Question 1

Why is it considered semi-permanent? How long will it last?

Answer

Anything implanted into the skin is considered permanent however often cosmetic tattooing is considered "semi-permanent" due to the pigments being specifically designed with a fade factor. What this means is over time they will fade/lighten and will require a touchup to look their best. With our skin constantly rejuvenating, the pigment gradually gets broken down and replaced with new skin cells. Depending on the quality and materials of pigments used, some components of pigments can stay in the skin longer than others.

Low quality pigments and poor application can lead to undesirable results. Ashley's Esthetics prides itself in using ink that is non toxic, vegan, animal cruelty free and of the utmost quality! Our chosen pigment line is comprised of the absolute highest quality pigments with the highest lightfastness rating for maximum colour stability and performance over time = no changing colours, only becoming lighter versions of themselves! They are considered to be the leading ink choice in the permanent makeup industry, backed by the masters in permanent makeup and the tattoo industry worldwide.

These common factors should be noted as they can make your cosmetic tattoo fade faster:
Oily skin
Certain skin care products containing high exfoliant properties, like Retin A & glycolic acid.
Iron deficiency
Sun exposure
Strong immune systems
Excessive exposure to salt water

Question 2

Who may not benefit from certain techniques?

Answer

It is not ideal for a client to have specific expectations surrounding a certain technique. Always be open for suggestions from your artist as I have learned what techniques work best for certain cases.

Example: Certain client's with a lot of dense/thick brow hair already present will not get the density expected when adding a brow tattoo around dense hair.

Please Note:

Clients with very oily skin, and large pores, must take into consideration that the end result of hairstrokes will not be defined like on a client with normal to dry skin and more frequent touchups overall may be required due to the skin's constant oil production. A powder brow, or possibily combination brow, will be better suited for your skin type.

Blonde pigment fades the fastest. A powder, combination or nano brow may be better suited for longer pigment retention.

Sun exposure fades pigment. It is always recommended to wear a sunhat, sunblock &/or mineral makeup with sun protection properties for best pigment retention after the initial healing period is over.

It should be noted that final results cannot be guaranteed as every skin type holds pigment differently. Any adjustments can be made 6-8 weeks afterwards - contact me for details.

Question 3

Does it hurt?

Answer

All methods are very tolerable if done correctly! Considering everyone handles pain differently, I use an amazing topical anesthetic before and during the procedure which will allow you to relax and enjoy your treatment. I frequently see clients that have come to me after having an undesirable experience elsewhere and have mentioned my procedure to be very comfortable and enjoyable.

Question 4

How do I prepare for my appointment?

Answer

Here are my best recommendations to get you ready for the procedure: Do not pick/tweeze/wax/tint/perform electrolysis within one week before your appointment.
Avoid tanning two weeks prior.
Do not work out the day of your appointment. Avoid strong facials/peels two to four weeks prior to treatment (depending on severity of facial). Discontinue Vitamin A/Retinol products for one month prior to your appointment.
Discontinue Fish Oils & Vitamin E for one week prior to treatment (natural blood thinners). Do not have botox, or fillers, at least three weeks prior and post treatment. Avoid alcohol for 24-48 hours prior to treatment. Avoid aspirin/advil/ibuprofin for pain relief prior to treatment. Tylenol is a better choice if you have a low pain threshold. Limit caffeine intake prior treatment.
Before your LASH LINER enhancement or eyeliner treatment please:

Discontinue the use of lash serums for one month prior and post treatment.
Please remove lash extensions, and ensure to not have a lash lift within 2 weeks of your appointment.
Please do not wear mascara or eye makeup to your appointment and do not use mascara or eye makeup for 7 to 10 days after your appointment.
In certain cases, your eyes will be very puffy and swollen. This is easily alleviated with an over-the-counter antihistamine medication. Your vision is not affected by eyeliner enhancements, but you may wish to have someone drive you home.
Before your LIP treatment:

If you are prone to cold sores, please start your medication prior to your appointment to prevent an outbreak.
Please ensure no injections/fillers for 4 weeks before and after this treatment.
Please use a natural lip exfoliant, like equal parts of olive oil (or coconut oil) & brown sugar & honey, for 1-2 weeks prior to your appointment. After your treatment you will be given aftercare instructions to help ensure your treatment area heals beautifully. We discuss all of the recommended before and after care instructions at your complimentary consultation, immediately before your treatment, as well as provide an after care card to take home with you.

Question 5

Important information to take into consideration during the healing phase.

Answer

Important reminders for during the healing phase, it is recommended to:
Use a fresh pillowcase while you sleep. Let any scabbing or dry skin naturally exfoliate away. Picking can cause scarring or loss of pigment. No facials, botox, chemical treatments or microdermabrasion for 4 weeks. Avoid hot, sweaty exercise for 1-2 weeks. Avoid direct sun exposure or tanning for 4 weeks after the procedure. Wear a hat when outdoors. Avoid long, hot showers for the first 10 days. Avoid sleeping on your face for the first 10 days. Avoid face-down swimming, lakes and hot tubs for the first 10 days. Avoid topical makeup and sunscreen on the area for 2-4 weeks. DO NOT rub, pick or scratch the treated area.

Immediately after: Your new tattoo will be quite bold and feel tender.

Next Day: The tattoo will appear reddish as your scabs begin to form.

Day 2-5: A scab will develop and turn very dark making it appear thicker than it originally was. It is also common for the pigment to appear a warmer shade then originally chosen. This will pass.

Day 5-14 (depending on your skin): Scabs will slowly slough off and reveal a muted and foggy color underneath. During this phase, you should not get the area wet for too long, sweat heavily, wear makeup on the area, or anything else that could introduce bacteria or cause the scabs to lift off prematurely.

Week 2-6: Your pigment color will slowly become more vibrant and will be fully healed at 6 - 8 weeks.

Question 6

What is hyper tonic saline tattoo removal?

Answer

With this method of tattoo removal we can focus on improving previous cosmetic tattoos with poor shape, improper thickness, too dark of pigment retention, or cloudy pigment.

After the use of a topical anesthetic we use a digital tattoo machine and a sterile hyper tonic saline removal solution with a specialized technique to help the body rid itself of a previous permanent makeup session.

2-3 sessions are typically recommended. A consultation is a requirement to ensure we can get your desired results.

This is a great alternative to those who do not want to undergo laser tattoo removal to improve undesirable work.

Question 7

What is your sanitization/disinfection/sterilization process?

Answer

Ashley's Esthetics is certified in Blood Borne Pathogens and is Approved and Certified by Westbank First Nations Interior Health. Being properly trained and inspected is vital to any personal service establishment!

We only use sterilized, single-use, disposable needles and supplies. This means that each set-up for each client is discarded safely afterwards.
Machines or anything non-disposable are completely covered with disposable coverings and disposed of after each client.
Gloves and masks are worn at all times during the procedure and disposed of after each client.
All stations are thoroughly disinfected with PREempt RTU before and after each client.