Frequently asked questions.
HOW LONG IS THE APPOINTMENT?
I allot 3 ½ hours for initial appointments, but generally finish in under 3 hours. I am committed to giving you the time and energy you deserve. You are paying good money to get the best outcome and I refuse to rush a client because I overbooked.
During the first appointment I start with an in-person consultation to make sure I completely understand what type of result you want to achieve. I then measure and map the best shape for you, taking into account your bone structure and what you have naturally. After we agree on the perfect shape and color for you, the actual procedure will begin.
For your perfecting session, the appointment is much shorter. I use this appointment to go in and touch up any areas that the pigment didn’t stick, as well as making minor adjustments as necessary. This second appointment takes about an hour.
DOES IT HURT?
I do all I can to ensure that the process is as comfortable as possible. Most of the time I opt to NOT use a pre numbing agent, but I leave it up to the client. Most clients report a pain level of 1-2 during the first pass. After the first pass I do use a numbing gel that is long lasting and fast acting. After this is applied, I often have clients fall asleep! Some clients may feel a slight discomfort, but it’s relatively pain free for most. I make an extreme effort to pay attention to my client and manage any discomfort as needed.
(PLEASE NOTE that if you are a frequent smoker, or have your appointment during your menstrual cycle, the pain level could be intensified.)
ARE COSMETIC TATTOOS PERMANENT?
Because the color is implanted into the upper dermal layer of the skin and cannot be washed off, cosmetic tattoos are considered permanent. However, the pigment is implanted more superficially using pigments specially formulated for permanent makeup, making it fade over time and requiring future touch ups.
HOW WILL MY EYEBROWS LOOK RIGHT AFTER THE MICROBLADING PROCEDURE? DO I NEED TO GO HOME AND HIDE FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS?
They will look great! They may be a little darker for a couple of days, but you shouldn't experience any bruising and will only have very minimal swelling. You can go out to dinner the same day — just don't drink alcohol because it can make you sweat, bruise, and worst of all, it leads you to make questionable decisions like touching your eyebrows with dirty hands!
DO YOU USE TRADITIONAL TATTOO INK?
For brows, I only use pigments that are specifically designed for permanent makeup. Without getting too sciency, pigments that are intended for permanent makeup gently fade over time. As opposed to traditional tattoo inks that do not fade or fade minimally even with sun exposure.
You want your permanent makeup pigment to fade gently for a few reasons; fading allows your artist to change the color and shape over time as natural coloration and facial characteristics change.
For lips, there are a few exceptions where I will use traditional tattoo ink. If a client is looking for a bold and vibrant color as opposed to a blushed or watercolor effect, I may mix in a little bit of a traditional tattoo ink to give an extra punch of color.
AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE?
Unfortunately, you are not a candidate for permanent cosmetics if any of the following apply to you:
- Under 18 years of age
- Pregnant or nursing (we recommend waiting three months after nursing due to hormonal changes for optimal healed results)
- Previous permanent makeup (brows, lips, eyeliner) By Approval Only
- History of keloids or hypertrophic scarring
- History of Epilepsy, MRSA, or Lupus
- Undergoing chemotherapy/radiation (at least a year out and requires doctor's clearance)
- Non-steroidal aromatase inhibitors, Letrozole etc. (chemotherapy)
- Type I Diabetic (requires doctor's clearance)
- Using Accutane (must be off for one full year)
- Organ transplant
- Pacemaker or major heart problems
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Currently taking oral or topical antibiotics (must be off for at least 30 days prior to appointment)
- Currently taking/using topical or oral steroids, prednisone etc. (must be off for at least 60 days prior to appointment)
- Viral infections or diseases (cold/flu/eye infections)
- Those with transmittable blood conditions like HIV or Hepatitis
- Hemophilia, bleeding disorders
- Problematic Skin (Acne or bumps covering the Forehead or Brow Area)
- Skin irritations or psoriasis near the treated area (rashes, sunburn, acne, etc.)
- Chemical peels or PRP facial (at least 60 days prior)
- Facial laser treatment, IPL (at least 60 days prior)
- Had Botox in the last two weeks
- Poor general health
- Allergy to epinephrine, dermacaine, benzyl alcohol, lidocaine, or tetracaine
- Surgery within 30 days of treatment
- Active cold sores (for lip blush)
- Hooded eyelids (for eyeliner)
- Currently have lash extensions (for eyeliner)
- Currently using or have used lash serums in the past 8 weeks (for eyeliner)
- Using any skin care products that contain any retinol, glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, or alpha hydroxyls
HOW CAN I BOOK AN APPOINTMENT?
Prior to booking an appointment, please ensure you have reviewed policies, aftercare and FAQs on our website to ensure you are a good candidate for the procedure. You must book a free consultation to confirm you are a candidate before booking.
To book an appointment, please call or email us. A retainer fee is due at time of booking to hold your appointment. You do not have a confirmed appointment without paying a retainer fee. If you move forward with booking an appointment and are contraindicated for treatment on the day of your appointment, you will forfeit your deposit. Appointments will not be booked via social media.
IS THE SECOND APPOINTMENT (PERFECTING SESSION) REALLY NECESSARY?
For permanent makeup, at least two appointments are needed initially, at least 6 to 8 weeks apart. Perfecting appointments are done no earlier than six weeks after your initial procedure and no later than twelve. If you do not schedule your eyebrow tattoo touch-up within twelve, you will be required to pay an additional $100.
It is absolutely imperative to complete the perfecting session. Without it, the results will not be optimal. At the permanent makeup touch-up, I assess the color retention and make adjustments as necessary. Everyone heals differently and at different rates.
If your cosmetic tattoo does not heal perfectly the first time, do not worry! We can always go bolder and add more density as well as correct any irregularities during the second appointment.
WHAT IF I GET PERMANENT MAKEUP AND I DON’T LIKE IT?
I take every measure to ensure that we are communicating effectively to give you an idea of what the final results will look like. Unfortunately, there are many factors to consider including how well you follow aftercare, lifestyle choices and every person has a different chemistry so results cannot be guaranteed. That being said, I always air on the conservative side when it comes to color and shape. By doing this, I can build up to your desired boldness without overwhelming you with a completely new look.
I HAD MY EYEBROWS MICROBLADED SOMEWHERE ELSE, CAN YOU DO A TOUCH UP?
If you have permanent makeup elsewhere and need a touch-up, you must book an initial appointment with me. I must book extra time to assess what you already have as opposed to working with a clean canvas.
Please contact me for a consultation first then we can discuss your options for scheduling a touch up.
If you move forward with scheduling a new client appointment without informing me that you have had your eyebrows done before, you may be turned away and will forfeit your nonrefundable retainer fee as a 3 hour slot is booked out for new clients.