How Is Nano Different From Microblading?

Nano AKA machine work, is another way to create hairstrokes. Microblading uses a handheld tool with a row of tiny needles attached to cut pigment into the skin with a blading type motion. With machine hairstrokes, a tiny single needle (hence the term “Nano”) cartridge is used with the tattoo machine to puncture pigment into the skin. Although the needle moves up and down so quickly you can’t actually see it moving, it works much like a sewing machine needle. And because it’s not actually slicing or cutting like microblading, it is gentler on the skin. It can be done on a much wider range of skin types, has better long term retention and leaves less room for bleeding or scarring. 

Although PMU is tattooing, it is usually a much more comfortable procedure because anesthetic is used. A 20 pre numbing process is done before the actual tattooing occurs with a topical lidocaine. Then during the tattooing procedure a secondary solution is applied throughout to ensure each client stays comfortable the whole time. 

Most PMU procedures require a second session. This is done at the 6-8 week timeframe because that’s when you are fully healed and the color is the truest to tone. Pigment tones will shift gradually during the healing process. There is also a chance some areas of the work may not retain as well as others. When we do a touch up session, the work can be reassessed and perfected. Any tweaks to color can be made, patchy areas can be filled back in, and we can also use that time to go bolder or adjust our technique if need be. Then a proper estimate can be made on how long the client may last before their next Annual Touch Up. 

Although it’s called “Permanent Makeup“, in most cases it’s not actually permanent. Of course, certain skin types will hold onto pigment much longer than others. These procedures are meant to last anywhere from 1-3 years. 4 years and longer if certain pigments are used and/or if we‘re working in more mature or dryer skin types. But our inks aren’t formulated quite the same as traditional tattoo inks. And we don’t work in the skin as deeply as a traditional tattoo either. Because of those factors, most bodies will naturally shed and metabolize the work overtime causing it to gradually fade away. 

Not true! It’s a common misconception that a person can’t shower in the first week to 10 days of healing. Although we want to avoid EXCESSIVE wetness and sweat to the tattooed area, a little water from washing one’s face or in the shower will not ruin anything. There just shouldn’t be water soaking on the area for more than a minute or two. So things like going under water, or sticking your face right in the stream of your shower should be avoided. 

Excessive sweat and wetness after a PMU procedure puts anyone on the fast track to poor color retention! Essentially, pigment has been implanted into your skin which naturally secretes through pores. If you are sweating a lot during the healing process, the sweat coming up through your pores will also draw out color with it. Taking the week to avoid those types of activities will ensure the best chance at great healed results. 

Annual Touch Ups are the color boost sessions done after the initial 2 sessions have been completed. The soonest they can be done is after the first year. Above all, it’s how faded the work becomes that is crucial to when an annual touch up happens. The time frame on how long someone may last looks different for everyone. So waiting to do another touch up when the work is at least 60-70% faded is the most important! This is apparent when the old work starts to look sheer and you can start to see your skin tone through the tattoo and/or there is great loss in definition around the borders and to the overall shape. 

Unfortunately, no. The main reason is because during these phases, a persons hormones shift drastically. Hormones play a huge role in how our skin functions and how well we heal. The unpredictability of it all makes the procedure too risky. You are also susceptible to infection (although very rare) during cosmetic tattooing and we want to avoid any chance of that being passed to baby. Especially during breastfeeding! It’s always best to play it safe and wait.