how your healing is going.

Plan on about two hours for microblading or powder brows, and a little more for combination brows. Prices are $450 for microblading, $450 for powder brows and $480 for combination brows. The first touch up is done around six weeks after your session, and it is not included in the initial price.

In the days before your appointment

• Skip alcohol for 24 to 48 hours. This is one of the steps that helps minimize bleeding during the session.
• Go easy on caffeine the day of. Avoid coffee, energy drinks and too much caffeine on the day of your procedure.
• Avoid blood thinning pain relievers. Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen or other medication that thins the blood, unless your doctor prescribed it. Never stop a prescribed medication without your doctor’s approval.
• Pause strong skincare around your brows. Stop retinol, Retin-A, exfoliating acids such as AHA and BHA, and other strong products near your brows at least one to two weeks ahead, depending on the product.
• Tell me about recent Botox or fillers. If you have had Botox or fillers in your forehead or around your brows, let me know before you schedule.

Following these steps helps reduce bleeding and improve how well the pigment is retained. That is what leads to a prettier, longer lasting result.

Timing rules for other treatments

If you have had, or plan to have, other cosmetic treatments, the order matters. These are the waiting times I work with.

Treatment	What I ask
Botox	Avoid for 4 weeks before or after
Hyaluronic acid fillers in the brow area	Avoid for 4 weeks before or after
Chemical peels or facial laser	Do not schedule within 4 to 8 weeks before or after
Retinol, retinoids, exfoliating acids, depigmenting products	Stop at least 2 weeks before
Isotretinoin for acne	Wait 6 months after you finish treatment

These numbers are what I follow in my studio. If you are unsure where you stand, send me a message and we will work it out together.

When permanent brows are not the right choice

A good artist will say no when the answer is no. I do not recommend the procedure, or I want to talk it through first, in these situations:

• Pregnancy
• Dermatitis in the area
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Clotting problems or the use of anticoagulants
• Chemotherapy treatment or a weakened immune system
• Allergies to metals such as nickel, or to components of the anesthesia
• Earlier work that healed very dark. In that case laser removal comes first.

Two more points about technique. If you have oily skin, microblading is usually not the best option, because hair strokes tend to blur. Powder brows work on every skin type. And if you wear brow makeup every day, you may find microblading too subtle, because your eye is used to a stronger brow. You must also be at least 18 years old.

This is not medical advice. If you have a health condition or take medication, ask your doctor first, and tell me about it when you book.

What I will ask you before the appointment

When you book, there is a short form. I ask about allergies, pregnancy or breastfeeding, medication such as anticoagulants, irritation in the area, dermatitis or eczema, recent cosmetic treatments such as Botox, fillers or facial cleansings, and any earlier permanent makeup. I also ask for a photo of your brows, and it matters even more if you have work from before. A photo lets me prepare your design ahead of time. Answer honestly. It is not a test. It helps me decide what is safe and right for you.

The day of your appointment

• Bring your questions. Nothing is too small to ask.
• Let me know how you are feeling. Many clients are nervous, and that is normal.
• Expect to spend time on the design. It is the most important step, and I will not rush it.
• After the session, follow the aftercare instructions closely. The first ten days decide how the final result looks.

A simple checklist for the week before

• No alcohol for 24 to 48 hours before.
• No aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen unless your doctor prescribed them.
• Retinol and exfoliating acids paused for one to two weeks.
• Botox or fillers discussed with me before you book.
• A photo of your brows sent ahead of time, especially if you have earlier work.

Print it, screenshot it or put it on your calendar. If you do these five things, you will arrive prepared.

Ready to book?

If you have questions about your skin, your medication or an earlier procedure, the consultation is the best place to ask them. It is free, and there is no commitment. You can read about the techniques here: microblading, powder brows and combination brows.

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