Article by BR Tabatha
Any daily routine can become a drag - your makeup routine is no different. Penciling in those brows, drawing the perfect lash line, defining your lips. You could of course opt to go down a more permanent route. Let's explore the option of cosmetic tattooing.
What is it?
It's exactly what it sounds like. Cosmetic tattooing is a tattoo for cosmetic purposes (replacing the need for daily makeup), commonly known as permanent makeup. Modern tattoo application uses a mechanised needle to inject ink into the dermis, the second layer of skin.
Why do people have permanent makeup tattooed on themselves?
The reasons for opting for permanent makeup are varied and come down to personal choice and circumstances. Here's some common reasons;
- To provide permanent solutions for side effects of health / medicinal issues, ie, artificial eyebrows for people who have lost theirs due to age, alopecia or chemotherapy.
- For busy people it can be a time saver in the long run.
- For people who have allergies or skin sensitivities to makeup, tattooing can offer a long term solution.
- For people who want to look good while sporting, cosmetic tattooing can offer a sweatproof alternative.
- Cosmetic tattooing can help ease the difficulty faced by those with vision issues, or dexterity complaints such as arthritis, Parkinsons or MS for example.
What are common cosmetic tattoos?
The most common areas people have tattooed for cosmetic purposes include;
- Eyebrows (completely 'drawing' them on, or filling in sparse brows)
- Eye Liner (top and bottom lash lines)
- Lips (Lip lining and full lip colour)
- Areola Re-pigmentation (creating nipples, commonly for women who have had mastectomies)
- Scar / Beauty Mark camouflage
image: via wikimedia
Does it hurt?
Your skin is being repeatedly punctured by a needle - it's going to hurt. But pain thresholds vary from person to person. I fell asleep having a 2 hour tattoo on my back but squeal having my legs waxed. Go figure.
Topical anesthetics are becoming more common, so ask your tattooist!
Does cosmetic tattooing really last forever?
Forever is a long time, and as they say, nothing lasts forever. Over time fading can occur and may need refreshing - the time frame varies from person to person.
Exposure to the sun in particular will cause the pigments to fade more quickly. Another reason to wear sunscreen daily.
How much does it cost?
Prices vary, but you're going to be looking at around $200 - $300 an hour. Some clinics charge by procedure, others by the hour.
How do I find the right tattooist for me?
This is the biggie. The result will only be as good as the technician you choose to go to. Ask around and get recommendations, then book a consult. Ask to see examples of their work. Ask lots of questions and also ask what certificates they hold.
Don't be afraid to go with your gut instinct - we've all seen tattoo fails, you do not want to be one of them!
What else should I be aware of during my tattoo session?
- All Needles should be new and sterile. Request that needles are opened in your presence.
- Personal protection should be worn by the technician. These aprons and gloves should be disposable and used for one client only.
- The technician should be clean and neat.
- Disposable one-time use chair/bed covering should be new for each client.
- The room or treatment area should be OCD spotless. If it's less than that, walk away. This is one thing to consider about procedures being conducted at expos, trade shows and multi-service salons where other contaminants are in the air. Nail dust, aerosols and other chemicals are just 3 icky examples.
Can it go wrong?
It's important to remember that your expectation may not match what you are left with. The most common complaints after cosmetic tattooing are;
- Unhappy with the pigmentation (most often feeling it is too dark)
- Uneven result (wonky brows)
- Unexpected size (trout pout)
It's important to remember that the immediate result will be considerably different to the healed result. The act of tattooing causes trauma to the skin, it will be swollen, sore and visibly red. If you're still unhappy after you've completely healed (around 3 weeks) go back to your technician, more often than not they'll be able to tweak.
image:via wikimedia
What are your thoughts on cosmetic tattooing? Would you? Should you? Have you? Get chatting below!
I have had tattoo eyeliner done...twice...at a reputable clinic where I had physically seen the results on others but it didn't take the first time and barely took the second time- you can't hardly notice it so it was a total waste for me, and it wasn't the most pleasant experience either.