Cosmetic Tattoos
FAQs

I’ve heard of micro-blading, but what are nano brows?

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Both micro-blading and nano brows are a semi-permanent technique of cosmetic tattooing that creates realistic, delicate, hair-like strokes. They’re both ideal for refining brow shape, adding definition, or adding hair density. So what is the difference between the two and how do you know which technique is right for you?

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• Microblading uses a handheld blade with multiple needles to create small cuts in the skin to implant pigment. It is best suited for normal to dry skin, but causes more skin trauma, can blur faster over time, and carries a higher risk of scar tissue with repeated sessions.

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• Nano Brows use a PMU tattoo machine with a single fine needle to deposit pigment through tiny, controlled punctures. Suitable for nearly all skin types (including oily and mature skin), this method is less traumatic to the skin, keeps strokes crisper longer, and carries a lower risk of scarring.

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Today, many PMU artists prefer nano brows because they:

• Are appropriate for a wider variety of skin types

• Heal more consistently and softer

• Tend to age more gracefully

• Reduces the likelihood of long-term skin trauma from repeated procedures

*Slowpoke specializes in the nano brow technique only.

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Clients get PMU for a variety of reasons and it comes down to personal preference. Some cases we’ve heard:

• Sparse eyebrows naturally

• Plucked their eyebrows way too much in the 90’s

• Medical conditions

• Annoyed of spending money and time on eyebrow make up

• Athletes who want their eyebrows to be water/sweat-proof

• Aesthetic preference

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Whatever your reasoning is, we can tailor an approach that makes you feel comfortable. 

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Unlike a traditional body tattoo, PMU procedures are “semi-permanent” meaning that they fade gradually, allowing the ink to be refreshed as your face, style, and preference change. The artist places PMU-intended ink more superficially in the skin than body tattoos so it looks more natural, rather than permanent. If it was placed the same as a body tattoo, the ink would likely spread, blur, and potentially change color over time.

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There are several factors that contribute to fading:

• Your immune system: As with any tattoo, your body recognizes ink as a foreign substance. Some pigment remains in the skin, while some is carried away by immune cells.

• Skin regeneration: Skin is constantly regenerating and collagen turnover slowly affects how the pigment appears.

• Sun exposure: UV light breaks down pigment and causes it to fade faster

• Skin type: Oily skin typically fades faster because of increased oil production and larger pores can soften and blur the ink over time.

• Lifestyle: Frequent treatments like exfoliation, retinoids, chemical peels, laser treatments, etc. can accelerate fading.

• Pigment formulation: PMU pigments are designed to fade more predictable than traditional tattoo inks.

 

How long do nano brows last?

After your first appointment, you will most likely need to come back for a touch up 6-10 weeks later. After this initial touch up appointment, most nano brows last about 1-3 years. Most clients opt to get a color boost/touch up every 12-24 months to keep the strokes looking fresh, although some can go longer.

 

What if I have had previous PMU brow work done?

Having previous work done is very common but is something that needs to be taken into consideration. What can be done is unique between client-to-client. Sometimes color corrections can be done, existing PMU work can be worked over, but sometimes you will need to get the existing PMU brows professionally removed via lasers.

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Complete the intake form and provide clear pictures of your current eyebrows. We will evaluate what we can do and schedule a consultation to discuss your options.

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In what cases would I not be able to get PMU brows done?

• Under 18

• Pregnant or breastfeeding

• Are currently taking antibiotics

• Have used Accutane in the past 12 months

• If you have any of the following conditions:

• Epilepsy

• Pacemaker or major heart problems: Numbing agents have epinephrine in it which can increase your heart rate, possibly causing dysrhythmias.

• Currently have a viral infection and/or disease: The risk of infection when healing is higher in people with compromised immune systems.

• Hemophiliac/bleeding disorder

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When would I need a doctor’s clearance for PMU procedures?

PMU artists are not medically trained. There are certain instances where a doctor’s note will be required to be able to perform the PMU procedure to ensure your safety. The following individuals will be asked for a doctor’s clearance:

• Undergoing chemotherapy

• Diabetes

• Thyroid condition (hypo/hyper thyroidism)

• Medications and symptoms of these conditions may cause PMU pigment to fade faster.

• High blood pressure

• Blood thinners 

 

What happens during a PMU brow appointment?

1. We discuss your goals, look at any inspo pics, and chat about your daily brow routine.

2. Map your brows: This creates a symmetrical design for your brows that is unique to you and is based on your current eyebrow pattern and facial structure.

3. Draw hair stroke: The artist will use a sharpened wax pencil to draw specialized and personalized hair strokes on your brows, working with your existing hair growth to create natural, sustainable brows.

4. Make sure you approve of the shape and design and tweak them as necessary.

5. It’s tattoo time! Tattooing nano brows is very different from body tattoos- the artist will lightly trace the lines and go over them multiple times to create crisp lines and add density where necessary.

 

Does getting nano brows hurt?

Since the needle is extremely fine and the pressure is light, clients tend to not have issues with it.  However, pain levels do vary person to person and you will have the option for numbing both before the session starts and during the session.

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Note: Numbing agents we use contain lidocaine or tetracaine and epinephrine. If you have a known allergy or reaction to these, we will not be able to use numbing.

 

Before you schedule your nano brows appointment:

• No Botox or filler near the brows within 2 weeks prior to your appointment.

• Avoid alcohol and any blood thinning medication for a minimum of 72 hours prior to appointment.

• Avoid Vitamin E, Aspirin, Niacin, fish oil supplement, and Ibuprofen for a minimum of 72 hours prior to appointment.

• Must be off Accutane for at least the last 12 months.

• Schedule your appointment 4 weeks after being on antibiotics. Antibiotics can cause the color to heal unpredictably.

• Stop using Retinol products 2 weeks before your appointment.

• We will not work on sunburnt skin.

• If you laminate or tint your eyebrows, you must wait at least 6-8 weeks after to get a cosmetic eyebrow procedure.