FAQ
(WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW)
What is permanent make up? Permanent makeup involves implanting particles of pigment into the skin using sterilized needles. It’s also known as cosmetic tattooing. Microblading, Powder/ombre Brows and Combination Brows are all considered types of permanent makeup. Although it’s considered “permanent”, permanent makeup does fade over time.
Am I a candidate for permanent makeup? Unfortunately, not everyone is a candidate for permanent makeup. The following is a list of circumstances that may disqualify you from receiving a PMU procedure. Should any of these apply, please consult your physician and contact twysteph@gmail.com with specific questions regarding eligibility. Contraindications for permanent makeup include: Viral infections Active cold or flu Epilepsy Pregnancy & breast feeding Pacemaker Current chemotherapy or radiation treatment Skin irritations near or in the treatment area (rosacea, psoriasis, acne, eczema, sunburns, rashes, etc.) Accutane use within the last 12 months Retin-A & Retinol use within the last 30 days Thyroid conditions Diabetes Immuno-compromised Blood thinners & antibiotics Keloid scarring Organ transplant patients Botox and/or other injectables administered within the last 3 weeks Under the age of 18
What are powder/ombré? A cosmetic tattoo machine is used to create soft shading throughout the brow. Hair strokes are not used in this style of brow. Initially, they appear more dramatic but soften significantly as they heal. When fully healed, they settle to a soft “powdery” finish. This technique lasts the longest. Ideal candidates: This technique is suitable for all skin types! It is necessary for thin, mature skin because it causes the least amount of trauma. Powder Brows are ideal for those who fill their brows in with makeup everyday and want the least amount of maintenance.
Will it hurt? Everyone’s pain tolerance is different. While some feel no discomfort, others are more sensitive. The treatment area is numbed with a topical anesthetic during the procedure to keep you as comfortable as possible. Please keep in mind that you may be more sensitive during or around your menstrual cycle.
How long does it take? I book a two hour appointment. The consultation will be the majority of this time. Numbing will be on for 20-25 min and the procedure itself is only around 30 min.
Can I wash my face & wear makeup? Chemicals found in makeup and cleansers may alter the color of the pigment and affect the healing process, so it is best to wash with fresh water. No makeup on the brows for at least two weeks but everywhere else is fine.
What does a PMU appointment entail? Your permanent makeup appointment will begin with an in depth consultation. We will discuss your goals and answer any questions you may have. Photos of your natural brows will be taken and then we will discuss shape & color. Shaping: Clients are involved in every step of the process, especially shaping! Your goals, natural hair growth, bone & muscular structure all play an important role in brow design. Measuring tools, mapping techniques and my expertise combined help us to achieve your desired shape. Color: Pigment color is chosen based on natural hair color, skin tone, skin undertones and personal preference. Once we’ve agreed upon shape & color, a topical anesthetic is applied to the treatment area. After a few minutes, the procedure begins! When complete, final pictures are taken and clients are given an aftercare kit. Initial appointments are 2 to 3 hours. Touch up appointments take 1 to 2 hours. The initial appointment has set the foundation for the touch up. At your touch up appointment, we will assess pigment retention and make any necessary adjustments. The healing process & aftercare instructions are the same for both initial & touch up sessions.
How should I care for my brows after the procedure? Caring for your brows is simple! Clients are instructed to cleanse the treatment area, pat dry and apply healing balm for 2 days. While the Do’s of the healing process are easy, the Don’t’s can be a little trickier. Keep the brow area as dry as possible for 10 days. Do not pick or scratch the brows as this may cause pigment loss, scarring or infection. Avoid exercise and sweating for 10 days - this will cause pigment loss! Make up, creams, exfoliants and serums should be kept away from the treatment area for 10 days also. Keep in mind, excessive UV exposure has a negative impact on cosmetic tattoos even after they’ve healed. Prior to booking your appointment, ask yourself a few key questions. Do you have ay events coming up? Can you avoid sweating? Are you able to avoid sun exposure? Following proper aftercare is crucial to achieve the best healed results possible! Client care is equally as important to the artists skill.
How often should I receive touch up/refresher? Once your first PMU session is complete, you can expect to return in 6 to 8 weeks for your touch up. After this appointment, you can expect to return in 1 to 3 years for your next touch up. Although clients are encouraged to maintain their permanent makeup long term, it’s important not to have touch ups more frequent than necessary. Excessive cosmetic tattooing can cause over saturation of pigment in the skin. This is most noticeable with Microblading. If touch ups are performed too often without allowing original hair strokes to fade, then Microbladed hair strokes begin to blur together and appear more powdery.
Are there any possible side effects? Permanent makeup procedures are safe to perform if no contraindications apply to you. Risk of infection is alway possible in any treatment when the skin is broken. Clients are given specific after care instructions after their procedure to help minimize any risk of infection.
What is your no-show policy? No-shows will result in the loss of your deposit. Clients who fail to show up for appointments without prior notice will be declined from future bookings and services.
How long will my permanent makeup last? In general, most cosmetic tattoos last 1 to 3 years. Many factors determine how long your PMU will last. Skin type, lifestyle, excessive sun exposure and medical conditions are just a few of these variables. The permanent makeup technique used is also part of what determines longevity. Powder & Combination brows last longest while Microblading fades the fastest. Permanent makeup is low maintenance, not no maintenance. Touch-ups should be expected. Touch ups/color refreshers are recommended every 1 to 3 years.
What is microblading? Microblading is a form of cosmetic tattooing. It is a manual technique performed with a hand tool that has a single row of tiny needles on one end. This small row of needles is dipped into pigment and etched into the skin to create hair-like strokes. This permanent makeup technique fades fastest and is not ideal for all clients. Ideal candidates: individuals with a significant amount of natural brow hair. Microblading is best for those with normal/dry skin, even texture, small pores and minimal sun damage. If you have little to no eyebrow hair, Microblading is not the best option for you. Also, Microblading offers very subtle results. If your goal is to forego brow makeup entirely, Powder Brows are a much better option.
What are combination brows? Combination brows incorporate both hair strokes and shading. The amount of shading used is also customizable; we can add as much or as little as desired. Ideal candidates: Combination Brows are a great option for most skin types including those with oily skin or large pores.
How should I prepare for my PMU service? Avoid large amounts of coffee, alcohol or energy drinks 24 hours before your service. These substances act as blood thinners and will lead to excessive bleeding and poor pigment retention. Three days before your PMU appointment, discontinue waxing. No Fish Oil, Vitamin E, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Aleve or anything containing Niacin for one week. Do not discontinue use if these are prescribed by your doctor. No aggressive facials, chemical peels, suntans/sunburns on the face 2 weeks prior. No Botox for 3 weeks prior. You may resume Botox 3 weeks after. Discontinue Vitamin A, Retinol and Retin-A for 1 month. Must be off of Accutane for 1 year.
Can I get them wet? Getting them wet for prolonged periods of time may cause premature lifting of your scabs and increase the chance of infections and loss of pigment. If you get them wet, you must blot them dry immediately to avoid complications and undesired results such as smudgey blurred lines, scar tissue, and uneven pigment. You also must avoid sweating in that area for at least 10 days. Salt draws out pigment and you will be left with undesirable results.
What pigments I use I use iron oxide pigments. These pigments fade over time as your body will naturally absorb it. They are considered the safest semi-permanent pigments to use for skin. The Pigment Line is "Tina Davies" by Perma Blend.
Will my brows be symmetrical? No ones face is perfectly symmetrical! Therefore, no pair of brows can be perfectly symmetrical. Permanent makeup is excellent for creating more balance & harmony between your brow shape & facial features; however, 100% symmetry is impossible to achieve.
What can I expect during the healing process? Immediately after procedure: Slight redness and tenderness of the skin. First few days: Brows will appear darker and thicker than they will be once they’ve healed. The skin may feel tight, dry and itchy. After approximately 5 days skin will begin to flake and peel. Allow this skin to shed on its own! It is normal for it to appear as though some or all of the pigment has disappeared but there is still pigment under the surface! Also, it’s normal for pigment to appear warmer than what it will be. Healed results aren’t visible for about a month. Trust the process! Two to Six Weeks Post-Procedure: Color may appear patchy and may need to be darkened. This is completely normal and it’s the reason why permanent makeup is often a two part process (first appointment and touch up appointment). Please note, healed results vary from one individual to the next. We do not guarantee healed permanent makeup results for anyone.
Should I have a pigment patch test? A pigment patch test involves implanting pigment into the skin to assess whether or not there will be any adverse reactions. Several small strokes can be placed in either the brow area or behind the ear. After one week, the skin is analyzed for allergic reactions or sensitivities. If you’re prone to skin allergies or highly sensitive, please inform your artist. A pigment patch test may be a good option for you. Not all clients require or request this. If you have tattoo pigment in your skin, it’s very likely that you are not allergic to cosmetic tattoo pigment.
Do you offer consultations? Yes! I love getting to know every single client before their procedure. Complimentary consultations are available in person or over the phone.
What is your cancellation policy? Please allow at least 48 hours notice prior to cancelling or rescheduling your PMU appointment. PMU clients are able to reschedule their appointment once if necessary. After one rescheduled appointment, an additional booking fee of $100 is required to reschedule again. All booking fees are applied to your service total.
How do I book? To book a permanent makeup appointment, please click the link below or email twysteph@gmail.com. A non-refundable $100 booking fee is required for booking all permanent makeup services.