FAQs - Microblading & Cosmetic Tattoos, Henna Brow Tinting,

Q: How do I know what service is right for me or if I am a good candidate?
A: Schedule a Free Consultation and let's talk about your medical history, styles you like, and your goals!

Q: How is Permanent Makeup performed?

A: There are a few methods: Microblading, which is only done with eyebrows, is where a row of tiny needles are used to etch hair strokes into the skin which are filled with pigment to give the illusion of more hair in the brow. Machine work is done with a tattoo machine, which typically looks like a pen, and has an up and down movement instead, which causes less trauma to the skin and is used for all areas (brows, lips and eyeliner). Hand Tapping is just a manual version of the machine, where there is no motor and you are just pushing with your hand instead. The implantation of pigment is still with an up and down motion. 

Q: Does it hurt?

A: Very little pain or discomfort is generally felt, and in most cases, we do use numbing solutions to minimize discomfort. After the service, some discomfort may be felt (as with any tattoo) but is not bad. I like to compare it to that of a cat scratch or sunburn at its worst.

Q: How long does it take to heal?

A: There are stages to the healing. Skin takes on average about a month to fully cycle through and heal completely, but the first week or two are the most sensitive as it needs to be treated like a wound as the skin starts to repair. There is little to no down time as far as the way it will look, but it is important to plan around any vacations, beach days, exercise routines, etc., as you will need to avoid sun, sweat, soaking, steam, etc. as they heal.

Q: How long does it last?

A: Everyone is different - all kinds of factors play into this, from your skin type to your age to many facets of your lifestyle. But on average, people tend to get a good 1-3 years out of the perfect results, and then it will begin to fade and color boosts will be needed to keep it looking fresh. Permanent Makeup pigments are designed to fade, and the latest and greatest are formulated to fade evenly, so that as you age and your features change, it can be tweaked and refreshed to still fit your face and look.

Q: Is it permanent?

A: Yes. The molecules remain even if the pigment (color) fades. This is why some people call it permanent makeup and others call it semi-permanent makeup. It is a tattoo, but since it's on your face, it will fade due to sun, exfoliants, etc., faster and more so than body tattoos. Color boosting touch ups are encouraged every  year or so.

Q: How should I prepare for my permanent makeup appointment?

A: Avoid or limit smoking, alcohol, caffeine, or other blood thinners or anti-coagulants (ibuprofen, aspirin, fish oil, etc.) for 24-48 hours before your appointment! This can all affect how well your appointment goes - how much you bleed, how your skin reacts, and therefore your healing and pigment retention! You also should not have sunburn or any other skin ailments in the area to be tattooed. 

Q: Any pre-care tips for each area?

A: For permanent lip blush, be sure to exfoliate and moisturize for days or weeks leading up to your appointment so your lips are healthy and not chapped. Also speak to your PCP about getting an oral anti-viral (such as Acyclovir) to take for three days before through three days after your procedure, if you have ever had a cold sore or are unsure. Getting a cold sore from this service is likely if you have the virus, so this will help minimize the risk. (This is not medical advice as I am not a medical provider, just advice to seek medical advice from your PCP!)

For permanent eyebrows, make sure you are not sunburnt, have not been on Accutane for at least a year, have not had a chemical or laser peel for a couple months, and have not had any botox/fillers for a few weeks. 

For permanent eyeliner, please make sure you have a pair of glasses to wear for the day of the service and at least a couple days after, if you normally wear contacts. You will have to go without contacts for the service and through the first stage of healing. Also you must not have eyelash extensions. If you do, please make sure they are removed at least a week ahead of your permanent eyeliner appointment.

Q: Can you get permanent makeup if you are pregnant or breastfeeding?

A: You cannot get any permanent makeup or any other tattoos while pregnant or breastfeeding. 

Q: What is Brow Henna?

A: A natural and healthy way to tint your eyebrow skin and hair temporarily and non-invasively. 

Q: How long does brow henna last?

A: About a week or two on the skin, and up to 6 weeks on the hair (depending on your skincare products/regimen).

Q: What is Saline Lightening/Removal?

A: Li-ft saline solution is made up of a special formula of salts and fruit seed extracts, and is tattooed into the skin. By the process of osmosis, water carries the pigment molecules up from the dermis to the epidermis and then out of the skin.

Q: What does it feel like?

A: It feels just like a normal tattoo but might sting a bit more due to the salt. But we do use topical anesthetics to ease any discomfort if you want it.

Q: How long does it take?

A: If you want something completely removed, it will likely take several sessions, so expect a commitment of likely more than a year. We can only enter the skin every 8 weeks, and ideally no more than 3-4 times in a year, so that the skin heals up entirely in between sessions, and to minimize risk of scarring. If you just want something lightened so it can be covered, it could be only one or two sessions, but likely still at least 3-4 or more. It all depends on many variables - the pigments, level of saturation, age, location, your unique skin type, lifestyle, etc. Best to start with a free consultation so we can take a look and establish goals and expectations!

Q: How big of an area can you treat?

A: This is best for smaller tattoos as we only want to work on a small area at a time to minimize any risks with healing (infection, scarring, etc.). The most we would want to do in one session is the size of a deck of cards or smaller. So if you have a large piece you want removed, this method may not be very efficient.

Q: Does this work for all tattoos?

A: Yes, this works on both body art and permanent makeup (cosmetic tattoos), and all colors of ink/pigment.

Q: What is the parking situation like?

A: There is free street parking out front, and a parking lot free to all guests along the north side of the building, accessible from both 63rd and 64th Streets, but stay near 64th to be closest to our building entrance which is on 64th St!

Q: Where are you located?

A: Inside 6330 W Greenfield Avenue 53214, but our entrance is actually on 64th street, not on Greenfield or facing the parking lot - those doors go to the main lobby for the condos above, only. You cannot access the businesses from these entrances. Instead, make sure you are on 64th St, and you will find a set of doors with signs for Lula Mae and Tiger Lily (at the west side of the building).

Q: What is your cancellation policy?

A: We ask that you give more than 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel your appointment. This allows a chance for others to still book in and fill that time.

Deposits are required for most services, and always go toward the cost of service.

Deposits for permanent services are refundable if cancellation is made more than 48 hours ahead of appointment. Cancellations made within 48 hours of appointment time will forfeit deposit or be subject to a fee equal to 20% of the service fee. Same-day cancellations and no-call/no-shows will be charged the full service amount to the card on file, or an invoice will be sent and due upon receipt if a card can't be processed. (If a deposit was paid, this would be the remainder of the service fee less that prior paid amount.)

Brow Henna appointments require payment up front to hold appointment. Payment is refundable if cancelled at least 48 hours ahead of appointment. Payment is not refundable for cancellations within 48 hours and no-call/no-shows. 

Consultations are free, but still require a $25 deposit to book, in order to hold the appointment. This fee is applicable toward the cost of any service, which would make the consultation free. Fee is only not refundable in the event of a late cancellation or no-call/no-show. 

We know things come up unexpectedly sometimes, which can cause a last-minute scheduling conflict, but please let us know! You can shoot a quick reply to any appointment reminder emails/texts, send a message through social media, call us, whatever is easiest, to give us a heads up if you aren't able to make it in.

It should go without saying, but No-Shows are the worst, and cost time, money, etc. We're here for you, and excited for every appointment! But we don't have to be here if clients aren't coming in. So, we ask that you please be respectful of our and everyone else's time by letting us know if you can't make it in, so no one's time or resources are wasted.