FAQ

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WHAT IS COSMETIC TATTOOING?

Cosmetic Tattooing, also known as Semi-Permanent Makeup, Microblading or Micropigmentation, is the process of implanting color pigment beneath the surface of the skin using a tiny, sterile, disposable needle to produce the appearance of cosmetic makeup or to enhance the natural features of the face.

 

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COSMETIC TATTOOING AND TRADITIONAL BODY TATTOOING?

The purpose of Cosmetic Tattooing is to enhance the natural features of a client. Cosmetic Tattooing is softer and more subtle – it is meant to be a natural-looking beauty enhancement. Body tattoos use ink while cosmetic tattoo procedures involve only iron-oxide based pigments. These pigments are designed to gently fade over time. Fading is desired as it allows the technician to make changes to color and shape over the years as client’s natural coloration and facial changes occur.

 

DOES COSMETIC TATTOOING HURT?

A highly-effective, topical anesthetic cream and/or gel are used for numbing before and during your procedure. Pain threshold levels vary from person to person and every effort is made to ensure you remain comfortable for the entirety of the procedure.

 

WHAT ARE THE PIGMENTS MADE OF?

The pigments used in Cosmetic Tattooing come in a variety of colors specially formulated with iron oxide, an ingredient safe for the skin. I do not use pigments made from organic ingredients, such as vegetables as they have a high risk of carrying bacteria and causing allergic reactions. Because color is implanted just underneath the dermal layer of the skin, the resulting shade is soft and muted, unlike regular cosmetic makeup that sits on the surface of the skin.

 

HOW LONG DO COSMETIC TATTOOS LAST?

 

MICROBLADING 1 - 2 years*

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OMBRE BROWS 2 - 3 years*

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EYELASH ENHANCEMENT/EYELINER 2-5 years*

 

The treatments are considered semi-permanent and will not wash off, however, it will fade over time and touchups are required to keep color crisp. 

 

*Retention depends on a number of factors including: the pigment color used (lighter colors fade faster), lifestyle (sun exposure), iron deficiency (your body absorbs iron-oxide as a supplement), and if any chemical peels come into contact with treated areas. Please note final results can not be guaranteed as each unique skin type will hold pigments differently and break down at different rates. We will re-evaluate how your skin has received the pigment at your touch-up appointment and make any changes necessary.

 

CAN YOU COVER UP TATTOOS FROM OTHER ARTISTS?

In some cases we can work on previously tattooed eyebrows but not always. Cover-ups depend on the current color, age of the previous tattoo and scar tissue. If the old tattoo has left the skin scarred or oversaturated, Microblading will not hold. Scar tissue tends to reject pigment in a lot of cases.

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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MICROBLADING AND COMBINATION BROWS?

Microblading is the simulation of hair strokes only. Microblading can help achieve a more natural appearance, however in some cases combination brows are more aesthetically pleasing and fit the clients preferences or skin type better. Combination brows are microblading combined with microshading to add a more dense effect, blend naturally and help with problem areas. If you have very oily skin, alopecia, extremely uneven or sparse brows, Combination brows are a better option for you.

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SHOULD I GET WAXED/THREADED/PLUCK BEFORE MY APPOINTMENT?

I recommend you allow your brows to grow  in naturally for as long as possible before your appointment. This allows me to follow your natural growth pattern and to get as much brow hair in your new shape as I possibly can.

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If you need cover up work please email a photo so we can evaluate your brows PRIOR to scheduling an appointment. If you fail to obtain approval of your previous tattoo PRIOR to scheduling you will forfeit your deposit. 

 

CONTRAINDICATIONS

• Epilepsy

• Liver Disease

• Hormone Therapy

• Diabetic

• Chemotherapy

• Sick: (cold, flu, etc.)

• Pregnant or Nursing- illegal to tattoo anyone pregnant in VA + hormone changes while pregnant or nursing can cause pigments to heal much darker than intended

• Major Heart Problems

• Viral Infections/ Disease

• Botox in the Past Month

• Accutane in the past year

• Lash or Brow Grown Serums

• Psoriasis, Rash or Sunburn on or Around Treated area

• An Allergy to Lidocaine, Tetracaine or Epinephrine

• Previous Permanent Makeup: MUST email photo for approval prior to booking

• CONDITIONS REQUIRING DOCTOR'S NOTE: Diabetes (Type 1 + 2), high blood pressure, auto-immune disease, and any disease causing slow healing and/or high risk of infection

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HOW WILL I LOOK IMMEDIATELY AFTER? WHAT IS THE HEALING PROCESS?

Your semi-permanent makeup will appear darker and bigger than expected for the first few days. This will gradually lighten during the complete healing process.

It is possible to experience redness and swelling up to 48 hours after the procedure

The treated area will appear much darker and bold due to the oxidation process during the healing period 

As the area heals it will become dry and itchy

As the pigment film starts to flake off DO NOT pick, scratch, itch or pull off any of the areas which are peeling

Choosing to pick at flakes and peeling areas will pull out pigment, and result in spots left without any pigment or in some cases scarring

As the area continues to heal, a softer more natural result will be revealed underneath

Please note that within the first 4 weeks the amount of pigment that you see can seem very faint. It may seem like the pigment has been lost; please be advised that as the skin regenerates the new skin can in some cases hide the hair strokes completely. You must allow the full healing time of 4 - 6 weeks to see the true color and result.

 

WHAT SHOULD I DO BEFORE MY PROCEDURE?

DO NOT exercise the day of the procedure

Discontinue tanning for three weeks prior

DO NOT take Aspirin, Niacin, Vitamin E or Ibuprofen 48 hours before the procedure

No alcohol the day before or caffeine the day of procedure

Please note that you will be more sensitive during your menstrual cycle

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WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT LONG TERM CARE?

A good sunscreen applied daily AFTER healing on the tattooed area(s) is needed to help keep color true. As with any tattoo, sun exposure will make the color fade faster. The pigment used is iron-oxide based. Your body absorbs it as mineral irons, so the color will fade over time. You will need a touch-up every year. The fading speed depends on your skin type, lifestyle, sun exposure, pigment color used, broken capillaries, iron deficiency, and if any chemical peels were done after cosmetic tattooing. 
If you are planning to have laser treatments, tell your laser specialist to avoid the pigmented area. Laser may cause pigment to turn black.

 

HOW DO I BOOK AN APPOINTMENT?

Appointments can be made directly through the "services" section of the webpage. Please note that a nonrefundable deposit is required to schedule your appointment and is deducted from the total price of your procedure. All appointments are first come first serve and I do my best to fit everyone in but please understand I cannot accommodate all requests.