Please start doing some real research into your permanent makeup, permanent cosmetic, cosmetic tattoo or micro pigmentation person-who-let me remind you will be responsible for how your face looks for many years to come!
Understand this first: regardless what name it is advertised as, it is a cosmetic tattoo. Don't let anyone fool you by telling you it's "micro pigmentation". What's THAT??? That would translate to 'small coloring' wouldn't it? It sounds like a made up word for someone who goes queasy at the real word (tattoo) to use. In FACT, that's exactly what it is! Yes indeed, it is a word that a handful of doctors made up so they could 'skate' by the laws and statues that oversee 'tattooing'. They seem to be a clever bunch, but...well, the sad news is that its YOU, Joan Q. Public who is being duped by their cleverness on so many levels.
Permanent Makeup or Cosmetics is a tattoo, its as simple as that.
This isn't to say that a tattoo artist who does body work will be much good at doing one's makeup. With guidance, makeup skills and being open-minded to learning the art of makeup as it translates to tattooing, a body tattooist might become a terrific cosmetic artist. Teryn Darling comes to my mind. She's a little hottie body tattoo artist in Las Vegas who underwent extensive studying to learn the art of tattooed makeup and she now has mastered both types of tattooing.
What's so lovable about Teryn is her lack of pretentiousness. She's humble enough to know it requires constant learning to be good and stay ahead.
Every day there are articles which Google finds for me on permanent makeup and I am appalled each and every day at how incorrect the bulk of the information on permanent cosmetics is and how ridiculous the sales pitches are.
Numerous times daily I receive articles stating that 'ink is injected into the skin'. Technically it isn't exactly incorrect, but why not just say that its 'tattooed' into the dermal layer? Would that be too difficult? Just say what it is! Injections give the impression of hypodermic needles, not tattoo needles.
Joan, you must stop being fooled by parfait names.
Ms. Public, the outcome of your permanent makeup has much to do with you. I think it would scare you to know that over half of the people performing permanent cosmetic services were trained in 1 or 2 day classes! Can you believe that? Yes, Joan, one day a real estate agent or housewife and two days later permanently ravaging faces!
What should you do? What should you look for?
Look at their website.
Look for the SPCP logo.
Joan, you want a professional specialist to commit to the well being of your face, right? If someone is a member in good standing with the SPCP, it shows they are willing to comply with the code of ethics and if they also have take the certificiation exam and earned their CPCP; even better yet.
Check their website. If they train other technicians, how long are their classes? If they GIVE 1-2 day classes, they certainly do not understand or choose to ignore the gravity and potential disaster of such. Run away.
Ask how long they have been doing permanent cosmetics. Mastering permanent makeup doesn’t come easy and easily requires s learning curve. If they tell you “years and years”, ask to see documentation in the form of training certificates to back-up the claim
Talk to some of their clients. If you can't find anyone who knows anyone who this person has done-red flag. Run away.
Ask to see evidence of continuing education. Look for at least 20 hours of advanced training per year; preferably in 1-3 classes only. Training classes of a few hours here and there are less likely to lend much toward true advancement. Technicians might boast of all the shows and conventions they attend. While industry events are fun, they are primarily for investigating new equipment, products and networking! Comprehensive internships are where most true learning takes place.
Ask if the technician hold a CPCP certification. CPCP means Certified Permanent Cosmetic Professional and is an exam given by the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals
Look at the facility. The floor, chairs, countertops should be very clean. All surfaces should be of impervious, non-porous material for adequate disinfection. A “sharps disposal unit” should be visible, and preferably an autoclave for steam sterilization.
If they say they use an 'all disposable' system, the handles could be reused, resulting in a dangerous cross-contamination situation. If they do not have an autoclave, and insist their system is truly 'all disposable', ask to see the disposable units. Are the handles disposable as well as the needle groupings? Is there evidence of needles being disposed of in the sharps container?
Request the technician to design and apply your eyebrows and lip-liner with makeup in your consultation. Artistic ability is important! Do they use stencils for brows? If so, do you want your brows to look like they have been 'stamped' on? The face must wear the brows, not vice-versa. It requires experience and talent to design the facial features. Stencils are fun tools, but are frequently used as a crutch for someone with inadequate design experience and knowledge of morphology of the face. Is their design flattering to your face?
They may be wearing a crisp white lab coat during your interview; it looks impressive. Find out what they wear when performing the service. Remember, the surface of the skin is broken during the procedures and contaminated body fluids my pass on to their sleeves etc. If they do not wear a disposable isolation gown, how do you know that the sleeve touching you during your procedure is not the same sleeve that has touched someone else?
Ask what they use to clean the chair or table after the client is finished. Make them show it to you. Don’t settle for Lysol, it is not OSHA approved and is useless against some viruses. They must use an FDA approved virucidal, germicidal on all impervious surfaces in the work area, even if they cover the chair or table with paper during procedures. Consider your safety!
Choose your technician carefully; after all, you want permanent beauty, not permanent mistakes!
By following this guideline, you should now be able to make an informed decision.
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