The Pigmentation Process
The following information is to help provide you with insight on what to expect from your first appointment, the healing process and the lifespan of your tattoo.
Cosmetic tattooing involves the meticulous application of pigment into the skin, akin to traditional tattooing but tailored specifically to enhance or replace features like brows, lips, eyeliner, and scalp. This technique uses specially formulated pigment that does not penetrate as deeply as traditional tattoo ink, ensuring adjustments can be made over time to maintain color vibrancy and longevity. Annual touch-ups are recommended to refine color, shape, and make necessary adjustments as your preferences evolve. Upon booking, you will receive a welcome email detailing preparation tips leading up to your appointment, including parking information.
On the Day of Your Appointment:
You will receive a consent form via email the morning of your appointment. This form must be completed before any services can begin. Please ensure your email address is up to date, as we operate in a paperless environment.
During your appointment, we will conduct a thorough consultation to discuss your goals and preferences.
Mapping & Numbing:
Before tattooing begins, I use a pencil to create a design or stencil for your brows or lips. This helps establish symmetry and a suitable shape that complements your facial features and personal style. While this process may seem unfamiliar, it ensures precise results tailored to enhance your natural features. Trust is essential, and I will explain each step to ensure you feel comfortable and informed throughout.
For brows, I utilize facial landmarks, natural hair patterns, and tools to achieve symmetry as closely as possible. Each client's brow design is unique, emphasizing a structured approach over trend-driven styles. If adjustments are needed or you're unsure about the design, we can make changes before proceeding.
Lips:
Lip mapping is simpler, focusing on enhancing existing contours and adding natural-looking color with lip blush. This technique can create the illusion of fuller, defined lips while maintaining your lip shape.
Numbing and Comfort:
After agreeing on the design, a numbing lotion is applied over the stencil to minimize discomfort. Most clients find the procedure very tolerable with the numbing agent effectively reducing sensitivity as we progress. Additional numbing gel is applied as needed to ensure your comfort throughout the appointment. Some clients even find the experience relaxing or may drift off during the session.
Aftercare and Final Steps:
Before beginning, I provide aftercare instructions and set up for your comfort.
These instructions will also be emailed to you for reference after your appointment.
If you have any questions or need further clarification before your appointment, please feel free to reach out. Your comfort and satisfaction are my top priorities, and I look forward to helping you achieve your desired look with confidence.
The Healing Process
Immediate Post-Procedure: Right after your session, your brows (or other treated areas) will appear approximately 30% darker than they will once fully healed. Expect some redness and swelling, which typically subsides within a few hours to 24 hours. Initially, the pigment may appear warmer (orange/red).
Days 2-5: Your brows will darken further and may feel tight. Some pigment may come off when cleansing, which is normal as your skin sheds excess pigment to prepare for healing. Avoid picking at any scabs or dry skin; let them naturally shed.
Days 5-10: You may notice scabbing starting around day 3, accompanied by itching and tightness. Continue with your recommended cleansing and balm routine. The warmth of the pigment starts to neutralize, and brows may look faded or discolored temporarily.
Days 10-15: As scabs begin to shed, pigment resurfaces and your brows start to regain their shape. Microblading strokes may reappear unevenly; this is normal and addressed during your touch-up session.
Days 15-30: By now, your brows are fully healed. They may not look 100% perfect yet, but this is expected until after your touch-up session. You can resume activities like waxing, threading, swimming, and hot showers as recommended in your aftercare instructions.
Touch-Up Session: Your touch-up session is crucial for enhancing pigment retention. After this session, your brows will be more vibrant and hold their color longer. You won't need another touch-up for 1-3 years with proper care.
Aftercare Tips: Remember to wear SPF to protect your brows from UV rays and avoid physical or chemical exfoliants around the treated area to maintain color longevity.
Moving Forward: Cosmetic tattooing offers low-maintenance beauty, not no maintenance. While it provides a reliable base, you may still prefer occasional makeup for added vibrancy or personal style. Microblading and shading create a foundation, but makeup enhances it differently.
Please Note: Individual experiences vary based on lifestyle, health, genetics, and skin type. Rarely, some clients may require an additional touch-up session beyond the standard two sessions for optimal results.