PERMANENT COSMETICS - FAQS
WHAT IS PERMANENT COSMETICS?
Despite the name "permanent cosmetics," it is actually a semi-permanent tattoo that lasts anywhere from 1 to 2 years (2-5 years for lip blush) before needing a color boost touch up (or longer in some cases) depending on many factors like your skin type, home care, products you use, sun exposure, etc. What causes the cosmetic tattoo to be semi-permanent is the specially formulated pigments that are designed to break down over time, and the depth in which the pigments is deposited into the skin. Permanent cosmetic tattoos are meant to be a natural-looking enhancement and fading over time is desired so your artist can make future color and shape changes (since your face naturally changes over time, you don't want to be stuck with something truly permanent!).
DO PERMANENT COSMETIC TATTOOS HURT?
To put it simply - it depends on the person. While we do use a topical numbing agent prior to starting your service and during the course of the tattoo, there can still be discomfort. I have had clients tell me they felt no pain at all, and I have had clients tell me there was discomfort but is bearable. It can also depend on your individual pain tolerance, if you're on your menstrual cycle, and if you're a smoker.
CAN I GET PERMANENT COSMETICS OR SALINE TATTOO REMOVAL WHILE PREGNANT OR NURSING?
We do not preform tattooing on pregnant women as a general precaution. If you are nursing, we require a signed doctors note to be presented at the time of your appointment to be kept on file.
HOW LONG WILL THE TATTOO LAST? HOW MANY SESSIONS ARE NEEDED?
Permanent cosmetic tattoos are considered semi-permanent and they will fade over time. Touch ups are generally needed every one to two years and proper home care is crucial. The number of sessions depends on a variety of factors, including - the pigment color used (lighter colors fade faster), sun exposure (tanning or outdoors), skin type (oily or combination skin will fade faster and *may* need more than two sessions to get color to bond). Please note that 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 second session and make any changes necessary. Multiple sessions are normal for permanent cosmetic procedures, with each new procedure requiring a minimum of 2 visits (included in base price). For clients wanting VERY bold brows, a third session is typically needed, especially if you have oily skin. Additional sessions will be charged accordingly.
Lip Blush tattoos generally last 2-5 years, but may be more or less depending on how well your skin bonds to the lip pigment and the factors mentioned above for brow tattoos.
Freckle tattoos are a bit more unpredictable since the skin on your cheeks is usually the most oily spot on your face. They can last anywhere between 6 months to 2 years and almost always require a touch up appointment to achieve desired results.
WHAT FACTORS AFFECT PERMANENT COSMETICS LONGEVITY?
- Sun exposure - Whether it be from tanning salon bulbs or just being outdoors, sun exposure WILL make the tattoo fade quicker than it normally would (even on cloudy days) OR make the tattoo ash out and turn darker. Sunscreen is highly recommended to wear daily once healed to help preserve the color (and your overall skins health!). Sunburns exfoliate the skin and will take the pigment with it, or change the chemical composition of the pigment which leads to unknown discoloration.
- Picking scabs during healing - This is a BIG no-no! Picking the skin off before it has a chance to heal naturally will undoubtedly lift and remove the underlying pigment from the skin and result in partial or full color loss.
- Bleeding during the procedure - Any bleeding during the tattooing procedure will reduce the amount of pigment absorption into the skin. We require our clients to avoid any blood thinning medication for a minimum of 72 hours prior to their appointment. This includes aspirin and ibuprofen. Do not drink any alcohol the night before and day of your appointment and limit the amount of caffeine you consume. If you have been on prescription accutane in the past, you MUST wait at least one year before considering this procedure.
- Proper home care - Please follow the aftercare instructions EXACTLY after your permanent cosmetics procedure. Your artist will tailor your aftercare depending on your skin type and other factors.
- Oily skin - If you have oily or combo skin, your tattoo will generally fade quicker than those with dry to normal skin because the oils in your skin are working against the pigment bonding and try to push it out of the skin. This skin type *may* need a third session depending on how bold you want your brows.
- Your Skincare - Chemical peels, acid cleansers and frequent exfoliating will shorten the length of time your tattoo retains its color and can change the color entirely.
Please note this is not a fully comprehensive list, and there are tons are varying factors for how long your new tattoo will last.
CAN ANYONE GET PERMANENT MAKEUP?
The simply answer - no. There are many factors that determine if this service is right for you. If you are pregnant, under 18 years old, have a pace maker, on certain medications, severely sun damaged skin, currently undergoing chemotherapy, or have an active cold sore (lip blush tattoo only, you are advised to receive a prescription from your physician to prevent an outbreak) or have a history of keloids or hypertrophic scarring from traditional tattoos or piercings you are not an eligible candidate. Certain medications, especially blood thinners, will not allow the pigment to properly bond into the epidermis and will result in color fading quickly or uneven color distribution in the skin. At your appointment we will have you complete a medical history form to ensure you are a good candidate for permanent makeup.