Frequently Asked Questions
brows
Do I need to shave or wax my brow hair?
No! We will shape your eyebrows as needed with shaving and/or tweezing.
How are cosmetic tattoos different than a traditional tattoo?
Refer to your client informational packet for an in depth explanation.
What is the difference between the techniques?
Refer to your client informational packet for an in depth explanation.
Does it hurt?
Every client is different and pain tolerance varies by client. Most clients describe the pain level as minimal and find tweezing and threading more uncomfortable. We use the best topical lidocaine cream available to minimize discomfort. A lot of my clients fall doze off during the appointment. That being said, this is a still a tattoo. You will typically feel some discomfort. Based on experience, we would describe the feeling a slight burning, astringent like sensation. Very tolerable and worth it!
How long does it take?
The process takes approximately three hours from the moment you walk in the door to completion of your beautiful new brows. The first hour or so is spent designing your new brows and numbing the area. There is no downtime! Occasionally, some clients will have some slight redness and swelling around the area which is very normal and will subside within a couple of hours. Most clients go on about their normal day when they leave their appointment.
What is the healing process?
Some swelling and tenderness after the procedure is normal and may last a day or so, depending on the client. Your new brows will appear DARKER, WIDER, AND SHARPER than the way they will heal. As your skin heals over the tattoo, your brows with lighten and soften. This process takes about 7 days or so on average. It’s important to follow all after care instructions and to attend the required follow up appointment to make the finishing touches to your new brows! The healing process is 50/50, me doing my part and the client following aftercare. Once you leave it's up to you to be diligent about following the instructions you're given to get the best result! And no matter how great they look, it's important to come for your touch up appointment to get the final result. This is a 2 step process, so even if you have some things you want to tweak after the first appointment, no worries! We will continue to work on your brows at your touch up.
How long does it last?
This will vary by client. If aftercare instructions are followed diligently, your new brows will last approximately 12-24 months on average before they're mostly faded; 18 months is average. For some people, their brows will last even longer, and some less. Certain factors such as sun exposure and tanning beds, getting chemical peels, oily skin type, bleeding, etc., will affect whether your brows will last on the higher or lower end of the expected 12-18 months. I recommend one touch up per year to keep them fresh. Coming more often increases the risk for scar tissue or causing
your brows to look unnatural.
Will it look natural?
Absolutely! The techniques used creates realistic, simulated hair strokes and/or powder fill that looks just like a real eyebrow! Your brows can be as big and bold or as soft and subtle as you like!
What if my brows are fading faster than I’d like?
We will revisit aftercare and lifestyle to make sure that is not the issue. If not, it’s likely that you need to go darker and fuller at your touch up, and/or you are ready for a more full coverage, longer-lasting technique like powder brows.
What if I have concerns about my brows after they heal?
Complete customer satisfaction is my goal! If you have concerns about your brows after they've healed please contact me right to discuss! I am happy to help!
LIPS
Will it look like lipstick?
I only offer Lip Blush, a natural lip enhancement. I do not offer bold techniques or lip liner only. The only technique I offer is a natural defined lip that may look bigger but sticks close to your natural shape and size.
How long does it last?
It's not possible to predict with exact certainty how long it will last for each person, since the color you choose, your lifestyle and how you care for them will have an impact on that. But on average it fades significantly in 2-3 years, with most people wanting a touch up every 12-18 months or so, depending on how bold you want your lips to look.
Does it hurt?
Most people describe it as a mild discomfort, and we numb! It is a tattoo, so you will feel some sting, but it's very manageable.
Why do I need an antiviral if I have a history of cold sores before my appointment?
Cold sores are super common and if you have ever had one you are at risk for developing a bad outbreak after getting a lip tattoo. That would be uncomfortable for you and could damage your results, therefore it's critical that you get an antiviral prescription from a doctor to begin BEFORE your appointment and after, according to doctor's instructions. We will not tattoo your lips if you have a history of cold sores and come to your appointment without having started treatment. If you have never had a cold sore, you will take L-lysine (an over the counter vitamin) to prevent an outbreak in the case that you unknowingly carry the herpes simplex virus.
How long does the appointment take?
The first appointment takes 2-3 hours, and the touch up takes about 1-2 hours. Much of that time is spent drawing and numbing.
What is the healing process?
Some swelling and tenderness after the procedure is normal and may last a day or so - your lips may look like you got lip filler. Your lips will appear darker and bigger than the way they heal for a couple days. Lips are super EASY to heal - my technique is gentle so it only takes about 7-10 days on average and during that time they feel tight and chapped. Your lips will be fully healed after 6 weeks.