FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
Permanent makeup is sometimes called semi-permanent make up or micropigmentation. They are all forms of cosmetic tattooing but there is a major difference between this treatment and a traditional tattoo.
Permanent make up treatments are performed using a digital machine that implants PMU pigments into the top layer of the skin. Fine lines are drawn that look like hairs and these can be micro-weaved into your own natural hairs to restore a full natural brow, or a complete brow can be created using multiple ‘hair’ strokes.
A traditional tattoo goes much deeper and uses different pigments - tattoo ink is unsuitable for the sensitive skin of the facial features.
Permanent make up pigments are made from mineral and organic material and are designed to fade over time, lasting between 12-18 months after which you can top up your permanent make up with a maintenance treatment called a colour boost to refresh colour, shape and definition.
When it comes to differentiating permanent makeup versus semi-
permanent makeup, Sep believes it's important to know that many artists use
different names for the same procedures due to cultural differences, artistic expression, and marketing.
This can get confusing. "Cosmetic tattoo" regulations vary from country to country, technically all treatments are considered permanent from a health department standpoint.
Either way, whether it's a permanent or semi-permanent procedure the treatments can't be washed off. this can be confusing for the client. Some may think they want something semipermanent for a fear of commitment and some may think they want something to last forever so they never need to worry about it again. All of these treatments require opening the skin, correct sterilisation and sanitation.
Since the skin is a living breathing organ it's desirable to have pigments that fade over time. Our skin and appearance can change over time, so the fading process allows us to make tweaks as the years goon to adapt to a look that's current and flattering.
In years past, traditional carbon-based tattoo ink was used for permanent makeup. It lasted much longer and usually aged to a very unflattering colour.
Pigments have advanced a great deal in recent years. Now pigments are made specially for the permanent makeup industry and specifically for the face.
The skin on the face is very different than the rest of the body. The combination of advancements in pigments and the fading process allows for a beautiful cosmetic
solution that won't simply be washed off but can be tweaked as years go on.
Microblading involves using a hand held tool with a row or configuration of tiny needles which look like a blade. This is used to implant pigment into the skin in tiny hair like strokes. I use the machine method. It has a tiny single needle which is attached to a hand piece (pen like device) driven by a digital permanent
make-up machine to implant pigment into the skin in tiny hair like strokes.
Generally micro-blading treatments will require more frequent re-touches as a smaller amount of pigment is implanted (tattooed) into the skin as compared with the machine method.
Until recently micro-blading could produce much finer strokes than the machine method but with advances in technology and new 'nano' needles it is now possible to create super fine natural strokes with a digital machine. I perform all procedures using the most advanced device in the world.
Although permanent cosmetics and medical tattooing are a form of tattooing, the pain factor is considered to be less pronounced as these treatments are gentler and less invasive.
A numbing cream is applied at the beginning of your treatment which is absorbed into the skin within a 10-20 minutes. Once the cream is absorbed very little feeling remains. You will only feel a scratching feeling while I am doing my first pass and marking the shape and design of the brow/lips/eyes with the fine needles.
No, not for at least 5-7 days keep the treated area dry to reduce the risk of complications or infection and to retain the maximum amount of pigment implanted.
After 5-7 days no direct running water on the tattooed area this means do not have
the shower running onto your face.
After 5-7 days, when you start washing your brows use a soft face washer to wash your face and only dab at the tattooed area gently, no rubbing for at least two weeks.
A second appointment is very important 4-12 weeks after your first treatment. This is because as the area is healing, some parts may not 'hold' as well as others and you may have a few patches that need more colour. This is completely normal and everyone heals differently. Whatever the case, we advise you to always come back for your retouch.
Occasionally a third visit is necessary for certain clients with resistance skin.
This varies from person to person because skin type, diet, genetics and environmental factors can all contribute to how long the pigments will be retained.
As a guide, it could be anything between one to five years before they fully fade, although refresher colour boost is recommended every 12-18months for maintenance during this time. Once the colour starts to fade you will know that you are ready for your refresher colour boost. It is important to remember that permanent make-up is a "low", not a "no" maintenance treatment.
All permanent makeup treatments require two sessions to sufficiently provide
enough pigment into the skin to last. This is NOT body art tattoo ink but a pharmaceutical, medical grade pigment made from glycerine and water with a powder compound designed to work its way out of your system over a period of time.
Please note just like a regular tattoo, every skin takes to the pigment differently, this is rare but some people at times have a resistance skin type, where the ink doesn't like to take and may need more than two treatments to achieve the desired result.
The First session/treatment looks great; you will be overwhelmed with renewed confidence as you get used to your newly enhanced shape which forms the foundation for your amazing new look.
The Second treatment, called the top up, reinforces the colour and creates depth,
thus providing a longer lasting result.
Ideally the top up appointment is scheduled at a minimum of 1 month to a maximum of 3-4 months after your first visit.
This treatment is a great time saver and a confidence booster if you want to look polished at all times.
It is a godsend when you wake up late
 and have to rush your make-up or
have no time at all to apply it. Or perhaps vour vision is not as good as it was, or you simply feel that you're not great at make-up application.
After suffering brow hair loss or
 thinning, re-define your brows and regain your pre loss look Clients who have lost their brows due 
to age or illness
Poor eyesight or shaky hands can mean make up application is far from
 easy or straightforward
"There are two things my clients tell me this treatment has given them, one is it's given them their confidence back and the other it has saved them time in the
morning! Those two things are worth a lot..
Avoid exposure to Sun, Salt Chlorine &
Chemicals if you've just had your cosmetic tattoo done
Exposure to the sun over time can cause fading and colour change
Wear a sun block, or products containing UVA/UVB blocks, and wear sunglasses to protect your eyeliner
Salt or chlorinated water can cause
bleaching effect
Chemicals of any kind could interfere with the healing and the colour
Glycolic Acid and face peel products must be kept completely away from the Tattoo as continued use could 
lighten colour
If you are having laser resurfacing or laser hair removal after your Cosmetic Tattoo, please inform that laser operator of your Cosmetic Tattoo procedure
Hitting the tattoo with the laser beam
 could darken it, or it may turn grey or black