Is Allergy Testing Mandatory?

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No. In fact, in 15 years, I have never had anyone present an allergic reaction to any pigment that I have implanted. I have witnessed two tests however, that were highly suspicious, so the clients declined service at my suggestion. Better safe than sorry! Even though its not mandatory, we still care and recommend getting a test. It may allows us to catch a potential reaction before pigment gets implanted in your skin. IMPORTANT: Since it's not required by law, it is up to YOU to book testing at least ONE WEEK prior to your first procedure with us. You will either be required to provide date of test - or - waive testing, prior to starting the procedure. SO START PLANNING ON SCHEDULING A TIME TO COME IN FOR YOUR ALLERGY SKIN TEST, IF YOU DID NOT HAVE ONE DURING A CONSULTATION. You may schedule a quick ten minute slot on any day that shows an availability. This 10 minute time-slot is free of charge, If we have free time to talk we will be happy to answer any questions. However, if we are busy, we hope you'll excuse us as we need to get back to work and not keep our current clients waiting. If you have a lot of questions, we would like to invite you to join us for the CONSULTATION ORIENTATION.

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How old do I have to be to get cosmetic tattooing?

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You have to be 18 years of age to get cosmetic tattooing. According to Texas Law, the only way to legally have it done is to cover gang tattoos.

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I have old permanent makeup tattoos on my brows. Can I still get microblading?

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Yes, but each case is different. We do reserve the right to turn down a case if we feel that you are not a good candidate. In some cases, previous work may be too dark, dense, discolored or simply too scarred to be able to hold color well. In most of these cases, the stokes will not stay crisply defined. If your brows are previously tattooed, please TEXT us a photo to 713-443-8999 so we can evaluate your situation. Be sure to shine a light source on your face and get someone to help you take a clear picture if you are unable to do it yourself. If you can't see individual hairs, when you expand the picture, then we won't have enough detail to be able to determine by looking at your photo. All smart phones take high quality pictures. Proper lighting is required in order to make that happen.

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Can I bring my child to the appointment?

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We understand that life happens, and if your child is well behaved, then it's usually not a problem. However, we would prefer that you make other arrangements for your children.

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Why does permanent makeup fade faster than body tattoos?

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First of all, Permanent cosmetics are a form of cosmetic tattooing and should be thought of as being a permanent tattoo. They are just a little bit different than traditional tattoos on the body. All colors will fade overtime, however, body art generally fades at a slower rate than cosmetic tattooing. For one, most body tattoos are protected from UV rays from the sun by clothing. Also, body tattoos are applied much deeper into the skin and with heavier saturation than with permanent cosmetics. Cosmetic tattoos on the face, may fade faster because the application is lighter and there may be more sun exposure. Also, facial skin, which is much thinner, may influence the degree of color retention as well.



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What if makeup styles change or totally go out of style?

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NATURAL IS THE PERMETIKA WAY! And as long as we aim for a natural classic shape, you will be safe from the fads that come and go. With the eyeliner or lash enhancement procedure, your natural lash line is enhanced for a fuller, beautiful and natural result. My preference leans toward a more conservative, clean and natural look. Your specific look will be determined with a combination of your personal preference, my suggestions, along with a mathematical equation based on your own facial features.

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Which methods are used at Permetika?

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The methods used, will depend on the clients skin. If your skin is oily or very pourous, the (new) machine method is usally the best. But it doesn't look like overly saturated in color. It has more of an airbrushed effect to it. Fine hairline strokes are acheivable due to the machine's fine precision. But in certain cases, I also use a stippling technique as well as Microblading on those with fine, normal to dry skin.



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What can go wrong with Permanent Makeup?

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IF YOU COME TO PERMETIKA.... In most cases, NOTHING! If anything, your permanent makeup is a little too light at first. And remember, there is no way to tell in advance who will hold color well and who's skin will reject color... so we have to build upon it layer by layer as to never go too dark. So, my advice is to use permanent makeup as a crutch.. You want to look good with NO makeup on, this is true. But when you go out to dinner, you may want to add a bit more. So don't throw away all of or your makeup! IF YOU DO THE PROCEDURE TOO OFTEN, you can create excessive scar tissue. So don't schedule another visit until:

• Your PMU fades to the point that the patterns are too light to follow
• Your PMU has shifted to an unnatural looking color, it probably didn't happen overnight. TO HELP YOU UNDERSTAND WHY the color may fade into an unnatural looking color as time passes, is this...

​ RED + YELLOW + BLUE = BROWN ​ PROBLEM: The loss of any ONE of these colors creates an unnatural balance. ​ SOLUTION: Add back the missing color! If this keeps happening, there is a chance that your metabolism absorbs more of the missing color, than the other colors. The best case scenario is that all colors fade evenly and just get lighter as they fade off, but there is no way to guarantee this to happen. So if you step into the world of PMU, then you just need to expect maintenance over the years to come. ​ SOMETIMES THE COLOR IS TOO DARK . . . Occasionally, colors may look too dark. If so, you should seek out a form of color reduction to remove some of the color. Then, reapply the needed color. BY TEXAS STATE LAW . . . We are no longer allowed to remove pigment by using a saline method. Removal must now be done in a doctor's office. Michael at MEDISPA INSTITUTE has a great reputation for laser work. I've sent many clients to him and they have all been happy with his work. He's very professional and knowledgeable. I took time off to meet with him personally after hearing about him from some of my clients. His number is 832-300-5593. Tell him CONNIE @ PERMETIKA sent you for 10% off of your initial session. Just remember... removal is not always quick and easy and could take multiple sessions to reduce the color to an acceptable state... he will advise you on all the details.

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What is Migration?

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Migration is the occurence of pigment moving under the skin to an unintended area. This does not happen often, but it can occur in the corners of the lips and eyes if not extremely careful.

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I like my eyebrows the way they were when I first had them done. Can you make them stay that way?

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No. The reason is a large percentage of the color sloughs off during the healing process and what's left behind is now covered by a layer of skin. This skin causes them to take on a cloudy appearance for a few weeks, then as the skin normalizes, the color will appear brighter, but will never look like it did when it was sitting ON TOP of your skin.

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What factors affect my cosmetic tattoos?

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The number one enemy is direct sun exposure. Sun block is recommended to prevent premature fading. Cell regeneration also is a factor. If you use products that are designed to exfoliate skin in order to turn over new cell growth, your tattoo will fade faster too if you don't avoid the areas when using those products. Blonde colors typically fade faster than darker colors. But darker colors have a tendency to turn blue over time. If this happens, you may need to seek color reduction or corrective services.

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When can I throw my eyebrow pencil away?

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Never... brow work is not intended to 100% replace traditional makeup. It is intended to be an enhancement. It helps you look BETTER without makeup, when done properly. But when you add a full face of makeup, you will want to add a little bit more on your brows as well.

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Can I reset or cancel my appointment myself?

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You may reset your appointment from the link provided in your CONFIRMATION EMAIL. This link will give you the opportunity to select a more convenient date. You may cancel your appointment by texting or calling our office, however, WE DO RETAIN A 25-100% BOOKING FEE DEPENDING ON THE AMOUNT OF NOTICE GIVEN. For more details on these parameters, be sure to see the CANCELLATION POLICIES. If you need more time to think things through, simply move your appointment out to any future date at least 5 days prior to your appointment. . You can do this as many times as you need to, as long as suffiecient notice is given.

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What is the cancellation policy?

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All of us at PERMÉTIKA want to make sure that you understand what it takes, and all that it means when you book an appointment with us. Unlike a hair or nail appointment, it takes A WEEK OR MORE for clients to plan. When you reserve your place on our calendar, no one else can book this time and we cannot just call in another client to take your spot if you cancel or end up not showing up for your allotted appointment time. During this time, we purchase supplies and arrange our time to merge with you. Our business model relies on serious minded committment on both ends... therefore, we have put the following guidelines into place to prevent last minute cancellations and no shows and to help protect all parties involved:
* A NON-REFUNDABLE BOOKING FEE of 25% is built into your procedure price. * Permétika requires the following guidelines for postponing or cancelling an appointment: * NO SHOWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100% OF THE FEE - WILL BE FORFEITED! * Less than 5 DAYS NOTICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25% OF THE FEE WILL BE RETURNED. * 5 or more DAYS NOTICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75% OF THE FEE WILL BE RETURNED. Thank you in advance for understanding! Kindest regards, Connie & The Team @ PERMÉTIKA

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How do I set an appointment?

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For your convenience, our booking system is open to you 24/7, even on Weekends and Holidays! This saves us both a tremendous amount of time going back and forth, comparing calendars. Simply go to the BOOKING button on our website... read and agree with our Polices, and book your selected procedure, with the Artist of your choice. Once booked, we will accept your request at our first opportunity. This will launch a confirmation email. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION EMAIL, THE APPOINTMENT DID NOT GENERATE AND YOUR RESERVATION WAS NOT SAVED. So refresh your browser and try again. Feel free to give a buzz if you think you are encountering technical issues on our end. Thank you in advance!

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What is the best way to reach someone at Permetika?

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We are often busy with clients in the office when calls come in... For the fastest response, send a text to (713) 443-8999. Please allow 24-48 hours for a reply to voice and email messages. Then there's VIRTUAL CONNIE! She can help! This chat bot is fabulous! She works 24/7 (sort of like the REAL Connie) but a lot faster! And unlike a real human, she can manage multiple clients with ease! You can ask anything regarding permanent cosmetics, scheduling, pricing, procedures, etc... and she'll have an answer for you as soon as you hit SEND since she's already been preprogrammed to answer MOST of your questions. If she doesn't have an answer for you SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE with your question(s) and we'll get back with you as soon as possible... You can also continue to browse around here in the FAQ section for more answers as well... Thank you so much for taking the time to read... : ) Connie

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How far apart are appointments spaced?

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We like to allow your skin to fully heal to the deepest layers for at least 12 weeks before working in the skin again. In some circumstances, 8-10 weeks might work in a pinch.

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Can I schedule all multiple appointments at one time?

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Yes, we prefer that you do. This prevents having to wait too long for your next session. If you wait until you NEED it, there will more than likely be a wait. In the lucky event that you don't need a followup, we can bump the appointment(s) out to a future date. If you want to cancel, any deposits that are hanging in the balance will be refunded.

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Who is NOT a candidate for Permanent Makeup?

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YOU ARE NOT A GOOD CANDIDATE IF YOU ARE... PREGNANT or NURSING: You are NOT a candidate until after your baby is born and you are no longer nursing. Legitimate studios that are run by caring individuals have made strict policies against tattooing pregnant or nursing mothers. We all know that what you ingest, so does your unborn child. We also know that numbing cream gets into the blood stream, therefore this also passes through the placenta and can have an effect on the baby. And if you happen to have an unfortunate allergic reaction, there is no way to know how this will affect the development of the baby. Bottom line here is this... you should never take the risk of creating potential side effects, and a responsible studio would be wise to not take on this type of liability. UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE: If you are under the age of 18 years old, special circumstances may qualify with parental consent. But Texas State law only allows this IF you are attempting to conceal or cover a Gang Related Tattoo. This law does not allow children under the age of 18 to get a tattoo, cosmetic or otherwise. So this prevents young people from getting brows tattooed on in cases of Alopecia. This is good and bad. ON ACCUTANE, RETIN A: Topical Steroids thin the skin... Depending on the stage your skin is at, it may be too fragile to undergo a procedure. You should be free from steroids for a year. You should get clearance from your doctor before considering Permanent Makeup - or be clear from Accutane for at least one year. Clearance from Retin-A should be for at least 1 month. ON PRESCRIPTION STRENGTH MEDS OR TREATMENTS: That affect the dermal layer of the skin can affect the permanent make-up. ON ANTICOAGULANTS: If you are on any blood thinners, take aspirin or ibuprofen long-term, these can increase bleeding and bruising. This can affect the implantation of the pigment and increase your healing time. Multiple sessions are to be expeceted. 
DO NOT DISCONTINUE WITHOUT DOCTOR'S APPROVAL. HAVE AN AUTO-IMMUNE DISEASE: You should get clearance from your doctor before considering permanent makeup. DIABETIC: If you are TYPE 1 and insulIn dependent, you are not a candidate for permanent makeup. Healing could be compromised and take longer
than average. Otherwise, if you are Type 2 and your doctor feels your condition is under control, ask your doctor to provide a clearance letter stating that you are able to undergo cosmetic tattooing. Special care should should still be taken to prevent infection. HAVE GLAUCOMA: You may not have eyeliner. Increased intra ocular pressure combined with pressure placed on the eye to apply eyeliner could be damaging. It is important to have this condition under control and/or refer to your physician for further consent to the
application of eyeliner. MITRAL VALVE PROLAPSE, ARTIFICIAL HEART VALVES, HIP, KNEE REPLACEMENT OR OTHER ARTIFICIAL JOINTS: Any person that requires prophylactic antibiotics before dental or other procedures will need to consult their physician for treatment prior to permanent cosmetics as well. HAVE ANY OTHER HEART CONDITIONS: Uncontrolled high blood pressure and poor general health would be of special concern, you will need to see your Physician and discuss the procedure to gain pre-approval. HERPES SIMPLEX: People who get fever blisters or cold sores are prone to an outbreak after lip procedures. Please consult with your doctor prior to having any lip procedure done as there are medications that can be taken before and after as an aid to prevent an outbreak post procedure. However, a prevention of breakout cannot be guaranteed.

• You will most likely lose pigment in the areas where the blister(s) or sore(s) occur. 


AREOLA CLIENTS: You must be off Chemotherapy/Radiation treatment for at least 4 to
6 months. I only do the procedure on clients that are more than 1 YEAR from the surgery. Failure to follow this rule could result in the breakdown of healing skin. Which will make you more prone to infection, create MORE scar tissue, which will make future procedures even less effective. No exceptions on this one. A surgical report may be requested. KELOID OR HYPERTROPHIC SCARRING: Persons with tendencies for this type of scarring have the same risk with tattooing also, although it is not likely. The risk is mainly in the torso area and extremeties. In extreme vulnerability, we may decide together to do a patch test to insure that you do not scar in this manner.

YOU MUST WAIT IF YOU'VE RECENTLY HAD:
EYE SURGERY: If you have had Lasix, Cornea repair etc. you will need to wait at least 6 months before I will do permanent makeup on
your eyes. SCARS from surgery or injury must be healed for at least one year prior to service. BEST results come from scars that are LIGHTER than the surrounding skin. We cannot work on scars that are red, purple or brown. 

POTENTIAL RISKS & CONTRAINDICATIONS TO COSMETIC TATTOOING: Permanent cosmetic procedures are considered to be skin invasive and therefore you may experience some discomfort. This may vary according to each individual's pain threshold and the skills of the technician performing the service. However, keep in mind that there are different methods available to help with pain management, including various topical anaesthetics. Your skin should return to normal relatively quickly as any side effects such as swelling or redness is generally mild. Allergic reactions to permanent cosmetics are quite rare. You may request a skin sensitivity test in an invisible area beforehand to see how your skin responds. I routinely recommend a sensitivity test as part of the treatment, however you have the right to decline. Needles inserted too deeply in the skin can cause bleeding, spreading of pigments, and damage to hair follicles. Scarring is very rare, but possible. If proper hygiene and sterilization guidelines are followed, micropigmentation should be very safe with few risks. It is advisable not to pick or rub the treated areas to minimize the risk of causing uneven results or possible infection. YOU KNOW THE STATE OF YOUR HEALTH BETTER THAN ANYONE:
If you have ANY medical issues that you feel MIGHT be would be a contraindication, then I suggested you get clearance from your doctor. Patients who have epilepsy, diabetes, hemophilia or a heart disease of any kind should have a physicians approval prior to any cosmetic tattooing procedure.

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Who is a candidate for permanent makeup?

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Do any of the questions below, describe a situation similar to yours? If so, give us a call!

* Would you like to carve off a few minutes from your hectic daily routine?


* Do you have sparse or non existent brows or lashes?


* Do you spend hundreds of dollars on products annually?


* Would you prefer to not be seen without makeup?


* Does your lipstick creep up your lips onto your face throughout the day?


* Do you have vision impairment that makes applying your makeup difficult?


* Do you have trouble applying your own makeup regularily?


* Are you starting to experience severe balding or a receiding hairline?


* Want your makeup to stay put if sweating at the gym or swimming at the beach?


* Does your lipstick vanish after a meal?


* Have you undergone an areola reconstruction?


* Do you hate having to fuss with it yout makeup throughout the day?


* Do you have vitiligo that has been stable for at least 7 years?


* Do you have a brow scar that you'd like to be less noticable? 


* Do you have sparse eyebrows or even no eyebrows at all?


* Would just like for your features to be slightly enhanced without looking made up?


* Are you allergic to traditional cosmetics? If so, we can test you for a reaction to our pigments.


* Is it difficult to apply makeup due to Arthritis, Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, etc...?


* Would you like to redefine your facial features?


* Are your areolas too light?


* Have you lost hair due to alopecia or cancer treatments?


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Can I get a tattoo if I am pregnant or nursing my baby?

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This is a firm no. But we do look forward to helping you when you are no longer pregnant or nursing! (REFER TO: WHO IS NOT A GOOD CANDIDATE SECTION FOR DETAILS).

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How long does a procedure take?

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The initial procedure will generally take approximately 2 hours. Touch up procedures usually do not require as much time.

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How much does it cost?

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Just as in many other industries, higher cost often equals higher quality! A Permanent Makeup Artist who recognized their value, is probably one who is also using proper sterilization and sanitation procedures, good equipment, and has a professional facility. All of these factors incur considerable costs, per procedure. Please refer to the PRICING tab to get specific cost on each procedure. Depending on where you go, the average price range falls between $750-$1500 per procedure, for an experienced artist.
Advanced work in scar camouflage or hair simulation may start with a base fee and additional hours are normally charged at $150-$250 per hour since it may be difficult to predict the time needed to complete the service. If you are price shopping, just remember... this is your face. You may be able to find a good artist at a better price. Just be sure to ask to for a face to face consultation to make sure the facility is clean and professional. Another tip is to request to see the photos in their camera. Don't depend on just what they show you on line. You want to make sure that this person has a history of producing excellent results, consistently. The reason I say this is, SOME cases are super easy - others are more difficult. You don't want to sign up with someone who only has a good track record of working on easy clients... especially if you end up be the one who takes more expertise.

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How long should I wait between sessions?

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We prefer to wait at least full 8-12 weeks before breaking the skin again.
OUTER HEALING: The outer layer of the skin is considered to be completely healed within about 7-10 days, or when the area has stopped peeling, and has returned to normal. 
INNER HEALING: The tattoo only APPEARS to be fully healed. This is because the body heals from the outside toward the inner layers. Which is why we cannot work again in the same area again until 8-12 weeks later. To do so would create tissue damage resulting in excessive scar tissue. Excessive scar tissue makes future results more difficult to "take" and certainly even more unpredictable. The longer your wait, the more collagen has been produced, which ends up holding subsequent sessions, better. So the optimal time for a followup visit is about 2-3 months, post procedure. Just long enough for the skin to heal well and the color to settle in, but not too long - because we don't want you walking around longer than you have to with a gap in your brow!

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How long does Cosmetic Tattooing last?

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The answer to this question varies... how many combinations of skin/lifestyle/habits are there? Too many to count. So IN GENERAL, all treatments could last 1-2(+) years if done very lightly. Heavier treatments could last a lifetime. So be careful who you pick to make permanent marks on YOUR face.

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Can I expect my appointment to run on time?

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Morning appointments are almost always on time, unless we encounter unforeseen circumstances. However, if your appointment is set in the afternoon, it would be best to view your appointment time - as a TARGET time. We appreciate your arrival on time, to keep things running as smoothly as possible. but unfortunately - we cannot always return the favor. We allow about 2 hours per procedure. But SOME TIMES, things don't go as well as we hope. For example... if we have two difficults cases back to back, we may be running late - and there is nothing we can do about that. We certainly will never rush someone out - due to running behind. Please understand, that these procedures that we do are not as easy as hair cuts, botox or a nail appointment. We offer encounter obstacles such as having to create a masterpeice out of thin air... and emotions... and long stares in the mirror.... So we would like to politely ask that when you schedule with us, please do not schedule any other important appointment on the same day, on the heels of your cosmetic tattoo appoint. We all want to go home on time, so we understand and we do try to stay on schedule. It's just hard some times. Just know that we promise to take great care of you, when it's your turn in the chair. Our goal is to create amazing things, for every single person and we hope you can be patient with us.. especially if you know this in advance. Thank you for your understanding! : )

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What are your Sterlization & Sanitation Practices like?

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THIS IS PROBABLY ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS ONE CAN ASK! Because if you're not used to acting like you're working in a OR, it's really easy to make a really bad mistake. And while you're learning, if you don't have an eagle eye watching you and helping you catch the errors, you'll probably be making a lot of bad mistakes along the way. But we do not feel that our work clothes need to look like an Astronaut or that we are going to work at a HAZMAT crime scene... that may keep the artist clean, but it does nothing for the CLIENT'S safety. When working in any field that deals with blood, it is imperative that one take the iniative to RELEARN a lot of new habit to protect the client, and yourself. 
I'll give you just one example, then let your mind run with this thought... When new artist's are first learning, it's easy to forget that they are wearing contaminated gloves. When you're focused on your work, and your hand wanders over to grab an extra bit of numbing cream, or they touch a button on a chair or a cabinet , or adoor handle - and bam. You now have whatever the last client has... Hepatitis is one of the easiest blood borne pathogens to transfer from client to client. SO WATCH CAREFULLY that your technician is being conscientous and changing gloves often. They should NEVER touch anything in the office with contaminated gloves. I worked along side a doctor for many years who instilled strong sterilization and sanitation practices in me... I treat my room like an OR and I train my artists to do the same. * My work area is kept as clean and orderly as possible.

* The entire work space including my chairs, floors, trays, all equipment, pigment topical and anesthetic bottles with disinfectant wipes that are designed to kill bacteria, tuberculosis, HIV & Hepatitis.

* I don't make my clients ASK, I always show that I am about to install a brand new, sterile needle, fresh from the sealed packaging BEFORE starting thier procedure. 

* Supplies that come in contact with your skin are also strictly disposable in nature.

* I use sterile, surgical gloves throughout the procedure and get fresh ones if I have to remove them during the procedure. 

* I methodically tape off any surface that I might need to touch during a session. This includes buttons on the chair, drawer handles, phone, switches, dials, to prevent cross-contamination
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* My machine is also wrapped to prevent cross contamination.

* At the end of the procedure, I re-wipe all surfaces with the cold sterilization wipes or fluids.


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Is this considered a safe process?

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Normally, yes. But only if conducted by a trained professional that is educated and and has the work ethic to follow the proper sanitation and sterilization guidelines. To ensure peace of mind to each of our clients, we open a sterilized tool and a manufactured sealed sterilized needle at the beginning of the procedure. The used needle is placed in a sharps container when the procedure is completed. In addition, I sanitize all areas the client will come in contact with while in my treatment rooms and I apply barrier film to protect all surfaces from contamination during a procedure. By conducting our procedures in this manner we feel that our clients' health and safety have been safeguarded to the highest standards. These guidelines include the following:
* All Needles should be new and sterile for each client.
* Other machine parts should also be pre-sterilized and disposed of in a sanitary manner.
* Other equipment and supplies should be kept in a sanitary manner.
* Gloves should be new for each client and changed during the procedure when needed.
* The technician should be clean and neat and knowledgeable of environmental safety requirements.
* Clean sheets should be used for each patient or the non porous chair should be wiped with a sterile solution between clients.
* The room or treatment area should be in an area free from other contaminants. After leaving our office, it is then the client's responsibility to care for the procedure strictly adhering to the post treatment instructions, assuring normal healing and the prevention of an infection. If proper sterilization and sanitary guidelines are met, permanent cosmetics should be completely safe. 


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What about side effects?

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During the procedure there may be some bleeding and/or bruising. There is usually some tenderness for a few days. Bruising and swelling may last approximately 72 hours following the procedure. The color is much darker than you may expect for the first 6-10 days. Antibiotics are not recommended at all unless you suspect an infection maybe brewing, at which point, you should contact your doctor for treatment. There may be other side effects unforeseen due to individuality. See the question about MIGRATION.

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What medical problems can arise after a procedure?

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Slim to none, providing precise methods of sanitation and sterilization were followed carefully - and you requested an allergy test prior to the procedure! Now, IF a technician is NOT careful, it is possible to transmit diseases and infection. And remember, YOU have to take care of the treated area because it is an open wound. If you are not careful, an infection could occur and if allowed to get out of control, worse problems could arise. So, if you suspect an infection may be brewing, call your doctor and then call me.

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Are your pigments FDA approved?

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According to the FDA website, it states the following concerning tattoo and permanent makeup inks: "The FDA considers the inks used in intradermal tattoos, including permanent makeup, to be cosmetics.... The pigments used in the inks are color additives, which are subject to premarket approval under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. However...the FDA traditionally has not exercised regulatory authority for color additives on the pigments used in tattoo inks. The actual practice of tattooing is regulated by local jurisdictions."

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Are your pigments Vegan Friendly?

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None of our pigments contain ingredients derived from animals or animal byproducts.

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What are pigments made from?

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Pigments or tattoo inks come in a varienty of color that ar formulated from iron oxides, and are known to be safe for use in the skin. It may SOUND good to use "organic" pigments, but we feel there is an elevated chance of them carrying bacteria, therefore we stick to the tried and true.

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What kind of sunscreen is recommended for use after tattoos have healed?

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Use a broad spectrum sun block or sunscree. Nutrogena Sunscreen with Helioplex is a good one.

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I DONATE BLOOD REGULARLY - What should I know?

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AMERICAN RED CROSS GUIDELINES STATE... that you cannot donate blood for one year after receiving any tattoo work.

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What should I NOT DO after a procedure?

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DO NOT over-expose the treated area to sunlight during the healing process, UV Rays can alter the pigment of your tattoo. Walking to and from your car - is ok! ​ DO NOT use any use products such as granular or chemical exfoliants, retinols or AHA’s on the area for 30 days after the appointment UNLESS you WANT to fade your tattoo new tattoo. DO NOT use any other product designed to excellerate cell regeneration or to thin the skin. DO NOT use any makeup, oils, creams, exfoliants on or around the brow area, other than your healing ointment provided to you - for at least 2 weeks.​ ​ DO NOT run direct spray from the shower on the tattoed area(s). This is especially important in the first few days. You don't want to wash out any of that color. A brief, gentle washing is ok. DO NOT over-expose the treated area to sunlight during the healing process, UV Rays can alter the pigment of your tattoo. Walking to and from your car - is ok! ​ DO NOT use Neosporin or any other anti-bacterial product. These are designed TO PULL out toxins, so it just makes sense thay they will pull out color too. ​ DO NOT use a wash cloth on the treated area(s). ​ DO NOT go swimming. No saunas No steam rooms. ​ DO NOT get a face down massage - after a facial tattoo treatment. DO NOT get your lashes done for at least 2 weeks after a brow or eyeliner treatfment. DO NOT get a facials,chemical peels, or other facial treatments during the healing process. ​ DO NOT use laser treatments on your brow tattoo can darken, lighten, or otherwise distort the pigment.

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Which Artist or Technician should I use?

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Choose a technician carefully. Consider their training, years of experience and thier portfolio. It is important to remember that the color, shape and proper placement of the procedure are all very important. The desired look is obtained during the course of consultation, initial procedure and follow up procedures. Establishing a good rapport between you and your technician or artist, as I prefer to be called, should be of utmost importance.

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What about BOTOX and DERMAL FILLERS?

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BROWS ONLY: We prefer to work on brows when the muscles of the face are completely active. So if possible, do not use Botox (or like product) within a month of ANY brow procedure. The closer to the appointment, the more problematic. Especially... don't try to save time by piggy backing your botox appointment on the same day as a brow proceduare. The two don't mix well. How can we "effectively" make adjustments to your brows if you go and get botox? Botox changes everything, even if to a minor degree. And if you THINK it doesn't matter, just remember that time you plucked THAT ONE LITTLE HAIR, then regretted it! It matters! If you have an appointment booked, and you still have active botox, we reserve the right to evaluate the situation and either accept or postpone your appointment. If we accept, we will ask you to NOT have botox again for at least 3 months to give time for botox to leave your system.

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What can I expect immediately after the procedure?

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FOR STARTERS... Each person's procedure behaves differently after its application from any other person's. So you can't compare your experience to even your sister's. MOST people feel nervous at some point during the healing process, but not every person will experience this. So don't be alarmed when you wake up fo a face that only a clown would love. OK? It's going to be OK (if you came here). NEXT, expect to follow your after care instructions to help secure OPTIMAL RESULTS but do not fuss with it too much and don't stare at it for too long. If you feel that your new color is much too dark, the worst thing you can do is try to remove it yourself. You will only succeed in smearing it around under the skin, and that is NOT pretty. IF YOU ARE REALLY ALARMED, text us your pictures. We will be able to advise you on what to do from this point on. Depending on which procedure you've had done, you may experience swelling, brusing or light bleeding. This normally dissipates quickly. You will see various changes occur within the next few days/weeks. Immediately after the procedure is done your make-up may look like it has been stamped onto your face and will be much too dark. This is normal. But day by day, it will change. Ice packs applied at 15 minute intervals each hour can control this. It is extremely important that post instructions are followed to guarantee the results you've just invested in. FINAL RESULTS WILL BE APPARENT AFTER ABOUT 6-8 WEEKS. So don't make quick judgments on day two (the scariest day of all). Be patient and you'll see that everything calms down. If your procedure has light pigment, it may take a few weeks for the redness under the color to subside. Just like it may take weeks for a cat scratch to totally disappear! Once the area has healed, there is a much greater chance that the permanent makeup will be too light or too subtle. By applying it more conservatively in the beginning, changes can be more easily made later, without being traumatized. It is much easier to add pigment than to remove it. This is the reason I require 1-2 follow-up sessions in order to receive "Certificate of Completion" (which qualifies you for a significant discount on your future Color Boost Session. The touch-ups are fast, easily tolerated and recommended to perfectly balance your outcome. Within 7-14 days, the shape may even appear to be somewhat distorted; don't worry. Your tattoo may scab over for a few days, but make sure to let it heal naturally. Do NOT pick at it or your tattoo will not appear uniform. If you have any concerns about any reactions you are experiencing, please don't hesitate to contact me. Due to varying degrees of difficulty of applications associated with lip/skin texture, wrinkles, scarring on the lips from cold sores, anti-aging laser treatments, medications, smoking, sun or tanning bed exposure and/or the use of hydroxy acids, cannot guarantee "perfect" results in two visits. Therefore, if irregularities in pigment color develop from the above mentioned conditions, additional procedures may be necessary. These conditions also affect the longevity of the permanent cosmetic, causing some persons to require maintenance sooner than others.


Do not expect your brow tattoos to heal perfectly after the first session. This is NORMALLY a 2 step process and sometimes requires multiple visits. ​ Be patient during your 2 week healing process your brows will change and appear different from day to day. ​ Immediately after your procedure brows will appear darker and more defined and this will last up to 2 weeks. Your brow tattoo can appear more solid, hair strokes may seem to disappear, and this is normal. ​ Around days 4-5 you will experience flaking and your brows may look dry. DO NOT PICK your brows. let them fall off naturally. If anything gets picked off prematurely missing hair stokes will result and cause patchy brows. ​ Your brow tattoo will take up to 6-8 weeks to fully heal. When the flaking comes off the hair strokes may seem faint this is because a fresh layer of skin has healed over the brow tattoo. Give your brows a few weeks and the hair strokes will become clearer. ​ You may experience itchiness in the brows after the 10 days for up to 2 months due to the healing process of the dermal layer. ​ Not everyone’s hairstoke brows can heal clean and crisp. Hairstrokes for oilier skin types tend to heal more solid and powdery while drier skin types tend to heal more crisp and defined. Also for those who bleed more may tend to need more touchups as the blood pushes the pigment out while we tattoo. ​
TOUCH UP: ​ This is a 2-step process. The First Session is used to build shape and gain symmetry. The Second Session is used to perfect the brows and we can add density. This is a process and some clients may need multiple sessions to achieve their desired result. ​ The FIRST TOUCH UP or Second Session is done within the first 2 months after the First Session. ​ It is your responsibility to book your touch up appointments. With the high demand it usually takes about 2 months to get a touchup appointment so please plan accordingly. If your tattoo comes back too faded additional charges may apply. ​ Darker skin women, permanent makeup will not look as bold or sharp compared to lighter skin clients. ​ Some client’s skin may have a harder time retaining pigment and may require additional sessions; especially if you have had your brows previously tattooed and are covered over scar tissue.
LONG TERM CARE: THERE IS NO WAY THAT WE CAN GUARANTEE THE RESULTS OF YOUR TREATMENT. Everyone will experience something different depending on SKIN TYPE, LIFESTYLE, and HOW WELL YOU CARE FOR IT WITHING THE FIRST COUPLE OF WEEKS! Use at least SPF 50 to protect the treated area(s). Sun exposure can cause premature fading and can alter the color of your tattoo over time. As the tattoo fades the strokes will get more and more faint and much less defined. We do NOT suggest annual maintenance (once desired results are acheived) due to the possibility of creating excessive scar tissue. Therefore, WE recommend that ongoing maintenance be performed on an average of every 2-3 years. PLEASE REFER TO THE QUESTION OF WHAT NOT TO DO AFTER A PROCEDURE).

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What should I NOT DO after a procedure?

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DO NOT over-expose the treated area to sunlight during the healing process, UV Rays can alter the pigment of your tattoo. Walking to and from your car - is ok! ​ DO NOT use any use products such as granular or chemical exfoliants, retinols or AHA’s on the area for 30 days after the appointment UNLESS you WANT to fade your tattoo new tattoo. DO NOT use any other product designed to excellerate cell regeneration or to thin the skin. DO NOT use any makeup, oils, creams, exfoliants on or around the brow area, other than your healing ointment provided to you - for at least 2 weeks.​ ​ DO NOT run direct spray from the shower on the tattoed area(s). This is especially important in the first few days. You don't want to wash out any of that color. A brief, gentle washing is ok. DO NOT over-expose the treated area to sunlight during the healing process, UV Rays can alter the pigment of your tattoo. Walking to and from your car - is ok! ​ DO NOT use Neosporin or any other anti-bacterial product. These are designed TO PULL out toxins, so it just makes sense thay they will pull out color too. ​ DO NOT use a wash cloth on the treated area(s). ​ DO NOT go swimming. No saunas No steam rooms. ​ DO NOT get a face down massage - after a facial tattoo treatment. DO NOT get your lashes done for at least 2 weeks after a brow or eyeliner treatment. DO NOT get a facials,chemical peels, or other facial treatments during the healing process. ​ DO NOT use laser treatments on your brow tattoo can darken, lighten, or otherwise distort the pigment.

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What if I don't like the design or color after the procedure?

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NO ONE LIKES THE COLOR OR DESIGN ON DAYS 2-7. Please refer to the emoji roller coaster on the HEALING page. But just know, that if you were happy right after the procedure, we think you will love it once it heals. This is your face, and we take that very seriously! This is the reason we make Permanent Makeup a multi-session process. The first application is done very conservatively and our aim is a light, and natural look. The initial harshness will fade by at least 20-30% once healed. Some people even can fade by up to 50-60%, while others may loose all color - or very little. There is just no way to tell how much any one person will fade. During the procedure, we will show you the progess if you want to see. You are ultimately the one in control of the color and design. Selected colors will all be complimentary to your skin tone. You will also have ample opportunity to direct the path as the procedure is happening. If you need help, we will help in designing enhancement that are right for you. The things to take into consideration are your bone structure, skin tone and facial shape. You must approve of all design work (color & shape) before we proceed. Your followup visit in 8-12 weeks is the time for adding more color or making the necessary adjustments.

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Why are multiple sessions necessary?

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Every face is different. Each skin type is different. Some skin types accept the pigment better than other types and more pigment may be retained in one session with one person over another. Also, fine details, additional color, depth or design adjustments are more easily made after the initial healing is complete. A follow-up visit is always considered vital - if only to meet to discuss healed outcome of the procedure, take your after picture, and agree that no further work is necessary. Typically it takes a total of at least 2, possibly 3 applications, 4-8 weeks apart to achieve the desired outcome.
Future appointments are necessary because everything fades. The number 1 culprit is sun exposure! Also, changing health conditions, smoking, medications, anti-aging products, and hormonal changes all can have an effect on your pigment retention. You should keep up with your follow up visits to help prolong your investment.

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What can affect the outcome of my procedure?

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WE WILL DO THE BEST JOB WE CAN POSSIBLY DO, IN APPLYING THE ARTWORK... BUT IN THE END, ALL OF THE FOLLOWING TOPICS CAN HAVE AN AFFECT ON YOUR OUTCOME!


YOUR METABOLISM:
Your overall health, and age can affect the outcome. For example, a younger person generally will heal faster than an older person. This means that an older person may loose more color, since the skin stay open longer.

CONDITION OF YOUR SKIN:
The elasticity of the skin, excessive oil/dryness, uneven textures, scar tissue, can all cause different outcomes of different people. People with excessively oily skin may not hold brow strokes as well as someone with dry skin. Think of a wet sponge vs a dry one. Which one blurs more when marked on? The skin acts the same way.

MEDICATION & SUPPLEMENTS:
Over the counter and prescribed medication may have a negative or postive effect on the healed result, depending on the product. Like ARNICA MONTANA is good. It helps the skin respond better to trauma. But FISH OILS cause you to bleed more. Think about what you're taking and what it does to your body. That will help you determine if you need to restrict taking it - or not.

MEDICAL CONDITIONS:
Temporary and chronic medical conditions can cause a loss of color if your body is focusing on healing another part.... Just be aware of this and expect to have a follow up session or two. Remember, the higher your expectations, the more follow up sessions are required..

CHEMICAL EXFOLIANTS:
Such as alpha hydroxy, glycolic or phenol acids, Retin-A, Retinol, fruit peels and bleaching creams should NEVER be applied around the tattooed area, as it will cause premature fading.

MECHANICAL EXFOLIANTS:
Such as DermaPlaning and Microdermabrasion. These services do not typically come in contact with tattooed areas, but if they do, could cause premature fading as well. If you shave your brows, premature fading will occur.

COSMETIC PROCEDURES:
Botox, dermal fillers, facial surgery, facial implants, fat transfers will most likely alter the appearance of tattooed areas, requiring corrective measures. NEVER get your brows tattooed following botox injections. You should wait 4-6 months for the effects to wear off. Brows should be tattooed in their natural state.

YOUR LIFESTYLE:
If you live for the sun, smoke like a train & drink like a fish, your results will not be optimal!
So stop smoking for a couple of weeks, prior to your procedure(s) and for a couple of weeks following the session. Or for your as long as you can possibly hold out.... because the carbon monoxide in your cigarette has been proven to impede the healing process, as it restricts the oxygen content in your blood, Of course, you will still heal if you continue to smoke... it will just take longer, which will allow more pigment to release, rather than heal in. You will also require more visits to complete the process...

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What will my tattoo look like in the future?

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During your appointment, we will determine your skin's undertones and use modifying colors in addition to your target color. This measure should help prevent odd colors from forming. Then at your followup visit, we will evaluate how well the mix held. If necessary, more or less of the modifying or target colors will be used. The goal is to help the color fade true, and not shift into an unnatural color. Although, occasionally, it does and more followup sessions will be required.

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Does it hurt?

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A few people can handle the procedure with no numbing at all. Most people feel almost no pain at all because we are patient and will work with you according to your pain threshold. Some people experience some discomfort at first, then becomes much more tolerable. By Texas State Law, we are only allowed to use a numbing agent of 4% Lidocaine, there may be some discomfort associated with the procedure. This discomfort normally rates on a scale from 0-4 out of 10, pain level. Everyone is different, but we do our best to maintain your comfort level through distraction techniques and breaks if you need them.
A HOT LITTLE TIP! BLUE GEL TOPICAL ANESTHETIC IS THE PRODUCT WE USED TO USE! It is highly effective, but The State of Texas has said that we are no longer allowed to use this product. I do know that it is available on AMAZON.com and can be purchased over the counter. If you want extra numbing, you can apply it yourself during the procedure. But you would have to bring it - and take it with you when you leave. 
BROWS, SCARS & OTHER AREAS: We will start, by gently scraping the dead skin cells off of the area to be tattooed. The "feeling" typically associated with this process can be described as a mild stinging, plucking. This feeling subsides when the topical numbing cream is applied. Any discomfort after the procedure is over, is usually very minimal to none.

EYELINER & LIPS: We will apply a topical cream prior to the procedure and a gel anesthetic throughout, which normally provides almost total numbing. The "feeling" typically associated with the procedures can be described as a mild stinging, plucking or tickling sensation, which subsides as soon as the procedure is over. Any discomfort after the procedure is usually very minimal.

There may be some mild swelling and redness associated with your procedure. Your skin should return to normal relatively quickly. Allergic reactions to permanent cosmetics are quite rare. We strongly suggest a skin sensitivity test at the initial consultation at least 1 week prior to the procedure. This is done on an invisible area beforehand to see how your skin responds. You have the right to decline this test. Needles inserted too deeply in the skin can cause bleeding, spreading of pigments, and damage to hair follicles. Scarring is very rare, and usually because of an error by the practitioner performing the treatment. If proper hygiene and sterilization guidelines are followed, micropigmentation should be very safe with few risks. It is advisable not to pick or rub the treated areas to minimize the risk of causing uneven results or possible infection.

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I really want to do this, but I'm afraid!

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If you choose PERMETIKA, you should not be afraid.. We have a great reputation for consistently turning out great work. But just know that Permanent Makeup is a multi-session process, so we take baby steps. And that should calm your fears!

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How long do you numb prior to the appointment?

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We typically allow numbing to penetrate the skin for 20-45 minutes, depending on each person's pain threshhold. Unfortunately, Texas State Law prohibits us from using numbing agents stronger than 4% Lidocaine. TIP: If you can get a prescription for something stronger, we do advise you to bring it with you when you come for your appointment. Blue Gel is available on Amazon.com

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