Cosmetic tattooing, also known as permanent makeup or micropigmentation, is a rapidly growing trend in the beauty industry.
This technique involves using tattoos to enhance facial features such as eyebrows, eyeliner, and lips, providing a long-lasting solution that eliminates the need for daily makeup application.
As more people discover the convenience and aesthetic benefits of cosmetic tattooing, its popularity continues to rise.
However, despite its increasing acceptance, many people remain on the fence about it. This reluctance often comes from widespread misinformation and persistent myths about the procedure.
Concerns range from fears about pain and safety to doubts about the natural appearance of the results. In this article, we will debunk these myths and provide you with the facts, empowering you to make informed decisions and achieve the look you’ve always desired.
Myth 1: Permanent Makeup is not Safe
This is a major myth that prevents many people from undergoing the procedure due to safety concerns. When performed by a trained and qualified professional, permanent makeup is entirely safe.
These professionals take every measure to eliminate risks and side effects, following strict safety practices. The ink used for cosmetic tattoos is also skin-safe and is not the same as body ink. With these safeguards in place, there’s no need to fear any safety issues. Permanent makeup can actually save you time and help you achieve your desired look.
Myth 2: Cosmetic Tattoos Do Not Last Long
Another widespread piece of misinformation about cosmetic tattoos is that they fade very quickly, preventing many from investing their hard-earned money. The truth is, that cosmetic tattoos are semi-permanent, meaning they gradually fade over the years.
In fact, with proper care, you can increase the lifespan of your cosmetic tattoos and even get touch-ups to keep them refreshed and as good as new. Cosmetic tattoos do, in fact, retain their color and shape for 18-24 months.
Myth 3: Cosmetic Tattoos Are Permanent
In direct contradiction to the previous myth, another misconception about cosmetic tattoos is that they are permanent. The fear of a permanent change to your face can be intimidating, causing many people to avoid the procedure even when they want it.
This is a fallacy. Cosmetic tattoos are not permanent but long-lasting. The procedure involves using pigment specifically designed for the face, which gradually fades over time. You are not stuck with the same brows and lips forever and can change them according to ongoing trends if you ever change your mind.
In fact, there are even procedures in place to remove them entirely, such as laser treatments or saline removal.
Why is it called permanent makeup, then? It’s because this ink does not remove 100% from the skin; however, it significantly lightens over time and fades to a shadow. You can get touch-ups to keep them fresh or get another procedure and style on top of them.
Myth 4: Getting Cosmetic Tattoos is Extremely Painful
Perhaps one of the biggest misconceptions that has turned many away from the doorsteps of cosmetic tattooing is that the procedure is painful. This is untrue.
The word that should be used here is discomfort. The procedure causes some discomfort at best. People with a high pain threshold may not even mind it. Topical numbing cream takes care of the pain, and you can even ask the artist to apply more if needed.
People who’ve had the procedure done often describe it as feeling like a mild scratching sensation. It also depends on the part of the face you’re getting the treatment on, as some areas are more sensitive than others.
For example, lip blush might cause more discomfort than brow tattoos. To sum it up, it depends on the client and the procedure. Some clients even report feeling relaxed during the procedure. There are usually precare instructions that go with the procedures and when followed it can help minimize discomfort.
Myth 5: Cosmetic Tattoos Appear Fake and Unnatural
This is another misconception about cosmetic tattoos, but we can understand where it came from. There was a time during the 90s when cosmetic tattoos included bold, dark, and unnaturally glazed brows and lip liners.
Not anymore. Cosmetic tattoos today are so natural that you can’t even spot them until informed otherwise.
From the device to the pigment, everything ensures that the procedure mimics the natural design of facial features. One way to clear this misconception is to look up the world’s top cosmetic tattoo artists and their work, and you’ll be blown away by how natural the results appear.
Myth 6: It is a Surgical Process
This is entirely untrue. Most people make the mistake of categorizing cosmetic tattoos with plastic and reconstructive surgery. It couldn’t be further from the truth. Cosmetic tattoos are more like traditional tattoos but temporary.
Myth 7: Cosmetic Tattoos are Only for Brows
Brows might be one of the most popular cosmetic tattoos, but they aren’t the only option. Cosmetic tattoos include many other procedures that allow you to enhance your natural beauty, such as permanent lip liner, lip blush, eyeliner, scalp micro pigmentation, beauty spots, areola tattoos, and freckles.
Additionally, advancements in cosmetic tattoos are also allowing for diversity in style and detail of the procedures. The industry is rapidly expanding and is not limited to brows only.
Myth 8: Cosmetic Tattoos Exclusive to One Gender
Men hesitate to look towards cosmetic tattoos thinking it’s a procedure limited to women only. Wrong. The industry caters to everyone, and a large number of clients are men. Cosmetic tattoos aren’t just for enhancement, they are also used as corrective procedures. For example, certain medical conditions and treatments lead to hair fall, including brows. Cosmetic tattoos also help burn victims conceal their marks. The procedure is aimed at helping people regain their confidence, regardless of their gender.
Achieve Effortless Beauty with Cosmetic Tattoos
If any of these myths have been holding you back from taking the leap, now you’re free. If you are in Calgary, AB, you can also reach out to Reflective Beauty Boutique and ask any questions you may have. We are a team of professional and qualified artists who are passionate about helping others feel comfortable and confident in their skin.