Frequently Asked Questions About Permanent Cosmetics
I know you have questions (or you should) when considering permanent cosmetics and in choosing a practitioner.
So I have put together a list of the most frequently asked questions (and a few you should ask.) This information is to assist you in making an informed decision about whether permanent cosmetics is right for you.
I suggest that you read through all of the questions as they will provide you with much information.
Does it hurt?
This question often comes up immediately.
First let me say that each person’s tolerance for pain is different. You probably already know how you react. Knowing that I take great care to make sure my clients are comfortable during the procedure. I use the best topical products out there to numb the area before I start. I also reapply numbing agents as I work. I use several different types of products because each person’s reaction will be individual. For instance some people can take a baby aspirin when they get a headache, some will take a prescription drug. Also each area has it’s own sensitivity.
Finally I know that some people are nervous even if they are excited about having permanent cosmetics and do all I can do to make you comfortable and clam.
The eyebrows are the most comfortable for most people to tolerate. I have even had people fall asleep while I have been working.
Lips will numb out quite quickly and I recommend that you exfoliate your lips for a few days prior to coming in. I never want to work on chapped lips.
The eyelids will also numb out very nicely but the feeling of having your eyeliner done is (in my opinion) a little weird. As I stretch the skin and move your eyelashes the sensation and the vibration of the machine is very strange. I said strange, not painful. When I perform eyeliner you have your eyes closed during the procedure.
All of my clients have come back for their touch up and no one has ever stopped me during the session so I guess I must be doing something right.
My recommendation is to make sure you eat something prior to your appointment and women do not book your procedure 1 week prior to your period as your body is much more sensitive to pain during that time. Drink water before and after your procedure.
Please note: I am sometimes asked if I will give an injection for the pain. Only a licensed doctor or nurse practitioner or dentist can inject you. If you are told that you will be given an injection for the pain please think twice before proceeding if someone tells you they will inject you this. I do not recommend injections for the pain. It makes the site swollen and that can pull and blur the pigment during the healing process.
How long does it last?
Again this answer is different from person to person. There are several variables that effect the life of your permanent cosmetics.
Here is a list of the variables:
Age -The older you are the longer your permanent makeup will last.
Oily skin -If you have oily skin the pigment does not take as well as someone who has dry skin.
Pigment color -The lighter the color of pigment used the more apparent the fading may seem.
Skin care products – If you use a lot of products that exfoliate the skin (skin peels) this can fade out the look of the makeup.
Sun – Are you someone that is in the sun a lot, then expect fading.
Some people may need a touch up every year while I have seen procedures that are as old as 12 years looking just fine. You may want to touch up sooner rather than later if you like the depth and crispness of the new application. In general you should have 1- 5 years of wear. I have many clients who return each year to have the color enhanced.
How long does it take?
I can only speak for myself. I usually book about 11/2 hours for brows and lips and about 1 hour for eyeliner. You will rebook for your touch-up appointment in about one month. Yes I have everyone come back for a touch up.
If you have ever painted a wall then you know that once it’s painted it looks great. However once it’s dry you can see where you need to touch up. Same thing with permanent makeup. After the procedure is healed we can see how it took and where a touch may be needed. I book the same amount of time the touch up. Incidentally I include my touch up appointment in the price, some practitioners charge separately for this.
Scars, vitiligo or reconstruction work is booked by the hour. Sometimes you really can not tell until you start working how long this work will take. I always have consultations with this type of work so we can determine what type of results you are looking for and what can and can not be done.
Can I drive afterward?
There should be no reason that you can not drive home after your procedure. If you are feeling light headed or need assistance let someone know. So, yes–you can drive afterwards.
As a matter of fact most people can go right back to work or go out.
How long is the healing process?
Again this question is a matter of individual healing time. The rule of thumb is it usually takes one week or more for the skin to exfoliate the excess pigment. There may still be some healing underneath that has to take place. This may take a few weeks. I usually allow 4 weeks between the initial appointment and the touch-up to ensure all healing is complete.
Can I wear makeup afterwards?
The process is like creating little scrapes in the skin. Care should be taken to keep it clean and dry. No makeup should be used directly on the area right afterwards. I recommend that in the case of mascara you purchase a new mascara to use after the eyeliner procedure heals (any excuse to get a new mascara).
Is this a tattoo?
The procedure is a tattoo. The machine or method used to apply the pigment may be different than what you will find in a tattoo parlor but the principle is the same. There are differences in the pigments used on the face than on the body.
Is there a difference between the methods used for application?
Essentially there are two methods of application for permanent cosmetics. The hand method or Softtap and by use of a machine, and there are several types of machines. The hand method uses a device that looks similar to a small toothbrush. But instead of bristles there are needles just a few compared to the bristles. It is dipped into the pigment and tapped into the skin.
With the machine method the machine does the work of the tapping. As long as your practitioner is comfortable with the method they use you can achieve beautiful results with either.
Questions you should ask!
How long has the artist been practicing?
Not that this is a complete indication of the person’s work – I myself have taught many students whose work I found to be just beautiful from the start. And I have known people whose work that I would not recommend even after years of practice. You need to make sure that you are comfortable with who ever is performing your service and that there is a level of trust and professionalism.
Can you see pictures of the artist’s work?
Make sure that the pictures that you are looking at are actual clients that the practitioner you are considering.
Ask yourself, ”Do brows look realistic, “are they even (not identical)”, “ does the color suit the person”, does the work enhance the person?
Remember that what you are seeing are samples of work. If the brows are different from one person to the next great! As long as the work suits the individual.
Note: Make sure you are seeing samples of this person’s work. Unfortunately some people will copy work on the internet and download the pictures for themselves.
Do you like the technicians esthetic?
This is a tricky question. Consider it this way- you don’t go to a hair stylist whose hair you do not like. Do you like the overall look of the technicians work? Is the look too over the top or too overdone – or too minimal? is this the type of makeup you would want? You may not like all the eyebrows that you see in their pictures, but consider do the brows fit the persons face? Do they look realistic, is the work the type that you would like?
Do they have insurance or a license?
You should know that not all states require a license for permanent cosmetics. The regulation for this service lays in the jurisdiction of the department of health. The department of health may reside over city or county or state. Sometimes the licensing falls under a tattoo license. I know this gets complicated. To make it easy call a few practitioners in the area and ask. They should know what the law is for your area.
Insurance – again there is no hard and fast law here. Some people choose to practice without insurance as there is no state or federal law that requires it.
Where do they practice?
Many people practice out of spas, salons, med-spas, doctor’s offices and tattoo parlors. Where ever you decide to go you will want to feel comfortable there.
Some people work out of their homes or travel to client’s homes. In Nassau and Suffolk Counties NY, practicing from home is illegal. Practitioners must work within a licensed spa, salon or doctor’s office. What you want to consider is whether the office is clean and reputable. Have you had recommendations? Do you feel comfortable there? I know some areas where they allow permanent cosmetics to be done at the flea market. Ask yourself if this is where you would like to have this procedure.
Does price matter?
The first thing I want to say is “Permanent Cosmetics are on your face”, so please do not shop by price alone. I can’t tell you how many calls I get when price is the first question. If you are shopping around make sure that you are comparing apples to apples. You want to be happy with the results and you want the results to be complimentary to you. Prices for permanent cosmetics can vary form $100.00 to $1,500. for eyebrows. Talk about a price range!.
Price can vary depending on experience. Someone just starting out may want to keep their price low to attract more clients. If they have insurance, work in a spa or doctor’s office can affect the price. It can also depend on the area or region, and yes, NYC, LA or any other large metropolitan area may be more expensive. Again my suggestion is to call around and see what the going rate is in your area.
Some practitioners will charge a low price but they do not include the follow up visits, or they may not use a numbing product. Do not make your decision on price alone – your face and self confidence is worth everything. My final suggestion to you is to ask questions, be informed be comfortable with your practitioner.
I hope this information has assisted you in making an informed decision.
With love,
Christine Kolenda