faq

General information

HOW DO I BOOK A CONSULTATION?
Consultations are a part of the Bespoke Brows and Lip Blushing services! Once you arrive, your artist will discuss your goals, your ideal shape and color, and your skin type before creating custom brows or lips just for you! Once you approve, they will begin on your initial cosmetic tattoo using the techniques discussed.

HOW DO I VIEW MORE PORTFOLIO CONTENT?
Our Instagram or Facebook is the best place to view our work! We have a hashtag system for optimized searching.

#fab_microblading for microblading work
#fab_shading for machine shading work
#fab_hybrid for hybrid brow work
#fab_combo for combo brow work
#fab_lipblush for lip blushing
#fab_freckles for freckles
#fab_beautymarks for beauty marks
#fab_lightening for saline lightening
#fab_men for male clients
#fab_redhead for red hair

Our artists are credited at the end of each post.

You can also view our Pinterest boards.

ARE PERFECTING SESSIONS AND ANNUAL REFRESHERS REALLY NECESSARY?
Yes! Touch-ups perfect your results and ensure your tattoo heals beautifully.

WHO IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR A COSMETIC TATTOO?

PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING

In compliance with health department regulations, cosmetic tattoos cannot be performed if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

MINORS

You must be 18+ to get a cosmetic tattoo, with no exceptions.

SCARRING DISEASES & SKIN CONDITIONS

If you have conditions like keloid scarring or eczema in the treatment area, cosmetic tattooing may not be suitable. We recommend consulting with your doctor.

ACCUTANE PATIENTS

You must wait at least a year after stopping Accutane before getting a cosmetic tattoo.

VERY ACNE-PRONE SKIN

If you have active breakouts in the area, we may need to reschedule. If you are prescribed harsh exfoliants to treat your skin, you may not be eligible for cosmetic tattooing.

CHEMICAL PEELS & LASER RESURFACING

You’ll need to stop treatments and let your skin fully heal before tattooing.

TANNING BED USERS

Tanned or sunburned skin is too fragile for tattooing. We recommend avoiding tanning before and after your appointment.

Bespoke Brows

WHAT IS A BESPOKE BROWS APPOINTMENT?
Our signature treatment, where we create your brow strand-by-strand using lifelike strokes applied directly onto the skin, using microblading, machine hairstroke, and shading techniques best suited for each client's face. The treatment assures perfectly shaped and balanced brows all day, every day.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A BESPOKE BROWS APPOINTMENT?
First, a topical numbing cream is applied that stays on for about 15 minutes. Next, brow hair grade and color are analyzed, and the desired shape is drawn with a specialized pencil. We will create a symmetrical, natural-looking brow that is custom-made for your bone structure, giving you the chance to see how an addition to your brows changes your face. Once you are satisfied with the shape and thickness, you are consulted on color— we mix and match with the hue to ensure we get a shade that is closest to your natural hair color. Then a special tool is used to make small, hair-shaped incisions in the skin underneath the brow— this technique is known as Microblading. The shallow cuts are filled with the highest-grade pigments selected to match or darken arches. Finally, we will review aftercare instructions for your new procedure and set up your Perfecting Session. The treatment takes about two hours, with enough time to assess each step of the way.

WHAT IS MICROBLADING?
Microblading is a semi-permanent make-up procedure that creates life-like hair strokes in your brow area. This is done by inserting cosmetic pigments into the dermis layer of the skin. Microblading is also known as brow feathering and hair stroke tattooing.

WHAT IS MACHINE SHADING?
Machine shading is a cosmetic tattooing technique that uses a tattoo machine to create soft, pixelated shading for a natural, gradient effect. Unlike microblading, which creates fine hair-like strokes, machine shading implants pigment in a way that mimics the look of soft makeup or a gentle wash of color. It’s ideal for clients who want a more filled-in look or have oily skin. The intensity of shading can be adjusted to suit each client’s preference, from a barely-there tint to a more defined, polished appearance.

WHAT ARE COMBO BROWS?
Combo brows is a cosmetic tattooing technique where the brow is primarily shaded, but some microblading hair strokes are added to the head of the brow for realism. It is our most popular service.

WHAT ARE HYBRID BROWS?
Hybrid brows are a cosmetic tattooing technique where the brow is primarily microbladed and then shaded over to add density.

HOW LONG DOES THE RESULT LAST?
Hair color, skin type, after-care, and lifestyle also affect the longevity of the results. Done correctly, the treatments do not change color and fade naturally with time. While significant fading will occur, you will likely always have residual pigment in the skin. Yearly touch-ups are recommended to maintain the results.

WHAT IS THE RECOVERY TIME FOR BESPOKE BROWS?
There is no downtime, however the brow will take one to two weeks to heal fully. The brow will soften in color by up to 20-40%. During this period, after-care procedures should be carefully followed.

It is recommended to avoid sun exposure, profuse sweating, and submerging your face in bodies of water for two weeks following your appointment for the best results.

DOES COSMETIC TATTOOING DAMAGE YOUR NATURAL BROW HAIR?
No, Microblading and other cosmetic tattoo techniques just add a layer of pigment to the dermis (your skin’s top layer) and will not cause damage to your natural brow hairs or stop hair growth.

WHAT IS THE PERFECTING SESSION?
The Perfecting Session is extremely important to ensure the desired results. We use this session to set the shape and color and make any small adjustments if needed. This session must be completed within four months of the original treatment.

WHAT IS THE ANNUAL REFRESHER?
The Annual Refresher is a maintenance session designed to refresh and enhance your existing cosmetic tattoo, keeping it looking its best over time. While cosmetic tattoos are semi-permanent, they naturally fade due to skin regeneration, lifestyle factors, and sun exposure. A refresher session helps restore pigment, redefine shape, and make any necessary adjustments to ensure your brows, lips, or other tattooed areas remain vibrant and well-defined. Please keep in mind Annual Refreshers must be done within 24 months of your last Annual Refresher or Perfecting Session. If more time has passed, clients will need to book a Bespoke Brows appointment again.

Lip blushing

WHAT IS LIP BLUSHING?
Lip Blushing is a form of semi-permanent makeup. It is a cosmetic tattoo of the lips that enhances the beauty of the natural lip color, defining the shape of the lips, and giving the illusion of fullness. Lip Blushing can correct slight asymmetry but does not have the same effect as lip filler.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A LIP BLUSHING APPOINTMENT APPOINTMENT?
First, we begin with a consultation to discuss your goals, desired color, and overall expectations. Your artist will analyze your natural lip shape, tone, and symmetry before mapping out the perfect shape to enhance your features. Once you are satisfied with the design, we move on to numbing. A topical anesthetic is applied to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure, allowing time for it to take effect before beginning the tattooing process. Next, we select a pigment that complements your natural lip color and skin tone. The goal is to enhance rather than overpower your natural beauty, creating a soft, sheer wash of color. Using a specialized tattoo machine with an ultra-fine needle, pigment is deposited in layers to achieve a natural-looking flush. This process takes about two to three hours, depending on how your lips absorb the pigment and the depth of color desired. Finally, we will review aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing. You may experience mild swelling and slight dryness for a few days as your lips heal. A touch-up appointment is recommended in six to eight weeks to perfect the color and shape.

WHAT DOES THE LIP BLUSHING HEALING PROCESS LOOK LIKE?
At first, the color will appear brighter and more vibrant, appearing more like a lipstick. Once healed you can expect the color to heal 50% lighter than it appeared immediately after the procedure, which results in a beautiful natural color. The healing time is typically one week.

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR LIP BLUSHING?
To have better results it is important to exfoliate and keep your lips moisturized at least 5 days before your procedure. This will make things easier for your artist by having a smooth canvas to work on which will create ideal results for you.

I HAVE LIP FILLER. CAN I GET LIP BLUSHING?
Yes, but it’s best to wait at least 4 weeks after lip filler so your lips have fully settled.

STUDIO POLICIES

IS TIPPING CUSTOMARY?
Tipping is customary, but entirely at your discretion--much the same as your hairdresser or massage therapist.

WHAT FORMS OF IDENTIFICATION DO YOU ACCEPT?
We accept any valid government-issued photo ID such as a Driver’s License, State ID, Passport, School Card, and Citizenship Card.

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION/RESCHEDULE POLICY?
We prepare for your scheduled appointment before your arrival and clients often need 72 hours to prepare for their service. We understand that life’s circumstances sometimes prevent When a client cancels with less than 72 hours’ notice, it prevents another client from utilizing that appointment time. If 72 hours’ notice is not given for changes to your appointment, you will be charged in full for the services.

ARE YOU OPEN ON WEEKENDS?
An artist may occasionally work on a rare Saturday or Sunday, but our team is primarily at home with their families on the weekend. If you absolutely require weekend hours, you may contact us to express your interest. Sometimes an artist may decide to add a few weekend hours, with our junior artists being more likely to do so. That being said, our regular workdays are Monday-Friday, and we cannot guarantee weekend accommodation.

DO YOU TATTOO MEN, TOO?
Yes, we welcome everyone!

IS IT OKAY FOR MY CHILD TO ACCOMPANY ME TO MY APPOINTMENT?
In short, no. Each procedure requires your full participation & our full attention. Children cannot be unsupervised due to the environment of a cosmetic tattoo boutique. This is for their safety & for best results at your session. If children under 12 accompany you unsupervised your service will be refused with the full balance owed.

CAN I BRING AN ADULT WITH ME FOR COMFORT?
Yes! You’re welcome to bring one adult guest for support. However, due to the nature of our work, we ask that you leave children under 12 and additional guests at home.

Pain & Comfort

DOES MICROBLADING HURT?
We use effective numbing creams that are FDA-approved. On a scale of 1 to 10 with “1” being no discomfort, clients often experience between a 3 and 4 with the Bespoke Brow treatment. Other factors such as menstrual cycles also affect the level of sensitivity. It is recommended to book your appointment for a date that avoids menstruation and just before, as most women have a lower pain tolerance at this time.

DOES LIP BLUSHING HURT?
We use effective numbing creams that are FDA-approved. On a scale of 1 to 10 with “1” being no discomfort, clients often experience a 3 with Lip Blushing.

I HAVE HAD A TRADITIONAL TATTOO BEFORE. DOES COSMETIC TATTOOING HURT AS BAD?
Nope! Cosmetic tattooing is much gentler. Most clients describe it as mild discomfort rather than pain, thanks to our high-quality numbing agents.

SHOULD I TAKE MEDICATION BEFORE TO MINIMIZE PAIN?
Avoid blood thinners like ibuprofen or aspirin before your appointment, but you’re welcome to take Tylenol if you’re concerned about discomfort.

APPOINTMENT PREPARATION & AFTERCARE

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR MY COSMETIC TATTOO APPOINTMENT?
Avoid alcohol, blood thinners, brow tinting, waxing/threading up to 48 hours before the appointment. Avoid tanning and prolonged facial exposure to the sun for two weeks before and after the procedure. Your skin exfoliates more rapidly when tanned/burned, and rapid exfoliation means brows will fade faster.

SHOULD I BRING INSPIRATION PHOTOS?
Yes, if you have a specific look in mind, feel free to bring photos! We’ll work with you to create a shape and color that complements your features.

CAN I EXERCISE AFTER MY TATTOO?
We recommend avoiding heavy sweating for 7-10 days after your appointment to protect the healing process.

LIFESTYLE & SKIN CONCERNS

ARE YOU LGBTQ-FRIENDLY?
Yes, we believe in equality for everyone!

I AM A SWIMMER. WILL CONSTANT CHLORINE EXPOSURE AFFECT MY TATTOO?
Yes, chlorine can fade your tattoo faster. We recommend applying a barrier like petroleum-free balm before swimming and rinsing with fresh water afterward.

I HAVE NEUROTOXIN. CAN I GET A COSMETIC TATTOO?
Yes, but you should wait at least 2 weeks after Botox or Dysport before your appointment with us for the best results.

I DO NOT HAVE ANY EYEBROWS AT ALL. CAN I GET A COSMETIC TATTOO?
Yes! We specialize in creating natural-looking brows from scratch.

MY SKIN IS MATURE AND I HAVE WRINKLES. CAN I STILL GET A COSMETIC TATTOO?
Yes! We tailor our techniques to suit mature skin for the most natural and flattering results.

PRICING

WHY DOES THE LEXINGTON STUDIO COST MORE?
Our Lexington studio’s prices reflect the higher demand and travel time of our artists.

WHY DO SOME ARTISTS COST MORE?
Pricing is based on experience, skill level, and demand. Our senior artists have years of expertise, and their pricing reflects that.

TRAININGS & INTERNSHIPS

DO YOU OFFER COSMETIC TATTOO TRAINING?
Not currently, but we may begin soon. We’d love to take your information at hello@fbbrows.com if interested.

I AM INTERESTED IN THE MARKETING INTERNSHIP PROGRAM. HOW DO I GO ABOUT APPLYING?
Send your resume and cover letter to hello@fbbrows.com. Check out our LinkedIn company page for more information! We usually operate on a semester schedule.

I STILL HAVE A QUESTION.

REACH OUT TO US AT @FEATHERANDBLADE OR HELLO@FBBROWS.COM!

faq