Frequently Asked Questions
What if I’ve had Previous Cosmetic Tattooing Before?
Previous cosmetic tattooing from another artist can be a challenge to go over due to factors such as scarring, shape and colour. We require pictures to be sent to info@nelsonbrowandbeauty.com before booking in the procedure or alternatively, you can make a quick free consultation to discuss your options.
How do i choose shape?
During the appointment, we do a thorough consultation. We will discuss with you what looks and methods of tattoo may be suitable for you, discuss shape, colour and answer questions you may have about the treatment. We will also design and draw a brow shape for you, so you have a better idea of what cosmetically tattooed eyebrows would look on you and make suggestions regarding colour, hair pattern and shape an how asymmetry can be corrected.
Is the Touch Up Session Necessary?
Yes. This session is critical because everybody heals and responds differently due to areas like skin type through to lifestyle. There are also various specific challenges that may need to be addressed, such as refilling areas that did not take the first time, adjusting the pigment or increasing brow thickness.
Additionally, this session is where we make sure your brows look perfect and that the colour is going to hold. After all, the whole point of cosmetic tattooing is to get great brows, so you want to do everything possible to ensure that outcome.
Can I Have The Touch Up Session Earlier?
The touch up session cannot be done earlier than 4 weeks after your first appointment. This is to give the skin enough time to heal and to make sure that there is correct colour representation. Any attempt to touch up earlier than this could produce less-than-optimal results or even scarring.
Ideally, the touch up session should be between 6 and 8 weeks following the first appointment. This means that we'll know precisely how your eyebrows have responded and can ensure the best possible outcome.
Do My Existing Eyebrows Need to be Shaved Off?
No, they don’t. The eyebrow treatments focuses on enhancing your eyebrows, rather than starting again. While they can be done even if you have no eyebrows because of a medical condition, there is no need to remove anything at all.
Ideally, you shouldn’t tweeze, wax or modify your eyebrows prior to the appointment and certainly not in the 2 weeks leading up to it. Your regular brow maintenance may continue once your brows have healed.
Do I Need to Prepare?
Yes. There is a specific set of instructions. We go over these in detail during the consultation phase and you can also read all of all of the information here: Pre-Procedure Instructions.
What Happens After My Treatment?
Initially the colour of your treatment looks a lot darker than you expect. This is perfectly normal immediately following a treatment and usually lasts between three to five days. Unless you have specifically requested a darker colour, by the end of eight weeks your permanent cosmetics will have settled down into a soft muted colour.
The treatment area may feel a little tender for a few days; swelling is minimal and usually disappears within 24 hours.
How Long Will the Treatment Last?
A colour boost is recommended to freshen up your brows between 12 to 18 months.
Colour retention is affected by a range of factors and lifestyle elements. This can be enhanced and refreshed by a maintenance visit. We recommend a yearly colour boost for microblading and an 18-month colour boost for any other brow techniques.
A touch up visit is also required around 6 to 8 weeks after your initial appointment. This is important for ensuring the richness of colour, density of shape and longevity from the procedure.
We cannot guarantee outcomes, as each person’s skin will respond slightly differently and pigments tend to be broken down at different rates. But, as a general rule, the colour can last from 1 to 2.5 years.
What Affects the Outcomes?
Significant factors are:
Sun exposure. When your tattoo is healed, you can use sunscreen to help reduce this impact.
Strong skincare ingredients, e.g. Retinol A, glycolic acid, salicylic acid.
Chlorine. If you are a regular swimmer in chlorinated pools, this will fade your brows faster.
The chosen pigment. Some of the lighter colours fade faster than others.
Bleeding during the procedure. Bleeding can occur, which is the reason for avoiding caffeine, alcohol and blood thinners prior to the appointment. If bleeding does occur, it can reduce pigment absorption.
Does it Hurt?
People do vary in their level of sensitivity, so individual experiences do vary. Some clients do find the procedure a little uncomfortable, while many others report no discomfort at all. The area can be a little sore for the first few hours and then tender to the touch for a few days.
We take every precaution to ensure that the application is as pain free as possible. This includes the use of two topical anaesthetics. Additionally, the procedure may be more uncomfortable if you are currently on your menstrual cycle, if you are a frequent smoker or if you have fibromyalgia.
How Long is the Healing Process?
It’s normal to experience minimal swelling and tenderness following your procedure. This will typically disappear quickly. In total, it takes between 1 and 2 weeks for the brows to completely heal and around 1 month for the colour to set in fully.
Additionally, in the days following the procedure, you may notice some slight scabbing. Don’t pick these scabs as this will damage the skin and the outcome of the process. As the eyebrow area heals the colour will also fade, by as much as 40%. This is entirely normal and is taken into account with initial pigmenting. Likewise, there is a period where the colour is very light.
Will I Have To Keep Maintaining My Brows After Eyebrow Tattooing?
Yes. A cosmetic tattoo decreases the amount of maintenance needed - it doesn't remove the maintenance entirely. After all, the tattooing is on your skin, we are not working on your hairs directly.
If you regularly tint your eyebrows, you'll probably need to do so less often (due to the background colour). But, some tinting will still be needed. For the best appearance, you'll also want your natural hairs to be shaped so that they match the shape of the tattoo.
Can I Have My Eyebrows Done If I'm Pregnant?
No. Cosmetic tattooing is not a safe treatment if you are pregnant or are breastfeeding.
How Old Do I Need To Be?
The procedures are a form of tattooing, so you need to be 18 or above (or have a parent's consent).
How Long Do I Have To Wait To Exercise Again?
For all procedures, we do recommend down time when you are healing. We ask you to avoid exercise for 48 hours, to allow the pigments to settle and any swelling to reduce. We don’t want to risk any pigment migration from the area by increasing your temperature and sweating. However at least after this period you will look your best whilst exercising, short term down time for long term satisfaction.