FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it really permanent?

Technically any time you are placing ink under the skin, you are tattooing/making a permanent mark. However, cosmetic tattoo pigments are made from smaller molecules than regular tattoo ink, so your body typically breaks them down more quickly. It also varies very much based on the individual and environmental factors. While the pigment on one person may fade drastically over 1-2 years, on another it may still be much more visible for longer. Factors like skin condition, oily/dry skin, sun/sunlamp exposure, topical facial products, facials, etc can all effect how well the pigment holds. Darker pigments are likely to stay more visible for longer than lighter pigment colors.

Permanent makeup requires similar upkeep to other cosmetic facial procedures like fillers and botox in that it does require maintenance over time.

I recommend yearly to bi yearly touch ups to keep your permanent makeup looking pristine.

Will it hurt?

While everyone’s pain tolerance will vary individually, it is still a needle breaking the skin, so there may be some uncomfortable moments here and there. However, I use two different topical anesthetics; one prior to starting, and one during the procedure to make it as comfortable as possible.
Try to avoid getting tattooed right before/while you are menstruating as this can make you more sensitive to pain.
I have had a handful of clients fall asleep while getting their brows done! Most people are pleasantly surprised about how tolerable the procedures feel.

What is the difference between Microblading and Powder or Ombre brows?

Microblading is done manually with a small bladed hand tool. The technician creates small slits in your skin to resemble hairstrokes, and then pigment is rubbed into them. Powder/ombre brows done with a machine use a small grouping of needles that quickly poke into your skin and deposit pigment into the dermis layer. Slicing the skin open with a blade is more traumatic on the skin, and there is a greater possibility of the technician accidentally cutting too deep and causing scar tissue. This is why I recommend machine brows over microblading.

What can prevent me from getting permanent makeup?

Blood thinners must be stopped two weeks before and two weeks after the procedure, like fish oil, tumeric, St. John’s Wort, flax seed oil, vitamin E, etc. If you are taking any prescription blood thinners, you need to get clearance from your physician about the procedure and before stopping taking them temporarily.
Clients who use Latisse must stop using it for 6 months before getting eyeliner tattooed.
Clients who have taken Accutane must wait one year before any cosmetic tattooing procedures.
Cannot be pregnant or nursing.
Cannot be on antibiotics.
Please reschedule with 48 hours notice if you become sick with a cold/flu the week of your appointment.

What can I do to prepare for the service?

Start taking extra care of the area to be tattooed starting a week or two prior, by regularly applying lotion to the area. The better condition your skin is in, the easier it will be to tattoo.

Avoid alcohol at least 24 hours before the procedure, and for at least 24 hours after.
Avoid caffeine the morning of your appointment. Caffeine can block anesthetic and cause you to bleed more which can affect your results. You can have caffeine immediately after we are done ;)

How do you decide shape/color?

When you come in for your brow appointment, I will clean the area, and then use a ruler and mapping string to take measurements of your ideal brow shape. I also go off of your existing hair, and personal preference to shape. Brows are not a one size fits all procedure!
I will draw in your brow shape with a brow marker and then have you check them out. Once we agree on the shape, we will get started with the pre numbing. Color is based off of your skin tone, natural brow color, and makeup preferences. I am always conservative with color the first session because we can always go darker the second session.

Tipping

Tipping is customary as tattooing is part of the service industry. Tips are greatly appreciated, but are entirely at your discretion.

What is the healing process like?

Most of the procedures healing is similar to the healing of a regular tattoo, which involves washing twice a day with antibacterial pump soap, and applying a small amount of lotion or Aquaphor (depending on the procedure). After a few days, the skin will start to flake off like a sunburn, and you will see the skin underneath is much lighter.

It is imperative to not scratch or pick at the flaking skin as this can cause an uneven healed result or even possibly scarring. Flaking usually happens within 4-7 days after the procedure, and can last a couple days. After it completely peels, it may appear lighter at first as your skin will continue to heal over the next eight weeks.

I always tell my clients they will see the healed result about two weeks from the initial appointment.

Any adjustments to shape/color will be done during the follow up session eight weeks after the initial session.

You cannot swim or go in a sauna for the first two weeks, but regular showering is fine.
No working out for the first 4-5 days after the procedure, as gyms are dirty environments and profuse sweating can affect retention.
Never touch the area without washing your hands first until it is completely healed.

I go over the aftercare for every procedure at the end of the service and also give an aftercare sheet you can take for reference.