FAQ
Permanent or semi-permanent makeup also called micro-pigmentation is the process of implanting colour pigment beneath the surface of the skin by means of a tiny, sterile, disposable needle to produce the appearance of cosmetic makeup or to enhance the natural feature of the face.
All cosmetic tattoo appointments are completed across two appointments spaces 4-8 weeks apart. Your second appointment is a perfecting visit where your artist will go over the brows once more to lock in the colour, this also allows your artist to make necessary adjustments if required.
Please make sure you have enough time to complete a proper permanent makeup procedure. You should plan on 2.5-3 hours in the salon. This time includes consultation, paper work, proper numbing, procedure, aftercare instructions and pictures. None of these activities should be rushed. Follow up procedures usually do not require the same amount of time.
It is considered a permanent treatment since colour is implanted into the dermis and can not be washed off with conventional face wash or makeup remover. However, it will fade over time and it’s recommended to set up a follow up visit once a year or every other year to do adjustments on shape if desired and/or for colour. Frequency of touch-ups depends on a number of factors.
Please NOTE that final results can NOT be guaranteed as each unique skin type will hold pigments differently and break down at a different rates. We will re-evaluate how your skin has received the pigment at your touch-up appointment and make any changes necessary. Touch-ups are normal for permanent makeup procedures, with each new procedure requiring 2 visits. The initial procedure followed by 1 touch-up procedure about 4-6 weeks later. In some cases additional touch-ups might be required and additional charges will apply.
Aftercare
It is important that you remember you have had a tattoo procedure completed, as the anaesthetic wears off the brows will start to feel tender and may have a slight stinging sensation. Swelling bruising and redness may all occur but will subside within 24-48 hours.
You can expect your brows will look darker than what the healed result will be which will make them feel very bold, this will only last for a few days until the swelling goes down and the brows eventually scab and peel.
Please do not pick at the scabbing as this will pull out the pigment. Once the scab lifts naturally the colour will start to look a lot lighter, don’t panic as this is just a result of the healing process. The colour will come back around 2-3 weeks after the procedure.
Over the next 10 months or so your brows will start to fade due to the colour and tone of your skin, to maintain the warmth of your tattoo we recommend that you complete a boost session every 10-18 months initially, then push them out to 18-24 months and so on (colour boosts are completed across two sessions spaces 6-8 weeks apart. It is important to remember that cosmetic tattoo is not designed to replace makeup so during the time between colour boost sessions, you can maintain the brows with regular brow shaping, tinting and henna.
Oil once a week. Sun and saltwater are your biggest concerns, it is important to wear sunscreen and apply a little Vaseline to the brows before swimming at the beach or chlorinated pools.
To assist with your aftercare you will need to purchase:
- Cotton tips
- After art tattoo cream which I stock here at Etched for $15
- Alcohol and fragrance-free baby wipes
For the first two weeks after each tattoo appointment, please avoid the following to ensure the best results of your tattoo:
- Getting your brows wet – Tap/Shower water 7 days after & Chlorine or salt Water for 2 weeks, facial cleansers, makeup products or makeup remover on the eyebrows
- Any activities that cause excessive sweating.
- Sun exposure – Wear sunglasses and hats when outdoors. Once your brows are healed ALWAYS apply sunscreen when exposed to the sun.
Please remember it takes a full 6 weeks for your brows to heal. Your brows may feel healed but it is important to continue to follow all of the care steps during this time:
- Using a baby wipe, wipe your brows firmly every 15 minutes for the first hour after your appointment.
- After the hour, wipe your brows with a baby wipe and apply after art hourly for the rest of the first day. When applying the after art, coat the brow in a thin layer with one end of your cotton tip, then with the other end run back through to remove the excess cream.
- Before bed, apply a thin layer of after art to the brows and cover with glad wrap to protect your brows while you sleep (this is for the first night only).
- For the next 2 days you will need to wipe your brows and apply after art 4 times per day (morning, lunch, dinner and before bed).
- On day 3, stop using the wipes and only apply after art morning & night for the remainder of the two weeks. This is when your brows will start to scab (Feather Touch and Nano Stroke & Shade styles will not notice this as much as our other styles).
- From week three apply after art every night before bed until your follow up appointment.