WHAT IS COSMETIC TATTOOING?
Cosmetic Tattooing or Micropigmentation is the superficial implanting of pigment to enhance aesthetically the facial features. Specialized pigment are used rather than Ink that is used with body tattooing.

HOW LONG DOES COSMETIC TATTOOING LAST?
Cosmetic tattoo treatments generally last for one – three years as each unique skin type holds pigment differently. It typically takes two appointments to be completed. Client revisits approximately 6 weeks after the initial appointment for their touch up appointment. In most cases there will be areas that haven’t taken to the pigment; the areas that need addressing are generally very minor, resulting in a short appointment. It should be acknowledged that fading occurs due to many reasons out of our control including genetics, skin type, how each client’s skin type retains the colour of the tattoo pigment as well as the skin’s natural healing rate

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT FORMS OF BROW TATTOOING THAT WE OFFER?
Feather-touch–Micro-blading
Is a technique whereby fine strokes penetrate the skin to create a natural hair-like finish.

Powder Brow
Is a soft and natural look that suit most clients. Although most clients are fonder of the feather stroke, a soft and shaded powder brow looks amazing on all ages and skin types. If you are wanting a more defined brow to highlight your eyes, then Powder Brow is the one for you.

Ombre Brows
Have been a huge trend in makeup and tattooing. We create a softer shaded tattoo at the bridge of the nose, continuing with a bolder brow towards the tail or base of the brow.

Combination Brow
We use a combination of hair strokes (microblading) and shading (micropigmentation/machine) to add a natural look and to add depth. It is a very popular method with our client’s getting depth of colour as well as hair strokes

HOW DOES MICROBLADING & MICROPIGMENTATION DIFFER?
Microblading
• Hair like strokes created with a handheld tool, a micro blade
• Downtime very minimal
• After 2 treatments 4-6 weeks apart a colour boost treatment is necessary at yearly intervals
• We recommend Microblading as a great intro into the cosmetic tattooing world! We require all our clients to change to micropigmentation/machine brows after 2-3 years. The explanation for this will be addressed in consultation pre-treatment.

Micropigmentation/Machine Brows
• After the retouch colour boost one year later generally, micropigmentation lasts 2 years before your next retouch
• Micropigmentation, which is machine brows includes techniques such as powder brows, ombre brows and in combination with microblading creates a combination brow


BROW CORRECTION
Can fix that discolored pigment or unwanted shape that is not perfectly symmetrical. Therefore, you always want to do your research before going to a cheap or risk seeing a unqualified tattooist. If we cannot rectify the previous tattoo, fading sessions are available to help ease the pigment base. Brow corrections must always start with a in clinic consultation.


WHAT FACTORS WILL AFFECT MY COSMETIC TATTOOING?
It is important to know that the results of your cosmetic tattooing will be based on the health, quality of your skin and aftercare. Results will vary from person to person, and if you have a pre-existing skin condition or are on medications. A multitude of individual and lifestyle factors will affect the longevity of your cosmetic tattoo including the following:
• The time it takes for your body’s skin cells to regenerate will affect how the skin grasps the pigment. The longer this process takes, the longer the pigment will hold.
• Lighter pigment colours such as blonde will fade faster than a dark brown pigment.
• Bleeding during the procedure reduces the amount of pigment absorbed.
• Smoking causes faster fading.
• Sleeping on your face in the first 10 days
• Laser treatments, chemical peels or other medical procedures to the facial area should be cautious of the tattoo area.
• Sun exposure will decrease the appearance of the pigment.
• Picking, peeling, consent touching, rubbing, prematurely exfoliating (all can cause scarring and patchy results)
• Sweating ie working out (sweat produces salt, salt fades pigment)
• Not following aftercare instructions properly


HOW WILL I LOOK IMMEDIATELY AFTER? WHAT IS THE HEALING PROCESS?
Healing is different for everyone, In the first few days following the procedure, pigment will appear dark, thicker and intense, redness and swelling may incur, most likely will experience some sort of peeling, itching, flaking and scabs may form, it is imperative that you follow the aftercare instruction thoroughly, after the healing process, the pigment may then gradually disappear and appear lighter in the first week or so, but will then gradually reappear. Please note, that the proper aftercare of your Permanent Cosmetic Tattoo investment is vital, it is the responsibility of the Client to take care to avoid infection and to consult a medical doctor if any symptoms of infection occur.

WILL COSMETIC TATTOOING WORK WELL FOR ME?
Not everyone is a candidate for this procedure. Unfortunately, there are some cases where cosmetic tattooing will not work depending on skin type, health/medications, existing hair and/or lifestyle choices, although rare it is to be noted that some skins just do not accept pigment. Iron-deficient or anaemic clients should be advised that increased bleeding may occur during the procedure as well as a faster fading of the pigment over time. This is also the case for frequent smokers. Clients with oily or darker skin types should acknowledge that machine hairstroke eyebrow tattooing will not work well as the constant oil production and larger pore size will gradually soften the look, blurring/bleeding the hairstrokes, a powder look maybe more suited for you. For clients with little to no existing eyebrow hair, the results will appear much less natural and may give a less 3D look to the eyebrows. You may not be a suitable candidate for a lip procedure if your skin type is Fitzpatrick lll or above as the risk of hyperpigmentation is very high. There ARE NO GUARANTEES made as to how your body will heal. If they fade, blur, or not take well, that is the result of your skin, your lifestyle…. not a result of the technique or the technician. NO one knows how the client’s skin will heal. This is a potential risk all clients take when consenting to this procedure.


On the Day of Your Brow Appointment
A thorough consent form is filled out first.
No plucking, waxing, or shaving of the hair will be required before your procedure.
A thorough consultation will be given at the start of your appointment, including a full measure and draw up so both yourself and the technician are confident to go forward with the cosmetic procedure. Any unwanted hair with your permission that is not within the design of the tattoo will then be removed.

CONTRAINDICATIONS
I cannot progress with the procedure, or I may require a doctor’s note/clearance before performing a service:
Before booking an appointment read the following list of contraindications and if any apply to yourself please make contact with reception first
• Extremely nervous, overanxious
• Extensive use of steroid creams
• HIV / Hepatitis
• Blood pressure disorders
• Couperose
• Contact lenses
• Very dry lips
• Pregnant, nursing, or trying to get pregnant
• Diabetes
• Chronic Acne, Eczema, Psoriasis, Dermatitis, Rosacea or Keratosis pilaris around the facial area
• Frontal fibrosing alopecia
• Heart Conditions, murmurs, palpitations
• Glaucoma
• Certain Medications
• Thyroid condition (Hypo, HyperThyroidism, Graves’ disease)
• History of Shingles
• Haemophilia-Bleeding Disorder
• Hair transplant for your eyebrows
• Platelet Disorders
• Moles, (if removed, not before 6 to 9 months)
• Telangiectasia or birthmarks in and around the treatment area
• Accutane / Roaccutane / Isotretinoin (acne
medicine) within the last year
• Autoimmune Disorder of any kind (ie MS, RA,
Lupus, MRSA, Some types of Alopecia)
• Extremely Thin skin (Transparent, Translucent or
very vascular)
• Recent laser or cosmetic surgery
• Prosthesis across the bridge of the nose
• Keloid scarring, or if you have a history
• An allergic reaction to anaesthetic, pigments or
sensitive to makeup or colours
• Infection
• Epilepsy/Seizure
• Hyperpigmentation or Hypopigmentation

WHO WILL BE DOING MY TREATMENT?
Our technician Tania Davis Grieve has over 17 years’ experience in Cosmetic & Paramedical Tattooing in New Zealand. She has worked in a wide range of establishments including medical practices, appearance medicine clinics and beauty therapy salons.
She has trained nationally & internationally with world renowned cosmetic & medical tattooing artists and her on going study keeps her passionate, inspired and current in this for ever advancing profession.
Visit the gallery to see her current portfolio!