WHAT IS COSMETIC TATTOOING?

Cosmetic tattooing, also referred to as micropigmentation, is the process of implanting colour pigment beneath the surface of the skin by means of tiny, sterile, disposable needles to produce the appearance of hair strokes, makeup, or to enhance the natural features of the face. 

 

WHATS 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 enhancement. Our artists, while using traditional tattoo machines use much smaller, finer needles to implant the pigment which in turn will allow for a more graceful look and ideally allow the cosmetic tattoo to fade over time.

 

CAN I GET TATTOOED IF I AM PREGNANT OR NURSING?

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

 

HOW LONG DOES COSMETIC TATTOOING LAST?

Cosmetic tattoo treatments will not wash off, however, they will fade over time and may need to be refreshed every 2+ years. Frequency of sessions depends on a number of factors including: the pigment colour used (lighter colours fade faster), lifestyle (sun exposure), and if any chemical peels or lasers come into contact with treated areas. Please note that final results CAN NOT be guaranteed as each unique skintype 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 cosmetic tattoo procedures, with each new procedure requiring 2 visits. Your second session can be booked no sooner than 6 weeks and no later than 10 weeks after the initial appointment. Additional sessions are at a cost according to our current touch up pricing. Please refer to our services page for more information on touch up costs.

 

HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE NEEDED?

For most clients, two treatments arround 6 - 8 weeks apart are usually needed. With most procedures, the colour looks dramatically lighter after the second week. Some clients prefer this, while others opt for a bolder look. At the second session, we will assess the colour retention and make adjustments as necessary. Everyone heals differently and at different rates. If your cosmetic tattoo does not heal perfectly after the first session, do not worry! We can always go darker and add more density at your next appointment. :)

 

WHAT FACTORS WILL AFFECT MY COSMETIC TATTOO?

Sun exposure: The sun will extremely soften the look of your tattoo, so sunblock should be used (once healed) to prolong your enhancement.

The regeneration of skin cells: The longer the regeneration takes, the longer the pigment holds.

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

The choice of colour: Some colours fade quicker than others, e.g. a blonde colour will fade quicker than a dark brown colour. The area of treatment: Enhancements to the face, for example, fade more quickly due to constant exposure.

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

Aftercare: Failure to follow the aftercare diligently during the first 2 weeks of healing can contribute to less than desired results. For example sweating during healing can effect the appearance of the hairstrokes when fully healed.

Iron Deficiency: If you suffer from Anemia or low iron this could affect the way your body reacts to the pigment. The pigment used contains iron oxide which can result in the hairstrokes to fade or change in hue due to your body absorbing the iron.

 

HOW WILL I LOOK IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE PROCEDURE?

Your cosmetic tattoo will appear darker and more intense than expected for the first few days. This will gradually lighten during the complete healing process. Redness and swelling is minimal. Please view our detailed aftercare instructions on our your aftercare card or on our AFTERCARE page located in the website menu.

 

WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT LONG TERM CARE?

A good sunscreen should be applied daily after your brows have healed and is required to help keep colour true. As with any tattoo, sun exposure will make the colour soften faster. Fading speed depends on your skintype, lifestyle, sun exposure, pigment colour used, broken capillaries, and if any chemical peels were done after your procedure. If you are planning a chemical peel, laser treatment or other medical procedure, please inform the technician that you have had a cosmetic tattoo. Careful application must be taken to avoid affecting the tattooed area.

 

WILL COSMETIC TATTOOING WORK FOR ME?

If you have extremely oily skin, the micro blading technique may not work well for you. The constant production of oil will cause the microbladed hairstrokes to heal with a diffused, softer look. Your end result will look more powdered than you would expect. Consider a Nano Brow instead.

If you have little to no existing hair, your tattoo will appear more 2-dimensional than those clients who have more hair naturally.

If you are a frequent smoker, your pigment may fade sooner.

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

PLEASE NOTE: If you have had your eyebrows previously tattooed we cannot guarantee results for cases such as these. In some instances where the previous work is too dark, dense, discoloured, or large, tattoo removal will be highly recommended before our services will be considered. Previously tattooed areas will almost always require additional sessions and will be charged accordingly. Some special cases may be considered. Please book a consultation PRIOR to booking your appointment so that we can ensure that your brows are workable at this time. Failure to do so could result in the loss of deposit. Please contact us with any further questions. We can be reached via our online message portal.

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WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING MY FIRST INITIAL APPOINTMENT?

• Consultation, shaping and design ( approx.  20-30 mins)

• Every appointment includes a consultation where we will discuss colour options and draw a symmetrical shape that suits your features

• Numbing (approx. 15 mins)

• A light scratch over your eyebrow skin may be required for the anesthetic to set in and "do its job" - once anesthetic is applied tattooing can begin

• Tattooing (approx. 1.5-2 hours)

• Layer of aftercare will be applied to your brows and after care rules to follow will be instructed to you

• Follow up appointment will be scheduled before you leave

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PRE APPOINTMENT RESTRICTIONS

• Please do not work out the day of the procedure as the body heat will expands the pores.  

• Avoid heavy sunlight and especially sunburn 3 days before procedure. Skin should not be in process of healing before procedure!

• Do NOT drink coffee or anything with caffeine the day of procedure. 

• Do NOT take Aspirin, Niacin, Vitamin E and/or Ibuprofen, omega-3, unless medically necessary, 48-72 hours prior to the procedure. (Tylenol or acetaminophen is okay!)

• Do NOT drink alcohol 24 hours before the procedure

 

The following treatments should avoided within four weeks of the procedure:

•     Botox or other fillers 

•     Chemical Peels 

•     Laser treatments