FAQ

Permanent Makeup, otherwise known as Micropigmentation is the process of implanting a hypo-allergenic pigment into the dermal layer of the skin to achieve perfectly designed bespoke eyebrows, eyeliner or lip blush.

Over time the pigment will fade to some extent, therefore ‘top-up’ appointments will be required somewhere between 6 and 18 months.

The length of time between your top up appointments and the degree to which the pigment will fade over time is dependent on a wide range of factors e.g. skin type, lifestyle choice, age, medication and general health.

Both Permanent Make Up (also known as digital or cosmetic tattooing) and Microblading are both different methods of implanting pigment into the skin.

Microblading is the manual use of a super fine blade (a microblade) to create shallow cuts in the skin which look like hair strokes. Pigment is then implanted into these cuts in the skin.

For Digital Brows, we use an electronically powered machine and a needle to implant the pigment, which is more similar to a conventional tattoo (but much less aggressive and the pigment does not go as deep).

A wider range of effects can be achieved with Digital Permanent Make Up including shading, whipshading and ombré.

Some individuals will have skin that is better suited to a specific method, and some to a combination of the two.

Your artist will advise you which method is the most suitable for your skin and desired outcome.

For all of our treatments a free in depth, bespoke consultation prior to the procedure is available to;

1) Assess your skin type
2) Discuss in depth your procedure of interest
3) Test pigment swatches and colour match to your skin tone
4) Review your individual requirements and give you advice on the best treatment options available to you
5) Explain the steps involved in the procedure and the necessary aftercare
6) Perform a pigment patch test
7) Create an individualised treatment plan based on your taste, desires and preferences
8) Answer any questions you may have.

Consultations can be booked before the day of your procedure or on the day. Consultations take place at our beautiful, luxury clinic in Chelmsford or via a video call depending on your preference.

A preliminary consultation is used to understand what you would like to achieve and to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for micropigmentation. Your skin will be assessed as well as any contraindications you may have that could prohibit us from going ahead.

We will be able to answer any questions you have and you will be given a patch test. Either at this point, or at the beginning of the procedure you will be given a consent form to sign, giving us permission to carry out your desired treatment and a medical health questionnaire.

A patch test will be given to you at least 24 hours prior to any treatment to help determine us whether they have an allergy to pigment we will be using.

We only use pigments that have been specially selected for their hypo-allergenic qualities, therefore an allergic reaction of this nature is very rare, however, we are legally obligated to ensure that we carry out a patch test prior to any new treatment with us.

This is a non-invasive and quick procedure whereby a small dot of pigment will be applied behind the ear to see if the skin develops any adverse reaction over time.

We will require a medical history questionnaire to be completed prior to going ahead with any procedure, in order to ascertain your eligibility for treatment.

We require that you are:

• Be over the age of 18.
• Not be pregnant of breastfeeding.
• Have obtained a doctors’ written consent if you are currently undergoing chemotherapy or suffer from an immune condition.
• Aware that you will not be able to give blood for one year following treatment
• Aware that if you are to have an MRI, the individual giving the MRI should be made aware that you have permanent make up.

Unfortunately, we will be unable to carry out any micropigmentation treatment if you have any of the following conditions:

(The list below is not exhaustive, but these are the most common contraindications preventing a client from having treatment.)

• Auto-immune conditions (will require doctors’ consent prior to treatment)
• Antabuse (must have finished course of medication)
• Insulin dependent diabetes
• Epilepsy
• Haemophilia HIV/Aids Hepatitis B and C
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Problems with skin healing
• Roaccutane – Must allow 6 months after completing the course before having treatment
• Undergoing chemotherapy – Need doctors’ consent prior to treatment
• Keloid scarring
• Lupus

The majority of clients require 2 initial Permanent Make Up treatments after which you will require at least one treatment per year to ensure that your make-up stays fresh and fabulous looking all year round.

Results can be expected to last approximately 1-3 years depending on your skin type and lifestyle factors.

Pigment implantation is partially affected by differing skin types as well as by the following:

• Medication
• Natural skin overtones
• Skin characteristics (dryness, oil, sun damage, thickness and or colour)
• pH balance of the skin
• Scarring from any previous surgery
• Botox and facial filler can alter the shape and symmetry of your treatment. Please ensure that you allow 21 days before and after any treatment.
• Lip filer can reduce the pigment retention

Depending on the treatment, we recommend at least 2-3 hours for each new procedure to ensure that the you receive a detailed and personalised consultation and bespoke treatment.

Micro-pigmentation procedures can leave residue pigment in the skin permanently, however, it cannot be truly classed in the same category as a permanent tattoo, as in many cases the pigment will fade and may even disappear completely.

If the procedure was classed as semi-permanent makeup, this would imply that the skin will return to its original pre-tattooed stage at some point (this usually would not be the case).

Traditional tattooing procedures are practiced using inks and dyes which are dissolved in a wetting agent and implanted at a deeper level into the lower reticular layer of the dermis.

Micro-pigmentation procedures only implant pigment into the upper reticular layer of the dermis, and although there may be a small degree of colour visible in the skin for a lifetime, the degree of colour will usually fade and maintenance procedures are required every 12-18 months to ensure clarity of colour and design.

To keep the colour, shape and detail of your Permanent Makeup ‘fresh’ over time, we recommend shorter, Annual Colour Boosting sessions. The frequency of these sessions will largely depend on the integrity of your skin and other lifestyle factors.

Pain and discomfort completely subjective, however, the vast majority of clients report a mild scratchy sensation and that they experienced very minimal levels of discomfort throughout their procedure.

You may be more sensitive during your menstrual period, therefore, it is advisable to book your treatment with this in mind.

We will minimise any discomfort by:

• The use of topical anaesthetic
• Working accurately and with speed
• Giving breaks at the your request
• Use cooling antiseptic products throughout the treatment
• Adopting the correct stretching technique

• Please do not take any ibuprofen, aspirin or alcohol within 72 hours of your appointment. This could increase the likelihood of any bleeding and result in poor pigment retention.
• Remove any false lashes prior to attending your eyeliner appointment. You should wait 2 weeks after your eyeliner treatment before applying false lashes.
• Let your artist know if you are taking any medications or have any health concerns prior to treatment.
• Wait 21 days after any botox or filler treatments before you have your permanent makeup.
• Do not apply makeup to the treated area for at least 24 hours. It is not advisable to wear mascara for a week after your eyeliner treatment.
• If you have ever had cold sores you must take Zovirax or Aciclover tablets 5 days before and 5 days after your lip treatment.

Full aftercare instructions will be provided at your appointment.

Please read them carefully and ensure you follow them to ensure the best possible results for your permanent makeup procedure.

Please follow your aftercare instructions carefully and avoid the following after your treatment for at least 1 week:

• Steam rooms
• Saunas
• Swimming Pools and jacuzzis
• Excessive exercise
• Chemical peels and exfoliants
• Direct shower spray
• Makeup, cleanser, moisturiser, toner directly on the treated area
• Frequent use of eye drops – Eyeliner procedures only
• Lash or bow tinting, perming, waxing, threading and tweezing (avoid for 2 weeks)
• Direct sunlight and sunbeds (2 weeks)