FAQs
You’ve Got Questions - We’ve Got Answers
What is cosmetic tattooing?
Cosmetic tattooing, also known as semi-permanent makeup or micripigmentation, is the process of implanting colour pigment beneath the surface of the skin by means of tiny, sterile, disposable, needles to produce the appearence of hair strokes, makeup, or to enahnce the natural features of the face.
What is the difference between cosmetic tattooing and standard body tattooing?
The prupose of cosmetic tattooing is to enhance the natural features of a client. It is softer and more subtle, meant to be natural looking. Body tattoos use ink while cosmetic tattoos involve pigments.These pigments are designed to gently fade
over time. Fading is desired as it allows the artist to make changes to colour and shape over the years as client’s natural colouration and facial changes occur.
Does cosmetic tattooing hurt?
A highly-effective, topical anesthetic cream and gel are used for numbing before and during your procedure. Pain threshold levels vary from person to person and every effort is made to ensure you remain comfortable for the entirety of the procedure.
For ladies, having this service performed during your menstrual cycle may increase discomfort during your procedure. If you are a frequent smoker, the topical anesthetics used during the treatment will not last as long. If you have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, be aware that this may affect your sensitivity tolerance to the procedure.
How old do you have to be for cosmetic tattooing procedures?
You must be 18 years or older to receive a tattoo service.
Can I get tattooed if I am pregnant or nursing?
As a precaution, we do not perform cosmetic tattooing on pregnant or nursing women.
How long does cosmetic tattooing last?
Cosmetic tattoo treatments are considered semi-permanent and will not wash off. The treatment will fade over time and may need to be refreshed every 1-2 years. Scalp micropigmentation can last much longer if proper care is taken. Frequency of sessions depends on a number of factors including: the pigment colour used (lighter colours fade faster), lifestyle (sun exposure), and if any chemical peels come into contact with treated areas.
​
Please note that final results CAN NOT be guaranteed, as each unique skin-type will hold pigments differently and break down at different rates. We will re-evaluate how your skin has recieved the pigment at your second session and make any necessary changes. Multiple sessions are normal for cosmetic tattoo procedures, with each new procedure requiring a minimum of 2 visits. Your second session can be booked no sooner than 2 months after the initial appointment. Additional sessions will be charged according to our current pricing.
How many treatments are needed?
For most clients, a minimum of two treatments are needed - 8 weeks apart. The colour will look dramatically lighter after the first week of most procedures. During the second session, we will asses the colour retention and make adjustments as needed. Everyone heals different and at different rates. If your cosmetic tattoo does not heal perfectly after the first session, do not worry! We can always go darker and add more density at your next appointment.
What factors will affect my cosmetic tattoo?
- Sun exposure: the sun will extremley softent the look of your tattoo. Sunblock should be used (once healed) to prolong the enhancement.
- Regeneration of skin cells: The longer the regeneration takes, the longer the pigment holds.
- The speed the skin absorbs the pigment: The slower the absorbtion, the longer the pigment will hold.
- Choice of colour: Some colours fade quicker than others (blonde will fade quicker than dark).
- Area of treatment: Enhancements to the face fade more quickly due to constant exposure.
- Bleeding during prodecure: Any bleeding during the tattooing procedure will reduce the amount of pigement absorbed.
- Alcohol & certain medications (blood thinners should not be taken prior to or following your appointment.
​
What should I do before my eyebrow appointment?
If you have an ideal shape and colour in mind, bring a few reference photos to your appointment. You may fill your eyebrows as you normally would prior to your appointment. If you regualrly get your eyebrows shaped, waxed, threaded or tinted, please do so at least 3 days before your appointment. If there are any stray hairs that fall outside of your final shape, we can remove them. If you plan to go on a vacation, it is recomened your trip be a minimum of 14 days after the procedure. We require you to avoid any blood thinning medication 72 hours before your appointment. This includes, Vitamin E, Aspirin, Niacin, Fish Oil supplements, & Ibuprofen. Do not drink any alcohol the night before or day of your appointment and limit the amount of caffeine you consume. If you have been prescribed Accutane in the past, you MUST WAIT at least one year before scheduling a treatment. It is highly recommened that you avoid sun and tanning bed exposure 30 days BEFORE and AFTER. Clients with new tans and sunburns will not be seen.
How will I look immediately after my procedure?
Your semi-permanent makeup will appear darker and more intense than expected the first few days. This will gradually lighten during the complete healing process. Redness and swelling is minimal.
What is the healing process and aftercare?
During the initial healing period, there should be minimal scabbing or flaking of the skin. If there is scabbing or flaking, do NOT pick.
​The complete healing process takes about 6-8 weeks. During this time the tattoo will be true to colour, soften, and lighten. Be patient! Wait at least 6 weeks to see the true colour.​
We have had the best results with simple healing methods! GENTLY wash the tattooed area 3-5 times a day (every 4-6 hours) with lukewarm water and a paper towel, gauze, or cotton round. Pat the area dry and apply a THIN layer of the barrier cream. Keep out of the sun during the healing process and do NOT apply any cosmetics to this area. Avoid sweating for at least 10-14 days. Keep the area clean and let it breathe!
​
What shouldn't I be doing during the healing process?
You may shower or bathe normally, but avoid getting any soaps, shampoos or other cleansers on the treated area for the first five days as they can be detrimental to the bonding process that must take place for the pigment to stabilise in the dermis.
DO NOT pick or scratch at the dry skin/flakiness; let the skin fall off naturally. Picking can cause scarring and premature loss of pigment. IMPORTANT: Once the flakes have fallen off, a shiny layer of healing skin will completely cover the hair strokes. It may appear as though the tattooed area has completely disappeared. Within 1-2 weeks, the hair strokes will slowly reappear at a lighter shade as your skin regenerates.
DO NOT apply make-up to the tattooed area for the first 2 weeks. Cosmetics of any kind may interfere with the healing and color of your tattoo.
DO NOT use Vaseline, Neosporin or other petroleum based products while healing.
DO NOT bleach, tint or dye the tattooed area for one month following the procedure.
DO NOT apply any anti-acne products (e.g. Benzoyl Peroxide, Salicylic Acid, Proactiv, etc.) or lightening creams (skin bleaching creams) such as hydroquinone to the treated area while healing.
No anti-aging products or facial products containing Alpha Hydroxyls (AHAs), Retin-A, Lactic or Glycolic Acids
Do not thread, wax, or use hair removal products on the treated area while healing.
NO exercising and/or sweating for a few days prior to getting tattooed and for one week after.
NO swimming pools, jacuzzis or other bodies of water for two weeks.
Do not soak your face underwater in a bathtub or allow the shower to spray directly in your face for two weeks.
How will my cosmetic tattoo look in the future?
During your appointment, we will analyze your skin and undertone to anticipate how pigment colours will fade in the future. At your second appointment we will re-analyze how your body has responded to the initial colour. It is advised that all clients have a refresher appointment every 1-2 years. Remember, everyone is different and results vary with each client.
​
What should I know about long-term care?
A good sunscreen should be applied daily AFTER the healing process. As with any tattoo, sun exposure will make the colour soften faster. If you are planning a chemical peel, laser treatment, or other medical procedure, please inform the technician that you have had a cosmetic tattoo.
Is the studio and equipment clean and safe?
Absolutley! We pride ourselvces on having an immaculate and sterile studio space. We only use single use, disposable needles and supplies. This means, that each set-up for each new client is discaded safely afterwards.
What form of payment do you accept?
We accept CASH, CREDIT, and  DEBIT payments.