Permanent make-up/cosmetic tattooing has quickly become our passion. A huge part of that is education. We are dedicated to our continuing education and we want to pass that knowledge on to YOU! Please read our FAQs below. This acts as a consultation. Please ask all questions prior to booking.
WHAT BROW PERMANENT MAKE-UP/COSMETIC TATTOOING SERVICES ARE OFFERED AT SYMMETRY?
ADVANCED ARTISTRY NANO BROWS
-This is the newest and most advanced technique of cosmetic tattooing and the results are an extreme natural effect on the brows. Soft hair-strokes are created using a single needle and a permanent make-up machine. The hair-strokes are placed organically throughout your brows based on your existing hairs and hair growth pattern to enhance your brows. THIS TECHNIQUE IS BEST FOR A VERY NATURAL and FLUFFY LOOK. Nano brows does not create a defined, make-up look. This is best for those who wear little to no make-up on a daily basis and those who embrace a very natural look. (If you wear brow make-up daily and you enjoy the filled look, Nano brows may not be an ideal technique for you.) Can last 1-2 years. Regular touch-ups are needed to maintain your Nano brows.
CUSTOM NANO COMBO BROWS
-This cosmetic tattooing technique combines soft overall shading and nano hair strokes in the head area of your brow. Great if you are missing hair in the area of your brow closest to your nose. Can last 1-3 years. Regular touch-ups are needed to maintain your nano combo brows.
SOFT OMBRE POWDER BROWS
-Ombre powder brows is a cosmetic tattooing shading technique created using a permanent make-up machine with the newest techniques to provide a soft-edged, beautifully filled brow. This technique heals to a soft powdery effect on the brows - like you are wearing a powder make-up on your brows that doesn't wash off! Ombre powder brows can be customized to look very soft, like a permanent tint on your skin, to a more bold look, depending on your preference. Powder brow technique is minimally invasive and is good for all skin types. Can last 1-3 years. In order to maintain your ombre powder brow, regular touch-ups are needed. Suited to ALL skin types.
CORRECTIVE/COVER
-If you have received previous microblading or other brow permanent make-up, this is considered a correction or cover. Working over old permanent make-up is difficult and Nicola takes corrective cases ONLY if she believes that she is able to help you. Please schedule a complimentary 15 minute consult for us to discuss the best plan of action for you and your brows. (No, I’m sorry, nano brows CANNOT be used to correct/cover - POWDER brows only. PLEASE note, not all previous brow work can be worked on top of and removal may be necessary).
I NEED HELP DECIDING WHAT BROW PMU IS RIGHT FOR ME.
You can use the below chart for some guidance choosing the right technique for you. If you have alopecia or very little brow hair, just choose the technique of the look that you like the most.
AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR PERMANENT MAKE-UP?
If any of the below applies to you, you are NOT a candidate for permanent make-up:
You are under 18 years old.
You are pregnant or nursing.
You have a history of MRSA.
You have psoriasis or other skin condition on or around your brows or eyes.
You have uncontrolled high blood pressure.
You are on blood thinners and cannot stop their use for 2 weeks.
You have a history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring.
You are currently getting cancer treatments (must wait 2 months post treatment).
You are currently using Accutane (must be off for at least 1 year).
You have dark/solid existing permanent makeup. Or old microblading that has changed colors (tattoo lightening may be necessary - or a corrective powder brow could be considered). *If you are interested in correction work, schedule a consult now.
Additionally, if any of the below apply to you, permanent make-up MIGHT not retain well for you:
You have oily/combo skin and/or large pores on your forehead, a rough or ruddy skin type PMU may not last as long for you. Meaning you may need touch-ups/color boosts more often than someone with dry smooth skin.
You are a smoker (pigment will not retain properly, colors may distort).
You have an auto-immune disease.
You have Diabetes type 1 or 2 (due to slow healing and infection, color may or may not retain well).
You have thyroid/graves disease (medication may cause pigment to not retain properly).
You have rosacea or anemia (pigment may not retain properly).
**Please note: if you are under a doctor’s care for ANY condition, it is highly recommended that you meet with your doctor and get verbal and written approval for cosmetic tattooing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Permanent Makeup
HOW LONG DOES PMU LAST?
Today’s permanent makeup is very low maintenance but it is not NO maintenance. Regular touch-up are required approximately every 1-3 years to maintain your desired look. NO GUARANTEES can be made as to how long results will last. Everyone’s skin is different, it is very important that each client understands that we cannot guarantee how long the pigment will be retained in your skin. Retention depends on your skin type, texture, oiliness, aftercare and lifestyle.
WILL I STILL HAVE TO TWEEZE OR WAX MY BROWS?
Yes. Your hair will continue to grow.
WILL I STILL NEED TO WEAR BROW MAKE-UP?
You might, depending on your desired look. If you prefer the look of brow make-up, choose Nicola’s Soft Ombre Powder Brows.
DOES IT HURT?
Pain threshold levels vary from person to person. Any tattooing can be uncomfortable. A numbing liquid is used throughout the procedure to help with comfort. Having this service performed during your menstrual cycle may increase discomfort. 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. If you have a very low tolerance for pain, this procedure may not be for you.
WHAT IS AFTERCARE LIKE?
FOR 10-14 DAYS AFTER YOUR PMU SESSION you will… keep the PMU area CLEAN and DRY. Avoid getting the PMU area wet - no sweating, no long steamy showers, no sauna, no excessive exercise, no pools. No activities that could compromise your new fresh open wounds on your face! No yard work. No cleaning out your garage. No riding in convertibles. No horseback riding. No sun exposure or salon tanning. No facial treatments. No picking or scratching. No excess alcohol consumption. Absolutely no cleansers, ointments, lotions on the PMU area - only the approved/provided aftercare. Allow 2 weeks if you have a special occasion or trip.
DOES EVERYONE NEED A TOUCH-UP?
ALL PERMANENT MAKE-UP TREATMENTS ARE A 2-STEP PROCESS. Yes, everyone is required to have a touch-up 6-12 weeks after their initial session for the cosmetic tattooing process to be complete. YOU are responsible for booking your touch-up within the time frame. If for any reason you do not complete your touch-up by 12 weeks there will be an upcharge for your touch-up (refer to prices below).
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY PERMANENT MAKE-UP APPOINTMENT?
To plan for the best outcome , please follow these directions closely.
*If you don’t take into account these instructions and we need to cancel your appointment day of, you will lose your booking fee and be charged a late cancellation fee of $100
NO BLOOD THINNERS for 48 hours before your appt! NO aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oils, vitamin E, niacin, etc.
NO alcohol for 24-48 hours before.
NO prescription blood thinners for at least 48 hours prior to and after your procedure (you must get your doctor's approval).
NO vitamin A skin care products (Retin-A, retinols) for at least two weeks prior to your procedure.
NO AHA/BHA (chemical exfoliation) skin care products close to the brow area at least two weeks prior to your procedure.
NO laser or electrolysis on or around the treatment area at least two weeks prior to procedure.
NO chemical peels, dermabrasions, mesotherapy, microneedling, or any other skin treatments which will cause faster skin cell rejuvenating and cause skin irritation 3-4 weeks before procedure. Your skin needs to be in good condition the day of your appointment - no breakouts, rashes, irritations, peeling. If you arrive to your appointment with peeling irritated skin, you will be turned away and charged a $100 late cancellation fee.
NO Botox or fillers in the procedure area 2-4 weeks prior.
Limit the amount of caffeine you consume the morning of your appointment.
NO SUN or TANNING BED exposure for 30 days BEFORE and AFTER your procedure. If you show up for your appointment with a new tan or a sunburn, you will need to reschedule & forfeit your booking fee & need to pay a late cancellation fee.
Keep your eye out for brows that you like and bring a couple reference pictures on the day of your appointment.
Lastly, if you’d like, you may fill in your eyebrows as you normally would the day of your appointment.
WHAT ABOUT LONG TERM UP-KEEP? WHAT AM I IN FOR?
In the long term, you will always apply sunscreen to your brows. The sun WILL fade and distort the color. You will NEVER use chemical exfoliants (retinols, alpha hydroxy acids, salicylic acid ect) on your brows - it will prematurely fade and distort the color. You will treat the brows kindly once healed, using gentle cleansers & mild physical exfoliants only, keeping them hydrated and healthy. No strong facial treatments over the brows, especially laser (always let your clinician know that your brows are tattooed so they can avoid the area). You will get periodic (every 1-3 years) touch-ups and color boosts to maintain your desired look.
ARE YOU GUYS LICENSED AND CERTIFIED?
We certainly are! Symmetry is a fully licensed and insured tattoo facility. Nicola currently holds 11+ advanced certifications. Investing in our continuing education, staying on top of the newest techniques and keeping our skills honed is a top priority.
WHAT FORMS ARE REQUIRED THE DAY OF MY SERVICE?
The two forms below are required the day of your service. You will be emailed these forms 4 days before your appointment. You are welcome to print and complete the forms and bring them to your appointment.
You may read through the below aftercare forms so you are prepared for the healing process:
EYEBROW HEALING STAGES - WHAT TO EXPECT
I AM STILL CONFUSED, CAN I COME IN FOR A CONSULTATION?
Sure you can! We offer complimentary 15 minute consultations. **IF YOU HAVE PREVIOUS microblading or PMU an in-person consultation is REQUIRED before booking a service. Please note: not all previous work can be worked over, removal/lightening may be necessary.
WHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT PRICES?
PMU ARTIST NICOLA:
BROW PMU INITIAL SESSION PRICING
$700 — ADVANCED ARTISTRY NANO BROWS — New brows ONLY
$625 — NICOLA’S SIGNATURE OMBRE POWDER BROWS — New brows ONLY
$650 — NICOLA’S CUSTOM COMBO BROWS — New brows ONLY
$700+ — CORRECTIVE BROW PERMANENT MAKE-UP (Cover up work/color corrections/corrective powder brows) — In-person consultation required before booking
BROW TOUCH-UP PRICING FOR RETURNING SYMMETRY CLIENTS ONLY
$150 — 6-12 week touch-up
$225 — 3-6 month touch-up (ONLY if 6-12 week touch-up was missed)
$425 — 1-2 year touch-up
$475 — 3-4 year touch-up
5+ years book as initial session