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Our beauty experts answer your questions about every aspect of running a salon or spa business

How can I avoid common microblading problems?

Microblading is a semi-permanent make-up technique that can enhance and reshape eyebrows, but it requires precision and skill to achieve realistic and long-lasting results. As a microblading artist, you must be aware of the common issues:

Uneven pigmentation: this can occur due to several reasons, such as poor product application, unstable pigments and improper aftercare. To avoid this, use premium blades and high-quality pigments to ensure the longevity of the results.

Poor product quality: this can not only pose a threat to your clients’ wellbeing, but also prevents you from creating great results. Blades that are not sharp enough fail to create crisp, natural-looking strokes. Unstable pigments cause poor retention or 'rainbow effect' fading.

Eyebrow design issues: these can result in the need for additional touch-up appointments or even removal. To avoid this, it's crucial to have a thorough consultation with the client to understand their expectations and preferences. Take into account their facial features, natural brow shape and hair flow.

Lack of qualifications: microblading requires skill and expertise to create undetectable and natural results. Make sure that you are qualified and experienced enough to create customised designs that cater to your clients' unique features and preferences. It's also essential to be knowledgeable about alternative procedures, such as combination or ombre brows, which might be better suited for some clients. By having diverse skills and knowledge, you can best serve your clients' needs and establish a strong reputation for your business.

Attention to detail is crucial for delivering successful and long-lasting results. By using high-quality products, educating clients on proper aftercare and addressing any issues promptly, you can ensure an excellent service and experience for your clients, and establish a strong reputation for your business.

Monika Ludwiczak is co-founder and educator at microblading and semi-permanent make-up brand Everlasting Brows.

Can I spray tan clients who are suffering from psoriasis?

Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is the active ingredient within self-tanners and spray tan solutions, and this is the ingredient that reacts with the proteins on the surface of the skin to cause the browning effect. The only ingredient to avoid when tanning clients with psoriasis is alcohol, which is normally found in canned tanning products. It can cause a drying effect on the skin, which can aggravate psoriasis. If clients are prone to psoriasis, then they should avoid tanning during a flare-up because the product can aggravate and dry the skin cells when reacting to create the tan.

Some of my clients with psoriasis have given me feedback that tanning products containing aloe vera can be quite soothing, and that tanning has helped camouflage their condition, contributing to their own body positivity. If a spray tan has not agreed with the condition, clients could opt for trying a gentle gradual tan. If self-tanning is aggravating the skin, then clients should avoid DHA products and experiment with body make-up and wash-away tans that can be cleaned off instantly.

Tanning therapists should always give their clients good preparation advice. Clients who have psoriasis should exfoliate with a gentle product and concentrate on built-up, coarser skin. Then they need to keep the skin heavily hydrated up until the day of tan application.

Therapists need to get as much information about the client’s skin as possible during the consultation, always applying an oil-free barrier cream to areas affected by psoriasis.

Aftercare is the same as it is for all clients – rinse in warm showers and pat gently with a soft towel. They should moisturise generously with products that aren’t too rich or buttery. Working in a medicated talc around the chest and creases with a soft make-up brush will help keep the tan intact and prevent it from flaking off prematurely.

James Harknett is a tanning expert with over 20 years’ experience, and is brand ambassador for Fake Bake.