Most Commonly Asked Questions

Permanent Cosmetics, also known as Micropigmentation, Permanent Makeup, Derma-pigmentation, or Microblading, is the revolutionary technique of depositing high quality facial pigments into the dermal layer of the skin. Employing a top of the line digital instrument, the Noveau Contour Intelligent, allows for precision and accuracy, a key to achieving the best possible outcome. I can design and enhance a brow, eyeliner, or lip appropriate to your facial structure, hair, and skin colors. This technique allows the creation of a powdered or 3D feathered hair stroke which will fill in a thin brow or make a brow look natural, thicker, and bolder. The eyes can be enhanced by outlining with a lash enhancement or eyeliner of your choice while lips can be accented by adding natural color to a faded lip or lip line. The process includes a consultation, application of pigment, and at least one or more follow-up visits to evaluate the healed design work and color retention.

Safety is top priority at Tint.  I am a Certified Permanent Cosmetic Specialist  as well as a Board Certified Pathologist Assistant (ASCP, PA,MT). We are a Maine State Licensed Studio following Maine Health and OSHA guidelines. Sterile disposable needles are used on each individual client and discarded after each procedure. The permanent cosmetic supplies used during the procedure are single use and also discarded after each procedure.

Appointment times vary depending on the service (brows, eyeliner, lips) and whether it’s a new application or a touch-up. Most services are between 1.5 hours and 2.5 hours.

A highly affective topical anesthetic is applied prior and, if needed, during each procedure to numb the epidermis and help ease any discomfort. Every client is different.  Some will feel vibrating or scratching while others will feel nothing at all. Discomfort can be managed and should be mentioned to your Permanent Cosmetic specialist.

Down-time with micropigmentation is minimal. Swelling and redness are typically mild and most people can return to their normal activities within 24 hours.

Results are immediate.  The color will appear darker at first and will fade 30-50% during the healing process. A few weeks are required for the pigment color to fully settle under the skin.

There is a right color for everyone. I will design a custom color for you, taking into consideration the undertones of your natural skin color, hair color, and eye color. A soft, natural color is always recommended and together we will choose the best color that is right for you.

Yes. Once you and I have decided on the best brow shape, any hair within that shape can stay and will only make the work look more natural. Any hair outside the shape can be waxed or tweezed just as you normally would do with routine brow maintenance. Any tweezing, tinting, or waxing should be done at least 48 hours prior to the procedure.

Because there are always issues that affect the appearance of your procedure. The number one culprit is sun exposure! Also, changing health conditions, smoking, medications, anti-aging products, and hormonal changes all can have an effect on your pigment retention.

Slim… especially with the health standards and precise methods of sanitation and sterilization that are in place. Pre and Post procedural instructions, if followed carefully, will allow for proper healing. But remember, you have to take care of an open wound. If you are not careful, an infection could occur and if allowed to progress, worse problems could arise. If you suspect an infection may be brewing, call your doctor and then call me.

It is important to avoid saunas, facials, steam baths, tanning salons, sun exposure or any activities that will result in extreme sweating. You will also want to avoid chlorinated or salt water pools for a minimum of a week and preferably two weeks after a procedure.

Every face is different… Each skin type is different. Some skin types accept the pigment better than other types and more pigment may be retained in one session with one person relative to another. Also, fine details, additional color, depth, or design adjustments are more easily made after the initial healing is complete. A follow-up visit is always considered vital – if only to meet to discuss the healed outcome of the procedure, take your after picture, and agree that no further work is necessary. Typically, it takes a total of at least 2, possibly 3 applications, 4-6 weeks apart to achieve the desired outcome.

Allergic reactions to pigments have been reported, but are very rare. There have been so few reactions to the pigments that some doctors are suggesting that the patch test be eliminated. However, I feel that skin testing should be an option for my clients. So, if you are concerned about the odds, especially if you have other skin sensitivities, I always recommend an allergy patch test to safeguard against allergic reactions to pigments or topical anesthetics. Final determination is the responsibility of the client. Client may waive testing if desired.

Little bleeding is normal. Excessive bleeding caused by blood thinners or a health problem pushes the pigment out as quickly as it is being implanted. The technician will ensure a medical history form is completed in order to vet clients for contraindications.  If an individual wants to have permanent makeup and is on blood thinners, they should consult their doctor for written approval and recommendations, including steps to take before their procedure. You should not stop taking your blood thinners without your Doctors approval. If aspirin has been recommended by a physician, the doctor should be consulted prior to stopping any blood thinner.

Make sure you take an anti-herpes medication like Valtrex or Zovirax  at least two days before your appointment and as recommended by your physician to help prevent cold sores. A breakout post procedure and during the healing process may interfere with pigment retention.

During the procedure, you will be provided with several pigment colors to choose from, all of which are complimentary to your skin tone. You will have ample opportunity to direct the path throughout the procedure. Things to take into consideration include your bone structure, skin tone, and facial shape. You must approve of all design work (color & shape) before we proceed. This is your face, your procedure, and it must meet your expectations. I work conservatively and won’t do anything I believe won’t give you a subtle, natural look.  After the first session, there may be slight patchiness. This sometimes occurs and is easily adjusted when you come in for your follow-up visit in about 4-6 weeks.

Unless you had no brow hair to begin with, tweezing will be necessary even if you get a brow enhancement and definition done. You must learn the right way to tweeze your brows from your artist so that the shape given by your procedure is maintained and you have clean, crisp, arched brows to complement your other facial assets.