FAQ's
Here are the questions we hear the most:
Kristina Nath has been providing high quality Beauty and Skin treatments, cosmetic tattoo and scalp icropigmentation to the Central Coast community for over a decade. Here are the most common questions she gets asked:
Here are the questions we hear the most:
Kristina Nath has been providing high quality Beauty and Skin treatments to the Central Coast community for over a decade. Here are the most common questions she gets asked:
Cosmetic Tattoo FAQ
Is Cosmetic Tattooing the same as body tattoos?
Whilst the concept is the same, puncturing the skin and to input pigment, the deposit and depth of colour implanted do differ. Kristina's machines are used different to allow for more of a shallow pigment deposit. Cosmetic tattoos do not penetrate the skin as deep as body tattoos making them more suitable to use on the face.
Is Cosmetic Tattooing painful?
The level of pain felt really depends on the individual’s pain threshold, but everyone should except to feel some level of discomfort with cosmetic tattoo. Topical anaesthetic is used for eyebrow and eyeliners and these usually help null or soften the pain. For lip procedures, some clients can be referred to a dentist first for complete pain block, before attending the studio at The Entrance.
How permanent is Cosmetic Tattooing?
Cosmetic tattoos generally last between 1-3 years however there have been cases where cosmetic tattoos have lasted for more than 20 years. The permanence of cosmetic tattoo depends on several factors including:
- Individuals skin type
- Medical conditions
- Colours used, etc.
Colours will fade over time, and Kristina recommends a touch-up every 2-3 years.
Is Cosmetic Tattooing Safe?
We ensure all the equipment we use is 100% sterile by our onsite autoclave (same machine used at hospitals) and where we are able to, we use disposable equipment. We adhere to NSW Government health and safety regulations. We also provide aftercare treatment to help you take care of the treated area appropriately so it can be kept sterile and clean.
How do I choose a colour for my cosmetic tattoo?
Kristina recommends that you bring in the colours that you would normally wear. She will take your skin tone and desired result into consideration prior to choosing a colour. It is important that you are aware that colours do change post implantation due to many factors such as:
- Client’s skin undertones
- Medication and medical conditions
- Skin care products used
- Sun exposure
- Acidic based products
- Skins cellular composition
- Poor aftercare
Immediately after the treatment the colour will be brighter and deeper, however up to 60% of pigment will be lost within the healing period. As the skin heals, the colour will become softer and lighter. We will be able to tweak the colour a little in your 6-8 week top up session, if desired.
How long will my Cosmetic Tattoo take to heal?
Make sure the area that is going to be tattooed is healthy, hydrated and at its optimum best as this will ensure the best promote healthy healing. Healing time differs in individuals but is generally between 4-14 days. The majority of clients resume work the next day and manage to keep their tattoos discreet. Swelling, if any, usually subsides within a couple of hours (except in full lip treatments where it can take up to 24 hours). Itchiness is the first sign of healing, however please ensure you do not itch the area and keep the area moisturised as scabbing and itching will cause patchiness within the tattoo.
Do I need to purchase my own numbing cream?
Yes, Your comfort is my priority! I recommend ordering the below medical grade Anaesthetic, to ensure you’ll be totally comfortable throughout the entire treatment. With this, you’ll only feel a minor vibration in the area.
I work strictly within legal compliance, so am unable to supply you with medical grade pharmaceuticals however, I have made it super easy for you to arrange:
Keperra Compounding Pharmacy by clicking this link / copy and paste into your browser and fill out the patient care checklist: https://compoundingpharmacy.com.au/pages/patient-care-checklist Once completed the patient care checklist, an invoice will be sent to you. Once this has been paid directly with the Pharmacy, the product will be sent to your home address. Please ensure you bring along to your appointment.
Please avoid purchasing numbing products from a local pharmacy. Their products are generally half the strength of what we recommend.
Do not order more for your touch-up, this formulation provides enough product for both treatments.
Do I need to pre-numb prior to my appointment?
Yes, please ensure you pre numb with the pre-numbing cream you have purchased prior to appointment. Apply 40 minutes prior to your appointment and bring the numbing along with you so Kristina can apply during your treatment for optimal comfort.
I have had my Eyebrows/Eyeliner/Lip Blush tattooed with another artist. Can you do a touch up for me?
So many factors determine whether or not I can touch up work from another artist. Please send through an email enquiry with a photo of your desired touch up area so Kristina can consult and advise accordingly. It may be considered as correctional work. Please DO NOT book in for the full treatment unless you have consulted Kristina regarding your existing cosmetic tattoos.
Can you have Cosmetic Tattoo/Skin Needling whilst pregnant/breastfeeding?
Kristina does not Tattoo or perform Skin Needling during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
What are the contraindications to Cosmetic Tattoo?
- Medical concerns requiring ongoing treatment (book in for a consultation with Kristina/enquire within)
- Recent Facial Surgery, Post Cancer, Diabetes (Drs Clearance must be sought prior to commencing, send an enquiry for more information),
- If you are taking the following medications please consult your Cosmetic Tattooist before booking: Warfarin, Heparin, Aspirin, Opioid medication (Endone), Prednisone, Roaccutane (within 8-12 months), Antibiotics
- Recent facial surgery (Dr's Clearance required)
- Cold Sores (enquire within)
- Avoid the following supplements for a week before treatment: Fishoil, primrose, krill oil, Ginseng, Gingko Biloba- Cosmetic Injections, facial laser/peels must be performed 4 weeks prior and 4 weeks post Cosmetic Tattoo/Skin Needling
- Cosmeceutical Skincare: products containing the following ingredients should be avoided on the area for at least 5 days before treatment and 2 wks after. NB Future use may accelerate fading of cosmetic tattoos: AHA’s (Alpha Hydroxy Acids: Glycolic, lactic acid), Vitamin C, Benzoyl Peroxide, Vitamin A, Alcohol greater than 6%
Can we do an online consultation via Zoom/FaceTime?
Yes, If you cannot come into the clinic, Kristina can arrange a Zoom/FaceTime Consultation - please ensure to advise upon making booking
Brow & Lashes FAQ
How to prep for a Lash Lift
Prior to your treatment, please make sure your eyes are free of makeup, mascara, and false eyelashes. If you use lash serum, please stop using these products at least 24-48 hours prior to your appointment. Please make sure contact lenses are removed prior to treatment.
Lash Lift Aftercare
- Don’t get your eyelashes wet
- Try to avoid any moisture for up to 24 hours
- Don’t apply mascara or eye makeup
- Avoid sweating, so avoid the sauna & give the gym a miss
- Don’t go into a sauna
- Don’t use oil-based products
- Don’t rub your eyes
How Long Does a Lash Lift Last?
A lash lift will last about 6-8 weeks (sometimes longer) depending on aftercare. Following the aftercare instructions given above for the first 24 hours after your treatment will help to prolong your lash lift. In addition, we recommend brushing your lashes in an upright position anytime following a shower (or after getting your lashes wet) to help keep the shape of them.
How to prep for Brow Lamination
Prior to your brow lamination appointment, we recommend the following:
- Avoid using exfoliants, retinoids, or AHAs on your face for one to two weeks before your brow lamination
- Avoid tweezing at least one week prior to your appointment (we can offer brow wax with your appointment)
- Please come to your appointment makeup-free.
Brow Lamination Aftercare
- Don’t get your eyebrows wet (avoid the shower & bath)
- Don’t go into a sauna
- Don’t use oil based products
- Don’t apply heavy creams, makeup, or makeup remover to your brows
- Don’t sleep directly on your brows
How long does Brow Lamination last?
A brow lamination will last about 6 weeks, dependant on how you follow the aftercare advice above. In the 48 hours following your treatment, you can apply a hydrating balm or a castor oil to your brows daily. Kristina recommends brushing your brows in an upright/styled position anytime following a shower (or after getting your brows wet) to help keep their new shape.