What is Permanent Makeup/Cosmetic Tattooing?

The art of Permanent makeup is a cosmetic technique which employs tattoos (permanent pigmentation of the dermis) as a means of producing designs that resemble makeup, such as eyelining and other permanent enhancing colors to the skin, lips, and eyelids. It is also used to produce artificial eyebrows, particularly in people who have lost them as a consequence of old age, disease, such as alopecia totalis, chemotherapy, or a genetic disturbance, and to disguise scars and white spots in the skin such as in vitiligo. It is also used to restore or enhance the breast’s areola, such as after breast surgery.

Most commonly called permanent cosmetics, other names include dermapigmentation, micropigmentation, and cosmetic tattooing, the latter being most appropriate since permanent makeup is applied under sterile conditions similar to that of a tattoo.

Does a cosmetic tattoo hurt?

Before the procedure, a topical anesthetic cream will be applied to numb the area. A second topical anesthetic gel is also applied during your procedure to ensure you remain comfortable. There are certain factors that may affect your sensitivity to the procedure such as being a smoker, if you are on your menstrual cycle, or if you have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. The client’s comfort is a priority and additional anesthetic may be applied to ensure it is effective for the client’s sensitivity.

Is a cosmetic tattoo right for me?

A cosmetic tattoo can make a big difference to a person’s life. It can greatly increase your confidence in your appearance and save you valuable time.

There are certain factors in individuals that may affect your cosmetic tattoo. If you have very very oily skin, the hair stroke eyebrow technique won’t be a good option for you. Increased oil production can cause the individual hair strokes to blur and turn into a more solid; powdered appearance. Anna is trained in multiple techniques to still guarantee you have a gorgeous set of natural appearing brows. Smokers will often notice their tattoo will fade faster than normal and they may require a Color Boost appointment sooner than a nonsmoker. Anemia or an iron deficiency can also cause your tattoo to fade faster and you may experience more bleeding and/or bruising.

Individuals must be 18 years or older to receive a tattoo.

As a precaution, tattooing will not be performed on individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

All Botox injections must be done 2 weeks PRIOR to your session and may not be done again until 2 weeks after your final session to ensure symmetry.

What is the hairstroke eyebrow technique?

The hairstroke technique, more commonly coined on social media as “Microblading”, it is just one technique of many when it comes to permanent makeup/ cosmetic tattooing.

This technique is done by implanting the pigment into the skin in fine hair-like strokes, giving the appearance of a natural hair. I perform this technique manually (without a machine) to ensure each hair stroke is meticulously and properly placed for the most natural healed look possible. It is meant to be a very soft enhancement to your natural brow.

While most clients find their hairstroke brows ideal for them, some desire more boldness or a more defined shape. Don’t worry, we spend a nice chunk of time together at the beginning of your session drawing and chit chatting to find the right fit for you, no pressure. For these clients I can combine techniques to create a more acceptable visual and tattoo for their desired results. Each client is a fresh and unique canvas for me.

Techniques such as “Powder” or “shading” techniques enhance the density of my work and create more realism for many clients.

Before your procedure

If you have an idea of the look you would like to achieve, please bring in reference photos. You can fill in your eyebrows as you normally would so I can take into consideration the shape you prefer.

Be advised, your artist has the right to refuse service if she feels the look you desire is not fitting for your facial shape, completion, and or brow structure. Creating a natural look that will last and suit you as styles change is her goal.

Please avoid any blood thinning medication for a minimum of 72 hours prior to your appointment. This would include aspirin, niacin, ibuprofen, vitamin E and fish oil supplements.

Please avoid all eyebrow shaping, waxing, threading and tinting for at least 24 hours before your appointment, but please come in with them shaped as you normally would (a little stubble is ok).

Do not consume alcohol the night before or day of your appointment.

Users of Accutane (and equivalent medications) must WAIT AT LEAST 1 year from last date of use before every session. No exceptions.

All Retinol, RetinA , & retinoid users (used anywhere on the face) must stop use 4 weeks before your session.

If you plan to go on a vacation, it is recommended to plan your trip for a minimum of 14 days after the procedure and avoid direct sunlight during your time rip. Sun will significantly fade a new tattoo as well as damage freshly healed skin. It is recommended that you avoid sun and tanning bed exposure for 14 days before your procedure as well as between your initial and follow up session (6-8 weeks)

Once Healed

Over time, exposure to sun can cause fading and discoloration of the pigment. Once fully healed, you should always apply sunscreen to the tattooed area.

Anti-aging creams, retinol products, proactive acne products, glycolic acid, and face peel products must be kept away from the tattooed area as continued use could fade/discolor the tattoo.

Always inform your laser technician if you are having laser treatments around the tattooed area. Continue at your own discretion as laser procedures may darken, lighten, or discolor the pigment in your tattoo.

Aftercare + Downtime

The aftercare instructions provided have been refined over years of study to help your tattoo heal as crisp and defined as possible.

Failure to follow the aftercare instructions can result in an unsatisfactory tattoo. Your artist will go over aftercare instructions with you at the time of your appointment and you will receive a copy to take home with you.

Following the procedure, the tattoo will appear to be darker and more bold. This is normal and the tattoo will lighten/soften 30-50% as it heals the first two weeks.

While the first two weeks are the most important, the full healing process takes approximately 7-8 weeks. During this time, your tattoo will soften and lighten. Be patient. You may feel as though too much color has been lost, but your skin is still regenerating and naturally exfoliating.

During week 3-6 of healing, you will see the color in your tattoo take on new strength and will start to reappear and settle.

After 6-8 weeks (no earlier), you will come in for your follow up appointment (included with your initial procedure cost) and we can make any final adjustments that may be desired to perfect your brows.

Typical Healing Stages

(time frame may differ for each client)

Day 1-2 The tattoo will appear dark and more bold. Don’t be concerned that your eyebrows may initially appear darker and heavier in size than you desire, this is all part of the process. You may experience some swelling – this is normal. The treated area may feel similar to a sunburn.

Day 3-5 Eyebrows will start to itch and will appear a bit thicker in texture. Natural exfoliation begins. Do not pick or scratch the tattooed area.

Day 5-7 The skin begins to flake, peeling from the outside edges first. Do not pull off any flaking yourself.

Day 7-10 The tattoo finishes flaking and the color underneath appears softer and less visible for a few weeks. Color will slowly reappear during weeks 3-6 of healing.

FACTS ABOUT THE HEALING PROCESS

After the pigment is implanted, the body needs to do its job and repair itself. Tiny flakes of excess pigment will form on top of the skin. The pigment underneath the skin will be retained. When the flaking finishes, the skin underneath may look light and milky leaving you to wonder where your tattoo went. Please keep in mind this is normal and as the cells regenerate, the color will start to reappear.

Policies

A deposit is required to book each new appointment. This deposit will be deducted from the total cost of your session on the day of your appointment. Deposits will be processed at the time of booking by credit card and are nonrefundable. They hold the spot that you have booked, multiple cancelations or reschedules will require a new deposit.

48 hours notice is required to reschedule your appointment. Should you decide to cancel, your deposit will be forfeited.

No Shows and day-of cancellations may result in a $200 penalty fee and will forfeit the deposit. Please respect the artist’s time and let them know if you cannot make your appointment.

Healed results will vary for each individual client. Final results are not guaranteed as each individual will hold and break down the pigment differently. To obtain optimal results, additional sessions may be required (not common). Additional charges will apply.

All initial appointments include a follow-up session to perfect your tattoo. Follow up appointments will be booked 6-8 weeks from your initial appointment depending on your skin type and within 3 months from the initial appointment.

To book your follow up appointment, if not done at the initial session, simply email renewedskinandbodyspot@gmail.com. Individuals who fail to follow the aftercare procedure, have difficult and/or compromised skin, or a previous eyebrow tattoo may require an additional follow up appointment.

When is it time for a color boost?

Maintaining the integrity of your skin over time is important. The longer you wait between boosts the crisper and better your artwork will look each time. Kelly recommends waiting as long as you can between color refreshes, ideally a minimum of 2 years for most skin types. This will allow your body to break down the pigment particles appropriately in order to make room for new color, as well as keep your skin healthy and clear of scar tissue over the years.