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Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Permanent Makeup?

I offer several Permanent Makeup procedures! Permanent Makeup is the act of depositing pigment into the upper dermis of the skin to create the illusion of makeup. Most permanent makeup procedures will last 1-3 years depending on the service, skin type of client, and their lifestyle. Although it is considered permanent, the pigments that are used as well as the techniques are designed to fade gradually over time. Despite being designed to fade, some people will have slight remnants of pigment (usually not noticeable) after the three year mark. Microblading is a form of permanent makeup that refers to the process of creating hair-like strokes to mimic and enhance the natural look of your eyebrows. This is done by implanting pigment under the skin using a small, sterile, disposable needle which results in the look of fuller brows. 

Ombre, similarly to microblading, is a form of cosmetic tattoo. However, ombre is a fully shaded brow typically lighter towards the fronts and more concentrated towards the tails. 

Remember, all permanent makeup is low maintenance not no maintenance! You may still feel it necessary to fill in areas of your brows and will still need to manage the hair growth. Permanent makeup sits underneath of the skin, once healed it will always look lighter than when fresh and will not change the color of your actual hair. 

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How Long Does Permanent Makeup Last?

Microblading is considered to be permanent and will not wash off. However, it will fade over time and may need a touch-up every 1-2 years. Frequency of touch-ups depends on a number of factors including: Pigment color used(lighter colors fade faster), lifestyle, sun exposure, iron deficiency, and if any chemicals come into contact with the treated areas. 

Please note that final results can not be guaranteed as each unique skin type will hold pigments differently and break down at different rates. The tattooed hair strokes tend to have a more crisp look once healed on dry skin compared to more blurry strokes on oily skin. I will re-evaluate how your skin has received the pigment at your touchup appointment and make any changes necessary. Touchups are normal for cosmetic tattoo procedures, with each new procedure requiring 2+ visits.  The inital procedure is followed by a touchup procedure 6-8 weeks later. Please note that the client is responsible for booking their own follow up appointment and can book those appointments anytime within the 6-8 week timeframe. Touchups booked outside of the 6-8 week time frame may be subject to additional charges. 

Ombre typically lasts longer than microblading, most clients will come for a touchup every 2 years or so after their initial 6-8 week touchup. All permanent makeup is done in multiple sessions and will require a touchup. 

 

 

Am I  A Good Candidate For Permanent Makeup?

You are NOT a good candidate for microblading if you have very thin, aged or mature skin, extremely oily skin, or very large pores. These clients will have less than ideal healed results and are more suited for an Ombre brow. 

You are NOT a good candidate for permanent makeup if:

- You are pregnant or breastfeeding. Per the San Diego Health Dept. we do not perform cosmetic tattooing on pregnant or nursing/breastfeeding people. The hormones released while pregnant and nursing can cause poor retention, excessive bleeding, and increased pain levels.

-You are under 18. You must be 18 years of age or older to receive cosmetic tattooing. 

-Health conditions that may DISQUALIFY you include: diabetes, keloid scarring, herpes, HIV/AIDS, or other infectious diseases, active psoriasis or rosacea, acne in the brow area, auto immune diseases or health conditions where you are prone to easy bleeding. 

-If you are on any steroid medications, Accutane, Retin-A or other strong retinols, blood thinners (including aspirin regimens), currently receiving chemotherapy, have had any intense chemical peels, lasers, facials, or botox, using latisse or lash growth serums, other facial treatments, or are currently sunburned you will need to wait a certain period of time before receiving permanent makeup services. 

-I do not do touchups of other artists work; if you have previous cosmetic tattooing please send me a photo prior to booking, I will need to evaluate and approve before you book an appointment.

-Please let is know of any medical conditions or allergies you have BEFORE booking an appointment, as this may disqualify you from the procedure or we may need to source different products or change the procedure for your service. This includes all allergies food, environmental and otherwise and MUST be stated on your intake paperwork.

-You must wait at least 2 weeks after receiving botox or filler in the brow area before having cosmetic tattooing done.

-Permanent Makeup may not be performed if you have received the Covid 19 Vaccination or booster within 2 weeks of your appointment or plan to receive the vaccine up to 14 days after your appointment. 

* IF ANY OF THE ABOVE APPLIES TO YOU AND YOU DO NOT DISCLOSE PRIOR TO YOUR APPOINTMENT, YOU WILL BE REFUSED SERVICE AND FORFEIT YOUR DEPOSIT. 

 

 

Is There A Cancellation Fee?

Yes! A $50 deposit is collected for all appointments. A $25 deposit is required for all Tooth Gem Appointments. Your deposit is nonrefundable. However, it is transferrable to a different date or time if at least 24 hour notice is given. If less than 24 hour notice is given, a new deposit will be required to book another appointment.If an appointment is rescheduled multiple times, a new deposit may be required.In light of Covid 19, if you are displaying any symptoms, have been exposed to Covid or someone within your household tests positive for Covid 19 I will allow you to reschedule your appointment at no penalty. However, a negative Covid test will be required to rebook. 

Please arrive on time to your appointment, if you are more than 15 minutes late for your appointment, it will be considered a no show and a new deposit will be required to book another appointment. 

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Can I Bring Someone With Me To My Appointment?

Yes! You are able to bring one person with you to your appointment. However, these appointments are lengthy and often not very fun for bystanders. Because we are a tattoo studio, no persons under the age of 18 are allowed. Meaning no children in the studio. 

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What Forms Of Payment Do You Accept?

We accept Cash, Credit/debit, Venmo and Afterpay! If you wish to pay via Afterpay, you must inform me before booking by emailing blackcraftbeauty@gmail.com

 

How Do I Book?

To book an appointment, please see the "Booking" tab or click the "Book Now" button. From there, you will select the service you are interested in receiving and the calendar will display all available dates and times for that service! 

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Lip Blush FAQ

How does it work?

A tiny pen-like machine and a very small needle are used to gently deposit pigment into the lips. This slowly builds a beautifully natural lip color. Micropigmentation allows us to build the color gradually so that we have full control over the boldness of the lip color. Color and boldness are based on client preference.

Will it look like lipstick?

Natural Lips or Lip Blush is a technique that produces more of a "nude lip," or "lip tint," result, however, everybody's skin takes the tattoo differently. I always start light and we can build color on touchup.

How long does it last?

The retention rate of the lip tattoo depends on different factors such as the color you choose, your lifestyle, touchups, and how you care for them before and after your appointment. On average, Lip Blush fades away within 2-5 years, with most people wanting a touch up yearly.

How long does the appointment take? 

The first appointment takes 2-3 hours, and the touch up takes about 1- 2 hours. 

What is the healing process?

Some swelling and tenderness after the procedure is normal and may last a day or so. Your lips may look like you got lip filler, however, this is normal and typically subsides within the first 24 hours. Also, your lips will appear darker for the first few days. Lips have the easiest and fastest healing. It only takes about 4-5 days to heal. During this time, you will need to apply ointment as your lips will be chapped.

Can I still get a lip tattoo if I have lip filler?

Yes! In no way does having Lip filler interfere with the process of tattooing lips or the results. Note that lip filler and lip blush appointments MUST be at least 4 weeks apart from each other.

Can we go outside of the lipline? 

Yes, only 2mm. The skin on the lips is not the same as on the face and things can look unnatural or get unpredictable when we tattoo too far outside the natural lipline. 

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Saline Removal FAQ

  • Saline removal is a machine technique where we tattoo saline solution (salt + purified water) into the skin to break up the previous tattoo work

  • Most ideal solution for brow tattoo removal since it gives clients a higher chance of being able to receive a new set of brows

  • Less risks in comparison to laser removal

  • Less expensive in comparison to laser removal

  • It may take anywhere from 2-8 sessions to remove pigment

WHAT IS SALINE REMOVAL?

Saline Removal is the process of tattooing a saline “salt” solution into the skin in order to start the process of osmosis and lift/lighten the pigment. The extracted pigment is then lifted to the surface of the skin and begins scab formation and once the scab falls off the old lifted pigment/ink goes with it leaving behind a lighter tattoo.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Saline removal works via Osmosis. Essentially, the water in the cells beneath the pigment contain smaller amounts of salt and water. Therefore, when saline solution is tattooed onto the skin those cells will rise to the area containing a higher concentration of salt producing equalization.

WHY SHOULD YOU GET SALINE REMOVAL VERSUS LASER?

  • Laser removal sessions are usually 2-3 times more expensive than that of saline removal sessions.

  • Depending upon the type of laser used, most laser machines are only able to produce certain  wavelengths which means they’re only able to target one color at a time. This leads to needing a lot more sessions.

  • Saline Removal does not recognize colors therefore it will lighten the tattoo overall versus a laser removal which will more than likely only target one color at a time. For example, if the wavelengths of the laser machine only target the blue of a tattoo then the reds of the tattoo will be left behind.

HOW MANY SESSIONS ARE NEEDED?

  • The amount of sessions varies greatly dependent upon:

    • How old the tattoo work is

    • How dark the pigment is

    • What type of pigment was used

    • The color of the pigment (Black pigment settles the deepest)

  • It may take anywhere from approx. 2-8 sessions. An estimate on how many sessions are needed will be given after the first couple of saline removal sessions.

  • There is a high chance that the pigment will not be 100% removed.

CAN I GET THIS DONE IF I HAVE PREVIOUS MICROBLADING WORK?

  • Yes, you can.

Tooth Gem FAQ

-Are they safe?

yes. Our selection of gems are made for long term wear in the mouth without breaking down. We don't use hot-fix crystals or gold plated charms, only the best materials!

-How long does the procedure take?

Typically about 15 minutes.

-Can I get a Tooth Gem if I have veneers?

Unfortunately tooth gems can only be applied to real, healthy teeth.

-How do i remove the gem if I don't want it anymore?

If you want the gem removed, simply make an appointment at your regular dentist. Unfortunately I cannot remove them for you. 

-What if I swallow a gem? 

No biggie! all gems and gold used have no sharp edges, they will do no internal damage. If swallowed they will simply pass through the natural way. 

-Can I get them if I wear Invisalign?

Invisalign and other tooth formed retainers are not compatible with tooth gems. If you wear a wire retainer, you can bring it with you to your appointment and we can work around the wires to place your gems.

-Can I still have my teeth cleaned?

Yes, it is recommended to go to your semi annual dentist appointments for teeth cleaning. The hygienist can easily clean around the gem. It is important to keep up with your regular dental hygiene. 

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