General SERVICE FAQS

Is Microblading a tattoo?

With the sudden popularity and media attention to the term microblading, many are led to falsely believe microblading is not a tattoo process. Permanent cosmetics, micropigmentation, dermal implantation, microblading/microstroking, eyebrow embroidery, and long-time/long-lasting makeup, are all different names for the same procedure – cosmetic tattooing. Any time pigment  is placed into the skin with any device, it is a tattoo process as defined by many well informed regulators, the medical community, and dictionary sources. Denying this process is a tattoo can be problematic for those who would, for religious or other personal reasons, normally refuse to have a tattoo.

Is it semi-permanent or permanent?

Technically, microblading is considered permanent because the color is implanted into the upper dermal layer of the skin and cannot be washed off. However, microblading pigment is not implanted into the skin as deep as traditional cosmetic tattoos, therefore the pigment will fade over time rendering it semi permanent.

Is Microblading for me?

If you have any of the following, Microblading will most likely not be the solution for you:

• Excessive sebum (excessive oily skin), brow strokes can spread creating a more powdery look, thin crisp stokes may not be visible.
• Overly sensitive skin
• Allergies to topical anesthetics
• Severe Acne
• Keratosis
• Keloid scarring
• Facial psoriasis or eczema
• Overly dry skin
• Iron deficiency
• Previous tattoo 
• Fitzpatrick V & VI in the Fitzpatrick skin type scale. Microblading might not be suitable because of very high risk for scarring and very high risk of hyper/hypo pigmentation after treatment.  
  

Who Shouldn't Get Microblading::

Individuals prone to keloids, super thin skin, Rosacea or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Unfortunately, since Microblading punctures the skin with tiny needles, we cannot work with clients with these conditions.  

Individuals with visible redness on the face. Broken blood vessels too close to the skin surface will cause excessive bleeding, affecting the retention of the brows. We cannot work with clients with these conditions.

Individuals with transmittable blood diseases such as HIV or Hepatitis. Microblading artists cut into the skin so it is best to not work with these conditions for the safety of our clients as these conditions greatly impact the immune system and healing process of individuals.

Individuals with auto-immune diseases. Microblading may greatly impact the immune system and healing results are not guaranteed. 

If you’ve had Botox/filler in the brow area. We ask that clients wait 4 weeks after botox/filler before getting Microblading done. Alternatively, you can do the Microblading treatment first and then wait 4 weeks to do your botox/filler. 

Individuals undergoing active chemotherapy. 

If you have any kind of skin condition near your eyebrows.  eczema, shingles, rashes, or anything else near eyebrows.

Individuals with oily skin. Those with very oily skin and large pores are not good candidates for Microblading. 

Individuals under 18 years of age

Individuals over 55 years of age. From our experience, mature skin is not an ideal candidate for Microblading. 

Individuals who are pregnant or nursing

Individuals with dark pre-existing eyebrow tattoo.  we do not take clients with previous work. The only exception would be if the old works is completely gone and not visible. Please email us a photo at chicagoglamfactory.com

There are also various contraindications that will determine if you are an appropriate candidate for the procedure.

What is involved in the professional teeth whitening process? Once you have completed a brief teeth/oral health questionnaire, a certified teeth whitening technician will instruct you throughout the treatment process. You will be seated in a comfortable salon chair and you will cleanse your teeth with a special cleansing finger cloth. You will then insert a cheek retractor, you will apply our professional grade teeth whitening gel under instruction. You will apply eye glasses for protection and our FDA approved Forma 2400 LED blue light will be set in front of your teeth for 15 minutes, after the 15 minutes you will rinse with water and repeat the process two more times.

How long will the treatment take? Your teeth whitening treatment will take 45 minutes.

Will the treatment cause tooth sensitivity? Although uncommon, some people can experience some tooth sensitivity during the first 24 - 48 hours after the whitening treatment. People with existing sensitivity, recently cracked teeth, micro-cracks, open cavities, leaking fillings, or other dental conditions that cause sensitivity may find that these conditions increase or prolong tooth sensitivity after the treatment. If you experience tooth sensitivity after the treatment, you can use SensodyneTM toothpaste to ease the discomfort. Brush your teeth with this toothpaste until tooth sensitivity goes away.

What is the difference between our  teeth whitening treatment and an at home whitening treatment? Our professional LED teeth whitening treatment is proven to be more effective than an over the counter at home teeth whitening treatment, but not as strong as a dental office whitening treatment. Consider Bare Element's LED teeth whitening system to be the "In-between," whitening treatment.

What is the difference between our teeth whitening treatment and a dental office whitening treatment? Your average dental office will provide you with a 6% stronger teeth whitening gel, but with a very high price tag, and let's face it, most people dread visiting the dentist. At the Chicago Glam Factory  we guarantee you at least two shades whiter teeth* at an affordable price, in a relaxed comfortable salon atmosphere.

How long will the results last? Generally speaking, if you have porous enamel and you expose your teeth to staining agents on a regular basis, your results may last for only 6 months. If you have non-porous enamel and you don’t expose your teeth to staining agents on a regular basis, the results may last for up to 1- 2 years.

It is non-invasive and painless.

Requires no extra maintenance.

Can be removed or replaced anytime has no effect on the tooth enamel once the jewel is removed or replaced.

Involves a procedure that only takes about15 minutes and is 100% reversible.

It is stain resistant.

Does not obstruct regular brushing even if using an electric toothbrush nor restrict you from visiting your dentist or dental hygienist.

You can have a jewel applied as a temporary enhancement which will last from 1- 6 weeks or a semi-permanent which will stay on until you decide to have it removed. 

AFTERCARE

DO NOT TOUCH OR PLAY WITH CRYSTAL.

DO NOT EAT FOR 1 HOUR AFTER CRYSTAL IS PLACED. YOU CAN DRINK WATER IMMEDIATELY.

EAT ONLY SOFT FOODS FOR THE 1ST 12 HOURS.

DO NOT BRUSH YOUR TEETH FOR 12 HOURS. IT IS RECOMMENDED TO NOT USE AN ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH FOR THE FIRST 24 HOURS AFTER A JEWEL HAS BEEN PLACED.

Eyelash extensions are a way to enhance the length and volume of your natural eyelashes. Synthetic strands are applied individually to each eyelash for a dramatic, yet natural look. When done right, there would be no way to tell that you are wearing extensions! Our stylists will help you choose what set is best for your natural lashes.

HOW LONG DO THEY LAST?

The extensions on your natural lashes will shed after or around 6 weeks when properly cared for. It is recommended to get a Lash Fill every 2-3 weeks to maintain fullness. Keep in mind your natural lashes do normally shed 1-5 per day – per eye, being why refills are so important, this also depends on your natural hair growth cycle & client aftercare. 

WHAT IS THE PROCESS AND HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

When you come in for your appointment, you’ll be sat down in a recliner and have your eye area cleaned and primed for application. A collagen eye pad or medical tape is placed below your eyes, and our technician will use tweezers to apply the extensions one by one with our bonding adhesive.

Lash extension application can take anywhere from 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours. This is dependent upon the set you choose and how many natural lashes you have. Lash Fills can take anywhere from 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, and suggested every 2-3 weeks.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I GET A FILL?

Our Lash Fill services are recommended every 2-3 weeks. A full set is recommended for those with under 40% of remaining lashes.

CAN I WEAR MAKEUP TO MY APPOINTMENT?

Please arrive having eye area clean and free of any and all eye makeup. Also, if wearing contacts, please remove them. It is suggested that you wear glasses and/or bring your contact case with you.

MY SKIN IS SENSITIVE TO CERTAIN PRODUCTS – ARE EYELASH EXTENSIONS SAFE FOR ME?

You can find out by booking a Patch Test with us! When you come in, we’ll consult with you and apply product to a small area to test your sensitivity. Although allergies are rare, they can happen. Please keep in mind that we are not responsible for any allergic reaction, but we can remove the lash extensions for you at no cost. 

CAN I APPLY MASCARA TO EYELASH EXTENSIONS?

Only water-based mascara and remover can be applied to eyelash extensions. Oil based and waterproof mascaras and remover will dissolve the glue and cause lashes to fall out or shed prematurely. If you have volume lash extensions, mascara will cause your “fans” to close.

ARE EYELASH EXTENSIONS WATERPROOF AND/OR SAFE TO WORK OUT IN?

Yes, our eyelash extensions are waterproof and should not come off during general exercise. It is not recommended to wet your eye area or be around steam for at least 24 hours after application.

ARE EYELASH CURLERS SAFE TO USE WITH MY EYELASH EXTENSIONS?

Since our lash extensions are pre-curled, we do not recommend using eyelash curlers on your extensions. Any additional curl can be inquired about during your appointment.

ARE THERE ANY ACTIVITIES I WILL HAVE TO AVOID?

You will want to avoid strong heat from ovens or barbecue grills. When opening the oven/grill let the steam out first to avoid your lashing being exposed to the heat directly. You are still able to swim! Just remember to pat dry instead of rubbing your eye area. Please be cautious with steam rooms, saunas & facials as the direct steam can cause earlier shedding. 

ARE THERE ANY LIMITS TO WHO CAN GET EYELASH EXTENSIONS?

Eyelash extensions are not recommended for those who:

• Have eyelid or eye conditions such as blepharitis and ocular rosacea
• Has regular eyelash contact with chlorinated water
• Has had a prior allergic reaction to the main ingredient in lash adhesive

Customers have questions, you have answers. Display the most frequently asked questions, so everybody benefits.