Frequently Asked Questions About Brow PMU

    • Nano Brows, also known as “Machine Hair Strokes,” is the least invasive permanent makeup technique to achieve natural-looking, hairlike strokes. Rather than using a blade with multiple needles, like microblading, nano brows is performed using a machine holding a single needle that the artist guides to create the hair strokes. This technique still creates hairlike strokes like Microblading and lasts the same amount of time, but it causes less trauma to the skin and allows for a more mild healing process.

    • Combination Brows is the combination of both Machine Hair Strokes and Machine Shading. Machine Shading deposits pigment throughout the brow in tiny, pixelated dots. This can increase the density of color if more is desired or needed than that which is provided by hair strokes alone. Combination Brows can be done with mostly hair strokes and a little shading only in the areas needed, or this technique can also be done with just hair strokes at the front of the brows and shading throughout the body and tail of the brows for a more filled-in look.

    • Powder Brows, also known as "Machine Shading," deposits throughout the brow in tiny, pixelated dots. Machine Shading is buildable and can be soft and powdery, or more layers can be added to give a more saturated or bold brow. Powder brows will be the lowest maintenance long-term since this technique is done to evenly distribute the pigment throughout the shape and will best hold shape over time.

    • All three techniques are suitable for every skin type as long as the individual does not have contraindications to getting permanent makeup. A specific technique may be recommended based on the individual's desired outcome or their existing brows. All three techniques are done with a tattoo-type tattoo machine but, when done properly, do not implant pigment as deep as a traditional tattoo. All techniques will have some fading over time since the pigment is deposited into the skin just under the epidermal layer, which constantly regenerates over time.

    • Machine Hair Strokes, Combination Brows, Powder Brows, and even Microblading are all forms of permanent cosmetics or "cosmetic tattooing." These services have been, at times, been described as semi-permanent, which can be misleading because that can imply that if a certain amount of time passes that the pigment will no longer be visible.

    • Permanent Makeup can last a long time, but it all depends on the materials used, the artist's technique, how well a client follows aftercare, and each individual client's skin and how quickly they metabolize the pigment.

    • Generally permanent makeup can last 2-4+ years in the skin even if a client never receives a touch up. Depending on how quickly the pigment fades, it is recommended to get a touch up every 2-3 years. You should only seek a touch up when your pigment is at least 50% faded to allow enough room in the skin for more pigment to be added.

    • Final results cannot be guaranteed as all individuals are unique and heal differently and fade at different rates.

    • Oily Skin: Increased oil production can cause hair-strokes to blur and heal lighter and powdery

    • Smoking: Smokers may notice that their permanent makeup will fade faster

    • Sun Exposure: Increased exposure to the sun will cause premature fading and pigment color alteration. You will want to use a special sunscreen on your brows.
      I recommend Ink SPF (can be found here)

    • Age and Metabolism: The faster your metabolism, the faster the pigment will fade. Not always, but typically more mature clients (50-60+) will notice they do not need to come back as often for touch ups.

    • Bleeding During the Procedure: Excessive bleeding during your appointment will greatly affect how your body retains pigment. While this is not entirely in our control, it is important that you follow pre-care instructions to minimize bleeding. This includes avoiding blood-thinning medications, alcohol, and caffeine before your appointment.

    • Skin Treatments: Chemical peels, lasers, topical retinoids, anti-acne, exfoliating, and anti-aging products will cause the pigment to fade more quickly

  • Everyone’s pain tolerance is different, but you will be numbed multiple times during your appointment to keep you comfortable. The very first pass on the skin is done without numbing, and then once the skin's barrier is broken, a topical numbing gel is applied to keep you comfortable.
    On a scale of 1 to 10, the permanent makeup techniques done at Daymaker Artistry are at around a 2 for the average person; some clients even fall asleep.
    Having the procedure during your menstrual cycle may increase your sensitivity.

    • Please allow 3 hours to complete your initial appointment.

    • Please allow up to 2 hours to complete a 6-16 week touch up.

    • Please allow up to 2.5 hours to complete a returning client color boost (2-4+ year touch up).

    • I only invest in industry-leading and widely-trusted products. A full MSDS list can be found here. The line primarily used on most clients is the "Hybrid Eyebrow Pigment Series."

    • All other materials used within an appointment, with the exception of the topical numbing agents, are naturally-derived and toxin-free. I pride myself on using the best quality materials while not risking my clients' long-term health with toxic ingredients. The aftercare products provided to each client are also toxin-free.

    • Your brows will appear a little darker and thicker than expected for the first few days. The color and edges will gradually lighten by about 20-30 percent during the complete healing process, and the overall size will shrink. Minor flaking of the top layer of skin may be present for 10 to 14+ days following the procedure.

    • The techniques used are very mild and result in little-to-no swelling or redness, even freshly after the procedure.

  • There is no downtime associated with the treatment. Any redness and swelling should dissipate within an hour following the procedure. Your brows will appear slightly darker initially, but not so dark that you will be prevented from your day-to-day activities. So no, you do not need to take time off of work unless you choose to take time off to schedule your appointment(s).

  • Detailed before care will be emailed to you after your appointment is accepted. General guidelines include:

    • You cannot be pregnant

    • You cannot be on Accutane or been on Accutane in the past 12 months

    • You cannot be undergoing, or have undergone chemotherapy or radiation in the past 6 months

    • For 30 days before appointment:

      • No retinol/retinoids

      • No chemical peels or harsh/abrasive skin care treatments

    • For 14 days before appointment:

      • No Botox, Dysport, etc.

      • No antibiotics

    • For 7 days before appointment:

      • No blood thinning medications or supplements such as: Ibuprofen, Advil, Aspirin, Fish Oil, Omegas, Turmeric, etc.

      • No brow hair removal including: tweezing, waxing, threading, shaving, pulling/picking

    • For 24 hours before appointment

      • No alcohol

    • For 12 hours before appointment 

      • No caffeine such as coffee, soda, tea, energy drinks (including "decaf" coffee and teas)

      • No exercise

  • Detailed after care will be emailed to you after your appointment is accepted. General guidelines include:

    • For 14 days after appointment

      • Wash/moisturize brows with products provided by Kalina

      • No direct sun exposure (wear hat/stay in shade)

      • No swimming, sauna, hot tub

      • No sweating

      • No scratching/picking

      • No hair care, skin care, or makeup in or near brows besides provided aftercare products

      • No Botox, Dysport, etc.

  • This appointment is for clients who want or need an additional appointment after they heal from the initial appointment. It costs $150.

    This appointment can take place 6-12 weeks after your initial appointment. If you are unsure of if you will want a touch up, I recommend assessing how your brows look 4 weeks after your initial appointment. If you know you want any areas of your brows addressed (any light/patchy areas or if you want them overall darker), then you would want to schedule an appointment.

    Reasons why a client may want to have this touch up include:

    • Wanting to gradually ease in to having permanent makeup

    • Certain areas healed patchy

    • Wanting a darker or bolder result

    It can be difficult to predict if a client will want or need a second appointment. Some clients achieve their brow goals with only one appointment. However, many clients are surprised when they enjoy the dark stage of healing with their brows and end up wanting to go darker in a second appointment. Some clients' genetics, skin type, and lifestyle will affect healing in such a way that a second appointment is beneficial.

    A non-refundable, non-transferrable $50 retainer is due to book this appointment, and the remaining $100 is due at the appointment ($150 total).

    If you choose to return for a touch up after 12 weeks, it will be considered a Color Boost ($425).

  • As a precaution, I do not perform services on pregnant women. I recommend waiting at least three months after delivery to allow hormones to regulate, as hormones can affect retention.

  • The following are major contradictions for permanent makeup (PMU) and would disqualify you from receiving PMU services at Daymaker Artistry:

    • Pregnant

    • Currently using Accutane or have used Accutane within the past year

    • Have a freshly tanned/sunburned face

    • Are on blood-thining medications or antibiotics

    • Have Rosacea or Psoriasis in or near brows

    • Are currently undergoing cancer treatment (must be off chemo or radiation for 6 months)

    • Have uncontrolled Diabetes

    • Are using any retinols/retinoids 30 days prior to your appointment(s)

    • Have a severe breakout or cystic acne within the brows

  • A consultation is built in to every appointment. At this time, separate consultation appointments are not offered. If you have a specific question or concern, you are welcome to email kalina@daymakerartistry.com. Enough time is included in appointments to discuss your brow goals and realistic expectations at your initial appointment; this is also discussed before your appointment request is accepted.

  • I require that anyone who has had their brows done previously by another artist send me pictures before booking an appointment. This way we can discuss whether or not you can be accepted as a client and schedule sufficient time. Any client coming to me from a different artist is considered a new client (with full prices) unless otherwise discussed.

    In many cases, I recommend prospective clients with previous work to receive laser removal on their brows to remove as much ink as possible.

    My work will look best on a fresh canvas free of previous permanent makeup.

  • No. But I can guarantee that your satisfaction is my number one priority and that I will act in accordance with my experience and skill to do everything within my ability to help you achieve your desired results. I can guarantee that I will strive for your satisfaction and comfort from initial consultation to the final healing process. Because everyone’s skin takes the pigment differently, there are no guarantees regarding the results of Microblading procedures.

    • Sessions are by appointment only and are scheduled online. The booking link can be found at the top of my website or by clicking here.

    • You MUST be approved as a client before your appointment request will be accepted. To be approved, you must send in pictures of your brows and a picture or explanation of your desired outcome. Pictures can be sent to kalina@daymakerartistry.com. This is to ensure that I am the right artist for you and that I can meet your expectations.

    • Your optional 6-16 week touch-up can be scheduled in person during your initial appointment or can be scheduled online.

  • At this time, you may not bring anyone with you to your appointment.

    My space is confined, and I need to be able to focus on you/your brows without any distractions.

    I do understand many of my clients travel from out of town and out of state and travel with friends/family. If you need accomodation, coffee shop, or restaurant recommendations, send me an email at kalina@daymakerartistry.com

  • We accept many forms of payment:

    • Cash

    • P2P payment options like Zelle, Paypal, Venmo, and Apple Pay

    • All major credit cards

    Cash and P2P payments are preferred and appreciated to avoid card fees.

    Tipping is not expected, but it is always appreciated!

Please also review our policies before booking an appointment.