FAQs
Cosmetic Tattooing
HOW DO I BOOK AN APPOINTMENT?
WHAT IS COSMETIC TATTOOING?
Cosmetic Tattooing, also called Semi-Permanent Makeup or Micropigmentation, is the process of implanting color pigment beneath the surface of the skin by a sterile, disposable needle to produce the appearance of hairlike strokes to enhance the natural eyebrow.
IS THERE NUMBING?
A highly-effective, topical lidocaine anesthetic cream and gel are used for numbing before and during your procedure. Pain threshold levels vary from person to person and every effort is made to ensure you remain comfortable for the entirety of the procedure.
HOW DO YOU KNOW WHERE TO PUT MY NEW EYEBROWS?
I take pride in my skills with mapping string, I first use this string to narrow down the shape of your brow bone- this then determines where an eyebrow "should" begin, arch, and end. From there, I narrow down the shape with measuring tools to ensure everything is also mathematically making sense. Once I am happy, I have you sit up and ensure you are also happy!
WHAT ARE THE PIGMENTS MADE OF?
The pigments used in Cosmetic Tattooing come in a variety of colors specially formulated with ingredients which are safe for the skin. Because color is implanted just underneath the dermal layer of the skin, the resulting shade is soft and muted, unlike regular cosmetic makeup that sits on the surface of the skin.
CAN I GET TATTOOED IF I AM PREGNANT OR NURSING?
As a precaution to avoid any complications, we do NOT perform cosmetic tattooing on pregnant or nursing women.
HOW LONG DOES COSMETIC TATTOOING LAST?
The treatment is considered semi-permanent, however, it will fade over time and may need a touch-up every 6 months-2 years. Frequency of touch-ups depends on a number of factors including: the pigment color used (lighter colors fade faster), lifestyle (sun exposure), and if any active skincare comes into contact with treated areas. Please note that final results can not be guaranteed as each unique skintype will hold pigments differently and break down at different rates.
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Epilepsy
Diabetic
Chemotherapy
Sick: (cold, flu, etc.)
Pregnant or Nursing
Major Heart Problems
Viral Infections/ Disease
Botox (we recommend discontinuing Botox 1 month prior and post procedure)
Accutane in the past year
Chemical peel or laser treatment within the past month
Psoriasis, Rash or Sunburn on or Around Treated area
An Allergy to Lidocaine, Tetracaine or Epinephrine.
Previous Permanent Makeup
Brow enhancing serum i.e. Latisse
WHAT SHOULD I DO BEFORE MY PROCEDURE? For eyebrows: If you have an ideal shape and color in mind, bring a few reference photos with you to your appointment. Please come with your eyebrows in their natural state. If there are any stray hairs that fall outside of our final shape, we can remove them. You may fill-in your eyebrows prior to your appointment if you wish so we can get a sense of what your daily makeup routine is like. If you plan to go on a vacation, it is recommended to plan your trip a minimum of 14 days after the procedure. We also request our clients avoid prescription blood thinners (if possible) for 24 hours prior to their appointment. This also includes Vitamin E, Aspirin, fish oil and ALCOHOL.
THIS DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN HOW YOU HOLD YOUR PIGMENT.
HOW WILL I LOOK IMMEDIATELY AFTER? WHAT IS THE HEALING PROCESS? Although your eyebrows will look great immediately after your semi-permanent makeup will appear darker and bigger than expected for the first few days. This will gradually lighten during the complete healing process. Detailed aftercare instructions will be explained and provided to you at your appointment by your artist.
HOW WILL MY COSMETIC TATTOO LOOK IN THE FUTURE?
The majority of our clients' cosmetic tattoos stay true to color. There are some cases, however, where colors may fade to different tones according to the individual’s response to the pigments (like lifestyle and iron deficiencies). Many factors affect these changes. At your follow up appointment, we will re-analyze how your body has responded to the initial color. Special formula alteration to correct the color and to prevent further color change is made at this time.
HOW DO I MAKE MY EYEBROWS LAST?
A good sunscreen applied daily AFTER healing on the tattooed area(s) is needed to help keep color true. As with any tattoo, sun exposure will make the color fade faster. You will need a touch-up every 1-2 years to maintain. The fading speed depends on your skin type, lifestyle, sun exposure, pigment color used, broken capillaries, iron deficiency, and if any active skincare were used after cosmetic tattooing.
If you are planning a chemical peel, MRI or other medical procedure, please inform the technician that you have had a cosmetic tattoo. Careful application must be taken to avoid affecting the tattooed area.
If you are planning to have laser treatments, tell your laser specialist to avoid the pigmented area.
CAN WE CHANGE THE COLOR OF MY EYEBROWS?
Think of a blank piece of paper and paint- we can work our way darker, of course! But not lighter- imagine painting yellow over dark brown. Microblading is great since it is multiple sessions, we can work our way darker and keep you comfortable with the outcome as we go.
Body Piercing
HOW DO I BOOK AN APPOINTMENT?
How old do you have to be to get pierced?
Individuals 18 and over can make independent piercing/stretching decisions. If you are under 18, you will need a verifiable parent or legal guardian present at time of piercing/stretching to sign documentation. All parties will need to provide proper state or federal photographic identification with date of birth. (Simple jewelry changes such as gem size or color may be provided without parental consent.) Additional criteria and restrictions to what can and cannot be safely pierced are based loosely on actual age and more specifically on levels of physical and emotional maturation and lifestyle in combination with the different professional piercers ideologies and comfort zones with regards to minors. It is best to call or drop by adorn to determine the best timing for your minor piercings. I do not perform infant ear-piercing or any piercings on clients who cannot have a discussion about the care and consequences of piercings and give informed consent.
AKA- I do NOT pierce any child who is not wanting/excited for their piercing.
Will you pierce my infant?
I deeply agree with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) who recommends waiting until a child is old enough to take care of the piercing his/herself. Additionally, while I respect that many cultures have a tradition of infant ear piercing I have chosen to honor the rights of the individual over those of society. Consequently, I do not perform any piercing on anyone who cannot engage in some sort conversation about the risks and benefits/GIVE CONSENT. This age of reason seems to occur around 6 yrs of age for most children. I pierced my own daughter on her 6th birthday and she did great taking care of them!
How long does my piercing take to heal?
Different individuals and different piercings have different heal times. These times represent an average first stage of healing; actual healing can take well over a year. Even if your piercing is no longer swollen or tender it is not necessarily healed. Most of what people consider healed is far from it. Not even Superman could heal a piercing in two weeks. It is best to schedule a troubleshooting appointment if following only MY aftercare does not seem to be working.
Should I Twist Or Rotate The Jewelry During The Healing Period?
Twisting came into popular lore from ear piercing guns that use blunt force trauma to put inadequately sized, improperly designed jewelry of dubious metal quality into jagged and brutally formed “holes”. Professional piercings provide little to no risk of adhering because the jewelry is implant-grade properly polished mirror smooth and custom sized to be of appropriate length to your specific anatomy. There is nothing to gain from twisting, in fact, rotating the jewelry increases your risk of infection, rejection and scarring dramatically and therefore increases healing time. Hands off for better healing!
Should I use Neosporin, Aquaphor, Hydrogen Peroxide, any healing ointments?
NO NO NO! Chemicals most often cause more damage than good and increase the likelihood of complications. Healing oitments like Neosporin heal your jewelry OUT- aka rejection.
Can I start with a hoop?
I do not start any piercings with a hoop. Trust me, heal it correctly then we'll get you hooked up with a cute hoop.
Can I Go Swimming?
Sorry but NO. Lakes, rivers, oceans, bays, streams, creeks, pools, puddles hot tubs and even bathtubs (but not showers! Please shower!) are all to be avoided. Chemicals in treated water can irritate piercings and still leave them open to infection. The many and varied bacterial strains in our untreated water sources make infections imminent and difficult to treat. Even baths are suspect as they are often shared with other dirty humans and soap or cleaning chemical residue can be irritating. I deeply suggest not swimming or soaking until you are healed. Waterproof bandages may provide some level of protection if swimming is unavoidable. Bandages are not infallible, use at your discretion.
I Am Going On Vacation Is It A Good Idea To Get Pierced?
It is important to factor in personal, family/social and employment concerns when deciding to get pierced. Do you really want to spend your trip pampering a potentially problematic piercing?! Honestly, no… Go enjoy yourself! Go swim. Go hike. Go play. Get pierced when you are home and have access to a professional piercer and/or medical care if complications occur. Whether it’s a family reunion, spring break, or rugby season: There is a time for everything! Discuss your concerns with me to find the timing that is best for your situation. Schedule a consult to talk things over.
Is it safe?
While I cannot guarantee absolute safety, you can rest at ease knowing that every aspect of your care has been considered and measures have been put in place for your well-being. The risks associated with body piercing include but are not limited to: Irritation, allergic reaction, infection, scaring, migration, and even rejection. All these risks can be minimized by choosing a professionally trained piercer in a clean studio with proper quality jewelry. This is why I control every element personally- from purchasing the jewelry, autoclaving(sterilizing) myself to performing the piercing. The true element of risk is the healing stage, which is on you to take seriously!
Can I Get Pierced While Pregnant/Nursing?
I do not pierce anyone who is pregnant or nursing. Your system is under tremendous stress from dramatic changes that leave you and your baby susceptible to increased risks of infection, allergic reaction and/or rejection. It is best to wait until you are finished nursing before considering a new tattoo or piercing. On a brighter note, if you already have a piercing that is healed and comfortable there is rarely a medical reason to take out your jewelry. There are flexible jewelry alternatives available if as your pregnancy progresses any problems with fit or comfort arise. Schedule a consultation!
Can I Sleep On It?
Ideally NOT. This is especially true for ear cartilage piercings. Sleeping on piercings can be painful and cause healing complications. Even without pain it is likely that sleeping on a piercing will result in unsightly scarring. Often the weight of the body on the jewelry will cause it to move the piercing into a crooked an unflattering position. This shifting out of alignment is especially problematic in cases of multiple or paired piercings, leaving them unflattering and imbalanced. Do your best to stay off your piercing. Try using the opening gap of a travel pillow to frame your piercing and eliminate some of the direct pressure. If problems still arise come in sooner rather than later so I can help guide you to a solution.
What Do I Do If I Think I Have An Infection, Or Allergic Reaction?
Often times what people think of as an infection is simply irritation. Left unchecked, an irritation can lead to in infection. If your piercing is not 100% come into the studio and let us look at it. If there is intense redness, heat, dark or odorous discharge or pain, seek a professional medical doctor without delay. Important: Bacteria causes infection, not piercings or jewelry. Removing jewelry closes piercings and seals infectious waste in the body. It is counterproductive to actually treating infection but that does not stop some healthcare workers from allowing personal prejudice to affect professional judgment.
There’s Something Wrong With My Piercing. What Should I Do?
Schedule a troubleshooting appointment with me OR email me a photo and description of what is going on: caitlincrafted@gmail.com. Please understand if you go the email route, it may take a day or two for a response. Either way, do not take advice from your BF, your well-intentioned Uncle Joe or the mixed bag of “experts” that are found on Google and YouTube. And please do not ignore the problem. Reach out to the gal that did it, I'll be happy to help!