What is cosmetic tattooing? How is it different than traditional tattooing?

Cosmetic tattooing, also referred to as semi-permanent makeup or micropigmentation, is the process of implanting colour pigment beneath the surface of the skin by means of tiny, sterile, disposable needles to produce the appearance of hair strokes, makeup, or to enhance the natural features of the face. The purpose of cosmetic tattooing is to enhance the natural features of a client. Cosmetic tattooing is softer and more subtle – it is meant to be a natural-looking enhancement. These pigments are designed to gently fade over time. Fading is desired as it allows the artist to make changes to colour and shape over the years as client’s natural colouration and facial changes occur.

Is microblading right for me?

People who CAN NOT get Microblading done.

• Currently on antibiotics

• Blood thinning medication ( ie. fish oils, medication, ibuprophen etc.)

• Pregnant or nursing

• Under the age of 18 (Massachusetts Law)

• Currently undergoing chemotherapy or have in the past 12 months (requires doctor note)

• Have taken asprin, ibrophen, fish oil, consumed alcohol within 48 hours

• Using prescription or high level retinol, vitamin A serums or any skin bleaching creams within the past 2 months

• Currently on accutane ( must be off for a full year before service)

• Botox within the past 2 weeks

• Microneedling, chemical peels, IPL laser treatments or any skin peeling facials prior to 4 weeks before service

• Epilepsy

• Hemophilia

• Prone to keloid scarring

• Sun burn on face/brows

• Active acne breakouts/open wounds or scratches in the brow area

• Allergy to lidocaine

  
  

Other factors to consider:

If you have EXTREMELY oily skin, the hairstroke eyebrow technique will likely not work well for you. The constant production of oil will cause the hairstrokes to heal with a diffused, softer look. Your end result will look more powdered than you would expect - instead, I recommend what I call a “combo brow” which combines the hair stroke look of microblading and manual shading, which mimics the look of a brow powder. We can always discuss this at the time of your consult and/or initial appointment - fear not!

Also, you have little to no existing hair, your tattoo will appear slightly more 2-dimensional than those clients who have more hair naturally, but still absolutely beautiful.

If you are a frequent smoker, your pigment may fade sooner. 

If you are iron deficient or anemic, your brows may fade sooner and bleeding/bruising may occur during and after the procedure.

Am I the right artist for you?

I specialize in hyper realistic, undetectable cosmetic tattooing that heals to blend seamlessly with your natural brows. Think of it less as a way to replace your makeup products entirely, but more so to boost your bare faced confidence. The ultimate goal is to deliver healed eyebrows that look like NATURAL EYEBROWS - to enhance your natural features without looking too “made up”. I am the right artist for you if:

• you appreciate a “less is more” approach

• you are kind, respectful, and open to the collaborative process

  do not want to walk out the door with brows that look “too obviously tattooed”

  
  
  

What factors how my microblading will age?

Sun exposure: The sun will extremely soften the look of your tattoo, so sunblock should be used (once healed) to prolong your enhancement.

The regeneration of skin cells: The longer the regeneration takes, the longer the pigment holds.

The speed at which the skin absorbs the pigment: The slower the absorption, the longer the pigment will hold.

Aftercare: Failure to follow the aftercare diligently during the first 2 weeks of healing can contribute to less than desired results. For example sweating during healing can effect the appearance of the hairstrokes when fully healed.

Iron Deficiency: If you suffer from Anemia or low iron this could affect the way your body reacts to the pigment. The pigment used contains iron oxide which can result in the hairstrokes to fade or change in hue due to your body absorbing the iron.

Does microblading hurt?

Pain tolerance in subjective, but we do our best to make pain as minimal as possible. Two types of topical lidocaine creams are used during the procedure to keep you comfortable - some clients almost even fall asleep! At worst, microblading can feel similar to the sensation of a cat scratch.

Do you offer cover ups on work done by other microbladers?

Cover up corrective work can be tricky and needs to be dealt with case by case. We require at least an email consult with anyone interested in having previous brow tattoo work done. Please text 413-561-0334 or email katherinejeankennedy@gmail.com

Any “touch ups” done by another artist will be considered as a new client and pricing starts at $450.

Please note: you book under microblading and do not send photos/ select that you have had previous work done, you may be turned away at the time of your appointment and your deposit will be forfeited.

The reason cover ups or “corrective” work require prior approval is because it’s incredibly difficult to do! It can be hard to guess what pigments and techniques your prior artists have used. I will always be honest about what’s best for the integrity of your brows and skin.

What should I do before the procedure?

If you have an ideal shape and colour in mind, bring a few reference photos with you to your appointment. You may fill in your eyebrows as you normally would so we can take into consideration the shape you desire. If you regularly get your eyebrows shaped, waxed, threaded or tinted, please do so at least 3 days before your appointment. If there are any stray hairs that fall outside of our final shape, we can remove them. If you plan to go on a vacation, it is recommended to plan your trip a minimum of 14 days after the procedure. We require our clients to avoid any blood thinning medication for a minimum of 72 hours prior to their appointment. This includes Vitamin E, Aspirin, Niacin, fish oil supplements, and Ibuprofen. Do not drink any alcohol the night before and day of your appointment and limit the amount of caffeine you consume. If you have been on prescription Accutane in the past, you MUST wait at least one year before considering this procedure. It is highly recommended that you avoid SUN and 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 and will forfeit your deposit. As your skin exfoliates from a sunburn, it will take the pigment with it.

What is your cancellation policy?

• We require 48 hours notice if you decide to reschedule your appointment.

• If you choose to cancel your appointment, you will automatically forfeit your deposit.

• Our minimum age requirement for a tattoo is 18 years old.

• Please contact us if you are going to be late. Being more than 15 minutes late to your appointment may result in the forfeit of your deposit and the cancellation of your appointment. A new deposit will be required to re-book any appointment that was cancelled for lateness or if it is marked as a no-show.
  Deposits are non-refundable.

• If you need to reschedule or change your appointment, please reach out to me directly at 413-561-0334 or at katherinejeankennedy@gmail.com 

• All appointments and deposits are non-transferable.

Microblading is an art, not a science. While I do everything in my ability to ensure an excellent healed result, many factors such as: skin type, metabolism, sun exposure, etc, can alter the outcome of healed results and lead to premature fading, for this reason NO REFUNDS ARE OFFERED for this service. Additional touch ups may be needed and are offered instead!

How do I book my appointment?

A deposit is required in order to book and confirm every new appointment. This deposit is to ensure that you are serious about booking your appointment and will be deducted from the total cost of your session. We require 48 hours notice if you decide to reschedule your appointment.

To book your appointment please BOOK HERE to see all the dates and times available. A $50 deposit will be taken at the time of booking.

Consultations are always free and take about 15-20 minutes. At the end of your consult I ask for your $50 deposit to put towards your total at the day of your appointment.

Where is your studio located?

AS OF JANUARY 8th 2024 Katherine Kennedy Makeup will be operating out of HEY YOU a beautiful private studio in Holyoke MA. Located at 49 Cherry Street on the corner of Hillside Ave, Hey You is extremely accessible to I91 N and S as well as Rt 5. Rt 202 and Rt 141. Free parking for Hey You clients!

until then: please see us at Prism Salon, 151 Main Street Northampton, MA 01060. The door is under a green and gold PRISM sign and between The Cotton Gallery and Rebekah Brooks. Once inthe front door, the salon is down the stairs. Please feel free to take a seat and I’ll come greet you at appointment time.

There is metered on street parking but we recommend parking in the E. J. Parking Garage behind Thornes.

Do you offer sliding scale/installments?

I do! Ultimately, I want ALL our clients to have the brows of their dreams. While I try to keep my pricing reasonable, please reach out to me directly with any questions about our sliding scale policies. We also offer to break up appointment payments into installations! Don’t be shy - 413-561-0334