Permanent Makeup FAQs
At Adorn Cosmetic in Oakland, we understand that you may have questions about our permanent makeup services, and we're here to help! Whether you're curious about the benefits of microblading, how long your results will last, or what to expect during the healing process, our friendly team is ready to provide all the information you need. Feel free to explore our FAQs or reach out for a consultation.
Why Permanent Makeup?
Permanent makeup benefits those who:
Desire a defined and polished look
Have naturally sparse or fair lashes or brows or very uneven brow shapes
Want to save time getting ready. If you save even 10 minutes a day on your makeup that will save you over 60 hours a year!
Have limited dexterity or vision problem which make makeup application difficult
Are allergic to traditional makeup
Have scars they would like to camouflage
How long will permanent makeup last?
Permanent cosmetic treatments, unlike a regular tattoo, use natural pigments that break down over time. The amount of time it takes for permanent brow or eyeliners to fade depends on many factors, including sun exposure, skin type, pigment color, medical conditions, and how well you adhere to aftercare instructions.
Most people want to refresh their procedures every 1-2 years. As you become accustomed to your new makeup it's not uncommon to want more definition or more color. The darker the original color, the longer it will remain unchanged. Lighter, natural, delicate colors are often times more vulnerable to the effects of sun and chlorine, and breakdown by the body's natural responses over time. Many people use powder or pencil on top of their tattoo when they desire a more enhanced look.
Read our tips for How To Make Your Microblading Last Longer
Will Microblading Hurt?
Pain thresholds vary from person to person. Before the procedure a topical numbing cream will be applied, after which most people experience an initial sensation similar to having eyebrows plucked. Once the skin has been opened, another numbing cream is applied which completely numbs the area. After both numbing agents have been applied all most people experience is pressure.
Having a tattoo performed during your menstrual cycle may increase discomfort. If you are a heavy smoker the topical anesthetics used during the treatment will not last as long. If you have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, be aware that this may affect your sensitivity.
Is the Microblading procedure safe?
Unlike many technicians that sterilize and re-use needles and casings, SofTap uses all pre-packaged, sterile, and disposable, needles and needle casings. Any parts that actually touch the client, along with the medical grade needles that penetrate the skin are all pre-sterilized from the manufacturer, are disposed of post-procedure. This ensures that you will receive the safest, most sterile form of cosmetic tattooing available.
How soon can I wear makeup after getting permanent makeup?
For most permanent makeup procedures, it's best to avoid applying any makeup to the treated area for at least 7-10 days. This allows the area to heal properly without risk of infection or color disruption. For eyeliner procedures, wait at least 3 days before using a new tube of mascara to avoid potential infections. Always consult your technician for specific guidelines based on your procedure.
What are ombre brows and how do they differ from microblading?
Ombre brows, also known as powder brows, create a soft, shaded eyebrow appearance. Unlike microblading, which mimics individual hair strokes, ombre brows use a machine to implant pigment in a gradient effect, resulting in a more filled-in look. This technique can be particularly suitable for those with oily skin or those who prefer a more defined brow appearance.
Can I get microblading if I have oily skin?
A: Yes, you can get the perfect brows even if you have oily skin. However, oily skin requires more consideration when you are thinking about getting eyebrow microblading. Nano brows are generally more suitable for oily skin types compared to traditional microblading. Nanoblading is a permanent makeup procedure that fills in sparse, thin eyebrows for a fuller, more defined look. While nanoblading and microblading produce similar results, the main difference is in the application method, with nanoblading using an ultra-fine single needle attached to a cosmetic tattoo machine, in contrast to microblading's manual hand tool.
How do eyebrows change with age?
As women age, eyebrows often become thinner, grayer, and less symmetrical. This is due to changes in hormone production, slower hair growth cycles, and decreased melanin production.
Can I get rid of permanent makeup?
We like to remind our microblading and eyeliner tattoo clients that permanent makeup should be viewed as a permanent decision, so our clients put a lot of thought and care into selecting their shape and pigment. With that said, we see many clients and situations when permanent makeup removal is needed. This can be particularly useful for correcting or removing old permanent makeup or small unwanted tattoos. At Adorn Cosmetic, we love supporting clients who need permanent eyebrow or eyeliner removal, leaving them free to try another look. Our gentle and effective techniques ensure a smooth journey to erasing those unwanted looks.
What permanent makeup options are available for older women?
Adorn Cosmetic welcomes clients of all ages and offers several permanent makeup options for women over 50, including:
We love working with women who embrace their age and know they can look amazing at any stage of life. We love helping you be your fabulous selves, even if your eyebrows are trying to play a disappearing act.