FAQ

Please click on the expandable topics below for answers to our most Frequently Asked Questions! Don’t see what you’re looking for? Sent me an email at info@pinksuedetattoo.com and I’ll get back to you with an answer shortly.

+ WHAT IS YOUR LATE / CANCELLATION POLICY?

I encourage clients to be transparent about changes in their COVID-19, flu, and other illness exposure or symptoms leading up to their appointment. If you or someone close to you may have been exposed, please contact me ASAP and I will work with you. Clients will not be penalized for taking precautions to protect others. However, if I feel this courtesy is being abused repeatedly by an individual, I may change my policy as a result.

Per shop policy, booking fees are non-refundable. By booking with Pink Suede, you are agreeing to this policy. Our late and cancellation policy will be strongly enforced:

• If you are 15 min late to your appointment, your booking fee will be forfeited and you will be rescheduled.

• If you are a no-call no-show, cancel your appointment within the 7 day window, or miss your appointment due to lateness, your booking fee will be forfeited. If you choose to make a new appointment at this time, you will be required to pay the full cost of the service at the time of booking. This cost of service is non-refundable.

• Clients may reschedule an appointment one time. As long as that rescheduling is arranged more than 7 days prior to your initial start time, your booking fee will roll over. Any additional reschedule, or appointments rescheduled less than 7 days before the start time will result in booking fee forfeiture.

All of my clients’ time is important to me, and when days are full, one late client can throw off everyone else for the day! If you have any questions about booking, pre-care, after care, booking fees, or anything else, send me a quick email. I'm happy to answer!

+ WHAT SHOULD I KNOW BEFORE MY TATTOO?

Read carefully and plan accordingly!

• Please eat before your appointment to avoid feeling light headed/passing out.

• I cannot tattoo skin that is comprised -- ie: injury, rash, or sunburn. Please contact me ASAP if you need to reschedule your appointment for any of these reasons!

• If you are on antibiotics, I cannot tattoo you, even if you’re on your last few days and no longer showing signs of illness. No exceptions. You must be off antibiotics for 2 weeks prior to your tattoo.

• If you have been on Accutane any time in the past year, you can not get tattooed. No exceptions.

• If you are sick, I will not tattoo you. Please contact me first so we can discuss our options! If you come into the studio and you are sick, you will be denied service and your booking fee will be forfeited.

• If you are pregnant or nursing, I cannot tattoo you. No exceptions.

+ AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS (SECOND SKIN BANDAGE)

This is an open wound and should be treated with care. Follow these instructions closely to insure the best possible end results. If you have any questions, please reach out to me at info@pinksuedetattoo.com.

Tegaderm/Saniderm is a clear medical bandage that will make healing a breeze! This method is best used on tattoos that are not on joints or areas of the body that have a lot of movement. When used properly, the bandage will protect your tattoo from water, bacteria, and prevent you from sticking to clothes/bedding as you heal.

AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS

• Your tattoo will take approximately 1-2 weeks to heal.

• You will be bandaged with a clear bandages when you leave the shop. During the first 24 hours, you will notice a build up of lymph, blood, and ink inside the bandage. This looks gross but don't worry - it is normal!

• After 2-4 days, remove the bandage and wash with warm water and gentle soap (Liquid Dial gold, Cetaphil or Cerave are great!). I recommend doing this in a warm or hot shower to make the bandage remove a bit easier. When you wash, you may see some color appear to wash away with it. This is normal! After washing, pat completely dry with a clean towel.

• At this point you can start using a simple lotion like Lubriderm on the area.

• Do not use any bar soaps, oils, serums, or harsh cleansers on your tattoo during this time.

• Avoid sweating in the area for 5-10 days.

• Avoid sun exposure on the area while healing. Once healed, always use sunscreen to protect your tattoo.

• Avoid pools, oceans, saunas, and hot tubs until fully healed. Avoid submerging or soaking your tattoo.

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Have questions? Don’t Google it! Just send me a message. I’m happy to answer them for you, that’s what I’m here for.

+ AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS (TRADITIONAL)

This is an open wound and should be treated with care. Follow these instructions closely to insure the best possible end results. If you have any questions, please reach out to me at info@pinksuedetattoo.com.

AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS

• Your tattoo will take approximately 2 weeks to heal.

• You will be bandaged when you leave the shop. After 24 hours, remove the bandage and wash with warm water and gentle soap (Liquid Dial gold, Cetaphil or Cerave are great!). When you wash, you may see some color appear to wash away also. Don’t worry — this is normal! After washing, pat completely dry with a clean towel.

• Apply a very thin layer of Lubriderm (or similar light, unscented lotion) 1-2 times per day. Do not use Neosporin, Vasesline, Aquaphor, or any other thick ointments.

• Your tattoo will scab or flake. Do not pick or scratch! Once it is done flaking, continue using the Lubriderm to help moisturize the skin.

• Do not use any bar soaps, oils, serums, or harsh cleansers on your tattoo during this time.

• Avoid sweating in the area for 10-14 days.

• Do not touch, pick, or scratch. If you need to touch your tattoo, wash your hands before and after!

• Avoid sun exposure on the area while healing. Once healed, always use sunscreen to protect your tattoo.

• Avoid pools, oceans, saunas, and hot tubs until fully healed. Avoid submerging or soaking your tattoo. Take shorter showers and always pat dry immediately after.

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Have questions? Don’t Google it! Just send me a message. I’m happy to answer them for you, that’s what I’m here for.

+ DO YOU TAKE CUSTOM TATTOO APPOINTMENTS?

Yes! I love doing custom work. Please use my Custom Tattoo Request Form to submit your idea and we will go from there.

+ HOW DO I BOOK ONE OF YOUR FLASH DESIGNS?

All of my flash is one-and-done! Please visit this page to see available designs. Just pick the one you want and complete check out! This purchase acts as your deposit and our shop manager will reach out to you to choose your date.

If you have any questions about sizing, placement, or if certain dates are available, please email me prior to purchasing!

+ HOW MUCH DO TATTOOS COST?

Tattoos are priced based on the design, complexity and placement on the body. Essentially it all comes down to time! Please submit a tattoo request form for a price quote.

+ WHERE IS YOUR STUDIO?

I am located in my own private studio inside the Salon Republic Hollywood at 6370 Sunset Blvd. You can find me in suite 208! I am an appointment only studio.

+ ARE YOU LICENSED?

Yes! My studio is proud to hold all city and state licenses required for a tattoo shop in the city of Los Angeles.

+ WHAT IS MICROBLADING? WHAT ARE POWDER BROWS? WHAT ARE NANO BROWS?

Microblading uses a manual hand tool and a blade consisting of small needles to create the illusion of hair with hairstroke-like lines. This technique does not use a tattoo machine. Microblading is ideal for smooth, dry/normal skin types with small pores. Microblading is not available to oily or mature skin types. Microblading is a common “catch-all” term on social media, but in reality only applies to creating the hairstrokes into the skin with a manual tool.

Nano Brows (or Machine Strokes) are still hairstroke-like lines that are intended to mimic hair. However, this technique is done with a tattoo machine. This technique is preferred because it causes less scar tissue than microblading and often has longer retention. This technique is ideal for dry/normal skin types.

Powder brows and ombre brows are done with a machine and are intended to look similar to filling in your brows with powder makeup. This is ideal for all skin types. The style can range anywhere from a very soft, powdery look, to more defined edges. Please discuss with your artist your ideal look! This technique has the best retention and clients can go 1-3 years between touch ups.

These techniques can be combined to create hybrid or combo brows. This is ideal for folks who still want some hairstroke look but more density with the powder fill.

All of these are intended to enhance a person's natural eyebrows.

+ ARE MICROBLADING/NANO BROWS A TATTOO?

Yes. Pigment is placed in the skin using small needles. Beware of anyone selling you on the idea that it isn’t a tattoo!

+ ARE BROW SERVICES PERMANENT?

Cosmetic tattooing is permanent, however, given the nature of the area and the techniques used, it is common for PMU to lighten over time. Since everyone's body is different, it is impossible to dermine how much a person's cosmetic tattooing will fade. Color can fade depending on skin type, personal health, and sun exposure. It is recommended to come back for a color boost every 1-3 years to enhance your existing tattoo, depending on the service provided and advice from your artist. Be sure to closely follow all pre-care and aftercare instructions to get your best heal possible. Additionally, some factors that may affect the longevity of your tattoo include oily skin and/or smoking. Since all tattooing should be considered permanent, it is very important to choose your artist wisely so that you get quality work from the start! Most clients who get hairstrokes will eventually need to be converted to powder brows, as the nature of the skin is that it cannot continue to retain crisp lines over multiple sessions.

+ DOES IT HURT TO HAVE MY BROWS DONE?

Pain tolerance varies from person to person. I use topical anesthetics for appointments to help make you more comfort. Please avoid caffeine for 48 hours prior to your appointment — failure to do so could cause you the be harder to numb! You may notice that getting tattooed while on your menstrual cycle may cause you to be more sensitive. After the appointment, your brow area may feel stiff for about 24 hours. This is common!

+ WHAT TRAINING IS NEEDED FOR BROWS?

It is always important to examine an artist's body of work before committing to the procedure. In California, all body art practitioners must complete Bloodborne Pathogen (BBP) certification and be licensed by the LA County Department of Health. In Illinois, all body art practitioners must also complete Bloodborne Pathogen (BBP) certification per state Health Department guidelines. Per requirements, Pink Suede Tattoo is registered and licensed with the as a Body Artist. I proudly completed training at the Advanced Permanent Cosmetics Academy in Naperville, Illinois, in January 2017, and has been BBP certified since June of 2014. In January 2019, I was trained by Teryn Darling in the Li-Ft Saline Removal technique, a non-laser lightening method ideal for cosmetic tattooing and small body tattoos. In January 2020 I trained with Kim Morgan and the Advanced Permanent Cosmetic Academy in Naperville. In April 2021 I was trained by Mary Ritcherson in her NanoStroke technique.

+ IS THERE ANYTHING THAT WOULD PREVENT ME FROM A BROW PROCEDURE?

You cannot get permanent makeup if you are any of the following:

• Pregnant or nursing
• Using Accutane currently or within the past year
• Under 18 years old
• Have been tanning or sunburnt within the past 30 days.
• Are prone to keloids
• Are taking antibiotics (or have been within the past 2 weeks)
• Have used Retinols in the past 4 weeks.
• Have gotten Botox in the last 4 weeks.

Please read the pre-care thoroughly. If you have had previous laser treatments, previous cosmetic eyebrow tattooing, or heavy scarring in the area, these factors could affect your healing and ability to retain pigment. The more natural brow hair you have, the more realistic your PMU will appear. If you have little to no eyebrow hair, the procedure may have a flatter (or more 2-deminsional) result and require additional sessions to give the illusion of hair. If your skin is oily, you typically would be better off with powder brows or a combination brow.

If you have any doubts about your health, please consult your doctor prior to making an appointment.

+ I HAD MY EYEBROWS TATTOOED RECENTLY AND THEY SEEM DARK.

This is normal and is the major concern of most people after they have their first brow appointment. During days 3-5 of healing, your brows will begin to look very dark, bold, and sometimes a warmer tone. Keep in mind that this is just your body's way of healing and the color will lighten up over the next two weeks.

+ WHAT IS THE BROW PROCESS?

First, we will look at any references you may have or your desired brows. During the consultation, we will discuss colors, shapes, and expectations. You are welcome to come in with your brows already filled in the way your prefer — just please no concealer or foundation on the forehead and temple area. Once we get ready for the procedure, the area will be cleaned off and Before photos will be taken. From there, I begin drawing your brows. This can sometimes be a time consuming process, as we tweak the shape and symmetry. It is important to remember that your brows are sisters, not twins! Faces aren't symmetrical and we will work together to make sure we get the best possible shape for you and your bone structure. Balance is the key!

Once we have defined shape, I apply anesthetics and do paperwork. We will discuss color options. When all of these bases are covered, it is time to begin tattooing! Throughout the process, we will continually be applying anesthetic to increase comfort. A first session typically lasts about two and a half to three hours. At the end of your appointment, we will go over aftercare and I will send you home with all of the information you need!

+ DO I NEED A CONSULTATION FOR BROWS?

Consultations prior to booking are not required for virgin skin, but we understand if you prefer it! If you chose not to come in for a consultation, we will go over color, shape, and other concerns at the time of your appointment. If you are on the fence or want to get a feel for me and the studio prior to booking, let me know and we can bring you in for a quick consult! I do require a consultation for anyone who has previously tattooed eyebrows. Please email me to set up a consultation.

+ HOW DO I MAKE A BROW APPOINTMENT?

Online booking is available here.

Brow appointments require a $200 non-refundable booking fee (“deposit”). This booking fee will go towards the cost of your tattoo during the day of your appointment. Cash is preferred on the day of your appointment, but the studio also happily accepts Venmo, paypal, and credit/debit cards.

+ WHAT PAYMENTS DO YOU ACCEPT?

Cash is preferred, but card is accepted! I also accept Venmo.

+ DO YOU TATTOO MEN'S BROWS?

Clients of all genders are welcome!

+ DO YOU TATTOO FRECKLES?

Yes! Online booking is available here.

+ DO YOU DO TATTOO REMOVAL?

I do! I am certified offer a non-laser Saline Lightening service called Li-Ft. This process is great for cosmetic tattooing and works by tattooing a saline solution into the skin, which pushes you old pigment up and out through the healing process. This technique may take multiple sessions depending on your existing tattoo. People who often seek this service are those who have had their brows done elsewhere and are not pleased with their results — shape, color, or both! Please contact me if you’re interested in coming in for a consultation about saline lightening.

I do offer this service for some small color body tattoos on a case-by-case basis. For black ink or larger body tattoos, I highly recommend seeking out a laser removal specialist.

+ DO YOU OFFER FREE SERVICES TO INFLUENCERS?

I consider all of my clients influencers and apprecaite them spreading the word about Pink Suede to freinds, family, and followers. I do not trade services in exchange for social media posts but I do offer a Referral Program for my exisiting eyebrow client to earn credits for future brow services.