Everything you need to know about cosmetic tattooing…
My passion in life is to create semi permanent makeup treatments for eyebrows, eyes and lips.
No one treatment I perform is ever the same. Each one of my clients has different facial features, structure, and skin tone, which all influence the treatment in different ways.
I am an artist and will always create a bespoke treatment result to suit the individual. Eyebrow treatments are a perfect example of this; I use a range of techniques from feather hair strokes to powder effect and combination, to create a natural brow to suit the client.
Everyone is different when it comes to the end result. I will always create a natural, flattering look for the clients who desire something very subtle, but others may want a more pronounced look. You will be able to discuss this thoroughly at your consultation.
I know the organic trend is hot right now, not for this procedure. If you truly want the best results, make sure the pigments are synthetic and made in USA.
If your eyebrow tattoo artist uses a pigment that comes from China or a low quality, you may find that your eyebrows turn red or blue overtime.
Consults are extremely important as well. If you are absolutely uncertain on which artist to spend your hard earned money with, ask for a consult. Sit down with them and ask to see their tattoo establishment license, their portfolio, and check out their reviews online.
What Treatments The Skin Therapy Room Cosmetic Tattoo offers?
EYEBROWS
MICROBLADING EYEBROWS
Using a microblading tool, tiny precision hair strokes are created by hand, mimicking the natural direction and lengths of your brows. Pigments are then implanted into the channels created by the microblades in the dermal layer of the skin. The sensation is similar to a little scratch but you should not feel any discomfort. As with the permanent makeup treatment the area will look 20-30% darker than the colour you have chosen in consultation, but this will fade within 3-4 days to reveal your chosen colour. The treatment generally takes around 2-2.30 hours including consultation, design, numbing time and procedure and will leave you with highly defined, ultra-realistic looking brows.
POWDER/COMBINATION EYEBROWS
A hot trend that is really popular is POWDER or COMBINATION EYEBROWS.
This is for clients who want to obtain a natural powder makeup look and no longer want to fill their brows in. Not only is it less invasive on the skin but it last 2-3 times longer than Microblading.
There are many options that you can choose from when researching the Best Cosmetic Tattoo Salon. Ultimately it is up to you to do the proper research and make sure that you choose an establishment that is not only licensed but experienced.
What about the pain? Everyone is worried about if there is any pain or not.
Everyone has a different pain tolerance. When Cosmetic Tattoo is done right, the artist will use numbing and will be trained enough not to go too deep in to the skin. Most clients do not feel anything.
The Touch Up (Any Style)
A second appointment is needed 4-6 weeks after your first treatment. This is usually a 60 minutes appointment to add more pigment to the brow area. This is because as the area is healing, some parts may not ‘hold’ as well as others and you may have a few patches that need more colour. This is completely normal and everyone heals differently. Whatever the case, we advise you always come back to the salon for your retouch.
EYELINER
Need to define your eyes or have lost your lashes?
I can create anything from subtle lash enhancements to perfectly defined eyeliner treatments. We can give you a perfect classic pencil look, a liquid liner with a perfect flick. However subtle or dramatic, an eye treatment can transform your morning routine – just get up and go!
The Consultation.
The first part of the process is a consultation. This is normally done as part of your initial treatment, but can be done separately if you prefer. I will talk with you in great detail about the look you are trying to achieve and what I might recommend to you. This is very much a two-way conversation. I listen, I respond, I advise. Once I have an idea of the look you are aiming for, we draw the eyeliner on with a makeup pencil. I will never begin the tattoo process until you are completely happy with what it is going to look like.
The Treatment.
Using a digital facial tattooing machine, we gently apply pigment to the eye area using very fine needles. The sensation is that of an electric toothbrush being held against your skin – you feel the vibrations but you should not feel any discomfort. I will always work with you at this stage, giving you breaks if you need them. The process normally takes about one hour, but it varies from person to person depending on your individual requirements. After the treatment your eyes might be a bit puffy and sensitive. We advise you do not drive a vehicle immediately after an eye treatment.
The Touch Up.
A second appointment is needed 4-12 weeks after your first treatment. This is usually a 45-60 minute appointment to add more pigment to the eye area. This is because as the area is healing, some parts may not ‘hold’ as well as others and you may have a few patches that need more colour. This is completely normal and everyone heals differently. Whatever the case, we advise you always come back to clinic for your retouch.
LIPS
If you have lost the natural pigmentation and/or definition in your lips, it is possible to add subtle definition to faded lip contours, or create fuller lips using a variety of techniques. We can even create the look of fillers without the need for painful injections! Whatever your reason, permanent makeup could be the solution for you.
A lip treatment is a three–part process usually completed within two appointments.
The Consultation.
The first part of the process is a consultation. This is normally done as part of your initial treatment, but can be done separately if you prefer. My team and I will talk with you in great detail about the look you are trying to achieve and what we might recommend to you. This is very much a two-way conversation. I listen and advise. Once I have an idea of the look you are aiming for, I draw the lip contour and colour on with a makeup pencil. We will never begin the tattoo process until you are completely happy with what it is going to look like.
The Treatment.
Using a specialist facial tattooing machine, we gently apply pigment to the lips using very fine needles. The sensation is that of an electric toothbrush being held against your skin – you feel the vibrations but you should not feel much discomfort. We will always work with you at this stage, giving you breaks if you need them. The process normally takes about 90-120 minutes, but it varies from person to person depending on your individual requirements. After a lip treatment you are likely to be swollen, so we do not advise making any social plans for a few days afterwards.
The Touch Up.
A second appointment is needed 4 weeks after your first treatment. This is usually a 60-90 minute appointment to add more pigment to the lips. This is because as the area is healing, some parts may not ‘hold’ as well as others and you may have a few patches that need more colour. This is completely normal and everyone heals differently. Whatever the case, we advise you always come back to clinic for your retouch.
COSMETIC TATTOO REMOVAL
This cosmetic tattooing method utilises traditional tattoo equipment that is commonly used to introduce ink to the deep layers of the skin. Instead of ink, the removal method injects a pigment remover solution into the skin.
After years in development and testing THink Pigment Remover is changing the face of removal with a safe liquid that you tattoo into the skin.
THink’s technical development focussed on creating a solution that is mild on the skin yet is able to dissolve remove pigment from the epidermis through cosmetic tattoo or skin needling machine techniques. The formula is a mildly acidic solution (glycolic acid) that is readily accepted by the skin, allowing the pigment to move to the skin surface and literally be wiped away.
THink Pigment Remover is perfect for the following:
- Removing / Lightening / Lifting previous PMU procedures (brows, lips etc)
- Fading unwanted pigment
- Brow Shape alteration
- Removing / Lifting unwanted strokes (Microblading or machine hairstrokes)
- Suitable for: Brows, Lips, Camouflage & Areola etc
The Skin Therapy Room uses Think Remover which has proven to be more effective than saline.
This is an extremely successful method for removing all Cosmetic Tattoos. Less chance of scarring and damage to the skin.
This technique can take several sessions (normally three sessions) depending on the ink used, depth implanted the clients skin & healing process.
Please book in for a complimentary consultation first so we can assess the tattoo to be removed/lightened.
FAQ’S
1-What is cosmetic tattooing/semi-permanent?
Microblading is the process of delicately implating pigment into the skin via a tiny, sterile needle to simulate the appearance of natural hair. Hairstroke brows are meant to be a subtle, natural enhancement and to create the illusion of fuller brows.
Powder brows gives you a more defined style and are more suitable for oily skin type.
2-How long will my cosmetic tattoo last and how will it look?
Cosmetic tattooing is considered semi-permanent as it does not wash away, however pigments are designed to fade over time. Factors such as skin type, iron deficiency, pigment color (lighter colours fade faster) and sun exposure can affect the rate at which these pigments are broken down. For best results it is recommended that you follow our aftercare instructions and touch-up your tattoo every 1-2 years (or as needed)for hair stroke and 2-4 years for powder/combination style.
Touch-ups are normal and expected for cosmetic tattoo procedures. The “hairstroke” method is designed to blend with your natural brow hair, the more hair you have the more realistic results will appear. If you have very little or sparse eyebrow hair results will appear more 2D, and it is possible that you may need more than two sessions to achieve your desired result.
*Please note that final results CAN NOT be guaranteed due to the nature of skin as it heals, and follow-up appointments are recommended at 4-6 weeks where we can asses your pigment retention and make any changes necessary. People with lighter hair, correction work or sparse eyebrows may require more than one follow-up to reach their desired look at an additional cost.
3-Does cosmetic tattooing hurt?
Topical anesthetics are used to maximize your comfort during any cosmetic tattooing procedure, however pain tolerence varies from client to client. Recieving the procedure during your menstrual cycle may increase your sensitivity.
4-I have had my brows tattooed before, can you fix them/touch them up?
Anyone who has had their brows tattooed previously by another artist is required to come in for a consultation before booking an appointment.
5-What kind of pigment is used in cosmetic tatooing?
Unlike body tattoos, which are made using carbon ink, cosmetic tattoos are made using iron oxide based pigments. These pigments are safe to use and are created to slowly fade over time.
6-How should I prepare for my appointment?
•If you have reference photos, please feel free to bring those to your appointment
•If you prefer to have your eyebrows waxed/threaded please do so at least 48 hours before your appointment, otherwise we can remove stray hairs after we design your brows.
•If possible, moisturize daily
•You must not use Retin-A near the tattooed area before or after the procedure
•You cannot take any medications that may thin your blood (i.e. Asprin, Ibuprofen, fish oil, Vitamin E) 72 hours before or immediately after your procedure
•Do not drink alcohol the night before or day of your procedure
•Doing any of the above may cause bleeding, which will affect how well your body retains pigment.
As with every tattoo, we recommend avoiding pools, salt water, and extreme sun exposure for at least two weeks following your appointment, so make vacation plans accordingly!
7-What can I expect immediately after my appointment?
Following your procedure your tattoo will appear much darker and bolder than it will heal due to oxidation in the surface layer of your skin. Your tattoo will also appear warmer in color. You may experience some redness or swelling around the tattooed area, though this typically disappears within 24-48 hours.
Within a few days (typically 5-10) you will notice some scabbing or flaking on the tattooed area, do not pick at these, doing so can result in loss of pigment in those areas. Brows may appear spotty or patchy. You may notice that some areas may appear very light or even to have lost pigment entirely after they have peeled, the epidermis will be thicker causing muting, hiding or diffusing of pigment underneath. The epidermis will normalise over the next 4 weeks and softened pigment will resurface back into the surface of the skin.
At 4-6 weeks your brows will be fully healed. If you’d prefer darker, bolder brows we can always add more color or dimension during your follow-up appointment!
8-What is your cancellation policy?
A NON-REFUNDABLE deposit of $50 is required to secure your booking.
The salon requires 48 hours notice to cancel or make any changes to your appointment. Giving less than 48 hours notice for a cancellation will result in the forfeit of your deposit.
If you cancel or do not show up to your appointment, your deposit will be forfeited. If you need to reschedule your appointment you may transfer your deposit over ONE time, as long as you give more than 48 hours notice. If you cannot make it to your rescheduled appointment your deposit will be forfeited and you will need a new deposit to book again.
9-What factors will affect my cosmetic tattoo?
•Bleeding during the procedure: Excessive bleeding during your procedure will greatly affect how your body retains pigment. While this is not entirely in our control, it is important that you follow prep inscructions to help minimize bleeding. This includes avoiding blood thinning medications and alcohol before your procedure.
•Oily Skin: Increased oil production can cause hairstrokes to blur and heal lighter and more powdery.
•Smoking: Smokers may notice that their tattoo will fade faster
•Anemia and iron deficiency: Your body will absorb these iron based pigments more quickly.
•Sun exposure: Increased exposure to the sun will cause premature fading.
•Color of pigment: Lighter colors fade more quickly than darker colors.
*Skin cleansers containing active ingredientnts (salycilic-glycolic acid )
PRICING
Consultation FREE
Eyeliner Classic Upper $345
Eyeliner Classic Lower $280
Eyeliner Classic Upper & Lower $550
Eyeliner Enhancement Lower $280
Eyeliner Enhancement Upper $325
Eyeliner Enhancement Upper & Lower $495
Lips Liner/Full Colour $450
Combination Eyebrows $395.
Powder Eyebrows $360
Microblading $360
Touch Up 4-6 weeks $100
Eyebrows Colour Refreshment 6-12 months $200
Eyebrows Colour Refreshment 12 -18 Months $295
Eyebrows Corrections $$250-$450 (consultation is required before booking to determine asymmetry, design or cool correction. Price varies depending of work to be done.
Cosmetic Tattoo Removal/Lightening $175 per session
Package of 3 sessions $485
