FAQs
Below are answers to the most common questions about permanent makeup brows at Brows By Milan, located in Market Street, The Woodlands.
About Brows By Milan & Our Approach
Who is Brows By Milan best suited for?
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Brows By Milan is best suited for women who want natural-looking, age-appropriate permanent makeup brows created with a thoughtful, conservative approach. Most of my clients are between the ages of 40 and 80 and are looking for soft, refined brows that enhance their features without appearing harsh or overdone.
Clients often come to me because they value education, trust, and customization. Many are experiencing thinning brows, asymmetry, or faded or outdated brow tattoos and want results that heal beautifully and age well. I also work with younger clients who prefer subtle, natural results and want long-lasting brows without chasing trends.
What makes your approach to permanent makeup different?
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My approach to permanent makeup is thoughtful, conservative, and highly personalized. I do not follow trends or use a one-style-fits-all technique. Every set of brows is carefully mapped and customized based on your facial features, skin type, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
I take time to educate my clients throughout the process and involve them in approving the shape, color, and overall direction before we begin. This is especially important when working with mature skin, which requires different techniques, lighter pressure, and careful pigment selection to ensure the brows heal softly and naturally.
At Brows By Milan, the goal is never bold or dramatic brows. The goal is refined, balanced results that age well and enhance your natural beauty, so your brows still look like you—just more polished.
Do you specialize in mature skin?
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Yes. I specialize in age-appropriate permanent makeup brows, with a strong focus on working with mature skin. As skin changes over time, it becomes thinner, drier, and more delicate, which requires a different approach than what is typically used on younger skin.
When working with mature skin, I use techniques and pigment choices designed to heal softly and naturally, avoiding heavy saturation or harsh lines. Every set of brows is carefully mapped and customized to complement your facial features and skin condition while maintaining a refined, natural appearance.
Many of my clients between the ages of 40 and 80 come to me because they want brows that enhance their face without looking tattooed or overdone. My goal is always to create results that age well, heal beautifully, and feel appropriate for you at every stage of life.
Before You Book
Does permanent makeup hurt?
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Most clients describe permanent makeup as very tolerable, with minimal discomfort. A topical numbing agent is applied throughout the procedure to help keep you comfortable, and many clients are surprised by how easy the experience feels.
Sensations are often described as plucking or a mild scratching feeling rather than pain. Everyone’s comfort level is different, but my approach is slow and controlled, allowing time for numbing and regular check-ins during the appointment.
Many clients find the process relaxing and leave feeling confident rather than stressed. My priority is always your comfort, and I adjust the process as needed so you feel at ease throughout your appointment at Brows By Milan.
Will my brows look too dark or unnatural during healing?
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Immediately after your appointment, brows typically look fresh and defined, but the darker stage does not happen right away. About 24 hours later, the pigment begins to oxidize, and brows may appear darker as the skin starts the healing process.
Over the next several days, the superficial layers of pigment will dry out. Around 5–7 days, you may notice light flaking or cracking of pigment in the upper layers of the skin—this is a normal part of healing. As this layer sheds, the brows will begin to look lighter.
By approximately two weeks, most of the superficial pigment will have dissolved or fallen away, leaving a much softer appearance. Full healing occurs around 5–6 weeks, at which point the brows settle into their final result.
Once healed, brows are typically 15–20% lighter than how they appeared shortly after the procedure. A second appointment is highly encouraged to build on the healed result, refine shape, and perfect overall balance—especially for clients with asymmetry or patchy hair growth.
My pigment selection and technique are intentionally conservative—especially for mature skin—to ensure brows heal evenly, look natural, and age well over time. During your appointment at Brows By Milan, we discuss realistic expectations, and you’ll approve the shape and color before we begin.
Will I be red or swollen after my appointment?
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Most clients experience little to no visible redness or swelling after their appointment. Permanent makeup is performed superficially in the skin, not deep in the dermis like a traditional tattoo, which helps minimize trauma and inflammation.
Immediately after the procedure, the brow area may appear slightly pink or feel a bit warm, but this typically subsides quickly. Many clients feel comfortable running errands or returning to normal activities the same day. Those with very sensitive skin may experience mild redness for a short period, but significant swelling is uncommon.
My technique is intentionally gentle and controlled, with careful pigment saturation—especially for mature or delicate skin—to support a smooth healing process. During your appointment at Brows By Milan, I review aftercare in detail, and I also text you written instructions along with a healing timeline so you know exactly what to expect as your brows heal.
What if I don’t like my brows?
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This is a very common concern, and it’s something I take seriously. My process is designed so you are never surprised by your brows.
Before any permanent makeup is done, we spend time on detailed brow mapping, and you’ll have the opportunity to review and approve the shape, symmetry, and overall direction. I also choose pigment conservatively and adjust intensity based on your comfort level and long-term goals.
Permanent makeup is a gradual process, not a one-day final result. Your brows will soften as they heal, and a second (perfection) appointment is used to refine color, balance, and intensity once the skin has fully healed. This allows us to make thoughtful adjustments rather than overcorrecting at the first visit. I always remind my clients, “You can always add more later, but you can’t take it away.” For that reason, it’s best to approach the process within your comfort zone, knowing we can build gradually if needed.
My goal at Brows By Milan is always to create results that feel natural, balanced, and appropriate for you. Open communication is encouraged throughout the process, and your comfort and confidence are always the priority.
Brow Techniques Explained
How do I know which brow technique is right for me?
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Choosing the right brow technique depends on factors like your skin type, natural brow hair, lifestyle, and long-term goals. There is no single “best” technique for everyone, which is why each client at Brows By Milan receives a personalized consultation and detailed brow mapping.
During your appointment, I assess your skin and how your brows grow naturally before recommending the technique—such as hair stroke, combo, powder, or ombré brows—that will heal most naturally and age well.
My goal is always to choose a method that looks soft and balanced over time, not trend-driven. You’ll be involved in approving the shape, color, and overall plan before we begin.
What’s the difference between nano brows and microblading?
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Both nano brows and microblading are hair-stroke techniques designed to mimic natural brow hairs, but they are created differently and heal differently depending on your skin.
Microblading is done with a handheld blade and can work well for certain skin types, but strokes may blur or fade more quickly on oily or mature skin.
Nano brows are created with a machine and fine needle, allowing for more control, invasive strokes, and more predictable healing—making them a preferred option for many clients, especially those with mature skin.
During your consultation at Brows By Milan, I assess your skin and brow goals to recommend the technique that will heal most naturally and age well.
Is microblading suitable for everyone?
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No. While microblading can be a beautiful option for some clients, it is not suitable for everyone, especially depending on skin type, age, and long-term expectations.
Microblading involves creating manual hair strokes in the skin using a handheld blade. On certain skin types—such as very oily skin or more mature skin—these strokes may blur, fade faster, or lose definition over time. For this reason, other techniques like nano brows, powder brows, or ombré brows often heal more predictably and maintain their shape longer.
During your consultation at Brows By Milan, I assess your skin condition, brow goals, and lifestyle before recommending a technique. My priority is always choosing the option that will heal naturally, age well, and continue to look refined years down the line—not simply what is most popular.
What are combo brows?
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Combo brows are a hybrid brow technique that combines hair strokes with soft shading through the body and tail of the brow. This creates a result that looks natural yet fuller, offering both realism and gentle definition.
The hair strokes mimic natural brow hairs, while the shaded areas add structure and fullness—making combo brows a great option for clients with sparse brows, uneven growth, or those who want more definition without a heavily filled-in look.
Combo brows are often recommended for clients who want the appearance of hair strokes but need additional shading for better balance and longevity. During your consultation at Brows By Milan, I evaluate your skin type, brow history, and makeup routine to determine whether combo brows will best achieve your goals.
What’s the difference between powder brows and ombré brows?
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Powder brows and ombré brows are both machine-shaded techniques that create a soft, filled-in brow, similar to the look of brow makeup. The main difference is how the shading is distributed throughout the brow.
Powder brows have an airy, softly shaded appearance from front to tail. This technique creates a natural, light makeup-like look and is a great option for clients who prefer soft definition or have skin types that do not retain hair strokes well.
Ombré brows have a more defined, shaded appearance, with lighter pigment at the front of the brow that gradually becomes more saturated toward the tail. This creates a soft transition while still providing structure and longevity. Ombré brows are often best for clients who wear brow makeup daily or have very oily skin, and they tend to last the longest due to the additional passes of pigment in the skin.
Both techniques heal beautifully and are especially suitable for mature or oil-prone skin. During your consultation at Brows By Milan, I assess your skin type, brow shape, and makeup routine to determine which option will best achieve a natural, age-appropriate result.
The Appointment & Healing Process
What happens during the first appointment?
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Your first appointment is designed to be thorough, unhurried, and collaborative. We begin with a detailed consultation where we discuss your brow goals, lifestyle, makeup routine, and any previous brow work. This allows me to recommend the technique that will heal most naturally and age well on your skin.
Next, we move into custom brow mapping. I carefully map your brows based on your facial structure and natural features, and you’ll have the opportunity to review and approve the shape and symmetry before we proceed. Pigment selection is done conservatively, with your input, to ensure a soft and natural result.
Once everything is approved, the permanent makeup portion of the appointment begins. A topical numbing agent is applied throughout the process to keep you comfortable, and I work slowly and intentionally. Before we wrap up the service, I have clients sit up and view their brows in natural lighting in front of a mirror. Brows can look different lying down under a ring light versus standing upright, and this step ensures the final result looks balanced and natural in real life.
After your service, we review aftercare instructions together, and you’ll also receive written instructions and a healing timeline so you know exactly what to expect as your brows heal.
Appointments typically last 2.5–3 hours, depending on the service and level of customization needed. My goal at Brows By Milan is for you to leave feeling informed, confident, and excited about your results.
What does the healing process look like?
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Healing is a gradual process and looks different for everyone depending on skin type, lifestyle, and aftercare. Immediately after your appointment, brows typically appear fresh and defined. Within the first 24 hours, the pigment begins to oxidize, and brows may appear darker as healing begins.
Over the next several days, the superficial layers of pigment will dry out. Around 5–7 days, you may notice light flaking or cracking of pigment in the upper layers of the skin. This is normal and part of the skin shedding excess pigment. As this occurs, the brows will begin to look lighter and softer.
By approximately two weeks, most superficial pigment will have dissolved or fallen away, and the brows may appear lighter or slightly uneven. This is expected. Full healing occurs around 5–6 weeks, at which point the pigment settles into the skin and the final result becomes visible.
A perfection appointment is recommended after healing to refine color, balance, and intensity as needed. During your appointment at Brows By Milan, you’ll receive detailed aftercare instructions and a healing timeline so you know exactly what to expect at each stage.
What is a perfection appointment and is it required?
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A perfection appointment is a follow-up visit scheduled after your brows have fully healed, typically around 5–6 weeks after your initial appointment. This appointment allows us to evaluate how your brows healed and make any necessary refinements to color, balance, or intensity.
Because everyone’s skin heals differently, the perfection appointment is an important part of the permanent makeup process. A follow-up visit is especially recommended for clients with asymmetry or patchy hair growth. In addition, some areas may retain pigment better than others, and this appointment gives us the opportunity to enhance or adjust the brows for the most natural, even result.
While not every client will need significant adjustments, a perfection appointment is highly recommended to ensure your brows look polished, balanced, and complete. My approach at Brows By Milan is to build results gradually, allowing your brows to heal beautifully and age well over time rather than trying to achieve everything in one session.
How long do permanent makeup brows last?
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Permanent makeup brows are designed to be long-lasting, but not permanent forever. On average, results last 1–3 years, depending on factors such as skin type, lifestyle, sun exposure, and skincare products.
Clients with oilier skin types may experience faster fading, while those with normal to dry skin often retain pigment longer. Over time, the color will gradually soften and fade rather than change abruptly or look harsh.
To maintain optimal results, periodic touch-ups are recommended. These refresh the color and shape while keeping the brows looking natural and balanced. My approach at Brows By Milan focuses on results that age well, allowing brows to fade gracefully rather than requiring heavy maintenance.
Corrective & Previous Brow Work
Can you fix or improve old brow tattoos?
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In many cases, yes—old or uneven brow tattoos can often be improved, but every situation is different. The ability to correct previous work depends on factors such as the color, depth, saturation, and shape of the existing tattoo, as well as your skin type and brow goals.
Some older brow tattoos may be faded enough to correct with reshaping and new pigment, while others may require a gradual approach or even removal before corrective work can be done. My goal with corrections is always to create a softer, more youthful result that blends seamlessly and ages well—never to add heaviness or darkness.
During a consultation at Brows By Milan, I evaluate your existing brows honestly and walk you through what is achievable, what may require additional steps, and what will produce the most natural outcome over time. Conservative planning is especially important with corrective work to ensure the best long-term results.
If removal is needed, I can recommend trusted local PMU laser removal providers. If you’re a candidate, we can also discuss alkaline removal, a less invasive lightening service I offer in my studio to help prepare the brows for correction.
How light does my previous brow tattoo need to be for correction?
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For corrective work to look natural and balanced, the existing brow tattoo typically needs to be light enough that new pigment can blend without adding heaviness or darkness. In general, faded brows with soft color and minimal saturation are easier to correct than darker, heavily saturated tattoos.
If the previous work is still very dark, dense, or has a strong underlying color (such as deep gray, blue, or red), some lightening or removal may be recommended before corrective permanent makeup is done. This helps prevent the brows from looking too bold or overly layered.
During your consultation at Brows By Milan, I assess the depth, color, and saturation of your existing tattoo and explain what level of improvement is realistically achievable. If needed, we can discuss options such as alkaline removal or referral to trusted local laser removal providers to prepare the brows for the best possible correction.
Booking & Policies
What is your booking and deposit policy?
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To secure your appointment, a non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking. This deposit is applied toward the total cost of your service and helps reserve dedicated time for your appointment. Deposits are accepted through Square's scheduling, Zelle, or Venmo. You can reach Milan at (832) 992-8117 to submit a deposit.
Because permanent makeup appointments are lengthy and customized, deposits help ensure availability for all clients and allow me to give each appointment the time and attention it deserves. If you have questions about scheduling or availability, I’m always happy to help clarify before booking with Brows By Milan.
What is your late arrival and rescheduling policy?
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Please arrive on time for your appointment, as permanent makeup services are scheduled carefully and require uninterrupted time. If you’re running late, I ask that you contact me as soon as possible.
Clients who arrive more than 15 minutes late may forfeit their appointment and deposit, as it may not be possible to complete the service properly within the remaining time.
If you need to reschedule, please provide at least 72 hours’ notice. Appointments rescheduled with 72 hours’ notice may transfer the existing deposit to a new date. One reschedule is permitted; additional reschedules will require a new deposit to book again.
Appointments canceled or rescheduled with less than 24 hours’ notice will incur a $25 late cancellation fee to help cover time reserved specifically for your appointment. This policy helps ensure fairness to both my business and other clients who could have been seen during that time.
If you have questions or concerns about scheduling, you’re always welcome to reach out before booking with Brows By Milan.
Who should wait to book or may not be a good candidate yet?
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Some clients may need to wait or take additional steps before booking permanent makeup. This can include those who are pregnant, currently undergoing certain medical treatments, have active skin conditions in the brow area, or have very dark or heavily saturated previous brow tattoos that may require lightening first.
During a consultation, I assess your skin, brow goals, and medical history to determine the safest and most appropriate timing for treatment. If permanent makeup is not recommended right away, I will always explain why and offer guidance on next steps when possible.
My priority at Brows By Milan is your safety and long-term results—even if that means waiting until the timing is right.