SCALP MICROPIGMENTATION FAQ
HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?
Scalp Micropigmentation is relatively new as far as hair loss solutions go. There are a variable of factors that make it almost impossible to give an accurate answer. As a general rule of thumb clients shouldn't need any touch ups or refreshers for at least 3-5 years.
WILL IT BLEND IN WITH MY EXISTING HAIR?
When performing SMP we usually cover a much larger area than is currently needed. We have to consider the age of the client, hair loss pattern and the reason for hair loss to determine an area that allows for any future hair loss that may occur. We always fade out the tattoo about an inch into the existing hair to create a seamless blend. In short -yes it will blend with your existing hair.
WILL I HAVE TO SHAVE MY HEAD?
For Men with short hair, generally speaking: YES. If the client is going for the shaved head look, then its time to commit and shave it! We generally advise to shave it down to a 0 or 1 which is the easiest length for our artists to work with.
If the client has thinning hair on top and wishes to just add some density then shaving isn't necessary. This goes for Women as well, you do not have to shave your head, we can always work in between your hair!
WHAT TYPES OF PIGMENTS/INKS DO YOU USE?
At Ink Barber we only use our own charcoal based organic pigment. They are all of grey scale to help mimic the colour of the base of a hair follicle. These pigments do not change colour over time. They will soften and lighten a little but at that points its just a matter of coming in for a refresher session!
WHAT NEEDLES DO YOU USE?
We use our specialized Ink Barber SMP needle which is a very fine single needle tattoo cartridge.
WHAT IS THE AFTERCARE?
Aftercare is simple. Keeping the area clean and dry is the most important. We advise rinsing once a day with warm or cool water and patting it dry. Avoid shampoos, chemicals, submerging your head under water, excessive sweating, anything that may rub the surface, and scrubbing.
DO I HAVE TO DO ANYTHING BEFORE MY PROCEDURE?
We always advise that you do not heavily drink the night before as alcohol can thin the blood which will cause you to bleed more than needed. We also say to have a good night sleep and a meal before hand. This will all help make your session go as smooth as possible!
WHEN CAN I COME BACK FOR MY NEXT SESSION?
Sessions are generally spaced out between 10-14 days apart. This allows the skin to fully go through the healing process.
WILL THE SUN EFFECT MY SMP?
Its no secret that UV rays can fade any tattoo. It’s perhaps not as dramatic as people think but its always a good idea to look after your skin and wear sunblock or a hat whether you are tattooed or not!
WHAT WILL IT LOOK LIKE WHEN I’M OLDER?
This question comes up a lot and there’s really no ONE answer. If the client still has hair but it’s thin, then the SMP can help make it look fuller as it has eliminated the contrast between the hair and the scalp. If the client has no hair at all than we advise keeping it shaved to keep it looking its best. It is ultimately up to the individual but everyone will be able to find that sweet spot that works best for them! As a general rule, the SMP will age with you. It will lighten up over time as will your natural hair.
HOW OFTEN WILL I NEED TO SHAVE MY HEAD?
We usually advise our clients to shave their heads around every 2-3 days. This is obviously dependent on how fast their hair grows. Again this is a personal preference but the shorter you keep it the less chance that someone can pick out that you have had SMP!
CAN I GET TATTOOED WHILE PREGNANT OR NURSING?
No. We require our clients to wait until after pregnancy and nursing to avoid any issues. The chances of infection are very slim but we always take the utmost precautions and put you and your baby first!
DOES IT HURT?
We use Zensa numbing cream that desensitizes the scalp and helps to alleviate any discomfort. Most clients feel little to no pain!
WILL IT DAMAGE MY EXISTING HAIR FOLLICLES?
The micropigmentation stimulates the scalp and will actually help promote blood flow to the area and will not damage the existing hair.
HOW WILL I LOOK IMMEDIATELY AFTER A SESSION?
Most people look fine after a session, there is the odd occasion that the skin turns a bit red. This will subside after a few hours. You are welcome to bring a new clean hat to wear after your session if you are concerned about the redness!
HOW OLD DO I HAVE TO BE TO GET
At Ink Barber we will not tattoo anyone under the age of 18 years old.
LIP BLUSH FAQ
HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?
WHAT TYPES OF PIGMENTS DO YOU USE?
We use Permablend Pigments for Lip Blush Cosmetic Tattooing. These pigments do not change colour over time, and is guaranteed by the manufacturers. They will soften and lighten as they heal.
WHAT IS THE AFTERCARE?
DO I HAVE TO DO ANYTHING BEFORE MY PROCEDURE?
HOW MANY SESSIONS DO I NEED?
CAN I GET TATTOOED WHILE PREGNANT OR NURSING?
No. We require our clients to wait until after pregnancy and nursing to avoid any issues. The chances of infection are very slim but we always take the utmost precautions and put you and your baby first!
DOES IT HURT?
We use Zensa numbing cream that desensitizes the scalp and helps to alleviate any discomfort. Most clients feel little to no pain!
HOW WILL I LOOK IMMEDIATELY AFTER A SESSION?
Most people look fine after a session, there is the odd occasion that the skin turns a bit red. This will subside after a few hours. You are welcome to bring a new clean hat to wear after your session if you are concerned about the redness!
HOW OLD DO I HAVE TO BE TO GET TATTOOED?
At Ink Barber we will not tattoo anyone under the age of 18 years old.
MICROBLADING FAQ
HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?
Microblading typically lasts 1-3 years depending on how many sessions you’ve had. If you’ve just had one session then this could fade out completely anywhere from 6 months to 1.5 years. The more you add the longer it takes to fade out. Routine refreshers will keep your brows looking fresh and natural.
WHAT TYPES OF PIGMENTS DO YOU USE?
We use Permablend Pigments for Cosmetic Tattooing which includes microblading & freckles. These pigments do not change colour over time, and is guaranteed by the manufacturers. They will soften and lighten over time.
WHAT IS THE AFTERCARE?
After your session and for the next week you’ll need to dab your brows with a wet paper towel every 2-3 hours to ensure they are clean & free from any dirt and oils. This also cleans away any plasma build up that’s trying to form a scab. We will supply you with a cream that is to be used only 1-2 times a day- usually once in the morning and once at night, unless you have oily skin then once a day should do. The second week you can clean 2-3 times a day being very gentle with any flakes. Using the cream only if necessary.
For 2 weeks you need to avoid sweating, working out, swimming, direct sunlight on the brows and making sure you’re protecting them in the shower.
During the two weeks they will go through many stages:
Day 1: Looking Great Day 5-7: Flaking Day 11-14: Healed
Day 2-4: Dark Day 8-10: Light/Patchy After Touch up: Perfection
DO I HAVE TO DO ANYTHING BEFORE MY PROCEDURE?
Bring pictures of brows you like on your phone so your artist can get a good idea of what you’re looking for. Take a picture of how you draw your brows in regularly so your artist knows how you usually like them.
HOW MANY SESSIONS DO I NEED?
1-2 Sessions. We usually recommend a touch up so we can ensure the perfect colour is used. We can also add more density for a more natural fuller looking brow. We do recommend refreshers every 2 years to keep your brows looking fresh and natural!
CAN I GET TATTOOED WHILE PREGNANT OR NURSING?
No. We require our clients to wait until after pregnancy and nursing to avoid any issues. The chances of infection are very slim but we always take the utmost precautions and put you and your baby first!
DOES IT HURT?
We use Zensa numbing cream that desensitizes the brows and helps to alleviate any discomfort. Though it wouldn’t be that bad without numbing cream, your eyes may water & you may need to sneeze! We always use numbing cream and a secondary numbing cream during the appointment so you stay comfortable.
HOW WILL I LOOK IMMEDIATELY AFTER A SESSION?
GORGEOUS! This is the selfie day because there is little to no redness & the strokes are crisp AF. You do not need to cancel that date ;)
HOW OLD DO I HAVE TO BE TO GET TATTOOED?
At Ink Barber we will not tattoo anyone under the age of 18 years old.