Cosmetic Tattoo Gun

Frequently asked questions

ABOUT COSMETIC TATTOOING

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Is a cosmetic tattoo permanent?

Sure is! cosmetic tattooing uses tools and pigments made specially for tattooing the face, but is still a tattoo and will remain in the skin. Like all tattoos, it can fade over time, and if not maintained, will fade out.
 

What is the difference between hair stroke and powder brows?

Hair strokes are done with a hand-held tool or a tattoo machine. Hair stroke tattooing mimics the appearance and growth pattern of your brow hair, creating an ultra-natural look. This technique is great for those who already have full brows and want a little oomph, those that never wear makeup or those that want a very subtle brow. If you have oily skin, ruddy skin or are a frequent tanner this technique is not ideal for you.

Powder brows are done with a machine or hand tool and give your brows a soft, powdery, filled-in look. This technique is great for those wanting a more “finished” appearance to their eyebrows, and for those that currently fill their brows with pencil or make up daily. Powder brows often look more natural than hair stroke brows. This technique is good for all skin types.
 

What if I have lash extensions? (eyeliner tattoo)

The lash extensions need to fall of naturally and be removed 4 weeks prior to your tattoo appointment. We will not tattoo eyeliner if you arrive to your appointment with eyelash extensions on. They can introduce bacteria to the “wound” created by the eyeliner tattoo and can cause an infection. We do not offer lash extension removal.

 

Can I receive cosmetic tattooing while I am pregnant or nursing?

As a precaution, we do not perform cosmetic tattooing on pregnant or nursing women.

 

I had an unsatisfactory cosmetic tattooing procedure done elsewhere, can you fix it?

Typically we can offer “cover-up” procedures and color boosts on another artist’s work (an artist outside of the Nickel & Dodge studio), but this is ultimately decided at the artist’s discretion. We require a well lit make up free photo (preferably not a selfie) of your current tattoo to decide what is the best option for you. For all new tattoo clients to Nickel & Dodge, we maintain a new client fee. For information on scheduling this type of appointment, please email the studio at hello@nickelanddodge.com.

 

Is it painful?

A highly-effective, topical anesthetic cream and gel are used for numbing before and during your procedure. Pain threshold levels vary from person to person and every effort is made to ensure you remain comfortable for the entirety of the procedure. Having this service performed during your menstrual cycle may increase discomfort during your procedure. If you are a frequent smoker, the topical anesthetics used during the treatment will not last as long. If you have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, be aware that this may affect your sensitivity tolerance to the procedure.

 

What if I don’t like it?

For all our new procedures, we block out enough time to do a consultation in the beginning of your appointment. This includes going over paperwork, the artist drawing on the shape and placement of the tattoo, color selection (where applicable), and making sure you are happy with the way it looks. This happens all before they even open the sterile needle. The healing process can be unpredictable for each person, as everyone’s body chemistry is different. Some clients will have great color retention and will need fewer touch-ups/color boosts. Other clients do not hold pigment as well, some will need additional sessions to get them to their desired saturation. This is all dependent on how your body takes the tattoo, how it heals, and taking care of your new procedure.


What’s a refining session and when do I need one?

A refining session is what we refer to your second appointment. This is 10-12 weeks after your initial appointment, once your new tattoo is considered “fully healed”. Refining sessions are $100. This appointment is recommended but not required, should you decide you want your tattoo darker, bigger, etc. you must receive this appointment within 6 months of your initial procedure date.