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glow permanent makeup

FAQ

What is Permanent Makeup?

Permanent Makeup is a term used to describe the cosmetic tattooing of facial features (eyebrows, eyes, or lips) to improve color, shape and/or symmetry. Colored pigments are implanted into the skin with either a needle or micro blade.

Benefits?

Permanent Makeup has many benefits. Sparse eyebrows can be made to look thicker with hair like strokes, eyes can be given definition, and lips can be given a full youthful rosy glow. Permanent makeup can offer all of this while still maintaining a very natural look. It can transform mornings and evenings of time-consuming effort into minutes. Now you can have makeup that stays put through all of you daily activities without the worry of having to touch up throughout the day.

Is Permanent Makeup Safe?

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), permanent cosmetics are safe when the technician is educated in the control of Blood Borne Pathogens and follows all OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) guidelines. However, permanent cosmetics are not licensed or regulated in most states. In those states, the best assurance of safety is a permit issued by the county health department. A permit is issued only when the tattooist, business, and equipment are examined and approved by a health department inspector.

How are the procedures performed?

At Glow we use disposable microblading tools and/or needles. Every client receives a new needle or microblading tool at each visit that is completely disposed of after the procedure.

Are the pigments that are used safe?

All Pigments are gamma ray sterilized, vegan, hypoallergenic and cruelty free.

Are people allergic to the colored pigments?

Most of the pigments used for cosmetic tattooing are made to be hypo-allergenic. Studies have shown that acute (“immediate”) allergic reactions to these products are extremely rare. Delayed-hypersensitivity reactions (“delayed onset”) allergic reactions are also uncommon.

What will the final color look like?

Permanent makeup colors should be selected to compliment a person’s skin tone and hair. A conservative approach is best because it is easier to make an existing color darker versus lighter. Colors will always look darker and more intense immediately following a procedure, and then gradually lighten and soften upon healing.

Why is the color so dark right after the procedure?

When wet clothing is removed from a clothes washer, it looks darker than when it was dry. The same principle applies to permanent makeup. The pigments contain dry microscopic powder particles that are suspended in a clear liquid. As the body absorbs the liquid, the colored particles remain where they were implanted and gradually return to (“dry to”) their original powder color. In addition, the skin underneath the tattoo turns red and “flushed” from blood flow to the area during the process. The background redness contributes to the darker appearance and once the redness subsides, the color appears lighter.

How long does Permanent Makeup last?

The results are considered permanent because the tattooed color cannot be washed off. However, the color should be considered “semi-permanent” because some fading will occur over time. Color retention is affected by different factors including the shade of the original color, the person’s age and metabolism, skin type and condition, exposure to UV radiation (sun, tanning booths), smoking, certain drugs and medications, and skin peeling treatments such as Retin-A or microdermabrasion.

What is a Touch-up appointment?

A touch-up appointment is typically scheduled 6-8 weeks after your first permanent makeup session. At this second session I will determine if any adjustments need to be made to shape and/or color. Some areas will accept pigment more easily than others and your touch-up allows me time to go over those areas again and add more color if needed. Think of it as your perfecting session.

Can I remove or change my Permanent Makeup?

The removal of permanent makeup is not an easy process, if at all possible. That is why it is important to select a qualified and experienced professional who has a conservative approach. During the initial application, a “less is more” philosophy works best. A lighter, more natural color can always be changed or supplemented later with conventional makeup. It can also be adjusted or darkened if necessary with another application at a second (touch-up) appointment.

What is the recovery period like?

Immediately following a procedure, there will be mild swelling, redness, or tenderness that lasts a few hours to a few days (eyebrows swell less than eyes and lips). There may also be slight bruising with lip procedures. The color looks much darker immediately afterward for any procedure. It will lighten up within a couple weeks and will continue to lighten over several weeks. During the first week ointments must be applied to the tattooed area for protection and to minimize scabbing. Most people can go about their daily routines.

How long does each procedure take?

Many important steps are followed when a procedure is done correctly. A well-trained and experienced permanent makeup specialist will take a minimum of 2 hours or more for an initial appointment. It should include a consultation (if not done before) and a review of the person’s medical history. Time is then used for determining the best design, color selection, numbing, the actual procedure, photos, after care instructions, and answering all questions. Follow-up visits usually require less time.

Will Permanent Makeup continue to look good as I age?

Yes! Age is just a number and we all want to feel confident and have nice looking eyebrows whatever our age. I do suggest that anyone planning to have facial plastic surgery, such as a brow lift, discuss this with their permanent makeup artist. A brow lift or face lift can change the position of the tattooed area making it look different.

Can I have an MRI procedure after Cosmetic Tattooing?

Yes. Studies showed that only a few patients with an iron oxide tattoo reported a mild pulling or burning sensation during an MRI test. Most people with tattoos have had no problems. However, they recommend that a patient with a tattoo, informs the radiologist and technician where it is located because it may create a small artificial image (artifact).

Can someone donate blood after a procedure?

The Red Cross blood donation eligibility guidelines specify that each potential donor’s health history is discussed before any blood is collected. They consider any tattoo to be “acceptable if the tattoo was applied by a state-regulated entity using sterile needles and ink that is not reused.

Botox and Fillers?

Please wait at least 3 weeks before scheduling your permanent makeup procedure.

Medications and Supplements?

Accutane- Must be off of it at least one full year.

Prescription Blood Thinners? These can cause excessive bleeding and will require a physician’s approval.

Non-Prescription Medications/Supplements/Drinks that thin your Blood?

Please avoid for 48hrs Prior to your appointment. Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, Fish Oil, Vitamin E, Tumeric, Ginger, Caffeine, Alcohol, Tea. This is not an all inclusive list. If you are taking something regularly, that is not listed, please do your research to find out if it is a blood thinner. 

* People with active skin disease such as psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, open wounds and those with allergies to pigments or makeup are not good candidates for permanent makeup. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding cannot have permanent makeup done and anyone under the age of 18 cannot have permanent makeup done.

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Please Consult with your doctor if you have/had any of the following:

  • Uncontrolled high blood pressure

  • Blood-clotting problems

  • Auto-Immune conditions

  • Chemotherapy

  • Keloid Scarring 

  • Fever blisters (for lip procedures)

  • Required to take antibiotics before a dental procedure

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