STROKES – WHAT TO EXPECT
“Conservative. Conservative. Conservative” says brow guru Sharon Lee, when we ask her the secret to good brows. “Invest in a 10 x mirror – yes, you’ll see things you never knew you had, but believe me it’s worth the horror show. Take two hairs, then step back and look in a normal mirror. Take your time. Attempt in broad daylight only.”
With her beautiful Sydney Atelier finally (finally!) reopening after the lockdown, many of us will be venturing out into that broad daylight to get our iso-brows tended to, after some seriously inept home grooming attempts. And if there’s one person who can rescue our brows from three months of neglect, it’s Sharon Lee. The ‘eyebrow scientist’ has been at the forefront of brow artistry for over twenty years – long before Instagram made brows the most trending facial feature. If you’re thinking about semi-permanent brows you might want to consider the Triple Layer Method Strokes. Here, Sharon tells us what to expect…
TRIPLE LAYER METHOD STROKES IS YOUR OWN METHOD WHICH YOU CREATED - TELL US ABOUT IT AND WHY IT’S UNIQUE…
We have never been quick to jump on any new technique that hits the marketplace. We maintain a very conservative approach and one that ensures a stable and predictable end-result that looks as natural as possible. That’s not to say we’re not across what’s out there. We are – very much so. We see so much of the pink-toned blocky brows that frustrate us and take their toll on the person who has paid good money for them only to be further insecure about them. Our technique is a blended method that melds micro-blading, etching, and machine along with implementing multiple pigments and varying blades, all of which are carried out over several sessions. This cannot be rushed. All of these guarantee a soft hyperreal brow that is in no way monochromatic.
SO WHAT ARE WE INSTORE FOR?
Expect to feel they are darker and different but of course, we WANT them different. The darkness will fade drastically over the next 5 days. It’s almost always the case that you’ll feel minor shock at first and often wonder what on Earth you’ve done. Just as you become used to your new look they begin to disappear before your eyes then you can’t wait for the follow-up sessions. We are invested in the end result and know there is a fugly stage to go through but it’s a crucial part of the process. Any gaps are vital to us knowing where to compensate in dispensing colour next round. It’s all about the end result.
TALK US THROUGH THE PAIN FACTOR?
Pain factor is next to nothing. We use hospital-grade topical anesthetic for brows, lips and nano ombré eyeliner. It also helps that we offer a complimentary array of champagne and wines. The Atelier is an open forum. If we had clients wreathing around in pain we wouldn’t have a business. Everyone is interacting, happy and chatty.
WHAT ARE THE STAGES OF STROKES?
Triple Layer Method Strokes need to be done fairly close together in three steps. More often than not this entails several customised colours as well in order to ensure the result isn’t monochromatic. It’s so much better if we are dealing with a virgin brow but unfortunately, we see more clients that have had semi-permanent work done elsewhere and we are then faced with correctional work.
WHAT IS THE AFTERCARE FOR STROKES?
Again, this is client-dependant. Each case differs based on what’s been done, the techniques used, skin type etc. however generally you can shower as normal, but we’ll provide a substantial aftercare kit to incorporate into your routine.
YOUR BROWS APPEAR MUCH DARKER WHEN YOU FIRST GET STROKES - WHY IS THIS?
A lot of the pigment is still sitting on the skin between each stroke and that makes the brow appear darker. As the skin begins to heal it will release further pigment and hold/trap some also. This is why the fade factor differs client to client.
AND HOW LONG UNTIL THEY FADE?
Generally a week.
HOW MUCH WILL THEY FADE?
Again this differs client to client based on aftercare, skin type, medications, activity and very importantly – how you sleep. If you sleep face down for example you will see more fade factor.
WHO IS AN IDEAL CANDIDATE FOR STROKES?
Almost everyone however the techniques we would use may vary. For example, we may mix up digital with manual or need to do saline wash to remove pre-existing colour. It’s truly a case-by-case scenario.
HOW LONG DOES STROKES LAST?
And when would you typically need a top up? Normally 10-12 months with a top up annually. We offer a flat $250 Refresh throughout the year. As we’re known for being very conservative, fairer clients will experience more fade than darker clients and thus may feel the need to refresh sooner.
BEFORE
AFTER