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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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What is permanent makeup?Permanent makeup is a form of cosmetic tattooing in which the outermost layer of the skin is implanted with pigment. PMU may be done with both a machine and hand-held tools for different effects or results and can last an average of 1-3 years. Iconic Ink offers Ombre Powder Brows and Combination Brows as our permanent makeup services.
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Does it hurt?A topical numbing gel is used throughout your service to ensure that the process is as comfortable as possible. Pain levels vary, but many clients rate the pain level around a 4 out of 10- while some fall asleep during their service. Many clients describe the procedure as less painful than getting a tattoo but slightly more painful than plucking or waxing your brows. (PLEASE NOTE that if you are a frequent smoker, or have your appointment during your menstrual cycle, the pain level could be intensified.)
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How long does the procedure take?Each service takes an average of 4-4.5 hours. Your appointment will include a consultation, mapping/ brow shaping, the procedure, and an informative aftercare plan.
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How long will my brows last?The results and longevity of your new brows will depend greatly on your lifestyle, sun exposure and how you take care of your skin both during and after the healing process. Each client's skin responds differently, both in length of time it takes to heal, and the number of sessions required to achieve your desired results and color retention. Combination and Ombre Powder Brows typically last 12-18 months but may last up to 3 years after the 6-8 week touch up.
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Is it safe?To ensure the highest quality of safety, all of our tools are one time use only. ALL blades, hand tools, wipes, gloves, and other products used during the procedure are disposed of as biohazardous waste after each appointment. All other equipment is cleaned and maintained with the highest sanitation and sterilization standards. All guidelines are strictly followed in accordance with the Center for Disease Control giving each client peace of mind.
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Will I need a touch up?All permanent makeup services will require a retouch appointment 6-8 weeks following their initial service to ensure the longevity of their brows. This service is not inlcluded with the initial service and must be booked online for a fee of $100. Failure to book the retouch session may result in reduced retention and premature fading.
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What should I do before my procedure?-If you have an ideal shape and color in mind, bring a few reference photos with you to your appointment. -Please refrain from taking blood thinning medication including Asprin for at least 3-5 days before procedure. -No alcohol, caffeine, fish oil, or vitamin E for 24 hours before your procedure. -If you have been on prescription Accutane in the past, you must wait at least one year before considering this procedure, and stop the use of Retinol for 2 weeks before and after your appointment. -Avoid chemical peels for at least 4 weeks prior to your appointment. -Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning for 2 weeks before and after your appointment. DO NOT COME TO YOUR APPOINTMENT WITH A SUNBURN. -If you plan to go on a vacation, it is recommended to plan your trip a minimum of 10 days after the procedure due to the aftercare maintenance.
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What is aftercare like?We have recently adjusted our aftercare for maximum healed results. All products and instructions will be provided to the client after their appointment, along with detailed written instructions on how to care for your new brows and what to expect.
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What is the healing process like?The healing process is 10 days. During this time your new brows will go through several stages. While the exact timeline varies, immediately after the procedure you can expect some soreness and redness that will subside within a few hours. Days 2-4 your brows will appear much darker in color than on the day of your service. This is due to pigment oxidation and is a normal occurence. Between days 5-8 you will experience itchiness along with light scabbing and flaking. It is extremely important not to scratch or pick at the brows, as this may cause scarring and pigment loss. Days 9-10 your brows should no longer be scabbing or flaking, but the color remaining may look light or faint. This is normal as new skin has healed over the tattoo. This color will be 30-40% lighter than the color of your brows during healing. It is important to note that your brows will take up to 4 weeks to fully heal under the skin. Color may continue to fluctuate until all healing is complete at the 4 week mark. *It is important to schedule your retouch appointment for 6-8 weeks after your initial appointment to compensate for fading that occurs during the healing process and to increase the longevity of your new brows.
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Can I wear makeup after the procedure?You may wear makeup around the brows, but avoid applying directly to the brow area for at least 10 days. Avoid excessive use of powders that may get into the brows during the healing process.
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Can i exercise after getting my brows done?Excessive sweating should be avoided the first 10 days. The salt in sweat will cause pigment to fade very quickly and may distort the pigment color. Light exercising with minimal sweating is permitted.
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Will I have to take time off from work?Everyone's healing process is individual. There may be slight swelling or redness after your service, but many clients go to work or continue their social lives the same day. Ointments are used for several days following the procedure and aid in both soothing the skin and in the healing process. *Please note, service times last on average 4-4.5 hours.
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Will my brows look natural?Yes. Permanent makeup looks more natural than brow pencils and pomades. The color will appear very dark during the healing process, but will lighten approximately 40% when healing has completed.
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Is permanent makeup really permanent?While the name for cosmetic tattooing is interchangeable with "permanent makeup", it is actually a semi-permanent procedure. PMU is not performed at the same depth as traditional tattooing, and eventually fades. To keep up with your new brows, touch ups are recommended every 1-2 years to maintain shape, color, and detail.
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