Frequently Asked Questions

What is permanent makeup?

Permanent makeup, also known as cosmetic tattooing or micro pigmentation, is the process of skillfully depositing tiny amounts of pigment into the dermis layer of the skin to enhance features such as eyebrows, eyes, and lips. The results are beautiful, immediate and permanent (*but will need touch ups in order to maintain desired color and shape).

Who is a good candidate for permanent makeup?

Busy people on the go such as doctors, nurses, teachers, any anyone else who doesn't have the opportunity or interest in reapplying makeup through the day. Permanent makeup allows you to get ready quickly and easily and you'll always look fresh and flawless.
Athletes or active people who frequently swim or sweat. Permanent makeup never smears, smudges, or washes off.
Those who wear heavy makeup. Permanent makeup can act as a base that you can add to and embellish.
Those with poor eyesight, shaky hands, or those who struggle with uneven eyebrows, eyeliner, or lip lines.

Does it hurt?

A highly-effective, topical anesthetic gel is used for numbing before, and during your procedure, Pain threshold levels vary from person to person and every effort is made to ensure you remain comfortable for the entirety of the procedure. Most clients report discomfort anywhere between a 0-3 on a scale of 1-10. Having this service performed during your menstrual cycle may increase discomfort during your procedure. If you are a frequent smoker, the topical anesthetics used during the treatment will not last as long. If you have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, be aware that this may affect your sensitivity tolerance to the procedure.

How old do I have to be to get cosmetic tattooing?

You must be 18 years or older to receive any permanent makeup treatments at PrettyInk Loft Permanent Cosmetics.

Can I have cosmetic tattooing if I am pregnant?

As a precaution, I do not perform cosmetic tattooing on pregnant women. Also, I cannot treat you if you have been on Accutane and have not been off the medication for at least 12 months. If you have any autoimmune disorders or health conditions that you feel might affect the pain, healing or results, please consult your doctor. Certain circumstances will sometimes require a doctor's note to move forward.

How long does cosmetic tattoo last?

Cosmetic tattoo treatments are considered permanent and will not wash off, however, they will fade over time and will need to be refreshed to maintain the desired look. Frequency of sessions depends on a number of factors including: the pigment color used (lighter colors fade faster), lifestyle, sun exposure, health of skin, medications, health conditions, old permanent makeup, metabolism etc. Please note that final results CANNOT be guaranteed as each unique skin type will hold pigments differently and break down at different rates. I will re-evaluate how your skin has received the pigment at your second session and make any changes necessary. Additional sessions are not uncommon for cosmetic tattoo procedures. Your second session can be booked no sooner than 6-8 weeks after the initial appointment and is $100. Additional sessions will be charged according to the current pricing. Previously tattooed areas may require additional appointments, and consultation is required beforehand. I have full discretion on who I take on as a client. Refer to service menu for more specifics on individual services.

How many treatments are needed?

For most clients, a minimum of two treatments is always needed, at least 6-8 weeks apart. With most procedures, the color looks lighter after the first week. Some clients prefer this, while others prefer a bolder look. At the second session, I will assess the color retention and make adjustments as necessary. Everyone heals differently and at unique rates. If your cosmetic tattoo does not heal perfectly after the first session, do not worry! I can always go darker and add more density at your next appointment. The great thing about permanent makeup is that it is 100% fully customizable. It can be soft and natural or a more dramatic makeup look, whatever your preference. I am trained in highly specialized techniques to give you the look that you desire.

PLEASE NOTE: If you have had your eyebrows previously tattooed and are interested in a cover-up/re-work, you MUST text/email me a clear photo PRIOR to booking your appointment. I cannot guarantee results for cases such as these and I must approve if you are a workable case. In some cases where the previous work is too dark, dense, discolored, or large, tattoo removal will be highly recommended before I begin the cover-up/re-work. Previously tattooed areas and cover-ups will always require additional touch-ups for best results and will be charged accordingly.

What factors will affect my permanent cosmetics?

Sun exposure: The sun will definitely soften the look of your tattoo, so sunblock should always be used (once healed) to prolong your results.
Medications, health conditions, age, skin type, diseases, autoimmune disorders, excess oil, unhealthy skin, previously tattooed area, problematic skin, etc. Please consult a doctor if you're on any medications, or have any health conditions that could possible interfere in any way with your permanent makeup results.
The regeneration of skin cells: The longer the regeneration takes, the longer the pigment holds.
The speed at which the skin absorbs the pigment: The slower the absorption, the longer the pigment will hold.
The choice of color: Some colors fade quicker than others, e.g. a blonde color will fade quicker than a dark brown color.
Bleeding during the procedure: Excess bleeding during the tattooing procedure will reduce the amount of pigment absorption. Alcohol and certain medications act as blood-thinners and should not be taken prior to your appointment.

What should I do before the procedure?

If you have an ideal shape and color in mind, bring a few inspiration photos with you to your appointment.
You may fill in your eyebrows as you normally would so I can take into consideration the shape you desire.
If you regularly get your eyebrows shaped, waxed, threaded or tinted, please do so at least 3 days before your appointment. However, I would prefer you to let them grow out until your appointment, and if there are any stray hairs that fall outside of our final shape, I can remove them.

AVOID any blood-thinning medications for a minimum of 48-hours prior to your appointment. This includes Vitamin E, Aspirin, Niacin, fish oil supplements, and Ibuprofen. Feel free to check whether any of the medications or supplements you are taking are blood thinners, just to better ensure your results. It's better to be safe than sorry.

Do not drink any alcohol the night before and day of your appointment and limit the amount of caffeine you consume.
If you have been on prescription Accutane in the past, you MUST wait at least one year before considering these procedures.
Do not work out the day of your appointment.
It is highly recommended that you avoid SUN and TANNING BED exposure for at least 14 days BEFORE and AFTER your procedure. If you show up for your appointment with a new tan or a sunburn, you will need to reschedule and will forfeit your deposit. As your skin exfoliates from a sunburn, it will take the pigment with it.
NO BOTOX and/or FILLER TREATMENTS for 2 weeks prior to your appointment.

How will I look immediately after my procedure?

Your permanent makeup will appear darker, fuller, and more intense than expected for the first few days. This will gradually lighten during the 7-10 day healing process. Redness and/or swelling is minimal to none, and softens after 12-24 hours depending on sensitivity.

What should I do after the procedure?

I have detailed aftercare instructions that we will go over during your initial appointment, and I keep it very simple for you because I find that this gives the clients the best result. I will send you home with all the information and post care you will need to take care of your new permanent makeup. It is highly beneficial to follow these instructions to ensure a comfortable healing process and to achieve the best results.

If you are a frequent smoker, out in the sun often, or do not follow my post-treatment instructions, your results might not look as defined, and pigment may fade sooner.

If you are iron deficient or anemic, your pigment may fade sooner and bleeding/bruising may occur during and after the procedure.

What should I know about long term care?

A good sunscreen should be applied daily AFTER healing and is required to help keep color true. As with any tattoo, sun exposure will make the color soften faster and affect the integrity of the color.

Fading speed depends on your skin type, lifestyle, sun exposure, pigment color used, broken capillaries, and if any chemical peels were done after your procedure. Results vary by each client, and absolutely NO results can and will be guaranteed. Additional touch-ups are priced accordingly.

Is the studio and equipment safe?

YES! I pride myself in having an immaculate and sterile studio space. I only use single-use, disposable needles and supplies. This means that each set-up for each new client is discarded safely afterwards. Each station is thoroughly disinfected before opening and after each procedure throughout the day.

What methods of payment do you accept, and what is your current pricing?

I accept cash, credit card (VISA/MasterCard/AMEX/Discover) payments. Current pricing is located under the "Services" tab. Online booking also available for your convenience. Feel free to contact me with further questions!

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