8 Things You Should Know Before Booking a PERMANENT MAKEUP Appointment
Interview your artist:
Go for a consultation first – most artists offer this for free. This is common practice, and a good artist will love to have you visit and take the time to educate you further. Get to know the artist. See the salon where they work. Ask A LOT of questions:
What qualifications do they have? Ask to see them if they are not displayed.
Are they licensed?
Are they Insured?
How long have they been in the permanent makeup industry?
Ask to see before and after photos.
Ask to see healed work.
What aftercare is being given?
Check out their Goggle and Yelp reviews
2. Are you a good candidate for this treatment?
Your artist must find this out BEFORE you book an appointment. I always have my potential clients review a Pre-Treatment list before they come in. Also, a detailed consent form is to be filled out prior to the treatment. This will ask you questions related to your health. Not everyone is a good candidate (example: pregnant, taking blood thinning meds, insulin dependent…etc). In some cases, a doctor note of approval may be needed.
3. You should be part of the design process (brow treatment):
Your artist should always include you in the pre-draw/mapping design. You should be guided and well advised on the best shape to suit your facial structure, but arch, height and thickness is up to you. Do not proceed unless you are 100% satisfied with how it looks. Remember, go easy at the first appointment (baby steps). You can always go darker and thicker at the touchup. Its best to see how the skin accepts the color and adjust later if needed.
4. Will it hurt?
The service can be a little uncomfortable for those who are more sensitive. However, there is an anesthetic applied during to keep this to a minimum to where it is completely tolerable. Some people feel pain more than others, that is just how it is. If you are more sensitive than you might feel it a little more. The first thing I do is apply a numbing cream. I will continue to use it throughout the treatment. If you are feeling uncomfortable, I will stop, add more cream, and take a short break while it works its magic. Your comfort is my priority.
5. Healing - Emotional Rollercoaster:
The healing process can be alarming for some. There are many different stages that your skin goes through. Immediately after the treatment the color on your brows will start getting darker. The second day is when it will become the darkest. Day 3-4 maybe a little itchy and starting to lightly peel. Once healed, the pigment always softens 20-30% lighter. You must trust the process and be patient.
6. The pigment will fade:
The procedure is semi-permanent, the pigment is meant to lighten over time. Most clients will experience some fading after about 1.5-2.5 years and will choose to return for touch-ups.
Everyone's skin is unique and therefore may heal differently from these treatments. Depending on your skin type and how well your body heals, some areas might retain pigment better than others. The results of your procedure is determined in part by the nature of the pathology of skin type, but not limited to the following factors:
Skin Characteristics: dryness, oiliness, thickness, sun-damages, color, chemically damaged, etc.
Natural skin undertones mixing with pigment color.
Personal pH balance of skin, tanning booths, fruit acids, AHA’s and Retin A use.
Alcohol intake, smoking, sun exposure and improper skin care.
In some cases, these factors can or may interfere with acceptance and overall fading of color pigment.
7. Aftercare:
The most important thing that goes into a successful permanent makeup procedure is how well the client follows the aftercare. You want to make sure to keep the area dry as much as possible and apply a very thin layer of ointment 2-3 times a day.
Things to avoid when healing: makeup (directly on procedure area), extreme sweating, swimming, sun exposure, sauna, and laser/facial/chemical/Botox treatments.
I always tell my clients to book their treatment when they have some down time…not when they have a beach holiday or family photos booked immediately after.
8. Cost
Do not select your artist on how much they charge.
There is a common going rate around town and then there is cheap! Cheap usually means they are new to the industry, less experienced, or not busy. On the other hand, a high fee does not mean they are amazing either. Go back up to #1 on this list – ALWAYS DO YOUR RESEARCH.