Color Boosts | What you should know about them.
So you’ve had your brows, eyes or lips beautifully tattooed (1st and 2nd Session) and you are wondering how long the results will be fresh and beautiful and if you will ever need to get them touched up. This is actually a very complicated question, as there are many factors that contribute to the fading of your Permanent Makeup over time.
Permanent Makeup is an amazing service which can enhance your natural beauty and make getting ready in the morning quick and easy but it is not just a one-time thing. This means that it will not look the same forever and you may need what we call a Color Boost in the future to give your brows, eyes or lips a fresher look.
So what exactly is a Color Boost?
A permanent makeup Color Boost boost is a touch-up procedure for people who have already received permanent makeup and want to refresh or enhance the color. The procedure involves adding more pigment to the existing tattoo to make it more vibrant or to correct any fading that may have occurred over time. Color Boosts help to maintain the appearance of the permanent makeup and is typically needed every 1-3 years, depending on factors such as skin type, sun exposure, and the original pigment used. The cost of a color boost can vary depending on the artist and location, but it is usually lower than the original procedure as less time and effort is required.
So when is the right time for a Color Boost? This is a loaded question that takes into consideration many factors. It is not a simple answer like “every year” or “every two years”.
You will know when it’s time for a color boost when the color of your permanent makeup begins to fade or loses its vibrancy. This can happen for several reasons, including:
Natural fading: Over time, the pigment in the tattoo will naturally fade due to factors such as skin exfoliation, sun exposure, and skin metabolism.
Poor pigment quality: Some pigments are more prone to fading than others, especially if they are low quality or contain impurities.
Overexposure to the sun: Sun exposure can cause the pigment to fade or change color, especially if you have fair skin.
Poor aftercare: Improper aftercare, such as picking or scratching at the tattoo, can cause the pigment to fade more quickly.
As a general rule, it's a good idea to schedule a Color Boost every 1-3 years, depending on your skin type and sun exposure, to maintain the appearance of the permanent makeup. Your permanent makeup artist can give you more specific guidance based on your individual needs.
Here are some key questions that may help determine if you are ready for a Color Boost:
Has been at least a year since your last session?
Has the color of your brows faded by 50% or more?
Do you have small gaps or patchiness starting to show?
Do your brows no longer have the sharpness/definition that they used to?
Do you find yourself using your brow pencil more than you'd like to?
If you answered yes to at least two of the above indicators, your brows may be ready for a Color Boost.
Is it bad to get too many Color Boosts?
Yes, there can definitely be negative consequences of getting too many color boosts for Permanent Makeup. Some of these include:
Overlapping pigment: If too much pigment is added during a color boost, it can result in a darker, muddier appearance, or overlapping with the original tattoo.
Scarring: Repeated needle punctures to the same area of skin can increase the risk of scarring, especially if the skin is already damaged or compromised.
Uneven color: Too many color boosts can result in an uneven appearance, with some areas being darker or lighter than others.
Impaired healing: Frequent needle punctures to the same area of skin can impair the skin's ability to heal properly, leading to longer recovery times and increased risk of infection.
It is important to only have a color boost when it's necessary, and to choose a qualified and experienced permanent makeup artist who can perform the procedure safely and effectively. Overloading the skin with too much pigment can result in a less natural, less attractive appearance, and can cause long-term damage to the skin.