FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS MICROBLADING?
Microblading is a form of permanent cosmetics/cosmetic tattooing. Pigment is inserted into the upper dermis of the skin using a hand tool with a blade comprised of tiny needles. Hair-like strokes are scartched into the skin using the tool to mimic natural hair flow. This is not the tool/technique used in any of Lo's work.
WHAT ARE MACHINE HAIRSTROKES?
Microblading is just one way to form hairstrokes. Hairstrokes can also be made using the permanent makeup/tattoo machine! This method is frequently called: "nano brows" or "machine hairstrokes". A needle cartridge comprised of a single or several needles is used to push pigment in little dots into the upper dermis to form a line. This method of making hairstrokes is less traumatic on the skin and allows the option of getting hairstrokes for all ages. Microblading should not be done on anyone with thinned skin, and this can happen as early as age 40. Machine hairstrokes are the future! No scarring, less trauma to the skin, more control over pigment depth and saturation, and everyone qualifies.
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WHAT IS MICROSHADING?
Microshading is a form of permanent cosmetics/cosmetic tattooing that uses the permanent makeup/tattoo machine as well. A needle cartridge comprised of a single or several needles is used to push pigment in little dots into the upper dermis to create more of a filled in appearance.
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WHAT IS LIP BLUSH?
Lip blush is a form of permanent cosmetics/cosmetic tattooing that uses the permanent makeup/tattoo machine as well. A needle cartridge comprised of a single or several needles is used to push pigment in little dots into the upper dermis to create a filled in appearance. This allows for a pretty blush tint on the lips when healed. By brightening the color of your lips, they will appear fuller, more youthful, and defined.
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WHAT IS EYELINER?
Eyeliner is a form of permanent cosmetics/cosmetic tattooing that uses the permanent makeup/tattoo machine as well. A needle cartridge comprised of a single or several needles is used to push pigment in little dots into the upper dermis to create a filled in appearance. This will create a darker root lash line, and a soft dusty powder along a small wing to open up and lift the eyes.
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DOES IT HURT?
A topical numbing cream is used before and during your procedure. Pain level tolerance varies from person to person but most rate the procedure pain around a 3 on a scale of 1-10.
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HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?
This depends on so many factors! One of the biggest is the pigment type used: (inorganic - fades quicker; about 2 years until a touchup may be needed, or organic - this type lasts longer and can be 3-8+ years before a touchup may be needed, sometimes it may never be needed!).
Other factors include: skin type, lifestyle, skin care routine, sun exposure, how saturated the tattoo is, how deep the artist went, procedure type, and your aftercare.
Regarding skin type: Oily skin fades pigment faster, where as dry, combo, and normal skin tends to hold pigment longer.
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Regarding procedure type: Brows (inorganic ink - fades quicker; about 2 years until a touchup may be needed, or organic ink - this type lasts longer and can be 3-8+ years before a touchup may be needed, sometimes it may never be needed!). Lip blush will last 2-4 years if done naturally/modestly. Eyeliner due to the skin being very thin, will last forever.
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Excess sun exposure will fade pigment faster and resort in an ashier appearance as the sun breaks down warmth in pigments quicker than the cooler colors- thus wearing sunscreen over the tattoo is important for longevity. Serum/acid usage directly on the pigment is strongly discouraged as this can alter the color in unappealing ways resorting in grey, pink, purple, green brows.
Touchups are suggested when needed to freshen up the color, but not necessary if you choose to let your tattoo fade. Touchups are discouraged if pigment is not faded enough.
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DOES PERMANENT MAKEUP AFFECT MY HAIR FOLLICLES OR HAIR?
Permanent makeup does not damage your hair follicles or hair. When done properly, permanent makeup only goes deep enough to graze the upper part of the dermis layer of your skin. Hair follicles lay deep within your dermis layer so permanent makeup should never come close enough to touch the follicles.
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HOW LONG IS THE APPOINTMENT?
Appointments are about1.5 hours long. During your appointment, we will consult with you on color choice and mapping to customize and perfect your set of brows/lips/eyeliner until you are happy with our plan. The actual tattooing portion of the appointment lasts 30-45 minutes.
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HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR MY APPOINTMENT?
Please read the "Before Your Appointment", "After Care", and "Eligibility" pages before scheduling. There are certain things you must avoid doing at different times before your appointment. The after care is also extremely important to follow to a 'T' so please be mindful when scheduling around certain events that can cause conflicts.
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IS THE FOLLOW UP INCLUDED?
I offer a complimentary touch up 8 weeks after your initial appointment for both brows, lips, and eyeliner. This appointment is the perfection appointment where we can go over the brows/lips/eyeliner again, correct any areas where pigment did not take as well as other areas, and make any adjustments. This is a two step process and typically two treatments is needed to ensure brows/lips/eyeliner retain pigment perfectly so scheduling your touch up is extremely important for longevity and results.
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HOW LONG DO THEY TAKE TO HEAL?
Please refer to the "After Care" page associated with your procedure for more in depth instructions. Everyone's skin heals differently, but the most important factor in your retention is your AFTER CARE.
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CAN I GET A PERMANENT COSMETIC PROCEDURE WHILE I'M PREGNANT/BREASTFEEDING?
No, you cannot get this procedure done while pregnant or breastfeeding.
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WHO IS INELIGIBLE FOR A PERMANENT COSMETIC PROCEDURE?
Permanent cosmetics cannot be done on individuals who: are under 18 years old, pregnant/breastfeeding, undergoing chemotherapy (or within last 6 months), currently taking accutane (or within last 6 months, have skin diseases such as Shingles, psoriasis, or eczema on the area of treatment, get keloid scarring, get hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation from wounds, taking steroids or antibiotics, have hemophilia, autoimmune disorders, liver disease, or have any severe heart conditions.
If you have diabetes, history of stroke, currently taking any prescription medications, or mild heart conditions (such as high blood pressure) that are under control, you must obtain a written approval from your doctor for the desired procedure and bring it to your appointment.
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Individuals under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be turned away. For temporary ineligibility, please refer to the pre-care pages to see what to avoid doing prior to your appointment.
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CAN YOU COVER UP OLD PERMANENT MAKEUP?
That depends, text Lo to chat about your old permanent makeup and be seen for a consultation. If we cannot work over old brows right away, pigment lifting sessions will need to be done to significantly lighten the tattoo, or laser removal at a medspa. Eyeliner cannot be worked over.
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CAN PERMANENT MAKEUP COVER SCARS ?
Yes! Machine work is able to work on scar tissue. However, scar tissue will hold pigment slightly different than virgin skin so its important to not expect perfection, but improvement.
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