Frequently Asked Questions
Here you’ll hopefully find the answers to any questions you have about permanent makeup and the particular hairstroke technique that I use. However, if your question isn’t answered below, please contact me and I’ll respond to your questions within 24 hrs.
Questions about Hyperrealism Brows
What is HyperrealismTechnique?
Hyperrealism technique is an advanced Permanent Makeup treatment which mimics your own natural eyebrow.
With this technique there is no one size fits all approach. Each piece of work is individual.
With the use of an electric PMU needle we create hair like strokes on the skin to fill out the brows and make them look fuller. It’s like painting a picture of a brow on the skin. It’s a very safe treatment with minimal trauma caused to the skin.
If you want natural looking Permanent Makeup this is the treatmment for you.
What skin type ISN'T suitable for Hyperrealism Technique?
If you have alopecia of the eyebrow you may have a skin condition called called Ulerythema-Ophryogenesis which causes a loss of brow hair from the middle to the end of the eyebrow. The skin in this area tends to be red and bumpy. If you have this condition PMU is not possible.
Other difficult skin types come with conditions:
Oily skin: an organic pigment will need to be used on oily skin. Organic pigments are very strong and are permanent, meaning there will always be a residue of the pigment left in the skin permanently.
Senstive Skin: retains pigment less than normal to dry skin, therefore an organic pigment may need to be used to ensure longevity.
Mature skin 55+: is very thin, therefore carries a risk of the pigment migrating under the skin.
Questions About Powder Brows
What is Powder Brow?
Is oily skin suitable for Powder Brows?
Yes if you have slightly Oily skin, Powder Brows is a good option. Although it would still fade quicker than on normal to dry skin types.
Questions About Combination Brows
What is Combination Brow?
Is oily skin suitable for Combination Brows?
Yes if you have slightly Oily skin, Combination Brows is a good option. Although it would still fade quicker than on normal to dry skin types.
General Questions
Will I be turned away at the appointment?
Yes, there are certain conditions that if not met, you will be turned away at the appointment and you will lose your deposit. These conditions are:
1) You haven’t disclosed something that was on the consultation form when booking your appointment, so please read the consultation form clearly when booking.
2) Your skin is not in a strong, healthy condition. If you have open sores, large raw pimples, or the skin is very dry, cracked, sore, or bruised I will need to turn you away and you will lose the deposit.
3) You have a condition called Ulerythema-Ophryogenesis that wasn’t acknowledged on the consultation form.
Who CANNOT have Permanent Makeup?
If any of the below apply, it is not safe for you to have Permanent Makeup.
- You have skin condition which causes eyebrow hairloss called Ulerythema-Ophryogenesis
- Currently pregnant
- Currently breast feeding
- Eczema over the brow (red itchy)
- Psoriasis over the brow (small rough to the touch red bumps in places where the hairs come out of the skin)
- Acne Medication
- Diabetes
- Hepatitis C
- HIV
- Healing problems
- Haemophilia (Bleed severely)
Are these PMU techniques permanent?
Unlike traditional tattooing, which is permanent, Machine Hairstrokes and Powder Brows are considered to be semi-permanent, lasting around 1-3 years depending on the skin type and skincare routine.
In some cases, the pigment will never entirely disappear and may leave a faint shadow in the skin. Factors that affect the retention of the pigment are:
- Oily skin does not retain pigment well. It will fade much quicker than normal to dry skin types
- Lighter pigments fade faster than dark pigments
- UV rays over time can fade or discolour the pigment, so it’s essential to use sunscreen
- Daily use of certain face creams containing Tretinoin, Retin-A, Alpha Hydroxy, Glycolic Acid can cause the pigment to fade faster due to bleaching and increased skin regeneration.
Is there a risk of having an allergic reaction?
Yes. There is a risk that your skin will have an allergic reaction to the pigment that is placed in your skin. However, this situation is very rare.
In these rare cases, the reactions have started months after the initial treatment, so a patch test wouldn’t always flag an issue immediately.
Reactions that have been reported include swelling, cracking, peeling, blistering, and scarring as well as the formation of granulomas.
If a reaction occurred you would need to seek a Dermatologist or medical professional for a diagnosis and treatment plan. The pigment may also need to be removed.
What Pigments do you use?
I currently use a few different brands of Pigments.
For Oiler skin I use an Organic pigment traces of which will stay in the skin forever until they are removed via laser. Currently I use Permablend Lux. https://permablend.com/pages/luxe
For all other skin types I use an InOrganic pigment, which over time will fade from the skin completely without the need for removal. Currently I use Biotek.
https://shop.biotekmilano.com/eu/products/colors/eyebrows.html
Is there a risk of developing an infection?
Yes. Whenever we cause trauma to the skin there is always a risk of bacteria entering the skin and causing an infection.
We negate this by ensuring the skin, the tools and the working environment are fully sanitised.
You must also clean the brows twice daily with a damp cotton pad to avoid bacteria growing.
Is it painful?
Everyone has a different pain threshold, but generally, the pain is considered to be mild.
To make the procedure as comfortable as possible, I advise you to purchase some topical anaesthetic cream to numb the area 30 minutes before your appointment. Anaesthetics containing lidocaine, prilocaine, benzocaine, tetracaine and epinephrine are suitable and can be purchased online, from a local pharmacy or your doctor.
Do I need to grow my brows out for the appointment?
No. Please continue to shape and style your brows how you like them. It’s better for me to see how you like to have them.
Does it work over Scar Tissue?
Yes we can safely tattoo over scar tissue unless it’s a keloid scar. Scar tissue responds differently to healthy skin. The ink over the scar may either heal very light, or may form dark clusters of pigment. As artists we always use our skill to get you the best result possible.
How long does the appointment take?
Typically around 2.5 – 3 hours to:
1) Map the new eyebrow shape and draw the main lines
2) Chose the pigment colours.
3) The tattoo procedure takes around 1.5 – 2 hrs.
Will I need a top-up and is that included in the price?
Yes, the top-up around 8 weeks later is included in the price and yes it’s advised you attend the top-up. Everyone has different skin, in differing conditions; therefore, the healing process and outcome vary.
The top-up is to address any healing issues such as filling in any gaps that may have appeared or to go a darker shade if you feel your brows are too light.
The top-up session will ensure that your new eyebrows stick around for longer.
The appointment will take around 1-1.5 hrs.
How long will it take to heal?
The skin will fully heal by 7-14 days. However, you won’t see the exact colour and shape of the strokes until around 4-6 weeks, which is why the top-up is after this point.
For the first couple of days, your brows may seem very dark as they start to scab over. By week two, the scabs will start to fall away, revealing light pigment underneath. Don’t panic. This is all part of the healing process. Your skin would have healed over the pigment giving it a milky look. Over the coming weeks, the skin will regenerate, and the pigment will start to show through in-time for your touch up.
Will I get scabs?
Generally no. Most people do not get scabs with machine work. With proper after care including cleaning the brows and keeping them moisturised with a coconut oil or shea balm, keeps the scabs away.
How do I make an appointment?
To make an appointment click HERE.
Once you’ve booked an appointment I’ll be in touch via Whatsapp to confirm your appointment and to request a €100 deposit to secure the booking. The remaining balance paid on the treatment day.
How do I prepare for the appointment?
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Try to avoid booking the appointment if you are on your period.
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Do not tan or have a sunburned face
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Do not have any type of facial 48 hrs before your appointment
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Do not have botox 48 hrs before your appointment
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Discontinue Retin-A at least 4 weeks prior (and avoid on eyebrow area after the procedure).
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Refrain from use of any Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) products close to the eyebrow area (and avoid on eyebrow area after the procedure).
What is the aftercare process?
Can you guarantee your work?
No, I’m afraid I can’t guarantee my work as there any many variables outside of my control that could affect the results such as skin type, lifestyle and aftercare process.
I can guarantee that I’ll do my very best for you using all my skills and experience.
Will my new PMU brows be perfect?
No, I can’t promise you perfection.
If you’re looking for perfectly symmetrical brows with mirror image strokes then I’m afraid Machine Hairstroke technique isn’t for you. Powder Brows is better if you’re looking for symmetry.
Hairstroke technique mimics the natural brow and hair growth for a natural-looking brow. Not a perfect one.
If you’re someone who needs perfectly shaped and symmetrical brows, I would recommend powder brows for you.
Can I be refunded If the results don't stick?
No refunds on work carried out.
However, if you need a 3rd touch up due to diffiucult skin type then that can be arranged for a fee.
Can I get my deposit back if I cancel the appointment?
Yes. If you give me 2 weeks notice of cancellation you can have the deposit back in full.
Questions About Microblading
What is Microblading?
Do you offer Microblading?
No, I no longer offer Microblading. We now only work with a machine.
Kim Loy Studios
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Kim Loy Studios
Gallery Salon Studios, Bilderdijkstraat 77, 1053KM, Amsterdam