Q&A | Permanent Makeup By Haylee | top-rated local Permanent Makeup in Fairfax, VA 22031

1. What is cosmetic tattooing?

Cosmetic tattoo, also referred to as semi-permanent makeup, is the process of depositing color pigment into the upper layers of the skin with either a handheld tool or a rotary tattoo pen to enhance one’s look. Both use sterile, one-time-use, disposable needles to produce the desired look.

2. What is the difference between microblading and ombre-powdered tattoos?

Microblading is achieved by a hand-held blade made up of a small grouping of needles to create hair strokes to give an illusion of fuller brows. Ombre powder brows are achieved with a rotary tattoo pen that uses needles to deposit dots of pigment into the skin. Ombre powder brows give the look of makeup powdered brows. Depending on the desired look, each individual’s skin, and lifestyle, certain methods would work better than others. With that said, I do not offer microblading. If you’re interested in hair strokes, please refer to the NANO brows on the services page.

3. Who is ineligible for the services?

I do not provide service to anyone under 18 years of age, is pregnant or nursing, has diabetes, glaucoma, any skin diseases, keloids, transmittable skin conditions, skin cancer, hemophiliac, healing disorders, allergic to pigmentation and makeup, rashes or blister on the treated area. Please refer to my policy for a full list of disqualifications.

4. How long does it last?

This varies per individual depending on one’s skin type, body chemistry, and color chosen. With that said, on average brows will last 1-3 years before a color boost is needed. Lip blush and eyeliners will last 1-5 years before a color boost is needed

5. What should I do to prepare for the appointment?

Full preparation instructions are emailed and texted to clients following confirmation of deposit. Some highlights are:

Do not take any blood thinners at least 72 hours prior to the appointment: aspirin, fish oil supplements, vitamin E, Niacin, Ibuprofen

If you wax, thread, or tint your eyebrows, please do so at least 5 days before.

No alcohol 24 hours prior to appointment.

If you have been using Accutane in the past, you must wait at least one year before considering the procedure.

It is highly recommended that you refrain from excessive sun tanning or tanning beds 30 days prior and 30 days after.

6. How long is the appointment?

Appointments can vary between 1-2.5 hours depending on the procedure. Appointments are broken down into 3 parts: consultation with brows, eyeliners or lips mapping, numbing, and tattoo procedure. I do not believe in rushing the appointment because I am tattooing your face. Please plan accordingly.

7. Does the procedure hurt?

Pain threshold varies from person to person. However, a highly effective, topical anesthetic cream and gel are used prior to and during your procedure to minimize pain as much as possible. I take an effort to ensure you remain as comfortable as possible during the procedure. With that said, as the rule of thumb, if tweezing hurts you’ll be more sensitive to pain than others. Pain sensitivity is also heightened during your menstrual cycle. If you are a frequent smoker, topical anesthetics will not be as effective.

8. What to expect following the procedure? How is the recovery period?

Your semi-permanent makeup will appear darker and more intense during the initial healing stages. This will gradually lighten during the complete healing process. Redness and swelling are minimal and should dissipate within 24-48 hours following. Peeling and scabbing is expected for 7-10 days following procedure for brows and 3-5 days for lips. All clients will be sent home with full detailed aftercare instructions and an aftercare kit.

9. How do you choose the shape?

We will choose the shape and style together. (Picture references of desired shapes and colors are welcome.) We will discuss what you would like prior to the mapping. From there, I will come up with a shape based on your preference and bone structure. We will not begin any procedure until we mutually agree on the shape. To ensure you are completely satisfied with your shape, please carefully look at the shape before we start. During the mapping is when you can adjust any discrepancies in the shape of the brows/lips. Once you give consent to proceed, your look is final.

10. How do you choose the color?

Color choice is selected after evaluating what is the best match for your skin tone, features, and personal preference. I will show you swatches prior to starting so there will be no surprises about what pigment color is used. For nano brows, we will determine the color choice that matches as closely to natural brow hair. If you tint your brows regularly, you MUST tint them at least 5 days prior to the appointment.

11. What types of pigments do you use?

I use only pigments that are specifically designed for permanent cosmetics. Pigments used meet both USA and EU guidelines. If you are concerned about any allergies, please inquire about patch testing prior to booking your appointment. An ingredient breakdown and SDS (safety data sheet) of the pigment can also be provided for you to present to your doctor for any allergy testing if needed.

12. How many treatments are needed?

A touch-up is recommended 4-12 weeks following the initial appointment to perfect any minor discrepancies. At the touch-up session, we can assess the color retention and make adjustments as necessary. Everyone heals differently. If your brows do not heal as ideally as desired, do not worry! We can always address any issues during the touch-up appointments. **In rare cases, a third touch-up session might be needed to achieve desired results.

In case of corrections, please keep in mind that there are no guarantees that one session will be enough to properly correct any prior work done based on varying unknown factors. More often than not, several appointments will be necessary before reaching the desired outcome.

13. Is the studio and equipment safe?

Absolutely. I only use single-use, disposable needles, and supplies. All needles and supplies are discarded safely afterward. The workstation is thoroughly disinfected and sterilized with medical-grade disinfectant before opening and after each procedure throughout the day.

Furthermore, our salon has passed every health inspection with the county. A health inspection certificate is available upon request if needed. Every artist is registered as a legal body art practitioner with the county.