what is cosmetic tattooing
Cosmetic tattooing is also called permanent or semi-permanent makeup. The specialized techniques used for permanent cosmetics are often referred to as “micropigmentation” or “micropigment implantation." The process involves implanting semi-permanent pigment beneath the surface of the skin with disposable needles to produce the appearance of hair strokes and/or makeup. Each service offered at Studio Bordeaux is unique in that it includes a FREE consultation, expert customization to create the blueprint for enhancing the natural facial features of each guest and special aftercare instructions to ensure the best possible retention and results.
how are permanent cosmetic procedures performed
Permanent cosmetics procedures at Studio Bordeaux are performed using various devices, including a digital rotary machine with disposable needles, and/or disposable hand held permanent makeup tools. The process includes a FREE consultation, a customized blueprint for enhancing natural facial features, application of pigment, and a 4-6 week touch up visit ($100) to evaluate the healed design work.
who benefits from permanent makeup
- People who meet minimum age requirements
- Individuals who desire a soft, natural enhancement to their appearance
- People who can’t wear traditional cosmetics due to allergies and skin sensitivities
- People who are active and don’t want to worry about “sweating off” or reapplying cosmetics
- Permanent Cosmetics also benefits those who are visually impaired or who have difficulty applying their cosmetics; and others with dexterity related conditions such as arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke survivors, and busy people who don’t have time to spend applying or refreshing makeup throughout the day and evening
are you a candidate
Permanent makeup is NOT recommended for those who are/have:
- Pregnant/nursing
- Diabetic Epilepsy
- Viral/Infectious Diseases
- Receiving Chemotherapy (consult doctor first)
- Pacemaker or heart issues
- Received an organ transplant Sick (Cold/Flu)
PLEASE NOTE: * if you are pregnant, taking blood thinners, are prone to keloid scarring, or have active eczema or psoriasis wounds in the brow area, cosmetic tattooing is not an option for you, unless you have written notification from a doctor stating otherwise. Also, if you are anemic or a smoker, your pigment will more than likely fade much faster than average. Additionally, if you have products with Retin-A or Retinos, and/or Glycolic they can and will impact your comsetic tattooing and impact retention.
how long does it last
"Permanent" cosmetic tattoo procedures are considered permanent because pigment is tattooed into the upper reticular part of the dermal layer of the skin and cannot be washed off. However, as with any tattoo or colorant (pigment), fading can and often does occur, requiring periodic maintenance referred to as a touch up which is why these procedures are actual semi-permanent. Furthermore, retention varies from person to person and cannot be guaranteed for various reasons, including skin type, and/or mature skin. Like tattooing, cosmetic tattooing is an art, not a science.
Normal to dry skin types are best-suited for microblading. For oily skin types, or mature skin, a powder brow is usually recommended since oily skin types usually heal with either little to no retention, or with blurry, diffused strokes. Additional options that may suit oily or mature skin types include a permanent powder fill, or a blade & shade option. Moreover, sensitive skin types often bleed much more during the procedure that can also cause poor retention.
PLEASE NOTE: * if you are pregnant, taking blood thinners, are prone to keloid scarring, or have active eczema or psoriasis wounds in the brow area, cosmetic tattooing is not an option for you unless written notification is provided by a doctor. Also, if you are anemic or a smoker, your pigment will more than likely fade much faster than average.
**if you have had any previous microblading or brow tattooing done in the past that is still visible, your service will most likely be considered corrective work and your appointment will be booked as such. Additionally, results for individuals who have had previous permanent makeup vary and retention cannot be guaranteed. Any previous pigment used by a prior technician outside Studio Bordeaux may contain ingredients that make it difficult for our technician's to work over. *Clear photos of your previously tattooed brows are required and must be approved before booking you appointment. If you book a corrective procedure before getting approved, you run the risk of forfeiting your deposit.
Normal to dry skin types are best-suited for microblading. For oily skin types, or mature skin, a powder brow is usually recommended since oily skin types usually heal with either little to no retention, or with blurry, diffused strokes. Additional options that may suit oily or mature skin types include a permanent powder fill, or a blade & shade option. Moreover, sensitive skin types often bleed much more during the procedure that can also cause poor retention.
PLEASE NOTE: * if you are pregnant, taking blood thinners, are prone to keloid scarring, or have active eczema or psoriasis wounds in the brow area, cosmetic tattooing is not an option for you unless written notification is provided by a doctor. Also, if you are anemic or a smoker, your pigment will more than likely fade much faster than average.
**if you have had any previous microblading or brow tattooing done in the past that is still visible, your service will most likely be considered corrective work and your appointment will be booked as such. Additionally, results for individuals who have had previous permanent makeup vary and retention cannot be guaranteed. Any previous pigment used by a prior technician outside Studio Bordeaux may contain ingredients that make it difficult for our technician's to work over. *Clear photos of your previously tattooed brows are required and must be approved before booking you appointment. If you book a corrective procedure before getting approved, you run the risk of forfeiting your deposit.
in preparation for the procedure | pre care
What should I do before my appointment?
- If you normally get your eyebrows waxed or threaded to maintain the shape, you may get them shaped 3 days prior to your microblading appointment
- If you would like your artist to use as much hair as possible, you may let your eyebrows grow until your microblading appointment. Your artist will pluck, or razor any stray hairs that you wish to remove after the mapping of your new eyebrows
- Avoid tanning two weeks prior to your microblading appointment
- If you are on antibiotics, email your artist at least 48 hours prior to your appointment to reschedule
- Do NOT come to your microblading appointment with a sunburn on your forehead or flaking skin around your eyebrows. In this case, email your artist at least 48 hours prior to your appointment to reschedule
- Avoid chemical peels at least 4 weeks prior to your microblading appointment
- All facials & skin treatments must be done 4 weeks prior to your appointment or 4 weeks after your appointment
- You can get Botox & fillers 4 weeks prior to your appointment or 4 weeks after your appointment
- You must be off Retin-A or Retinols 14 days before appointment and avoid the area you are tattooing for 30 days after. If used before 30 days, it can cause the pigments to fade prematurely
- If you are on blood thinners, a note is required from your Doctor allowing you to go off of them for 3 days prior to your procedure, and the note must also have the Doctor's approval for the procedure (please make sure you stop taking these 3 full days prior to your appointment)
- Please do not take aspirin, green tea, vitamin E, or any Herbs for 3 days before your procedure. If your Doctor has you on aspirin daily, we will need your Doctor’s approval in written form for you to stop taking the aspirin
- If you are under treatment for any form of cancer, you must wait until your treatment is complete. It is recommended to get permanent makeup before you start any cancer treatment
- No alcohol, ibuprofen or any medication that thins the blood for 24 hours before your procedure
IN PREPARATION FOR A LIP PROCEDURE
- If you are on blood thinners, a note is required from your Doctor allowing you to go off of them for 3 days prior to your procedure, and the note must also have the Doctor's approval for the procedure (please make sure you stop taking these 3 full days prior to your appointment)
- Please do not take aspirin, green tea, vitamin E, or any Herbs for 3 days before your procedure. If your Doctor has you on aspirin daily, we will need your Doctor’s approval in written form for you to stop taking the aspirin
- If you are under treatment for any form of cancer, you must wait until your treatment is complete. It is recommended to get permanent makeup before you start any cancer treatment
- No alcohol, ibuprofen or any medication that thins the blood for 24 hours before your procedure
- You can get Botox & fillers 3-4 weeks prior to your appointment or 3-4 weeks after your appointment
- If you have dark brown shades to your lips, this procedure is not ideal for you and could likely result in hyperpigmentation
- If you have ever had or are prone to cold sores, it is recommended that you get a prescription from your physician for 5 day's worth of cold sore suppression medication before getting this procedure, as Lip Blush procedures can cause an outbreak of a cold sore.
how long does the procedure take
Typically, the initial procedure will take approximately two to three hours. This appointment includes an intake form, consultation, photographs, desired design, color matching, the procedure itself, and aftercare instructions.
is it painful
Most people experience some discomfort. However, everyone's experience is different and will depend on the individual’s pain threshold. Additionally, there are different methods available to help ease discomfort, including various topical anesthetics that are specifically developed for permanent makeup service.
aftercare
Careful aftercare is important for producing a beautiful and lasting result. Every client’s skin responds differently to these treatments, and this information acts as a guideline only.
IMMEDIATELY AFTER:
To help with itchiness, you may use a q-tip to apply LIGHT coat of aftercare ointment once or twice a day (or as directed by technician)
It is suggested that you avoid working out for 5-7 days following your cosmetic tattoo appointment. Light exercising is allowed (minimal sweating), but you MUST clean the tattooed area with lukewarm water as soon as you are done exercising. The salt in the sweat will fade the pigment very quickly and give poor results
ONCE HEALED
● Use sunscreen on the treated area or hat with sunglasses regularly and this is because the sun will fade the pigment over time. Also, rinse and dry when in contact with chlorine
● Avoid applying anti-aging products that contain Glycol, Glycolic-acid, micro-dermabrasion, and laser treatment among other products/services that could lighten the pigment
● If you choose laser resurfacing or hair-removal inform the laser technician about your tattoo. This treatment can either lighten or darken the pigment
● After healing, follow-ups, changes, or additions on that area can be done after 6-8 weeks. By this time the skin cells are healed and fully regenerated
● There are no guarantees about the tattoo and everyone heals differently. So you need to take care of your tattoos
PLEASE NOTE: FAILURE TO FOLLOW AFTER-CARE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN INFECTIONS, PIGMENT LOSS OR DISCOLORATION
If the skin around the eyebrows breaks in a heat rash, small pimples, it is usually a reaction to the numbing solution and should go away by itself in a couple weeks. Again, be sure not to pick! Please call immediately if this occurs, so a technician can make note of the reaction and follow up to ensure it is not a more serious situation.
WARNINGS
IMMEDIATELY AFTER:
- Immediately following your procedure, the tattooed area will appear to be darker and bolder in color and more sharply defined. This will last 3-4 days. Do not panic! It is normal. BE PATIENT!!!
- Swelling and redness is minimal with most clients, and will disappear within 24-48 hours. In some cases, it may last around the eyebrow area for up to 3 days, but will not prevent working or socializing. The treated area may feel a bit like a sunburn afterwards but there should only be minimal discomfort
- You may shower or bathe normally, but avoid using any soaps or cleansers on the treated area for the first week as they can be detrimental to the bonding process that must take place for the pigment to stabilize in the dermis
- Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the tattooed area
- Keep the tattooed area clean by rinsing around the area with lukewarm water and patting dry with a disposable paper towel 3 times a day for the first week. Keep cleaning them with lukewarm water twice a day for the second week
- Avoid any kind of moisturizer, oil and Vaseline for the first two weeks. Only apply a very small amount of the provided ointment in the morning after cleaning the eyebrows with warm water and drying. Apply using a disposable cotton swab. The goal is to have your tattoo flake off naturally, rather than form into large scabs. You may use the ointment for the first 7 days or 7-14, depending on healing time
To help with itchiness, you may use a q-tip to apply LIGHT coat of aftercare ointment once or twice a day (or as directed by technician)
It is suggested that you avoid working out for 5-7 days following your cosmetic tattoo appointment. Light exercising is allowed (minimal sweating), but you MUST clean the tattooed area with lukewarm water as soon as you are done exercising. The salt in the sweat will fade the pigment very quickly and give poor results
- Avoid direct sun exposure for the first 14 days. You MUST wear a hat while outside during the healing process.
- Do NOT pick or scratch at the dry skin/flakiness; let the skin fall off naturally. Picking can cause scarring and premature loss of pigment. IMPORTANT: Once the flakes have fallen off, a shiny layer of healing skin will completely cover the hair strokes. It will appear as though the eyebrows are gone. Within 1-2 weeks, the hair strokes will slowly reappear at a lighter shade as your skin regenerates
- Do NOT apply make-up to the tattooed area for the first 2 weeks. Chemicals of any kind may interfere with the healing and color of your tattoo
- Once the treated area is completely healed, any changes or additions that need to be made can be done at your 4-6 week follow-up appointment
- The complete healing process takes about 4-6 weeks, at which time the true color of the tattoo is evident. During this process, your tattoo will soften and lighten. Be patient, even if you think too much color has been lost, as your skin is still regenerating and naturally exfoliating. Wait at least 6 weeks to see the true color, as it seems to take on new strength, and it is only after 6 weeks that your touch-up/adjustment can be done. Keep in mind that microbladed brows healed up to 30% softer than the initial color
ONCE HEALED
● Use sunscreen on the treated area or hat with sunglasses regularly and this is because the sun will fade the pigment over time. Also, rinse and dry when in contact with chlorine
● Avoid applying anti-aging products that contain Glycol, Glycolic-acid, micro-dermabrasion, and laser treatment among other products/services that could lighten the pigment
● If you choose laser resurfacing or hair-removal inform the laser technician about your tattoo. This treatment can either lighten or darken the pigment
● After healing, follow-ups, changes, or additions on that area can be done after 6-8 weeks. By this time the skin cells are healed and fully regenerated
● There are no guarantees about the tattoo and everyone heals differently. So you need to take care of your tattoos
PLEASE NOTE: FAILURE TO FOLLOW AFTER-CARE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN INFECTIONS, PIGMENT LOSS OR DISCOLORATION
If the skin around the eyebrows breaks in a heat rash, small pimples, it is usually a reaction to the numbing solution and should go away by itself in a couple weeks. Again, be sure not to pick! Please call immediately if this occurs, so a technician can make note of the reaction and follow up to ensure it is not a more serious situation.
WARNINGS
- Do Not use any Retin-A or Glycolic Acids in the brow area during or after healing
- Do Not scrub or pick treated areas
- Do Not expose area to the sun or tanning beds
- Avoid swimming pool for 14 days
- Do Not dye or tweeze eyebrows for one week after the procedure! Failure to follow post procedure instructions may result in infection or loss/discoloration of pigment
healing process | WHAT IS NORMAL
- Mild, swelling, itching, light scabbing, light bruising and dry tightness. Aftercare ointments work well for scabbing and tightness
- Too dark and slightly uneven, appearance? After 2-7 days, the darkness will fade, and once any swelling dissipates unevenness usually disappears. If the tattooed area is too dark or still a bit uneven after 4 weeks then we will make adjustments during the touch up appointment
- Color change or color loss. As the procedure area heals, the color will lighten and sometimes seem to disappear in places. Color change or loss can all be addressed during the touch up appointment and is why touch up is necessary
*The procedure area has to heal completely before we can address any concerns. Healing takes about four weeks - A touch up may be needed 6 months to 1 year after the first touch up procedure depending on your skin, medications, and sun exposure. However, your first touch up is required 4-6 weeks after your at first appointment. Then every 6 months, to 1 year to keep them looking fresh and beautiful. If most of the hair strokes have faded, the entire procedure will need to be repeated. An email photo consultation may be necessary to determine if you need a touch up or a repeat of the entire procedure
- Glycolic Acid, Retin-A, face peels and exfoliation must be kept away from the tattooed area as continued use could lighten the pigment
- If you are having laser resurfacing or laser hair removal after your tattoo has healed, please inform the laser technician. Laser procedures may darken, lighten, or discolor the tattooed area
do i need to come to my touch up appointment
A touch up, appointment is scheduled 4-6 weeks after the first procedure. All guests are advised during aftercare instructions to come in for a touch up 4-6 weeks post procedure to solidify anything that may have faded after the first treatment. Most permanent cosmetic procedures (especially brow procedures) require a minimum of 2 sessions to solidify the pigment. Everyone heals differently. If a guest does not heal perfectly the first time, this is not unusual and not a cause for worry.
long term care
After your cosmetic tattoo has healed, a good sunscreen should be applied to the area daily (no sooner than 10 days). Sun exposure will cause color to fade faster. The pigments used are iron-oxide based, and your body absorbs it as mineral irons, so the color will naturally fade over time. The fading speed depends on some different factors including skin type, sun exposure, pigment color used, and iron deficiency. If you are planning a chemical peel, MRI, or other medical procedures. Please inform the technician that you have had iron-oxide cosmetic tattooing. Careful application must be taken to avoid affecting the tattooed area. If you are planning to have any laser treatments, please tell the specialist to avoid the Microbladed area as the laser could cause the pigment to turn black. Finally, no blood donations for at least a year.
APPOINTMENT POLICY
At Studio Bordeaux we have the right to refuse service to anyone. To avoid unfair delays to our clients, your appointment will be rescheduled if you are 15 minutes late. Regardless of unforeseen circumstances that may arise, which could force you to cancel/reschedule your appointment, please understand that such changes affect not only your artist, but other clients as well. Reminder: deposit is non-refundable.
While we love children and animals:
As a reminder- We have the right to refuse service to anyone!
- Any client that does not show for a scheduled appointment will forfeit their deposit and will be required to pay a new deposit to book a new appointment. After two no-shows, we will refuse you service
While we love children and animals:
- No children under the age 18 are allowed in the procedure room
- No animals allowed on the premises
- If you show up to your appointment and have previous cosmetic tattoo that wasn’t approved by your artist prior to booking, you will forfeit your deposit
- Our services are not available for pregnant or nursing women
As a reminder- We have the right to refuse service to anyone!
CANCELLATION & RESCHEDULING POLICY
All Deposits are Non-Refundable
Studio Bordeaux adheres to a strict Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy: If you need to cancel for any reason, or you do not show up for your appointment, you will forfeit your entire deposit. This policy applies across the board whether booked in person, on the phone, via email or online through our website. *NO REFUNDS, NO EXCEPTIONS.
Rescheduling Policy: You must notify Studio Bordeaux that you need to reschedule, no less than 72 hours prior to your scheduled appointment, or you will forfeit your deposit. This policy applies across the board whether booked in person, on the phone, via email or online through our website. In addition, a $75 rescheduling fee will apply and must be paid before scheduling a new appointment. *Please contact the studio directly to reschedule and submit a $75 rescheduling fee.
After two no-shows, we will refuse you service
Studio Bordeaux adheres to a strict Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy: If you need to cancel for any reason, or you do not show up for your appointment, you will forfeit your entire deposit. This policy applies across the board whether booked in person, on the phone, via email or online through our website. *NO REFUNDS, NO EXCEPTIONS.
Rescheduling Policy: You must notify Studio Bordeaux that you need to reschedule, no less than 72 hours prior to your scheduled appointment, or you will forfeit your deposit. This policy applies across the board whether booked in person, on the phone, via email or online through our website. In addition, a $75 rescheduling fee will apply and must be paid before scheduling a new appointment. *Please contact the studio directly to reschedule and submit a $75 rescheduling fee.
After two no-shows, we will refuse you service
STUDIO BORDEAUX POLIcies
All deposits for services booked are non-refundable. Additionally, there are no refunds after any elective service(s)/procedure(s) performed.
Cancellation & Rescheduling Policy (See Above): Please note, appointments are limited and your technician's time is as valuable as yours. If you book your appointment and decide to cancel you forfeit your deposit. *No Exceptions
Refusal of Service:
Studio Bordeaux has a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY. We have the right to refuse service to anyone at any time with NO REFUND. This includes but is not limited to not following strict COVID-19 Policy and Procedures, the usage of drugs, alcohol, sexual comments/remarks, racism, threats, any act of violence, harassment or unacceptable, disruptive, abusive behavior and language we feel is inappropriate. Individuals displaying these types of behavior will be escorted from the premises and may be prosecuted. As licensed professionals, we follow a strict code of ethics. It is very important that a safe environment is maintained for ourselves and each of our clients.
Touch Up Policy:
Payment for any service provided by a technician of Studio Bordeaux does not include the cost for a 4-6 week touch up which is recommended for all permanent makeup services. Finally, it is the sole responsibility of the client to contact the technician within 30 days after any session to schedule a touch up if they fail to do so at the initial service.
Appointment Policy:
There are no guaranteed appointment times for any client/service. With regard to touch ups, it is highly recommended that a client schedules their touch up within a timely manner to not only ensure an available spot but avoid additional costs outside the suggested re-touch times (i.e. 4-6 weeks, 8-10 months, 12 months + etc.).
Read Latest COVID-19 Policy Prior to Appointment
Cancellation & Rescheduling Policy (See Above): Please note, appointments are limited and your technician's time is as valuable as yours. If you book your appointment and decide to cancel you forfeit your deposit. *No Exceptions
Refusal of Service:
Studio Bordeaux has a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY. We have the right to refuse service to anyone at any time with NO REFUND. This includes but is not limited to not following strict COVID-19 Policy and Procedures, the usage of drugs, alcohol, sexual comments/remarks, racism, threats, any act of violence, harassment or unacceptable, disruptive, abusive behavior and language we feel is inappropriate. Individuals displaying these types of behavior will be escorted from the premises and may be prosecuted. As licensed professionals, we follow a strict code of ethics. It is very important that a safe environment is maintained for ourselves and each of our clients.
Touch Up Policy:
Payment for any service provided by a technician of Studio Bordeaux does not include the cost for a 4-6 week touch up which is recommended for all permanent makeup services. Finally, it is the sole responsibility of the client to contact the technician within 30 days after any session to schedule a touch up if they fail to do so at the initial service.
Appointment Policy:
There are no guaranteed appointment times for any client/service. With regard to touch ups, it is highly recommended that a client schedules their touch up within a timely manner to not only ensure an available spot but avoid additional costs outside the suggested re-touch times (i.e. 4-6 weeks, 8-10 months, 12 months + etc.).
Read Latest COVID-19 Policy Prior to Appointment
