WHAT IS COSMETIC TATTOOING?

Cosmetic tattooing, also referred to as permanent makeup, is the process of depositing color pigment beneath the surface of your skin by means of tiny, sterile, disposable needles. This method will produce the appearance of hair strokes, makeup, or enhance the natural features of your face. There are quite a few techniques I offer, so please see the service tab for more details!

 

IS MICROBLADING THE SAME THING?

Yes, microblading is just one cosmetic tattooing technique among several permanent makeup services I offer my clients.

 

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

The purpose of cosmetic tattooing is to enhance the natural features of a client. Cosmetic tattooing is softer and more subtle than regular tattoo work – it is meant to be a natural-looking enhancement. Body tattoos use permanent ink, while cosmetic tattoo procedures involve a more diluted version of an ink/pigment.

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IS COSMETIC TATTOOING ACTUALLY PERMANENT?

These pigments are designed to gently fade over time. Fading is desired as it allows the artist to make changes to color and shape over the years as each client’s natural coloration and facial changes occur.

 

DOES COSMETIC TATTOOING HURT?

A highly- effective, topical anesthetic gel is used to numb the area during the second pass of your procedure. If you prefer to be numb for the first pass before I can use the numbing gel, you MUST arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. I can confidently say that, pre-numbing before the first pass is not a necessity for most clients. But if you're more on the sensitive side, than I would recommend coming in early to numb your skin beforehand.  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 THINGS CAN INCREASE MY PAIN LEVELS DURING THE PROCEDURE?

Having this service performed during your menstrual cycle may increase discomfort during your procedure. If you are a frequent smoker, the topical anesthetics used during the treatment will not last as long. If you have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, be aware that this may affect your sensitivity tolerance to the procedure.

 

HOW OLD DO I HAVE TO BE TO GET TATTOOED?

You must be 18 years or older to receive any permanent makeup treatments at The Brow Project.

 

CAN I GET PERMANENT MAKEUP TATTOOS IF I AM PREGNANT OR NURSING?

As a precaution, I do not perform cosmetic tattooing on pregnant or nursing women.

 

WHAT HEALTH CONDITIONS MAY AFFECT MY COSMETIC TATTOO RESULTS?

I cannot treat anyone that uses Accutane until you’ve been off the medication for at least 12 months. Please do not book your appointment until at least one year after you stop taking this medication. If you have any auto immune disorders or health conditions that you feel might  affect your pain levels, healing time or results, please consult your doctor, as I'm not a medical professional. Certain circumstances will sometimes require a doctor’s note to move forward. Thyroid medications can have an effect on the longevity of your pigment.

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HOW LONG DO COSMETIC TATTOOING RESULTS USUALLY LAST?

Cosmetic tattoo treatments are considered permanent and will not wash off. However, they will fade over time and must be refreshed periodically to maintain your desired look. Each cosmetic tattoo procedure requires a minimum of 2 visits (initial and follow-up 2-6 months apart) to achieve the desired results.

 

HOW MUCH TIME DOES EACH COSMETIC TATTOOING SESSION TAKE?

Your first cosmetic tattoo procedure should last about 2- 2.5 hours. This gives us time to discuss your desired eyebrow shape, color and which cosmetic tattoo technique will likely give you the best possible results.

Your follow-up session is scheduled no sooner than 2-6 months after your initial procedure appointment, depending on the artists recommendation based off your skin type.

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WHEN SHOULD I BOOK COSMETIC TATTOO MAINTENANCE SESSIONS?

We recommend maintenance sessions every 18-36 months. The more time in between your sessions, the better for your skin long term. Conventional makeup can be used to enhance the look of your brows. Permanent makeup will not replace makeup for all clients. Frequency of sessions depends on a number of factors, including:

• the pigment color used (lighter colors fade faster)

• lifestyle

• sun exposure

• health of skin

• medications

• health conditions

• immune system

• old/existing permanent makeup

• metabolism, etc. 

Please note that final results CANNOT be guaranteed as each unique skin type will hold pigments differently and break down at different rates. I will re-evaluate how your skin has received the pigment at your second session and make any changes necessary. 

The first and second session are both included in the initial procedure price with additional sessions as needed to maintain your desired look. Additional sessions will be charged according to the current maintenance pricing. 

 

I GOT COSMETIC TATTOOS FROM A DIFFERENT ARTIST, BUT WANT YOU TO UPDATE MY EYEBROWS. CAN YOU HELP ME?  

If you have had any permanent makeup on the area that you're wanting treated, clear photos of existing permanent makeup must be provided before a deposit is placed and before booking any appointment. It's only possible for me to do corrections if the area treated previously is light enough and not as saturated with pigment. Sometimes, a removal of some sort is usually needed before I can proceed. I have full discretion on who I decide to take in as a client. I do NOT touch up other artists’ work, meaning if you have previous work done, you will be charged the current price for new clients. Pricing is subject to change at any given time.

 

PLEASE NOTE: If you have had your eyebrows previously tattooed and are interested in a cover-up/re-work, you MUST email me a clear photo PRIOR to booking your appointment. I cannot guarantee results for cases such as these and I must approve that your eyebrows are workable. In any case where the previous work is too dark, dense, discolored, or large, tattoo removal will be highly recommended before I begin the cover-up/re-work. Previously tattooed areas and cover-ups will always require additional touch-ups for best results and will be charged accordingly.

 

HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE NEEDED TO ACHIEVE GOOD RESULTS?

For most clients, a minimum of two treatments is always needed, 2- 6 month apart depending on the artists recommendations. With most procedures, the color looks dramatically lighter after the first week. Some clients prefer this, while others prefer a bolder look. At the second session, we will assess the color retention and make adjustments as necessary. Everyone heals differently and at unique rates. If your cosmetic tattoo does not heal perfectly after the first session, don't worry! We can always go darker and add more density at your next appointment. Micro-blading is the most natural-looking technique for permanent makeup. There are multiple advanced techniques we also offer if you prefer a more dramatic or shaded-in look.

 

WHAT FACTORS WILL  AFFECT MY COSMETIC TATTOO RESULTS?

Sun exposure: The sun will definitely soften, and can discolor the look of your tattoo, so sunblock should be used (once healed) to prolong your results.

Medications, health conditions, age, skin type, diseases, auto immune disorders, excess oil, thyroid issues, unhealthy skin, previously tattooed area, problematic skin, etc.:. Please consult a doctor if you're on any medications, or have any health conditions that could possible interfere in any way with your permanent makeup results.

Your skin’s natural cell regeneration cycle: The longer the regeneration takes, the longer the pigment holds.

The speed at which  your skin absorbs the pigment: The slower the absorption, the longer the pigment will hold.

 

The choice of pigment color: Some colors fade quicker than others, e.g. a blonde colors will fade quicker than a dark brown pigment.

Bleeding during the procedure: Excess bleeding during the tattooing procedure will reduce the amount of pigment absorption. Alcohol and certain medications can act as blood-thinners and should not be taken prior to and following your appointment.

 

WHAT SHOULD I DO BEFORE MY EYEBROW PROCEDURE?

Inspiration photos: If you have an ideal shape and color in mind, bring a few inspiration photos with you to your appointment.

 

Makeup the day of: You may fill in your eyebrows as you normally would so I can take into consideration the shape you desire and what you’re used to.

 

If you regularly get your eyebrows shaped, waxed, threaded or tinted, please do so at least 3 days before your appointment. If there are any stray hairs that fall outside of our final shape, I can remove them.

 

WHAT SHOULD I AVOID BEFORE MY EYEBROW PROCEDURE?

Vacation/special event timing: If you plan to go on a vacation, it is recommended to plan your trip a minimum of 14 days after the procedure. No direct sun on freshly tattooed area for a least 30 days.

Things to avoid 48-72 hours before your appointment: I require clients to avoid any blood-thinning medications for a minimum of 72 hours prior to their appointment (unless required by a doctor). This includes Vitamin E, aspirin, Niacin, fish oil supplements, and ibuprofen. Feel free to check whether any of the medications or supplements you are taking are blood thinners, just to better ensure your result. Better safe than sorry!

 

Alcohol/caffeine intake: Do not drink any alcohol 48 hours before your appointment. On the day of your appointment, please limit the amount of caffeine you consume.

 

Sun exposure: It is highly recommended that you avoid SUN and TANNING BED exposure for at least 14-28 days BEFORE and AFTER your procedure. If you show up for your appointment with a new tan or a sunburn, you will need to reschedule and must forfeit your deposit. As your skin exfoliates from a sunburn, it will take any tattoo pigment along with it.

 

HOW WILL I LOOK IMMEDIATELY AFTER EACH PROCEDURE?

Your permanent makeup will appear darker, fuller, and more intense than expected for the first few days. This will gradually lighten during the complete healing process, which takes 6-8 weeks for color to fully stabilize in the skin. Redness, raising, and swelling is minimal and softens after 12-48 hours, depending on your skin’s sensitivity.

 

WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER THE PROCEDURE?

We have detailed aftercare instructions that we will go over during your initial appointment, and I keep it very simple for you because I find that this gives the clients the best result. We will send you home with all the information and post-care instructions you will need to take care of your new permanent makeup. It is highly beneficial to follow these instructions to ensure a comfortable healing process and to achieve the best results.

 

WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT LONG TERM CARE?

A good sunscreen should be applied daily AFTER healing and is required to help keep color true. As with any tattoo, sun exposure will make the color soften faster and affect the integrity of the color used for your eyebrows. Please be mindful of any active skincare you’re using including retinols, exfoliants, active acids etc. These products help with cellular turnover which will in turn contribute to fading and possibly discoloration of the pigment.

Fading speed depends on your skin type, lifestyle, sun exposure, pigment color used, broken capillaries, and if any chemical peels were done after your procedure. ( See above.) Results vary by each client, and absolutely NO results can or will be guaranteed. Additional touch-ups are priced accordingly.

 

WILL COSMETIC TATTOOING WORK WELL FOR ME?

If you have extremely oily skin, the microblading/individual hair stroke eyebrow technique will not work as well for you. The constant production of oil will cause your hair strokes to heal with a diffused, softer look. Your end result will look more powdered than you would expect. 

If you have little to no existing hair, your cosmetic tattoo will appear more 2-dimensional than those clients who have more hair naturally. The result will definitely be more flattering than the natural eyebrow if you have sparse natural brows, but shading will most likely be recommended to add in the strokes and give you a more defined look.

If you are a frequent smoker, go out in the sun often, or do not follow our post- treatment instructions, your results might not look as defined, and pigment may fade sooner.

If you are iron deficient or anemic, your pigment may fade sooner and bleeding/bruising may occur during and after your procedure.

 

IS THE STUDIO AND EQUIPMENT SAFE?

YES! We pride ourselves in having an immaculate and sterile studio space. I only use single-use, disposable needles and supplies on my clients. This means that each set-up for each new client is discarded safely afterwards. Each station is thoroughly disinfected before opening and after each procedure throughout the day.