Questions
What is Permanent Makeup?
Permanent makeup, also called cosmetic tattooing or micro-pigmentation is the process of implanting ink beneath the surface of the skin by the means of sterile, disposable needle to produce the appearance of cosmetic make up.
How old do I have to be to get tattooed?
You must be 18 years or older to receive a tattoo service at Brow Ink Permanent Cosmetics.
Ouch, is it going to hurt?
A highly-effective, topical anesthetic cream and gel are used for numbing before and during your procedure although pain threshold levels vary from person to person. 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. Be aware that if you have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, it may affect your sensitivity tolerance to the procedure.
How long will it last?
Permanent makeup treatments are permanent and will not wash off, however, they will fade over time and may need to be refreshed with a follow up appointment. 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 CANNOT 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 received the pigment at your second session and make any changes necessary. Multiple sessions are normal for cosmetic tattoo procedures, with each new procedure requiring a minimum of 2 visits. Additional sessions will be charged according to our current pricing.
Am I going to need more than one treatment?
For most clients, a minimum of two treatments are usually needed, at least 8 weeks apart. With most procedures, the colour looks dramatically lighter after the first week. Some clients prefer this, while others opt for a bolder look. At the second session, we will assess the colour retention and make adjustments as necessary. Everyone heals differently 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 treatment?
Sun exposure: The sun will extremely soften the look of your tattoo, so sunblock should be used (once healed) to prolong your enhancement.
Regeneration of skin cells: The longer the regeneration takes, the longer the pigment holds.
Speed at which the skin absorbs the pigment: The slower the absorption, the longer the pigment will hold.
Choice of colour: Some colours fade quicker than others. For example, a blonde colour will fade quicker than a dark brown colour.
Area of treatment: Enhancements to the face, for example, fade more quickly due to constant exposure.
Bleeding during the procedure: Any bleeding during the tattooing procedure will reduce the amount of pigment absorption. Alcohol and certain medications act as blood-thinners and should not be taken prior to and following after procedure is complete.
What should I do before my procedure?
If you have an ideal shape and colour in mind, bring a few reference photos with you to your appointment. You may fill in your eyebrows as you normally would so we can take into consideration the shape you desire. If you regularly get your eyebrows shaped, waxed, threaded or tinted, please do so at least 3 days before your appointment.
In the case that any stray hairs fall outside of our final shape, we can remove them. If you plan to go on a vacation, it is recommended to plan your trip a minimum of 14 days after the procedure.
We require our clients to avoid any blood thinning medication for a minimum of 72 hours prior to their appointment. This includes Vitamin E, Aspirin, Niacin, fish oil supplements, and Ibuprofen.
Do not drink any alcohol the night before and day of your appointment and limit the amount of caffeine you consume.
If you have been on prescription Accutane in the past, you MUST wait at least one (1) year before considering this procedure.
Arriving for your appointment with a new tan or a sunburn will result in the need to reschedule your appointment and in forfeiting your deposit. This is because as your skin exfoliates from a sunburn and it will take the pigment with it.
How will I look immediately after?
Your permanent makeup will appear darker and more intense than expected for the first few days. This will gradually lighten during the complete healing process. Redness and swelling is minimal. Please view our detailed after care instructions.
What should I do after my procedure?
We have detailed after care instructions listed it is highly beneficial to follow these instructions to ensure a comfortable healing process and to achieve the best results.
How will my cosmetic tattoo look in the future?
During your appointment, we will analyze your skin’s undertone to anticipate how pigment colours will fade in the future. We will also mix pigments to ensure colour blends well with your existing eyebrow and hair colour.
The majority of our clients’ cosmetic tattoos stay true to color and lighten naturally over time. There are some cases, however, where the colours may fade to different tones according to the individual’s response to the pigments (like lifestyle and iron deficiencies). Many factors affect these changes.
At your second appointment, we will analyze how your body has responded to the initial colour. Any special formula alteration to correct the colour and to prevent further colour change is made at this time. Your eyebrow tattoo will eventually look softer and have more of a “powdered” look. This happens with all clients as the skin ages.
To keep your cosmetic tattoo looking good, a refresher appointment is suggested every 1 to 2 years. Results vary with each client.
I want my tattoo to last - tell me how!
A good sunscreen should be applied daily AFTER healing and is required to help keep colour true. As with any tattoo, sun exposure will make the colour soften faster.
Fading speed depends on your skin type, lifestyle, sun exposure, pigment colour used, broken capillaries, and if any chemical peels were done after your procedure.
If you are planning a chemical peel, laser treatment or other medical procedure, please inform the technician that you have had a cosmetic tattoo. Careful application must be taken to avoid affecting the tattooed area.
Are cosmetic tattoos right for me?
If you have extremely oily skin, the hair stroke eyebrow technique (micro blade) will NOT work well for you. The constant production of oil will cause the hair strokes to heal with a diffused, softer look. Your end result will look more powdered than you would expect.
In case you have little to no existing hair, your tattoo will appear more 2-dimensional than those clients who have more hair naturally.
If you are a frequent smoker, your pigment may fade sooner.
Being iron deficient or anemic may fade your pigment sooner and bleeding/bruising may occur during and after the procedure.
Your studio is cute! But is it safe?
Absolutely! We are Licensed and Interior Health Approved. At Brow Ink, we pride ourselves on having an immaculate and sterile studio space. We only use single-use, disposable needles and supplies. This means that the set-up for each new client is discarded safely afterwards. Each station is thoroughly disinfected before and after each permanent cosmetic procedure throughout the day.