Frequently Asked Questions
What is The COM7LETE Project?
The COM7LETE Project is a personal initiative started by Whitney Alexandria Walls to invest in the beauty, self-worth, wellness, and overall success of the Triad community and inspiring entrepreneurs. Through community service, engagement, and investment, The COM7LETE Project aims to give back and inspire others to begin pursuing their dreams. This initiative is funded through brow services and will be accepting donations.
Where is the COM7LETE Project located?
The COM7LETE Project operates out of 3:16 Studio & Co. in Greensboro, NC. Brow and other beauty services are offered here as well.
What's with the "7" in the your name?
The number 7 means "completion."
What is microblading and microshading?
Microblading is a semi-permanent embroidery hair stroke technique that uses a super fine manual pen to define your brows. The pen implants pigment into the epidermis (top layer of the skin) to add definition. Compared to other techniques, microblading provides a very natural brow appearance.
Microshading is a technique that uses an electric hand tool or a manual tool to create a soft, powered effect that resembles eyebrow powder instead of the hair-like strokes typical with microblading. A stippling method uses repetitive dots of pigment to add color and depth. It's like the pomade or powder to microblading’s pencil strokes.
Technically, semi-permanent micro-pigmentation is considered permanent because the color is implanted into the upper dermal layer of the skin and cannot be washed off. However, the pigment is implanted more superficially than a traditional tattoo, so it naturally fades over time.
Are semi-permanent eyebrows really permanent?
What is the process like from start to finish?
Microblading is a 2-step process that usually occurs 6-8 weeks apart for healing purposes. It is important to complete both the initial procedure and the follow up touch-up service.
Step 1: The initial procedure takes approximately 2 hours. During this time, a consultation is done where we discuss your desired brow look, choose a color tone and draw the initial outline of the procedure area. We do our very best to create as much symmetry as possible, though our faces are not perfectly symmetrical (one side is usually flatter than the other). As we like to say, BROWS ARE SISTERS, NOT TWINS. Once you are satisfied with the basic shape and symmetry, the area is then traced over and semi-permanent pigment is applied with a disposable microblading hand tool. This procedure uses a manual hand tool, not a machine.
Step 2: The second stage of the treatment is the mandatory touch-up Appointment. It is IMPERATIVE that you complete the Touch-Up Treatment. Without it, the results will not be optimal. Color will fade significantly within 4 weeks as the skin heals, peels, and fades. The touch-up corrects any irregularities in the microbladed hair strokes and color tones and finishes the process. It takes approximately 1 hour and is included in the price of your service. Touch-ups are done no earlier than 5 weeks after your initial procedure and no later than 10 weeks. If you do not schedule your touch-up with in 10 weeks, you will be required to pay a touch-up fee outlined in our touch-up schedule.
***Occasionally, a second touch-up (4-6 weeks later) is necessary for certain clients when the pigment does not take as well to the skin.***
How long does it take?
It takes two hours from start to finish including your consultation, prep, custom shape selection, drawing, and custom color selection to beautiful, new "wow" brows.
How long does microblading and/or microshading last?
After your 4-6 week touchup (included in the cost with your initial service), your new brows can last anywhere from 12 months to 3 years! Duration varies due to lifestyle, skin types, and more.
We choose a color together by applying small amounts of different coloured pigments to the skin near to your brows and selecting the best match for your skin tone, features and personal preference. As a rule of thumb, we closely match the color of your brow hair rather than your current hair color for the most natural results.
How do you choose a color?
We use iron oxide pigments that will fade over time and are naturally absorbed by the skin. Iron oxides are innocuous, harmless, and perfectly safe for your skin.
What types of pigments do you use?
Does it hurt?
A little discomfort during the microblading or microshading process can be normal, but your brow artist can numb the area first to prevent most excessive pain. We take every precaution necessary to ensure the Microblading procedure is as pain free as possible. A strong topical an aesthetic cream is used prior to and during the procedure to keep you as comfortable as possible. Some clients find the procedure a little uncomfortable while others report no discomfort at all.
How much does it typically cost?
For a quality job, total costs range anywhere between $300.00-$1500.00 based on your artist's location, market, and expertise.
What is the healing process like?
It takes 7-14 days for the complete peeling and healing process. Immediately after your microblading procedure and in the first 10 days, your brows will appear significantly darker and defined than perhaps your desired look. The area can be a little sore for the first few hours and tender to touch for a couple days. It may continue to get darker over the next few days as scabs begin to form; however this is not an accurate indication of the finished and healed result. 30-50% of your brow color will fade as the scabs fall off within 7-10 days. In some cases, the scabs may take longer to heal and fall off. DO NOT PICK YOUR SCABS. The pigment is within the scabs and you do not want to pull any pigment out of your skin prematurely. We all heal differently and what works on one client may not be effectively on another so please do not compare your results. The Complete healing process takes approximately 6 weeks.
Please see the care tips for more information and important info on medical concerns.
How long can I expect Microblading to last?
The pigment used in microblading is semi-permanent and can last between 1-3 years. The pigment will begin to fade within 12 months. In order to keep your brows looking fresh, touch-ups are recommended every 12-24 months maximum. After 2 years, the full price for microblading will apply.
For clients that choose a softer look and lighter color shade initially or those who did not follow the aftercare instructions properly may require more frequent touch-ups.
Factors that will cause your brows to fade faster:
Iron Deficiency
Sun Exposure
Exfoliants
Strong Immune Systems
Exposure To Salt Water
Smoking
Microblading can be done over an existing brow tattoo, however the old tattoo must be significantly faded for the hair strokes to show through and look natural. If you have an existing brow tattoo, please be advised that you may be required to submit a picture to determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure.