ANSWERS ABOUT OUR EYE & FACE TREATMENTS... AND MORE
Frequently Asked Questions
What are permanent
makeup eyebrows?
Alinea Beauty Studio currently offers all 5 of eyebrow techniques in the industry:
- Microblading Hairstrokes
- Nano Brow Hairstrokes
- Powder Ombre Brows
- Microblading Combination Brows
- Nano Combination Brows
How long do they last?
Microblading typically lasts 1-2 years on the correct skin type. Nano and powder brows implant pigment slightly deeper into the skin and therefore lasts up to 2-3 years. For dry, normal or mature skin, results could last up to 3-5 years.
The rate of fading depends on skin type (normal, oily, dry), age (youthful/mature) and lifestyle (active, outdoors, skincare regimen, etc). Skincare products with chemical peels and exfoliants (e.g. AHAs, BHAs) or ingredients like retinols, Retin-A, vitamin C which causes cell turnover and increase the speed of fading.
To refresh the colour, a touch up is suggested every 18 to 29 months. Clients can allow the brows to fade over time but a slight shadow may remain.
What is a PhiBrows
Artist?
Why choose a
PhiBrows Artist?
What is Microblading?
Do I need to add shading
to Microblading or Nano brows?
Combination Brows is the combination or blend of hair strokes (nano brows or microblading) with powder brows, also known as shading. Shading is applied by using a tattoo machine to deposit pigment into the skin. Combining shading with hair strokes is great for clients looking for more density, darkness, and definition as hair strokes alone can appear too natural for some clients, once healed.
Shading is highly recommended for those who have oily skin or an oily t-zone but desire the hair-stroke look, to ensure pigment retention. It is also recommended for those who have patches of missing eyebrow hair, such as a missing tail or a missing/short front, to ensure that the permanent makeup blends well with the natural brow hairs.
Combination Brows can be done in various ways. For example, 30% hair strokes; 70% shading, 50% hair strokes: 50% shading, or 100% hair strokes and shading throughout the entire brow. A variety of styles are available to cater to the client’s tastes and preferences.
What are Powder Ombre
Brows?
What are Nano Brows?
Nano Hairstroke Brows is the newest and most advanced technique. It is exceptional as it allows for full artist creative freedom, increased control for pigment deposit and saturation, the most natural result. If done correctly, it also ages and fades beautifully. Unlike Microblading, Nano Brows is gentle on the skin and causes little to no bleeding, which allows for better healed results.
Nano Brows is done entirely with a tattoo machine, which requires precision, mastery and great attention to detail. Machine related techniques will be suitable for most skin types including mature, combination, sensitive, and oily skin. In contrast, Microblading is only suitable for dry, normal, or nearly perfect skin.
For dark melanin-rich skin or very oily skin types, we recommend the powder brow technique, to ensure healed results are visible and long lasting.
Is Microblading, Powder Brows, Nano Brows, and Combination Brows safe to get done?
There are 3 safety factors to consider:
1) Choose a trained and experienced professional
We advise clients to check artist qualifications and do not choose solely based on price. Often, the higher price is a reflection of their skill level, experience, formal training, and health & safety practices, which ultimately means you will receive a safe and high quality treatment.
2) Seek a business that values client and artist safety.
We place great importance and priority on this matter. Alinea Beauty seeks beauty courses that teach and value client safety and currently holds two Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) certifications. In light of the COVID-19 situation, three additional infection control certificates from Milady Pro and Barbicide were obtained to ensure that the most up-to-date knowledge and practices are implemented in our studio.
3) Client expectations and aftercare.
Clients should have realistic expectations with PMU brows and recognize that it is normal to resort to some makeup to make them stand out or defined. Touch ups are recommended only every 12-24 months to avoid scarring of the skin and ensure skin integrity is intact. If only a minor touch up is needed, it is best to use some brow makeup for the time being (until you feel you absolutely need a touch up). This is also why aftercare and choosing the right brow technique is so important; the longer the pigment retention, the longer you can go without a touch up!
Who is NOT a candidate for permanent makeup brows?
- Under 18 years of age
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Dark pre-existing eyebrow permanent makeup
- Anyone who has had previous brow work done that has not been pre-approved by us
- Eyebrow laser removal within the last 6 months
- Botox within the last 4 weeks
- Chemical peel within the last 2 weeks
- Sunburned or irritated skin
- Rashes or blisters in the treated area
- Taken Accutane within the last 12 months
- Serious skin conditions (hyper-pigmentation, eczema, psoriasis, seborrhea dermatitis, etc)
- Taking skin medications such as antasure, ro-accutaine and steroids, which thin and make the skin very sensitive
- Easily triggered Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
- Prone to keloid scarring or hypertrophic scarring (powder brow technique is OK)
- Currently/recently under or scheduled for chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
- Underwent radiotherapy or chemotherapy less than 45 days ago
- Transmittable blood disease such as HIV or Hepatitis
- Heart condition or taking heart medications
- Taking blood thinning medications (unless it can be paused 7 days prior)
- Taking steroids or skin medicationsActive skin cancer in the treated area
- Insulin-dependent diabetic
- Bleeding disorders
- Healing disorders
- Autoimmune disorders
- Epilepsy (in the past or presently)
- Allergies to alcohol
- Allergies to numbing agents such as lidocaine, tetracaine, epinephrine
- Allergies to pigmentation, dyes, and makeup
- Have other serious health conditions/illnesses not mentioned in the contraindications list
- Non-insulin dependent diabetes
- Taking medications for serious health complications daily
- Radiotherapy or chemotherapy less than 6 months ago
What if I previously had my eyebrows done elsewhere?
No matter how long ago it was done, we need to assess whether they can be worked over because not all previously done brows can be corrected. If you arrive for your appointment without having your previous eyebrow work pre-approved, this will result in forfeiture of your deposit.
- Month and year you had it done
- Type of procedure
- How many times you’ve had it done
All previous work will be considered a new set; charged at full price and are subject to a $50-$100 correction fee depending on the difficulty of the correction case. Please have realistic expectations as we can only work with what we are given: the shape and darkness of your previous tattoo, the amount of hair you have, your brow muscles, your brow bone, and your skin condition.
Do I need a consultation prior to booking?
- pre-existing permanent brow makeup (send clear photos, date and year of your last appointment, type of service done, how many sessions of PMU you’ve had)
- eyebrows removed by saline or laser removal
- serious health complications, taking medication for such complications daily
- any serious skin issues on the face e.g. psoriasis, eczema, acne, etc
- scar tissue area to be treated
- sensitivities to makeup products, hair dyes, gold, silver, nickel (a Patch Test is recommended 1-2 weeks prior – request one by emailing us!)
What are the pre-care instructions for Microblading, Nano Brows, Powder Brows, or Combination brows?
- Avoid Botox and fillers around forehead and brow area (advised to get semi-permanent makeup first)
- Avoid sunburns
2 Weeks Before Appointment
- Avoid laser treatments, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, electrolysis on the face.
- Avoid facial ingredients: retinols, retinoids, glycolic, any exfoliating acids, anti-aging creams
- Discontinue multivitamins, vitamins C & E, turmeric, ginger, gingko biloba, flaxseed & chia seed oil, fish oils (you may continue with iron supplements) *please consult your doctor before stopping if you use as daily medication
- Discontinue antibiotics *please contact us immediately if currently on antibiotics, 14 day window required between last dose and your appointment
- Avoid tanning beds, brow tinting, brow waxing
- Discontinue any anti-inflammatories:
- Advil, ibuprofen, naproxen, Aspirin (Tylenol is OK), warfarin
- Avoid alcohol
- Avoid recreational drugs
- Smoking
- Lightly exfoliate the area to be treated area
- Avoid exercise
- Avoid caffeine at all cost (coffee, DECAF, caffeinated teas, Coke, Diet Coke, chocolate, energy drinks, etc)
- Fill in your eyebrows as you normally would so we could take into consideration the shape you like
- Feel free to bring a couple eyebrow reference photos to showcase your preferences
What is the aftercare for Microblading, Nano Brows, Powder Brows, or Combination brows?
Note: These have been generalized; detailed aftercare will be provided after appointment through either email or paper copy.
- Water contact
- Sweating
- Facials and peels
- Makeup and skincare products on the eyebrows
- Touching/picking at the brows
- Once healed, apply SPF 30+ on the brows daily to ensure colour remains vibrant and to prolong the life of the tattoo.
Avoid for 1 month:
- Tanning / being in the direct sun without a hat
- Intense facial treatments (chemical peels, acid peels, microdermabrasion, microneedling, etc)
- Light therapy
What does the PMU brow appointment look like?
The first session takes up to 4 hours (depending on artist level) and starts by having the client complete the consent forms, followed by shaping and grooming the eyebrow; only the brow hairs outside the agreed shape will be removed. Once the client approves the shape, the artist will select a pigment colour that matches the client’s natural hair colour and skin tone. If the client is satisfied with the choices, the artist will begin the procedure.
The second session is a complimentary follow-up visit to perfect them and should be booked within 9 weeks for it to be considered complimentary, but no sooner than 5 weeks to allow the skin to fully heal and enough time for the pigment to settle. This touch-up appointment will take about 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on artist level.
How long do the brows take to heal?
Is there pain involved?
Are there any booking considerations I should be aware of?
What will cause my PMU brows to fade faster?
- Skin Type: Oily skin types will fade faster, especially for microblading, due to the constant oil production which causes the oil to ‘push out’ the pigment from the skin. In this case, the powder brow technique would be the best option since pigment is implanted a little deeper into the skin.
- Sun Exposure: The sun can damage the skin and cause the pigment to fade faster. Apply SPF 30+ daily on the brows to slow fading!
- Skincare Ingredients: Vitamin C, retinols, Retin-A, AHA, and BHA based products exfoliate the skin and will quicken fading if applied on the eyebrow area.
- Exfoliants: It’s best to avoid chemical peels, microdermabrasion, intense scrubs, etc on the eyebrow area.
- Lifestyle Habits: Smoking will cause the pigment to fade faster.
- Skin Cell Turnover: The longer the regeneration of skin cells, the longer the pigment holds. Hence mature skin will hold pigment longer than youthful skin.
- Pigment Colour: Lighter pigments will fade quicker than darker pigments.
- Bleeding During the Procedure: Bleeding will cause the pigment to be pushed out, leading to unideal healed results.
What is the difference between Classic, Hybrid, and Volume eyelash extensions?
How are eyelash extensions applied?
Who is NOT a suitable candidate for eyelash extensions?
- Pregnant women
- Experienced severe allergic reactions to extensions
- Have large gaps in lash line
- Had a lash lift service less than 6 weeks ago
- Have a difficult time laying down for hours
- Have a tendency to always rub and pick their lashes
- Have eye infections / herpes in the area
- Have blepharitis (inflammation on the eyelids/around the eyes)
- Had undergone laser eye surgery within the last 2 months
- Had chemotherapy in the last 6 months
- Had an eye-lift surgery (blepharoplasty) within the last 4 months
- Have a medical condition related to the eyes, eyesight, or eye area
Do you offer refills over external work?
What are the pre-care instructions for eyelash extensions?
- Arrive without mascara and eye makeup as any residue may affect the adhesion and retention
- Contact lenses should be removed prior to the appointment or glasses should be worn instead
- Avoid creams and oils near and around eyes
- Avoid caffeine several hours before the appointment if sensitive to caffeine
- Water on the face must be avoided for a couple hours after the appointment so we recommend a shower, washed face, and removed makeup before the appointment
- Book your lash appointments before your PMU brow appointment
- Feel free to bring headphones to listen to your own music/podcast/audio books as minimal chatting and relaxation is best
What is the general aftercare for eyelash extensions?
- Wash with eyelash cleanser daily
- Brush daily
- Be gentle with them
- Use oil-free products around eyes
- Avoid being close to direct heat (e.g ovens, hot steam, lighters, etc)
How far in advance should I book a lash appointment before a special event or traveling?
How long will my eyelash extensions last?
Are there any risks associated with eyelash extensions?
Will eyelash extensions damage my natural lashes?
What if I have sensitive eyes?
What is a Lash Lift?
What is a Lash Tint?
What are the benefits of a Lash Lift?
- It helps to open up the eyes to make them look more refreshed and awake
- It reduces the need of using an eyelash curler, which can cause a lot of damage to your natural lashes if applied poorly.
- It is a great alternative to eyelash extensions, especially if you are taking a break, allergic to them, do not like the regular maintenance, or need a simpler aftercare.
- It is a more natural eyelash enhancement if you enjoy a more natural look!
- It is a quicker service which is great for those who cannot lay down for long periods.
Am I a suitable candidate for a Lash Lift?
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Are sensitive to glues or dyes
- Have sensitive or watery eyes
- Have cold/flu on the day of your appointment
- Have claustrophobia and cannot lay down comfortable with eyes closed
- Have skin conditions like dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema around the eye area
- Have open wounds around the upper face
- Had a recent eye surgery or laser surgery within last 6 months – please consult doctor
- Had Chemotherapy or within the last 6 months – please consult doctor
- Have Trichotillomania (compulsive pulling or twisting hair, eyebrows and eyelashes
- Had semi-permanent eyeliner/eyebrows procedure done the last 6 weeks
- Have a sty or eye infections (Conjunctivitis/pink eye)
- Have Blepharitis or Ocular rosacea (inflammation of the eyelids and eyes)
- Have Demodex Folliculitis (lash mites)
- Have damaged and weak natural lashes
- Have very short natural lashes (should be at least 9mm long)
Can I get a Lash Lift if I have very short natural lashes?
How often can I get a Lash Lift?
What are the pre-care instructions for a Lash Lift?
- Arrive COMPLETELY FREE of all eye makeup – especially NO mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow.
- Do not use waterproof mascara or curl your lashes 5 days before treatment.
- Avoid caffeine – it can cause fluttery eyes, which can cause the lotions to seep into the eye during the appointment.
- Contacts lenses must be removed before the appointment.
- Advised to wash your hair before your appointment because you cannot get the lashes wet for 24 hours.
What is the aftercare for a Lash Lift?
- Avoid the following on the face for 24 hours: water, cleansers, steam, heat, makeup, intense sweating
- After 24 hours – you may use makeup, skincare products, lash serums on the eye area
- Condition lashes daily with an appropriate eyelash conditioner or castor oil
- Avoid sleeping on lashes or your face (constant squishing will result in unruly lashes)
- Avoid rubbing or picking at the eyes.
- Advised to use non-waterproof mascara as the removal of waterproof mascaras can be harsh on the lashes and weaken the lift.
What is waxing?
What is your waxing process like?
What is included in your brow waxing service?
What makes your wax superior to others?
Will my skin be red and irritated from your wax?
Who is not a suitable candidate for waxing?
- Skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis on the treated area
- Sunburns, moles, cuts or abrasions on treated area
- On Accutane and strong skin medications within the last 12 months
- Using Retin-A in the treated area within the last 8 weeks
How do I prepare for my wax appointment?
- Avoid coming in with makeup, sunscreen, moisturizer, spray tan, or oils on the treated area
- Avoid excessive sun exposure or sun burns 72 hours before
- Avoid using AHA or glycolic products on the area to be waxed for 72 hours