Welcome to

meta brow studio
...& more

We specialize in enhancing natural beauty through expert brow permanent makeup services. In addition to our brow treatments, we also offer a range of paramedical procedures designed to address specific needs, such as brow lightening and inkless stretch mark revision. Our commitment is to provide personalized, high-quality services that help our clients feel confident and empowered.

Welcome Beauties!

Meet lauren Gannes

I am Lauren Gannes
“The state of the world is very much reflected in the way people value themselves and I am deeply humbled to have the opportunity to assist transformation.”

Lauren is a creative entrepreneur who has embraced wellness in all of her professional endeavors. Prior to starting Meta Brow Studio, she formulated for and owned luxury self-care brand, HIGHBORN NYC. Her products were sold nationally in Nordstrom, Space NK among other prominent retailers. Lauren has always been motivated by creating connection through self-acceptance. “We often forget, but we are energetically in this together and if I can use my creativity to light people up, then I’m winning!”

Permanent makeup is an  intersection of creativity, precision, aesthetics and care. As a classically trained artist, Lauren jumped right in. She is in constant pursuit of new techniques, best in class materials and ways to optimize the experience for her clients. She’s a four-time certified / licensed PMU and Paramedical Tattoo artist and is currently enrolled in her next technique certifications. (More coming soon!)

Meta= Beyond the physical. 

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frequently asked questions

Your Answers are Here

  • under 18 years of age

  • diabetes

  • pregnant or lactating women

  • glaucoma

  • skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema and undiagnosed rashes or blisters on the site that is to be treated

  • allergies to makeup or colors

  • easily triggered post inflammatory hyper pigmentation 

  • transmittable blood conditions (e.g.,  HIV or Hepatitis)

  • active skin cancer in the area to be tattooed

  • hemophiliac

  • thyroid medication

  • healing disorders

  • blood thinners

  • uncontrolled high blood pressure or mitral valve disorder

  • accutane or steroids

*Let me know if you have/had allergic reactions to topical anesthetics.

Other contraindications:

AHAs (lactic, glycol  citric, retinoid and tartaric acids) or any OTC (over the counter) creams and lotions for tone correcting, anti-aging and exfoliating can fade and discolor your permanent makeup.

Flu or Cold: Please stay home and reschedule your appointment if you have a cold, flu or sinus/respiratory infection.

Coumadin: Amount of bleeding and response to topical epinephrine will determine coverage per application. If excessive bleeding occurs, extra appointments/applications may be necessary for desired outcome or procedure may not be effective.

Juvederm or other “fillers”: Get permanent makeup first or ask your juvederm tech for clearance.

Shingles: If you have shingles on your face, wait several months for it to clear before permanent makeup.

Eyelift or blepharoplasty: Wait about 3 months.

The first thing you need to know is that permanent makeup is very similar to a tattoo. In fact, it’s actually classified as a tattoo by the FDA. There are a number of key differences (the pigmentation used and application methods), but by and large they’re the same.

This is especially true when it comes to the healing process and timeline. You should expect acute healing for the first week or so. Acute healing refers to such as a crust of plasma and pigment forming on top of the area, swelling, some light bruising, and sensitivity.

You should make sure to keep the area moist during the acute healing phase. Apply topical ointment throughout the day. Don’t go overboard, a thin layer is more than enough. Don’t pick at the area! It’s probably going to itch, but don’t scratch it either. Make sure to use sunscreen when you go outside (even for a couple of minutes).

When the healing area starts to itch or become uncomfortable, you can use a cold compress to help soothe it. We’re big fans of using a tea bag, but a damp washcloth works great too. Tylenol or other over the counter pain relievers can help during this phase too.

After the first week, your permanent makeup will be largely healed. You’ll continue to experience flaking for another week or so, and the full color will begin to show up. This isn’t going to be as intense as it was initially. Don’t worry! That’s totally normal and if you want a darker or deeper color, touch ups are your friend.

Healing Days 1 – 2

 

Right after you get your eyebrows done on the first day your eyebrows will look both bold and full. 

In general, the stage of the eyebrow healing process has the eyebrows 50% darker, while also being 10% – 15% bigger than they will be when fully healed. 

Yes, they shrink a little!

You are also most likely going to experience:

  • minor swelling
  • redness
  • soreness

These side effects go away after the first day or two, however sometimes they may last a bit longer.

Healing Days 3 – 5

 

On the third day you should start see the soreness or pain go away. The redness should be gone, as well. Your eyebrows are still dark and thick but that will change shortly.

Around day 4 the scab is starting develop and by day 5 your eyebrows will be flaky and itchy. 

Don’t worry, this is a sign your skin is beginning to heal.

Healing Days 6-8

 

During this stage your eyebrows are going to fully scab and start flaking or peeling. Most likely your eyebrows will also become very itchy. 

 

By day 7 your scabs are falling off. Make sure to avoid any kind of scratching or picking, this will cause your skin to reopen and interrupt the healing process

As your eyebrows continue to flake into day 8 you will see the dark color soften and fade. Don’t be alarmed if you see all your color is gone.

Healing Days 9-12

 

After this week, going into the second week, the flaking and peeling will finish. As it flaked you will the color go with it, but don’t be afraid. 

 

By day 12 the eyebrows have an even color and have a more natural looking, even though they are faded. You can even start seeing the individuals hairs created by the microblade becoming more defined.

Healing Days 13-21

 

Now that we are entering the third week the color of your eyebrows should be looking even more natural.

On day 14, your eyebrows can officially be under water again. You can return to your normal skin care routine.

Towards the end of the third week your eyebrows will appear even across the entire brow and the color may stat coming back depending on the individual.

Healing Days 22 -30

 

Now that you a month in your eyebrow healing process is generally complete. The color of your eyebrows is probably 75% – 85% back. You will see slightly more color in the coming weeks.

Now you can go out and enjoy those new brows!!

Remember, sometimes after your eyebrows are healed you need to get a touch up. On occasion the color doesn’t take in some areas, or maybe you accidentally scratched piece off in the healing process. Either way, that is why touch ups are needed. They perfect the brows!

 
 

Lifespan of Nanoblading

Nanoblading can last for 1 to 3 years. The lifespan of nanoblading varies depending on your skin type, skincare routine, and exposure to UV radiation.

Touch-up Frequency for Nanoblading

To maintain the look of your Nanobladed brows, you should get touch-ups every 12-18 months. This will allow your technician to fill in faded areas and adjust the shape and color.

Lifespan of Ombre Brows

Ombre brows typically last for 2 to 3 years on average. The lifespan of your ombre brows can be affected by sun exposure, skin type, and skincare routine.

Touch-up Frequency for Ombre Brows

To maintain the desired look, touch-ups for ombre brows are recommended every 18-24 months. This ensures that the color and shape of your eyebrows remain consistent and vibrant.

Lifespan of Powder Brows

Powder brows can last up to 3 years on average. The lifespan of your powder brows can be influenced by skin type, aftercare, and sun exposure.

Touch-up Frequency for Powder Brows

Touch-ups are recommended every 2 years on average to keep the look of powder brows. This ensures that your eyebrows retain their shape, color, and fullness.

Skin Type

Your skin type significantly affects how long your permanent eyebrow makeup will last. Here are the three main categories of skin type and how they can affect the longevity of the makeup:

  • Oily Skin: If you have oily skin, your permanent eyebrow makeup fades faster than those with other skin types. The excess oil on your skin can cause the pigment to break down more quickly, resulting in the makeup fading or disappearing sooner than anticipated.
  • Dry Skin: If you have dry skin, your permanent eyebrow makeup might last longer than those with oily skin. Dry skin doesn’t produce as much oil, so the pigment is less likely to break down as quickly.
  • Normal Skin: If you have normal skin, you can expect your permanent eyebrow makeup to last somewhere between those with oily and dry skin. Of course, this can vary depending on other factors, such as your lifestyle and the application technique.

Lifestyle

Your lifestyle can also affect the duration of your permanent eyebrow makeup. Here are some factors to consider:

  • Swimming or Beach Time: If you spend much time in the water, whether swimming or at the beach, they fade more quickly than usual. Water breaks down pigment faster, leading to the makeup sagging or disappearance.
  • Sweating and Exercise: Like water exposure, sweating and exercise can affect eyebrow makeup longevity. The excess sweat can lead to pigment breakdown, resulting in fading or disappearance of the makeup.
  • Sun Exposure: When exposed to the sun, your permanent eyebrow makeup might fade faster than those who don’t. The UV rays from the sun destroy pigment more quickly, leading to sagging or disappearance of the makeup.

And Finally…

Following proper after-care is essential. For a reminder, click HERE.

 

The general rule is to AVOID peels and laser treatments for 30 days prior and BOTOX for 2 weeks prior. For ALL of the Pre-Care see below.

PRE CARE

1-MONTH PREPARATION
No chemical peels / laser treatments before your treatment.
2-WEEK PREPARATION
No Botox in the forehead and brow area 2 weeks prior to the appointment.
Please discontinue harsh skincare products that contain retinols, AHA, vitamin A and active skin care (anti-aging, etc.)
1-WEEK PREPARATION
Please avoid facials one weeks prior to the appointment. This includes microdermabrasion, chemical peels, etc.
– Sheet masks and mild clay mask are acceptable. Please avoid sun exposure one week prior to the appointment. Discontinue any facial oils in the forehead area.
24-HOUR PREPARATION
Please strictly avoid caffeine, alcohol or blood thinners (ex: coffee, caffeinated tea, pain killers) at least 24 hours prior.
If you are oily please exfoliate before your appointment. Do not exercise the day of your appointment.
Minimize your water intake 3 hours before your appointment.

POST CARE

For 7 days following the application of permanent cosmetics:
Do not touch the healing pigmented area with your fingers, they may have bacteria on them and create an infection.

Wash your brows for the first 7 days and apply ointment after.

Day 1 wash and apply ointment every hour.

Day 2 repeat every 2 hours.

Days 3-7 repeat morning & night. 

Always use a clean cotton swab and not your fingertips.
No make-up, tinting on lashes or brows, sun, soap, sauna, Jacuzzi, swimming in chlorine pools or in the recreational bodies of water, contact with animals, or gardening for 7-10 days (until area is completely healed) post procedure and after all touch-ups.
Before bathing, gently apply a light coating of Aquaphor to the procedure area using a clean cotton swab. Continue this regime until the procedure area has completely healed.
Do not rub or traumatize the procedure area while it is healing (pigment may be removed along with crusting tissue).
Use a “total sun block” after the procedure area has healed to prevent future fading of pigment color.
Do not use products that contain AHA’s on the procedure area. (Example: Glycolic, Lactic Acids. Always check your product labeling) it will fade your pigment color.
Try to sleep on a satin pillowcase while the procedure area is healing.
If you have any questions or concerns, please us immediately 949-416-6013.
If you experience any itching, swelling, blistering or any other complications post-procedure, stop using the product and call us immediately 949-416-6013. You may be allergic to the after care product you are using!

If you have excessive redness, swelling, tenderness, or any red streaks going from the procedure site toward the heart, an elevated temperature, or purulent drainage from the procedure site, contact your physician as the area may be infected and you may need to seek medical care. 

Nanoblading is similar to microblading, it is a technique used to create the illusion of natural hair. The difference is that nanoblading is done using a handheld tattoo machine and a much finer needle. Microblading is performed using a handheld blade, made of multiple fine needles. Precision and accuracy improve. A smaller needle also means less pain, bleeding and potential for scarring.

Saline brow lightening and brow laser removal are two different techniques used for altering or removing unwanted brow pigmentation. Saline brow lightening involves using a saline solution to lift and lighten pigment from the skin, commonly used to correct or adjust the color of tattooed or micro bladed brows. 

The saline solution is applied with a tattoo machine or manually, and it gradually draws the pigment out of the skin, making it lighter over several sessions. This method is generally safer for all skin tones and types and allows for more controlled pigment lightening rather than complete removal. In contrast, brow laser removal uses concentrated laser light to target and break down pigment particles in the skin. 

The laser selectively heats the pigment, causing it to fragment and eventually be absorbed and eliminated by the body. Laser removal is effective for removing unwanted brow tattoos but can be less precise in terms of adjusting color or lightening without fully removing the pigment, and it carries a higher risk of changes in skin texture or tone, especially on darker skin.

 

PRE CARE

No Brow Treatments: Avoid tweezing, waxing, tinting, or any brow treatments for at least one week prior to your saline lightening session to ensure the area is undisturbed.

Limit Skin Treatments: Do not undergo any facial treatments like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or laser treatments on or near the brow area for at least two weeks before the procedure to prevent skin sensitivity or irritation.

Minimize Sun Exposure: Avoid sunbathing and tanning beds for at least two weeks before your appointment, as sunburned or tanned skin cannot be treated safely.

Healthy Skin: Ensure the brow area is free from any cuts, acne, or active skin conditions. If you have a history of cold sores near the treatment area, consult your technician about taking an antiviral medication to prevent a breakout.

Following these pre-care instructions helps prepare your skin for saline lightening and reduces the risk of complications, leading to better overall results.

POST CARE

FIRST 48 HOURS: INITIAL CARE

Gently Cleanse: After the procedure, it’s crucial to gently cleanse the area with a mild, fragrance-free soap OR a sterile saline wipe. Pat the area dry with a clean towel.

Avoid Water Immersion: Keep the treated area away from prolonged water exposure. Short showers are permissible, but avoid baths, swimming pools, or hot tubs.

FIRST WEEK: PREVENTING INFECTION

Daily Cleaning: Continue to clean the area daily with mild soap.

Ointment Application: Apply the healing ointment as directed to maintain moisture.

Avoid Touching: Minimize touching the area to prevent the risk of infection.

LONG-TERM AFTERCARE AND HEALING

WEEKS 2-4: MONITORING AND MAINTENANCE

Scabbing and Itching: Scabbing is a normal part of the healing process. Do not pick or scratch the scabs as this can lead to scarring.

Moisturize: Keep the area moisturized with aquaphor to alleviate itching.

Sun Protection: Protect the area from direct sunlight. Use a high SPF sunscreen if exposure is unavoidable.

BEYOND 4 WEEKS: ENSURING OPTIMAL RESULTS

Regular Moisturizing: Continue to moisturize the area to aid in healing and comfort.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Steer clear of products with harsh chemicals or exfoliants on the treated area.

Follow-up Sessions: If additional sessions are needed, follow the same aftercare routine post each session. 

Inkless stretch mark revision is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure designed to improve the appearance of stretch marks without the use of ink or pigment. This technique involves the use of a tattoo machine to infuse a customized serum or solution directly into the skin where the stretch marks are present. The solution typically contains vitamins, natural oils, or other active ingredients that promote collagen production and skin healing. As the micro-needling process creates controlled micro-injuries, the body’s natural healing response is triggered, which helps to remodel the skin, reduce the visibility of stretch marks, and improve skin texture. The result is a smoother and more even skin appearance over time, with minimal downtime and risk compared to other methods like laser treatments or surgical options.

Does it Hurt?

Inkless stretch mark revision can cause some discomfort, as the procedure involves micro-needling the skin with a tattoo machine. However, the level of pain varies depending on individual pain tolerance, the location of the stretch marks, and the depth of the treatment. Most practitioners offer or apply a topical numbing cream before starting the procedure to help minimize discomfort. The numbing cream typically needs about 20-30 minutes to take effect, making the procedure more comfortable for the client. While you may still feel some sensation during the treatment, the numbing significantly reduces any potential pain or discomfort.

 

 

PRE CARE

Before undergoing inkless stretch mark revision, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind:

Weight Stability: Weight stability is important before undergoing inkless stretch mark revision because significant fluctuations in weight can affect the results of the treatment.

Skin Condition: Ensure your skin is in good condition without any active infections, rashes, or wounds in the area to be treated. If you have sensitive skin or certain skin conditions, consult your practitioner to determine if this procedure is appropriate for you.

Realistic Expectations: Understand that results vary based on factors like skin type, the age and color of the stretch marks, and how your skin responds to the treatment. The procedure aims to improve the appearance of stretch marks, but complete removal is not guaranteed. You will likely need more than one session.

 

POST CARE

Aftercare for inkless stretch mark revision is crucial to ensure proper healing and the best possible results. Immediately after the procedure, it’s normal to experience some redness, swelling, or slight bruising in the treated area, which typically subsides within a few days. 

Manage Moisture: To care for the area, keep it clean and dry; avoid excessive moisture, such as swimming, hot tubs, or saunas, for at least a week. 

Clean: Gently cleanse the area with mild soap and water, patting it dry without rubbing. 

Heal: Apply a recommended healing ointment or moisturizer, such as those containing hyaluronic acid or vitamin E, to keep the skin hydrated and to aid the healing process.

Avoid:

-Direct sun exposure and always use sunscreen on the treated area to prevent hyperpigmentation or further skin damage. 

-Picking or scratching the treated skin to avoid scarring or infection. 

-Intense workouts or activities that cause excessive sweating for the first few days.

General Policies

Our goal is to always make sure you receive optimal results however, due to different skin types and outside factors outside of our control that could affect the final product, there are no guarantees.

We do require a booking deposit of $100 in order to book and confirm your appointment. The booking fee will be deducted from your overall cost. Please note that all sales are finals and no refunds will be issued. 

APPOINTMENT RESCHEDULE / CANCELATION POLICY

A minimum of 72 hour notice is required to reschedule your appointment without penalty. Less than 72-hour notice will result in the loss of your $100 booking deposit. If you are feeling sick within the 72-hour period we ask you please reschedule and provide us with a doctor’s note so that we can transfer your deposit.

Same day cancelation will result in the loss of your $100 booking fee. We reserve 3 hours for each new client. Unfortunately, with such short notice we do not have the opportunity to allow another client in for the treatment. We will also charge half of the balance of the service. The remaining balance charge will be applied to your new reschedule date.

Appointment reminders will be sent to each client via email and text messaging 1 week, 72 hour & 24 hours prior to your appointment. Failure to confirm to your appointment within 24 hours may result in an automatic cancelation of your appointment and forfeit of your deposit.

NO SHOW APPOINTMENTS

Failure to show up to your appointment without any notice will result in a charge of half the cost of the service to the card on file as well as your non-refundable booking deposit. Please understand that no showing is taking time away from other clients. If you no show without any communication, you will not be allowed to re-book in the future.

 

APPOINTMENT LATE POLICY

Please contact us if you are going to be late for your appointment. We schedule clients back to back so being late can cut into the next treatment and is not fair to the client after you. Being more than 15 minutes will be treated as a same day cancelation and you will be charged half of the service as well as the $100 nonrefundable booking deposit.

 

TREATMENT

A minimum of 2 appointments are recommended to achieve the most consistent outcome. Additional appointments may be necessary to achieve a desired results and will be charged accordingly.

Prices are subject to change at any time and may increase or vary in the case of traveling and/or special circumstances. 

“Touch Up” appointments must be booked no sooner than 6 weeks following your appointment. You must allow your skin to heal before any additional work can be done and we withhold the right to not work on clients who have yet to properly heal. Premature booking may result in the cancellation of your appointment and forfeit of your deposit. After 12 weeks, this will be considered a different service and will be charged accordingly.

“Touch up #2” appointments must be booked 3-5 months from your last visit with us. This is service is for Meta Brow Studio clients only.

“Color Boost” appointments are for Meta Brow clients only. The treatment is for Meta Brow Studio clients who received their last session 6-9 months prior.

“Annual Touch Up” appointments are for Meta Brow Studio clients only. The treatment is for clients who received their last session 10-12 months prior.

If you have had your eyebrows previously microbladed or tattooed by another artist, a clear photo must be sent in and approved before booking an appointment. We must first decide if we are able to help achieve the goals you are wanting as some previous permanent make up may be too dark to work over. Failure to provide a photo prior to booking may result in a forfeit of your booking deposit.

All transactions are final and no refunds will be issued.

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meta brow studio

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