WHAT ARE HAIRSTROKE BROWS AND HOW DOES IT COMPARE TO MICROBLADING?
Hairstroke Brows, or "nano" brows, is a modern, state-of-the-art permanent makeup technique originating from Europe that gives a very natural looking, hyper-realistic 3D effect to the brows, and the illusion of real hair in the eyebrows. It is perfect for those suffering with alopecia or other conditions that inhibit hair growth. As of March 2023, Carissa is the ONLY permanent makeup artist in Long Island that offers this exclusive, highly advanced technique.
With traditional microblading, a manual hand tool that looks like a small blade is used to make tiny cuts, or scratches in the skin that look like hair strokes. When performed correctly on the appropriate skin type, it is a beautiful technique that can work well for many. However, the unfortunate reality that most people are unaware of including many artists, is that only about 20% of people are actual good candidates for microblading, due to the nature of the technique and how it implants pigment into the skin. With the incorrect technique on the incorrect skin type, these tiny scratches become open "channels" in the skin that often lead to skin damage and scarring as well as poorly healed results. It is a common misconception that microblading is any less invasive, permanent, damaging to the skin, or doesn't go "as deep" as a traditional body tattoo, or permanent makeup done with a machine. It is a particular and highly specialized form of permanent makeup that should not be performed on the majority of people, even from the world's most experienced artists. Those with oily, dry, combination, sensitive, mature, vascular (visible capillaries), sun-damaged skin, and those with thicker skin or large pores are not good candidates for microblading and will be at greater risk for poor healed results and/or skin damage and scarring, and should look for an artist that is knowledgable and experienced with other types of permanent makeup.
The HairStroke Brows technique, or "nano" brows, involves using a tiny single needle connected to a machine that very quickly taps or "stamps" the pigment into the skin, versus cutting. This "stamping" method is less traumatic for the skin, which ensures better and longer lasting healed results. Even further, this technique also allows for a more natural and hyper-realistic looking brow, with the ability to customize the look, color, pattern and direction of each individual hair stroke, which you cannot do with traditional microblading. It is the best option for those who want the realistic look of hair strokes but are otherwise not a good candidate for microblading. It is the most difficult, advanced permanent makeup technique for the eyebrows and requires an extremely high level of artistry and attention to fine detail. There are few artists in the US that are trained in it, and Carissa is proud to currently be the only artist on Long Island that specializes in it.
PERMANENT MAKEUP FAQ
AM I A CANDIDATE FOR PERMANENT MAKEUP?
It is not ideal for those with specific medical conditions that could put you at a greater risk for infections. You may not be an ideal candidate if:
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You are pregnant or breastfeeding
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If you have had radiation or chemotherapy treatments six months to 1 year prior to procedure
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Those with bleeding disorders or on blood thinners
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If you have had botox or other type of injections within 2 weeks of procedure
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Those with a history of keloid scars
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Those with inflammatory skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and rosacea
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You have had previous permanent makeup done in the same area
If you use any medications or have any medical conditions that put you at an increased risk for infection and delayed wound healing such as diabetes, please consult with your medical doctor to determine if the procedure is right for you. A doctors note stating you are eligible for the procedure may be necessary and is determined on a case-by-case basis.
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY APPOINTMENT?
Please do not wax or tweeze your brows prior to your appointment. Your brows will be shaped during the procedure. Exfoliating treatments such as microdermabrasion as well as Botox and skincare products containing AHA's/glycolic acid, retinol/retinoids/vitamin A should be avoided for at least 2 weeks prior, and chemical peels & laser treatments should be avoided no less than 6 weeks prior to the procedure. Exercising/sweating on the same day before the treatment may result in poor healed results. Please do not drink more than one glass of alcohol 24 hours prior to the treatment. Any recent visible sun tan/sun damage in the desired treatment area will result in a reschedule. Please let Carissa know if you have any back or neck issues that make it difficult to lie flat for an extended period of time, and bring your own pillow or blanket for more comfort if desired as one will not be provided for you (this is due to health code laws)
HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?
Results typically last 1-3 years before a touch up is recommended. However, any pigment being placed under the skin is always considered permanent. Receiving a permanent cosmetic procedure should be considered carefully, and there is never any guarantee that results will not last forever, even from just one session. However, this can be affected by the use of harsh topical skin care around the area, unprotected and/or excessive UV exposure, and improper aftercare.
DOES IT HURT?
While everyone's pain tolerance varies, clients have the option to have topical numbing cream applied before the procedure, and another numbing solution is used throughout the remainder of the procedure. Most clients describe the feeling as being very tolerable. Some even fall asleep!
HOW WILL IT LOOK?
Every client recieves an in-depth consultation and analysis. I take into account your natural bone structure, face and eye shape, skin coloring and undertones, to ensure results that are not only the most natural looking, but easy for you to maintain over time. My hope is for us to both work together, with the goal of creating the perfect brow, liner or lip blush that compliments both your facial features and your personal style.
SHOP POLICIES
CANCELLATION POLICY
A $100 non-refundable booking fee is required to book all new permanent makeup appointments that will go towards the full cost of service. All new permanent makeup appointments cancelled without at least 24 hours notice will result in a forfeit of the deposit/booking fee, and a new deposit will be required to book an appointment. For returning clients, there is a $50 cancellation fee for all touch up appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours notice.
All other non-permanent makeup appointments (brow wax, lash lift) will be charged 50% of the total service if not cancelled within 24 hours.
NO-SHOW POLICY
Failure to show for your appointment without notice will result in 100% of the service being charged for ALL SERVICES.
GUEST POLICY
Due to insurance and liability reasons, for permanent makeup services there is only ONE guest allowed inside the treatment room at a time during the session. All other guests and visitors including family members and small children will not be permitted to accompany during the procedure. For those that are unable to come alone, there is ample amount of comfortable waiting space directly outside the treatment room. No exceptions.