JULIE PHAXAY

The studio sits within Haven Beauty Collective on Excelsior Boulevard in Minnetonka and is run by Julie Phaxay. It focuses on brows and cosmetic tattooing, and it says it has worked with thousands of women across the Twin Cities. Clients come from Minneapolis, Edina, St. Louis Park and surrounding areas.

Every visit begins with a consultation to decide which technique, shape and finish will suit the client's skin. Brow shape is planned around face shape, bone structure and how the hair grows, and pigment is matched to skin tone and hair color. A numbing cream is applied during the appointment. All services are booked for the same length of time, and the service can be changed on the day. Most clients return about 8 to 12 weeks after the first session for a perfecting touch-up, and a yearly color boost is recommended to keep the brows fresh.

Healing from microblading or nano brows takes about 10 to 14 days, with full healing and color settling around 4 to 6 weeks. Results typically last about 3 to 5 years, depending on skin type, lifestyle and aftercare. Clients are asked to avoid caffeine, alcohol and blood-thinning medication for 24 hours beforehand, and to stop harsh skincare such as retinol or acids on the brow area for a week before. Sun exposure, Botox, chemical peels and microdermabrasion are off-limits for 30 days after brow work, and lukewarm showers or brief ones are advised so pigment is not pushed out. Laser treatment must not be used over a microbladed area. Cosmetic tattooing is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Each client leaves with an aftercare kit that includes a brow wipe and an ointment.

Laser tattoo removal uses targeted light energy to break down pigment so the body can clear it, and it can address older brow work as well as other cosmetic tattoos. Aftercare asks clients to limit prolonged direct sun, tanning beds and spray tans on the treated area, and to wear SPF 30 or higher outdoors.

Julie also offers an apprenticeship in cosmetic tattooing. Most apprentices finish in about four to six months, training two days a week, with tuition-based enrollment. Minnesota requires 200 hours of supervised cosmetic tattooing with a licensed supervisor before licensure. Tuition, deposit and payment options are shared after a short application, and apprentices may be able to rent space at Haven after completing their hours if room is available.

Brows are designed around each client's face shape, bone structure and natural hair growth, with pigments chosen to heal naturally on the skin.