INK’D PMU

Permanent makeup is a term used to describe all forms of tattoo that are meant to enhance facial features, from brows to eyes, to lips and even freckles. You may come across terms such as microblading, powder brows, ombre brows, nano brows, etc. These are all terms that describe the techniques of eyebrow tattooing. I specialize in Feather Brows (a technique that uses a tattoo machine to create strokes that look like hair) and Soft Powder Brows, which is a technique that uses soft shading to create structure and fullness similar to makeup.

Permanent makeup tattoos are considered semi-permanent because they need to be touched up in order to maintain the rich, vibrant color. On average, maintenance sessions are recommended every 1-3 years. The frequency of maintenance sessions needed to maintain the color depends on factors such as skin type, lifestyle, metabolism, and age. That being said, there is no way to guarantee that the tattoo will fade 100%. It can get very light, but some ink particles will likely remain. If you decide you no longer wish to maintain your tattoo, you simply let the ink fade. Remember, your body views the ink as a foreign substance and it will constantly try to get rid of it. Much like Botox and fillers, maintenance sessions are required to continue benefiting from the effects of the tattoo.

As with any procedure, unfortunately not everyone is a good candidate. If you have any of the following I cannot take you as a client:

• Pregnant or nursing

• Have had major surgery in the area of treatment in the last 3 months (i.e. brow lift)

• Have used Accutane in the past 12 months

• Keloid scarring

• Keratosis

• Allergies to topical anesthetics

• Epilepsy

• Severe acne in the area of treatment

• Diabetes (doctor’s approval in writing required)

• Organ transplant

• Major heart conditions

• Psoriasis in area of treatment

• Any treatment, medication or illness that compromises the immune system or healing process

Artist is the key word here. Permanent makeup is an ART, and every artist will develop their own signature style over time. It is important that the artist you choose has a style that resonates with your own personal style. Look at their portfolio. Is the work consistent, clean, and most importantly, appealing to you? Do your research, reach out to the artists you are considering and ask questions.

Every procedure we undergo carries a certain level of risk. Infections and allergic reactions, while not common, can occur. All tattoo artists in the state of Illinois are required to complete the Blood Borne Pathogen certification, which is the standard set to minimize exposure and prevent cross-contamination. All the equipment I use is disposable, and the inks are of the highest quality in the industry. That being said, this is a procedure where we are opening the skin to implant ink, and complications can develop.

It is important that you follow the aftercare instructions I provide. These instructions will help reduce the risk of contracting an infection while your skin heals.

During a patch test appointment, a small area within the brow is used as a test site to check for any signs of an adverse reaction to products used. The skin is broken in the test site and a small dot of ink is implanted. The topical numbing creams normally used during the procedure will also be applied. A patch test is recommended for clients that are considering this service but fear they might be at risk of developing an allergic reaction to the inks or numbing products used during the procedure. You know your body best.

If getting a patch test will make you feel more comfortable moving forward, please contact my studio to set up an appointment. The patch test should be scheduled BEFORE booking an appointment. The cost of the patch test is $50 and takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. Most clients choose to not have a patch test done, but if you are highly allergic to foods, dyes, perfumes, lotions, metals, have severe contact dermatitis, or any other skin condition that may result in an adverse reaction, I do recommend a patch test.

If you have an old tattoo, please submit pictures for approval via email at hello@inkd-pmu.com PRIOR to booking! Why? Because some clients will not be good candidates for corrections. If your old tattoo is too dark, too thick, or placed far outside the natural brow bone, unfortunately there is nothing I can do to improve it. As a matter of fact, trying to cover up old ink can have terrible results.

Please take clear photos with good lighting and NO makeup on!

A few things to keep in mind:

Corrections are not easy, and the trauma can result in scarring, poor retention, and the appearance of two sets of brows once they’ve healed.

If you have an old tattoo, please keep in mind that we will only be able to use the Powder Brow technique if I determine that I am in fact able to work over the existing ink. In my experience, the hair stroke technique never covers the old tattoo adequately.

Once you are ready to book you can find the schedule above. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU READ ALL THE POLICIES, FAQS AND PRE AND POST CARE INSTRUCTIONS PRIOR TO BOOKING!

Choose:

• NEW CLIENT - If this is your first time booking an appointment with me (even if you have an old tattoo)

• FOLLOW-UP - if you already had your initial session and need to come back for your 6-12 week touchup*

• COLOR MAINTENANCE - if its been more than 6 months since your initial session

*the sooner you come in for your followup the better, your service is not 100% complete until we have the followup session! This session will be booked in person at the end of your initial visit.

I complete your service in two sessions because I need to layer the color so it has the most natural effect once healed. I work very lightly the first time because I need to see how your skin heals. I also know that most clients are very nervous the first time, so I keep the color and the pressure soft so that you have a chance to get used to the new color, shape, and intensity.

Trust the process... and your artist! ☺️

Please note: some clients may require a 3rd session to achieve desired results. It isn’t very common, but I want you to be aware that it could happen. Fees will apply for additional sessions.

No. When we apply makeup, it sits on top of our skin. Your brow tattoo is implanted under many layers of skin. As the tattoo heals, a fresh layer of skin (the epidermis) will cover it, essentially sealing the ink in place. The skin acts as a filter and will make the tattoo appear softer. The thicker the upper layer is (textured, porous skin tends to have a very thick outer layer), the more opaque the ink will look.

Did you know that the human face is not 100% symmetrical? It’s true! My goal when designing your brows is not perfection, it’s balance and subtle enhancements that compliment the rest of your features. So yes, I can assure you that I will try my best to improve the symmetry, but I cannot promise you 100% symmetrical and “perfect” eyebrows.

All deposits are non-refundable. If you are not 100% ready for this procedure, don’t book just yet!

When I first started, I didn’t ask for a deposit, and clients would simply change their minds and not show. I value your time, and I hope that you value mine as well. I understand things do come up. If you need to reschedule to a later time, I ask that you give me at least a 48 hour notice so I can try to schedule someone else in your spot. Failure to do so will forfeit your deposit.

No refunds after the service has been completed.

It is very rare for a client to require a third visit to achieve the desired results, but it is possible. Sometimes clients request that we stay very light and natural during the first session, and almost always request that we go darker or thicker during the second session. If this is the case, a third visit may be necessary to acheive a darker result since we went very light the first time.

I do suggest that you trust your artist to guide you during the design process. With permanent makeup, the initial results are much darker and much larger than the final healed results. The skin shrinks as it heals, and the color softnens considerably, sometimes healing up to 50% lighter than the inital color. If you give your artist the green light to chose the color and shape for you, I promise you you will be very happy with the healed results.

Whenever you feel you need one! On average, I see clients every 18th months, but I have clients who have needed a boost as early as a 8 months after their initial session, and clients who I’ve seen 3 years later and need minimal work because the retention is still great. Every single client is different. I don’t recommend coming back sooner than 10 months after your initial visit because we don’t want to risk creating scar tissue in the area. Remember, SPF is your best friend. It will protect and extend the life of your new tattoo.

Your initial visit will take 2-3 hours. Touch-up and Color Boost sessions take 1-2 hours. When you arrive, we will:

• Review forms

• Take photos

• Apply topical anesthetic for 10 min

• Discuss desired results, and create a stencil based on this consultation

• Tattoo the stencil you’ve approved

• Review after care instructions

• Check out

You don’t have to take time off work. You should expect some redness, tenderness, and a little bit of swelling immediately afterwards, but the skin should go back normal a few hours after your visit.

Keep in mind that you are going to look different, so it is normal to feel a bit self-conscious while you are healing, but they will still look “normal” enough to go about your day without any issues.

• No aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E, or niacin 72 hours prior

• No exercise, alcohol, or caffeine 24 hours prior

• No tanning (face) one week prior. A tan is burned skin, which needs to repair. I cannot tattoo on damaged skin

• No medical grade exfoliants should be used directly on the area for 4 weeks prior to the appointment.

• No chemical peels or laser treatments on the area 6 weeks prior to the appointment

You don’t have to groom your brows prior to your appointment, but if you want to wax or thread your brows, make sure its at least 2 days before coming in. And no, I do NOT have to shave your brows off 😁

If you can, then yes! Your makeup gives me a good idea of your style and preference. If you cannot apply makeup prior to coming in that’s okay too. You can also bring in a picture where you like how your makeup looks. Pictures of other people or your ideal “after” brows are fine, but we have to remember every face structure is different, so your own pictures are best

For the Feather Brows technique, I typically use tones that match your natural eyebrow hair color. The only exception is clients with very blonde hair. In this case we want to go with a darker tone. For Powder Brows, I use a tone that is one or two shades LIGHTER than your natural brow hair if you have dark eyebrow hair. I typically use a tone that is one or two shades DARKER if you have blonde or light brown eyebrow hair. Of course, I will discuss color selection with you on the day of the appointment. Remember, the initial color is not the same as the healed color.

Yes, the inks I use are safe and specifically formulated for permanent cosmetic procedures. Like anything else we inject in our body, there is always a risk of adverse reaction. But rest assured that I only use inks from reputable companies that are leaders in the industry and guarantee the quality of their products.

The first phase of healing takes 7-10 days. This is the time when your skin forms a scab to protect the area while new skin cells form. You need to follow After Care Instructions during this phase. The second phase takes 3-4 weeks. The scabs fall off and the skin continues to repair itself during this phase. This is why we wait at least 6 weeks to schedule a touchup.

Please see aftercare here.

Your new tattoo will give your brows more fullness and structure, but it is recommended that you continue to groom your brows to maintain that shape. The great news is that your new tattoo will make it very easy for you to maintain your shape at home. Of course, if you prefer to leave your brow grooming to the pros, that’s fine too! Waxing, threading, and plucking will not affect the tattoo.

Fading will eventually occur, but applying SPF over your brows is the key to extending the life of your tattoo. Keep the skin well moisturized, hydrated, and avoid applying anti-aging products directly over the brows. Avoid chemical peels and laser treatments on the tattooed area as well.

I accept cash, credit card, debit card, QuickPay (Zelle) and Venmo. Cash is preferred!