Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a Candidate for PMU or a Tattoo?
What is Permanent Makeup?
Permanent makeup or PMU is when pigment is implanted under the skin. Either using a hand tool or a tattoo machine. Essentially permanent makeup is a tattoo that resembles makeup to enhance a certain feature of your face.
Is Permanent Makeup Painful?
PMU is NOT a painless procedure! However I do use a numbing solution during your procedure to help ease any discomfort you may have. Most clients report feeling very comfortable and minimal pain during the procedure.
Unfortunately not everyone is a candidate for a tattoo procedure. The following list may disqualify you from receiving the procedure. Please let me know before making an appointment if any of the things on this list pertain to you personally. If you have any questions about this list, please feel free to contact me.
You are NOT a candidate if you are:
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Under the age of 18
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Pregnant or breastfeeding
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Taking immunosuppressive medication/ or have been diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder
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Currently undergoing chemotherapy/radiation treatment, or have within the last 12 months
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Have an ongoing/active infection
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Have an upcoming surgery within 4 weeks
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Taking blood thinning medication
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Noncompliant with aftercare instructions
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Have a current Sunburn in the tattoo area
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Diabetic
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Have taken antibiotics within the last 30 days
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Have a tendency to keloid
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Have been on Accutane within the last year
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At high risk for infection/must take antibiotics during dental work
Does PMU Require a Touchup?
YES! Most PMU procedures will require an initial touchup 6-8 weeks after your first appointment. Pigment retention will vary with each individual depending on many factors, including skin type, aftercare compliance and general genetic makeup. I cannot predict or guarantee results of the application on each individual. (Faux freckles do not usually require a touch-up unless you want to add more depth or more freckles.) Lip blushing may not always require a touch-up depending on the desired results.
Will PMU Replace My Daily Makeup?
While PMU services are amazing for defining and enhancing the features of your face. It is important to have realistic expectations about what it can and cannot do. Some of the things you can achieve with traditional makeup will NOT have the same effect as PMU. PMU is a pigment that sits under the skin, not on top like traditional makeup. So it will never be as dark or vibrant as traditional makeup. With that being said results are not guaranteed and I cannot predict your fading process. This will vary from person to person.
How Do I Know If I Need A Brow Corrective Service?
This is a great question for potential eyebrow clients. You may be a candidate for a corrective service If:
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You have had previous tattoo work on the brows (NOT DONE BY ME) at any point in time (even a long time ago)
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Your brows Are NOT faded more than 50%
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Your brows have faded Red, Blue, Gray or even Green
Unfortunately not everyone is a candidate for a corrective service. All corrections must be approved through email and in person consults by me before booking. If you are inquiring about this service please be ready to send photos with NO makeup in good lighting for approval, or come in for an in person consult. In some instances you may be referred for removal/lightening services before we can cover your existing PMU.
What Is Considered a Body Tattoo?
Body tattoos are any tattoos that are not considered a PMU service, they are done with a different application technique than a PMU procedure. All body tattoos regardless of size are subject to the minimum price of the shop where I currently work. The size, detail, placement, and amount of tattoo time will all be factors that effect the price of your tattoo. For a price quote specific to your tattoo idea please fill out the appointment request form and we can further discuss the tattoo you are looking for.
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Tattoo styles that I enjoy to tattoo: Stipple styles, Dot work, Bold ornamental, Neo-tradional, Traditional
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As of now I am NOT offering an color tattoos, only black work
Does a Tattoo Require a Touchup?
It depends, not all tattoos will require an initial touchup, some skin types will retain color and design more easily than others will. A free touchup for your tattoo is available to be booked within 6 months of your first appointment. After this time a touchup will inquire a fee.
Is Numbing cream allowed?
I prefer that my clients DO NOT use numbing creams for the tattoo process if they can. Certain brands of numbing creams can change the consistency of the skin making it harder to tattoo the area. When that happens it actually can create more trauma to the skin, resulting in poor healed results and the need for a touch up. All which could have been avoided without the use of numbing. With that being said, if the area you are wanting tattooed is extra sensitive and you may not be able to sit without the use of numbing cream. Then there is 1 brand that I am comfortable using, that I have has positive results from. This cream can be purchased within the shop prior to your appointment as it needs to be applied a few hours before to work. Numbing creams use the active ingredient lidocaine, so if you have a sensitivity to lidocaine or a heart condition please refrain from using numbing products.
How Long Does an Appointment Take?
Initial procedure for Brows
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This service will take anywhere from 2.5-3 hours depending on different factors. Every client will be different. (This is the same for a corrective procedure.) This includes the pre-draw time
Touch-up procedure for Brows:
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This can take anywhere from 1-2 hours depending on how faded the brow area is. (This is the same for an annual refresher appointment)
Lip blushing procedure:
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This service can take anywhere from 2-3 hours depending on different factors. Every client will be different. (Lip Neutralization appointments may take longer). This includes the pre-draw time
Lip blushing touch-up procedure:
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This can take anywhere from 1-2 hours depending on the color chosen, amount of fading, and desired end results.
Faux Freckle Procedure:
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Faux freckles usually take about 1 hour from start to finish, including the pre-draw time
Tattoo Appointment:
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Your tattoo may take anywhere from 1-6 hours depending on the size, placement and amount of detail. When booking I will usually give an estimate on how long I think your appt will be. (Sometimes things end up taking less time or more time the day of (Please plan accordingly). This time frame does not include the stencil time, which can vary depending on the type of tattoo and placement.
Do I Need To Book A Consultation?
PMU:
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A complimentary consultation is included in every initial PMU appointment. This consultation is done the day of the appointment before beginning the procedure. We will go over all your PMU goals together and a plan of action before beginning the process. If you would like a consultation before your appt day please let me know and we can schedule something, as of now I can offer in person or phone consults. In some instances an in person consult will be mandatory. Consults are usually 15-30min long.
Tattoos:
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A complimentary in-person consultation can be booked before booking any appointment, this is especially helpful for larger scale designs. A consultation is usually 15-30min long and will help me get a better idea of the design you are looking for and make sure we have a clear vision before booking. As well as take photos/tracing of the area to be tattooed so I can design something to fit your body perfectly.
Is A Booking Fee Required For An Appointment?
YES! All appointment will require a non-refundable booking fee to book service. You DO NOT have an appointment without a booking fee being made. The fee is transferable to a new appointment if you MUST reschedule, but it is NOT refundable for any reason. Cancellations MUST be made 48 hours prior to your appointment time. Cancellations made after this time will forfeit the booking fee and a new booking fee will need to be made to book another appointment. Booking fees are only good for 6 months after payment. Services must be rendered before the 6 month mark or a new booking fee will need to be made. Prices for booking fee amounts are listed under the services page of my website. I will not hold appointments for any reason, they are first come first serve. By paying a booking fee you are agreeing to these terms. If you DO NOT agree please DO NOT pay a booking fee.
Payment Options
As of now I will be accepting payments for services through Square, Venmo or Cash (which is preferred). I also offer AfterPay for larger-scale projects and brow/lip services. If you will be using AfterPay please discuss this before the appointment so we can set up an account. To learn more about the AfterPay app please visit the AfterPay page. Payment is due at the time of your appointment. Booking fee's can be paid through Venmo or through requesting an invoice from me to pay with Square (which accepts Apple Pay).
Pre-Care Information
2 Weeks Before
PMU Clients:
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Botox: If you regularly get Botox injections or Dysport, it must be done at l east 14 days before your appointment. Botox will affect the placement of the brows and can cause them to be uneven once it wear off. Refrain from getting injections 2 weeks before your appointment to avoid this. (Brow procedures only)
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Fillers: Fillers must be done at least 2-3 weeks before your appointment and at least 4 weeks after your appointment. (This applies only for Lip Blushing or Faux Freckle service)
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Waxing/Plucking/Threading/Dermaplaning: Please come to your appointment with your brows grown out! I will clean up any needed hairs during the mapping process with a small brow razor. If you absolutely need to clean them up please do it 3 days prior to procedure. If you get your eyebrows tinted please make sure it is done 7 days prior. Faux freckle and Lip Blush Clients please refrain from dermaplaning 3 days before appt.
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Retin-A/Retinols/Tretinoin: Please refrain from using these products near the Tattoo area for 2 weeks prior to your appointment.
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Cold Sores: (Lip Blush Clients ONLY) if you are prone to cold sores, please use a oral preventative medication starting 2 weeks prior to your appt date
All Clients:
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Menstruation: Please note, you will be more sensitive during your menstrual cycle. Try to schedule your appointment around your period (if possible).
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Accutane: Must be off of Accutane for 1 year prior to procedure, NO EXCEPTIONS! (This applies for all tattoo procedures)
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Latisse: No latisse on the eyebrows for 2 weeks prior too procedure. (This does not apply for faux freckles or lip blush)
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Tanning: Refrain from tanning or excessive sun exposure 2 weeks prior to appointment.
24 Hours Before
All Clients:
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Alcohol/Caffeine: Please avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine for 24 hours prior to your appointment to minimize bleeding, more bleeding will effect the healing process and possible retention of pigment.
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Ibuprofen/Tylenol/Aspirin/Niacin/Vitamin E Oil: Avoid these medications 24 hours before procedure to minimize bleeding, more bleeding will effect the overall outcome and healing process.
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Fish Oil/"Hair, Skin, and Nail" Supplements: Avoid these 24 hours prior to appointment.
PMU Clients:
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Scrub: (Lip Blush Clients ONLY) Please use a mixture of brown sugar and honey to create a lip scrub to exfoliate the lips once a day in the few days leading up to your appt date.
Day Of Appointment
All Clients:
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Avoid Exercise: Exercising increases blood flow and can cause excessive bleeding, leading to poor healed results.
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Photo ID: Please bring a valid photo ID with you, without this we will have to cancel or reschedule your appointment.
PMU Clients:
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Brow Procedures: You are welcome to wear makeup to the appointment, come with you best brow day so I can see how you normally do your eyebrows. We will be taking before and after photos so come how you are most comfortable. We will remove makeup from the brow area before beginning the mapping process. (We will be taking photos!)
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Faux Freckle Procedures: Please come with a makeup free face (if possible) in the areas you want freckles. Eye makeup is okay (We will be taking photos!)
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Lip Blush Procedures: Please bring your desired lip color to your appointment with you so we can color match, face makeup is okay to wear (We will be taking photos!)
After-Care Information
WASH
Wash daily to remove bacteria, build of product, oils and dead skin. (Don't worry this does NOT remove the pigment!)
Brow Wash Instructions: Gently wash the brow area each morning and night with water and After Soap or other mild anti-bacterial soap. With a very light touch, use your fingertips to gently cleanse the eyebrows. Rub the area in a smooth motion for 10 seconds and rinse with warm water ensuring that all soap is rinsed away. To dry, gently pat with a clean towel or lint free cotton round. DO NOT use any cleansing products containing acids (i.e: glycolic, lactic or AHA), or exfoliants near brow area. Repeat this step for the next 7-10 days.
Lip Wash Instructions: Gently wash the lip area 2x a day with soap provided. With a very light touch use your fingertips to gently cleanse the area being careful not to ingest any soap. Rub in circular motion for about 10 seconds and rinse with warm water ensuring all soap has been removed. To dry, gently pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel. Remember to wash an additional time after meals. Repeat this step for the next 5-7 days.
Freckle Wash Instructions: Gently wash the entire face each morning and night with water and After Soap or other mild anti-bacterial soap. Gently cleanse the entire areas with a circular motion for at least 10 seconds with warm water ensuring all soap is rinsed away. Pat dry with a clean towel. DO NOT use any cleansing products containing acids or exfoliants during the healing process. Avoid any harsh topical acne treatments for 5-7 days. Repeat for the next 5-7 days.
Tattoo Wash Instructions: Leave plastic wrap applied at tattoo appointment on for the first 4-5 days. DO NOT remove before 4 days. To remove, gently peel back plastic film slowly in the shower or sink under running water. Once removed, wash the entire tattoo area with a mild anti-bacterial soap. Repeat this 2x a day for the next 5-7 days. Pat dry with a clean towel.
Soap Products Ok To Use:
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After Soap (Provided in AfterCare Bag)
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Dial Soap
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Diluted Dr. Bronners
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Unscented Baby soap
BALM
(*Freckles only use moisturizer provided
Brow Balm Steps: Apply a rice grain amount of aftercare ointment with a clean finger and spread it across the area. Do this 2x a day after washing for 5-7 days, be sure not to over apply, as it will suffocate your skin and delay healing. The balm should be barely noticeable on the skin. NEVER put the balm on a wet or damp tattoo.
Lip Balm Steps: Apply a rice grain amount of aftercare ointment provided with a clean finger to lip area. Do this 3x a day after washing for the next 5-7 days. (This step may need to be repeated after meals as well). Keep lips thoroughly moisturized.
Tattoo Balm Steps: If you are NOT using the plastic wrap (tagederm), apply a thin layer of aftercare balm to the tattoo area after washing and drying. DO NOT apply a thick layer of balm as this will suffocate the tattoo a delay healing. Be sure to rub the balm in thoroughly. Repeat this step 2x a day for the next 3-5 days.
Ointment/Balm Products Ok To Use:
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Balm Provided in After Care Bag
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Aquaphor Healing Ointment
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A&D Ointment
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Hustle Butter Deluxe
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Redemption
MOISTURIZE
Brow Moisturizing Steps: After 7 days of balm, use a gentle moisturizer after each wash and dry 2x a day for the next 7-10 days. This is okay to re-apply a third time in the day if needed. Use clean hands to carefully rub in moisturizer until absorbed fully. Go with the growth of hair when applying,
Lip Blushing Moisturizing Steps: After the initial peeling is over (usually about day 5-7 post procedure) begin using a healing lip balm like aquaphor to keep lips moisturized throughout the day for the next few weeks.
Freckle Moisturizing Steps: After washing and drying , apply a thin layer of AfterCare Lotion to freckle areas 2x a day for the next 1-7 days. Use clean hands and rub in until it is fully absorbed.
Tattoo Moisturizing Steps: After washing and drying carefully rub in moisturizer into tattoo area until fully absorbed. Repeat 2x a day after washing for the next 5-7 days.
Moisturizers Ok To Use:
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Lotion Provided in After Care Bag
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Lubriderm Lotion
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Aveeno Lotion
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Unscented Baby Lotion
Important Reminders
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Use a fresh pillowcase/sheets the night of the procedure while you sleep
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Let any scabbing or dry skin naturally exfoliate away. Picking can cause scarring or color loss
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No facials, botox, chemical treatments or microdermabrasion for 4 weeks after procedure (for PMU procedures)
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Avoid hot, sweaty exercise for a few days (for brow service). If you do exercise be sure to wash brows after
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Avoid direct sunlight or tanning for 4 weeks after procedure. Wear a hat when outdoors for brows, lips and freckles
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Avoid swimming, baths and hot tubs for the first 7-10 days
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Avoid topical makeup and sunscreen to the area until healing is complete (about 7 days for brows, about 5 days for freckles)
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DO NOT rub, pick, or scratch the treated area
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Limit your showers to 5 minutes so that you do not create too much steam. Keep your procedure area out of the water while you wash your body, then, at the end of your shower wash your face. Avoid excessive rinsing and hot water on the treated area.