Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many colors to choose from?
Yes, there are many shades of blonde, browns and auburn for brows. We will try on many shades prior to the procedure to find a color that looks natural on your skin tone. Eyeliner can be done in black, a range of browns or in blue tones. There are also many shades for lip color and skin camouflage.
Do I get to decide on the shape and color?
Yes, we will try on many shades of color as well as draw on the shape prior to implanting the pigment. While you have the final say on shape, color and thickness, Ashley will also help guide you on what looks best with your natural features.
Is it painful?
2 types of numbing cream are used, making the procedure very comfortable for most people. Slight discomfort at times is possible, but for the most part it is very comfortable, and can actually even be relaxing for some. Lips and areola can be a bit more tender as there are many blood vessels and nerve endings.
Do you do Microblading or tattooing? Or what kind of technique do you use?
Ashley does not actually do microblading; she prefers to use a technique called Softap or use a PMU (Permanent Makeup) machine. Softap is similar to microblading in that it creates natural looking hair like lines and uses a hand held pen rather than a tattoo machine. However, it is NOT cutting or slicing the skin and setting color on top to soak into the grooves (which is what microblading does). She is manually tapping the pigment into the skin with little needles, like a hand poke tattoo. This allows for the color to be deposited into the skin without the trauma to the tissue that the cutting causes. Cutting grooves into the tissue (microblading) allows the pigment to migrate or seep into the surrounding tissue, which causes the strokes to look blurred over time. Softap and/or PMU lasts longer, and the lines stay more crisp over time, and a bonus it’s a lot less painful!
A PMU machine is a type of tattoo pen, however, we do not use tattoo ink. Tattoo ink (which is truly permanent) is a larger molecule and looks heavy and blown out over time, like an old blurred tattoo. Tattoo ink often changes to a greenish or blue/grey tone over the years, and becomes much harder to cover in the future because that heavy carbon ink is there permanently.
PMU uses permanent makeup pigment, which is made of iron oxide, or a blend of iron oxide and a little carbon for longevity. Iron oxide is a smaller molecule, so it looks more natural and you can get finer crisper lines, but it does break down over time (fades to a lighter version of the original color). Most people have their permanent makeup refreshed every 1.5 to 3 years.
How long does the appointment take?
Procedures range from 45 minutes to 2+ hours, depending on the area. The average appointment for brows or eyeliner is 1 and ½ hours. This includes filling out paperwork, allowing the numbing to take effect, discussing the color etc, and doing the procedure.
What is the recovery like?
You will be provided with ointment to apply to the area for the next 4 days. You can expect slight redness around the brows for a few hours after the procedure, and slight swelling of the eyelids and lips for 24 hours. You will need to avoid swimming and steam rooms for the first 4 days. During the first week, the color can look a shade or two darker than what it will heal to be. Some people experience some flaking or peeling of the surface pigment during the healing process. A touch up is then done 1-2 months later to smooth out any color that may have flaked during the initial healing process. Photos in the Gallery were taken immediately after the procedure.
How long does it last?
Permanent makeup is sometimes a bit of a misnomer as it does fade over time, depending on your skin type, metabolism and how well you care for them. Most people prefer to touch up the color every 2-5 years.
Will the color change over time?
Unlike cheap tattoo ink, we use only high quality pigment made in the US that tends to stay true to its color over time. Blacks do not turn blue, and browns should not turn pink. The color will just slowly soften over time. It is advised to avoid using skin lightening products on your permanent makeup, such as hydroquinone or retinols as this will break down the color over time.
What are the risks?
Anytime you break the skin there is a risk of infection. We use one-time use, disposable sterile needles and supplies, making infection very unlikely. It is recommended to not touch the area with dirty hands while it is healing, and use clean makeup brushes to avoid infection.
The pigment is FDA approved, and hypoallergenic making the risk of an allergic reaction quite low. It contains no vegetable dyes or chemicals, and consists only of iron oxide and glycerin.
What should I do to prepare for the appointment?
You will want to avoid blood thinning agents such as ibuprofen, aspirin, alcohol and fish oil for a few days prior to the appointment if possible (Do not stop any prescribed medication prior to discussing it with your medical provider). Do not wear any mascara or eye-makeup in to the appointment if you are having eyeliner done. If you are having brows done, please wear your brow makeup in so that we can see what color and shape you typically wear.
If I am using an eyelash growth serum (ex. Lash boost or latisse), can i still have my permanent eyeliner done?
Please stop using any lash serums for a minimum of 1 month prior to your permanent eyeliner procedure. Lash serums increase blood flow to the area and make your eyelids too fragile and vascular for cosmetic tattooing. As a result, your eyelids will bleed, bruise and the risk of pigment migration is greatly increased. After your eyeliner procedure is completed, you should wait 4 weeks to start your serum usage again.
Do you accept Credit Cards?
Yes, credit cards are accepted as well as Cash, Check, Venmo or Paypal.
What is the cancellation policy?
A credit card is required to reserve an appointment, and a late cancellation fee of $50 will be charged if the appointment is cancelled with less than 72 hours notice. If the appointment is cancelled with less than 24 hour, or you do not show up, 50% of the appointment cost will be charged.