Frequently Asked Questions: Permanent Makeup

Which brow techniques do you offer?

I utilize a wide range of brow techniques depending on the individual needs of each client. I am experienced in nano brows, nano combo brows, powder brows, microblading, and hybrid brows.

Do I need a consultation before booking?

No, you do not need a separate consultation in order to book a permanent makeup service unless specifically recommended by me. A full consultation is included at the beginning of your appointment. This is where I will talk to you about your goals and which options are best for you.

Will I need a touch-up appointment?

Yes! Permanent makeup is a two-step process and a touch-up is strongly recommended to get the best results. A touch-up is done 6-12 weeks after your initial session. This is where I assess your retention, perfect the shape and color, and add more dimension. Touch-ups are very important and add to the overall results and longevity of your tattoo.

Do cosmetic tattoos hurt?

Most clients report little to no pain during their procedure. Topical numbing agents are utilized and most clients are incredibly relaxed, many even fall asleep! For eyeliner, you can expect to experience slightly more discomfort due to the nature of the area being tattooed as having work done so close to the eye is inevitably a little more uncomfortable.

How long does permanent makeup last?

PMU is designed to fade over time but is still considered a permanent tattoo. Factors such as skin type, lifestyle, age, metabolism, medications, and pigment color will affect the longevity of your tattoo. Sun exposure and tanning beds can also greatly affect the rate at which the pigment is broken down. Following the provided aftercare instructions is crucial to getting the best results! Once you complete your initial session and touch-up, you can expect your eyebrows to last anywhere from 1-3 years before needing a color refresh. Permanent eyeliner will typically last even longer.

When should I book my “annual” refresh?

Before booking an annual touch-up, it is important to let your tattoo fade at least 50-60 percent. Letting the previous pigment fade allows the pigment to continue looking fresh in the skin. If the ink in your skin from your previous appointments is not faded enough, adding more ink can cause the entire brow to look blotchy and uneven. Let them fade! If you’re unsure if you are ready for an annual refresh or not, email pictures of your naked brows in natural sunlight (next to a window is great) to studio.ash.25@gmail.com and I will let you know if you should wait longer.

Can I wear makeup to my appointment?

Absolutely! In fact, it is preferred that you come to your appointment with your regular, day-to-day makeup on. This allows me to get a feel for your makeup preferences and individual style. I will remove and cleanse any makeup from the area for you prior to your procedure. ‘Before and After’ pictures will also be taken (with your consent)so if wearing makeup makes you feel more comfortable, go for it!

I’ve had my brows done previously by another artist, can I still get my brows done at Studio Ash?

If you have previous permanent makeup done by another artist, it must be at least 90 percent faded in order for me to take you on as a new client. You must email pictures of your naked brows from multiple angles in natural lighting to studio.ash.25@gmail.com to receive approval before booking a cover-up appointment. If I am unable to determine the condition of your brows based on the pictures, I may require an in-person consultation before scheduling any brow service. An additional $50-$100 may be charged at my discretion for brow cover-ups depending on if a color correction or major shape change is needed. All new permanent makeup clients to Studio Ash are considered initial sessions, not touch-ups. If I don’t think we can achieve the look you want with your existing work, I will guide you on which steps to take next. In some cases, you may just need to wait longer to let your previous work naturally fade more. In other cases, I may recommend pico laser or saline removal. I do not currently perform removal services at Studio Ash, but I’m happy to recommend reputable studios that offer these services.

Frequently Asked Questions: Piercings

Do you take walk-ins?

All services are by appointment only but I may occasionally open up certain days for piercing walk-ins! I’ll announce any walk-in days on social media so be sure to follow on Facebook and Instagram.

Do piercings hurt?

Pain tolerance varies from person to person. There is no way to give a direct 'yes' or 'no' answer. The location of the piercing also plays a role in how it will feel. Some piercings are known to hurt more than others. You should expect to experience at least some level of discomfort during your piercing procedure and throughout the healing process. Just remember, it's perfectly normal to be nervous and as your piercer, I will guide you through the entire process. Also, piercings are relatively quick and over before you know it!

Do you use a piercing gun?

No, I do not use a piercing gun for any piercings at Studio Ash. I use surgical-grade hollow catheter needles as I believe this to be the best, safest, least painful, and most effective way to pierce.

What type of jewelry do you have available?

All of the jewelry I provide is made from implant-grade titanium. This is the best option for new piercings since it is highly biocompatible and safe to be worn in the skin forever if desired. Implant-grade titanium is the most hypoallergenic option available for new piercings. All the jewelry at Studio Ash is free of nickel, which is a common jewelry allergen for many people. Most jewelry pieces have a "gold" or "silver" color option to choose from. 

I want to change up the look of my existing, healed piercings. Can I come in just to purchase some jewelry?

Absolutely! Please reach out to me first at (715) 863-9481 to set up a time to stop in as I operate by appointment only. Also let me know if there is a specific style of jewelry you’re looking for. I keep a limited stock of jewelry on hand but I am able to place a custom jewelry order for you if needed. If you would like me to change your jewelry for you, I charge a jewelry change fee of $15 for one piercing. This covers the cost of supplies (gloves, sterilizing, etc) and my time. $5 will be added for each additional piece of jewelry that you want changed.

I’ve heard that some ear piercings can help with migraines. Is this true?

Some cases have been reported of rook or daith piercings helping with migraines, however, I cannot and will not make any guarantees as to the certainty of this. There's also many cases where these piercings do absolutely nothing for people struggling with migraines. I am not a medical professional so treating migraines is far beyond the scope of my profession. The piercings I offer are purely for cosmetic purposes only and I do not make any claims or guarantees that certain piercings offer relief from migraines or other ailments.

I received a piercing somewhere else and I’m having issues with it. Can you help me?

I take piercing safety very seriously and I’m happy to help anyone I can! You are welcome to contact me even if you've never been pierced by me before. I will do my best to answer any questions and I’m sometimes available for emergency jewelry removal for non-clients depending on my schedule. I do charge a fee for emergency jewelry removal for non-clients. There is no set price, it is at my discretion as an artist since every case is different. Please remember that I am not a medical professional and if the issue you're having is beyond the scope of a professional piercer, I may recommend that you see your doctor or go the emergency room.