FAQs | Minted Beauty | Westminster, CA

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

{Please read this page in its entirety before booking an appointment if you are interested in permanent makeup. These frequently asked questions and their answers will help give you a better understanding of what to expect before, during, and after your procedure. }

{WHAT IS MICROSTROKING, NANO BROWS & POWDER OMBRE?}

Microstroking is an advanced form of cosmetic tattooing that involves manual implantation of ink into the upper layers of the skin using a hand tool made up of a row of needles. This method gives hair-like strokes, giving you the look of fuller brows while still allowing you to fill them in if you prefer a bolder look. This technique does not replace the need for brow makeup and is not for all skin types, especially for those with oily or thick skin. This technique has the most unpredictable healing long term as each stroke will fade individually over time. If you are interested in this technique, please send clear photos of your brows without makeup before booking to ensure that you are a good candidate as this method looks best on those with more brow hairs. Nano Brows is a great alternative to microstroking as the stroke are created with a digital machine with a single point needle. Nano brows are great for all skin types and is typically longer lasting and less invasive than microstroking, however the strokes are more obvious as compared to microstroking. Powder Ombre brows are better for clients who prefer a more defined brow to mimic the look of brow makeup and is great for all skin types, especially for clients with less brow hairs. This technique uses a digital machine and a single point needle. Regardless of the technique you decide to choose, all options are placed on the upper layers of the skin and will fade over time and will require touch ups. This is deemed favorable due to changing brow styles.

{WHO IS NOT AN IDEAL CANDIDATE FOR PERMANENT COSMETICS?}

There are a couple factors that may prevent you from getting the procedure done or may affect the end result. If you are pregnant and/or nursing, unfortunately this procedure is not recommend for you at the moment. If you have active breakouts on or around the procedure area, we do not recommend getting the procedure done until the breakouts on that area has subsided. An old brow tattoo, oily skin, large pores on your forehead, skin prone to keloid, love getting facials or peels, having diabetes and other medical conditions may compromise your ability to have the procedure done as well. Additional information can be found in our "Pre & Post Care" page. If unsure, please contact us before booking your appointment.

{WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING AN APPOINTMENT?}

An appointment ranges between 2.5-3 hours and includes a consultation. After going over your paperwork and any questions that you may have, we will then map you your brows by hand to find you the best shape that suits you. Once a shape and color has been agreed upon, the cosmetic tattoo portion will occur and the strokes/color will be added following the outline. Don't worry; there will be numbing involved as we want you as comfortable as possible, but everyone's pain tolerance is very different. At the end of your session, we will be going over after care and what to expect until your next appointment.

{HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY SESSION?}

There are a couple things to keep in mind before your session that will greatly help you and your healing process. Avoid any type of alcohol, caffeine, energy drinks, or blood thinning medication for at least 48 hours prior to your appointment as well as after as these items may thin your blood and cause the ink to dilute. Do not tweeze, thread, or wax the area for a minimum of 5 days prior to your appointment and 2 weeks after. Definitely no tanning, prolonged sun exposure or any type of facials/peels for at least a month prior to your session and 1 month after. No Botox or fillers for atleast 1-2 months prior to your eyebrow appointment as well as after your appointment. We want you and your skin as healthy as possible to give you the best results possible. Additional information can be found in our "Pre & Post Care" page.

{WHAT IS THE HEALING PROCESS LIKE?}

Every client heals differently, but generally brows will go through three phases as it heals: too dark, too light, and just right. During the first 10-14 days, expect your brows to be too dark after getting them done as your brows will oxidize and start to scab. It takes about 10-14 days for your brows to heal and peel, however some clients may take a longer time (or even shorter time) to heal depending on their age, lifestyle, and/or aftercare. After your brows have finished peeling, your brows will appear too light because the ink is sitting underneath the surface of the skin. As the skin continues to heal and regenerate, the color will gradually show up as the ink gets closer to the surface of the skin and will look just right in about a month.

{DO YOU DO HOUSE CALLS?}

We do not do house calls and we definitely don't recommend artists servicing you at your home or their home. Cleanliness and sanitation is extremely important for this type of procedure and we only recommend getting the procedure done at established locations. Please do not compromise your health for a "good deal" or convenience. At Minted Beauty, we only use individually wrapped sterile and disposable products as well as follow all necessary steps to prevent cross contamination with each and every client. We are up to date with all our certifications, licenses, and registrations including, but not limited to: Business License, registered Permanent Makeup Facility with the OC Health Department, registered Permanent Makeup Practitioner with the OC Health Department, Establishment License with the CA Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, Esthetics License with the CA Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, and Bloodborne Pathogens Certificate.

{WHAT IF I HAVE HAD PREVIOUS COSMETIC TATTOO WORK DONE ON MY EYEBROWS?}

All previous brow work must be approved before booking regardless of how faded or old the cosmetic tattoo is. Please send us clear photos of your brows before booking to ensure that you are a good candidate. Deposits are non refundable as stated in our policy, so please have your old cosmetic tattoo approved before booking.

{MY BROWS ARE FADING. IS THAT NORMAL?}

This can happen to any client at any studio as results aren't guaranteed and may vary for each and every client. Since the ink is implemented in the upper layers of the skin, the skin sheds naturally over time and will shed the ink with it. Even though fading is common, premature fading can occur. Several factors that may cause premature fading include, but are not limited to: ink color (blonde ink heals lighter than dark ink), sun exposure, smoking, improper aftercare, and lifestyle. The two most common reasons for premature fading are rapid exfoliation products and having oily skin. Rapid exfoliation products such as alpha hydroxy acids, retinol, and chemical peels cause the upper layers of the skin to shed fast, which causes the skin to push the ink up and out of the skin quicker than normal. Oily skin that constantly produces oil will eventually blur and soften the procedure area to almost a powdery look due to the oil diluting the ink under the skin. Here at Minted Beauty, we will try our best to provide you with the best possible brows. We cannot determine how your skin will handle the ink until it is fully healed and therefore recommend the included a touch up procedure to further analyze the area and make adjustments if needed. Additional sessions may be required at an additional cost(s).

{WHERE CAN I FIND PRICING AND PICTURES.}

Pricing as well as descriptions of all our services can be found under the "Book Online" tab at the top of the page. You can also find pictures in our gallery, on our Instagram page (@mintedbeauty), or by clicking any of the Instagram icons found at the top or bottom of every page.