FAQ’s & Services

This page is dedicated to some of the most commonly asked questions about cosmetic tattooing.

PLEASE read the page in its entirety BEFORE requesting an appointment to ensure you are a good candidate & are fully prepared before your appointment. Getting the best results starts before you ever step foot in the studio!

Brows

I offer three different styles for brows; Nano Brows (Machine Hair strokes), Powder Brows & Combo Brows. I will do a consultation at the start of your appointment to decide which style is best for you & the look you are going for!

Nano Brows are created by using a machine v& single needle which deposits ink into the skin that mimics & blends with your brow hairs for a very natural look.

Powder Brows are created the same way, except instead of hair like strokes, its more of a shaded look that mimics your daily makeup. Powder Brows can be soft or bold depending on the look you want.

And lastly, Combo Brows are a mix of nano and powder brows!

Lip Blush

Lip Blush is a cosmetic tattoo for the lips that enhances the natural shape and color of the lips. Lip Blush is meant to be a more natural enhancement, so we will work together on the shape and custom color for you!

Typically, my clients gain 1-2mm of extra fullness and find that they no longer need filler as often or at all.

Usually the lip is outlined and then completely shaded for a sheer to full coverage look, but if you are into more definition around the outline of the lips, an ombre style may be best for you.

I will do a consultation at the start of your appointment to discuss your goals, shape your lips and discuss color options or match a lip color you wear daily.

Lash Line Enhancement

Lash Line Enhancement is a type of cosmetic tattoo that focuses on enhancing the lash line, filling in the gaps & making your lashes look fuller and darker.

Think of it almost like tight-lining; it doesn’t go on the water line & it doesn’t go above the lashes onto the eyelid.

I offer Lash Line Enhancement for the upper only! I use a machine and single needle to create a delicate eyeliner look to open and define your eyes.

I will do a consultation at the start of your appointment to discuss your goals and choose the best color (black or brown black) for your skin tone.

Life is too short to fill in your brows everyday!

i’m ready!

Pricing & Policies

Unfortunately, not everyone is a candidate for cosmetic tattooing. We want each of our clients to get the absolute best results possible, but not every skin type accommodates that. The following list disqualifies you from currently receiving a cosmetic tattoo. A doctors note is needed in some cases. If you have specific questions, please email portcitybrows@gmail.com.
You are NOT a candidate if you are…
* Pregnant or breastfeeding 
* Currently taking antibiotics (2 weeks pre/post appointment) 
* Currently using or have been on Accutane within the last 12 months 
* Have a freshly tanned/sunburned face 
* Glaucoma (lash line only) 
* Deep set wrinkles around the lips (lip blush only) 
* Active infection on lips or eyes (lip blush/lash line only) 
* Rosacea (in treatment area) 
* Visible skin conditions (in treatment area) ex: eczema, psoriasis, moles 
* Currently using Retin A/Glycolic Acid (with in 2 weeks prior to appointment) 
* Artificial Heart Valves/Heart Conditions (dr. note required) 
* Diabetes (dr. note required) 
* Epilepsy (dr. note required) 
* Chemical or Laser Peel (within 6 weeks prior to appointment) 
* AHA Products (within 2 weeks prior to appointment) 
* Botox/Filler (within 3 weeks prior to appointment) 
* Hypertrophic or Keloid Scarring 
* Autoimmune Disease (dr. note required) 
* Are taking blood thinning medications (may be a candidate for powder/nano brows, please email) 
* Are currently undergoing treatment for cancer 
* Chemotherapy or Radiation treatment within last 12 months (dr. note required) 
* All clients must be at least 18 years old (no exceptions) 
Please allow 48 hours or more when canceling or rescheduling your appointment.
Any reschedules/cancellations with less than 48 hours notice will forfeit the deposit.
Initial Session No Shows & Same Day Cancellations will be charged 35% of the service total (due before you can reschedule) & forfeit the deposit. 5-8 Week Touchup No Shows will be required to prepay $100 to book another touchup.
ALL DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE!
*IF you reschedule prior to the 48 hour mark, your deposit is transferrable to a new appointment one time. After that, a new deposit will be required. Deposits are not transferrable to another person.
Not following all pre-care instructions will result in being asked to reschedule & you will be subject to the cancellation policy/fees.
If you have previous permanent makeup (not done by an artist at PCB) and you do NOT have prior approval & come to your scheduled appointment & we are unable to tattoo your brows/lips/eyeliner, you will loose your deposit & be charged 35% of the service total.
~LATE POLICY:
To avoid unfair delays to other clients, if you are more than 15 minutes late to your scheduled appointment, your service will need to be rescheduled and you may be subject to the cancellation policy/fees.
OTHER INFORMATION:
If you are not satisfied with any service you receive at Port City Brows, please kindly send an email to portcitybrows@gmail.com and I will be glad to work with you to make sure you are 100% happy with your service.
Port City Brows does not offer refunds for any completed services.
Payment at your appointment may be made using Cash, Debit/Credit Cards, Venmo, Apple Pay, or Apple Cash.
Tipping is completely optional. It is always appreciated, but never expected!
*All clients are required to be 18+ years of age, with or without parents consent.
*For cosmetic tattoo services, you will need a touchup to complete your initial service. One touchup is included & will be booked in studio after your initial appointment. Touch ups are 5-8 weeks after initial session, anything after 8 weeks will be an additional fee of $50. Anything after 6 months will be an additional fee of $100. Anything after 2 years may be considered an initial session.
Cosmetic Tattooing is a 2 part service which consists of your initial session & a touch up session completed 5-8 weeks after the initial session. Think of the touch up as a “perfecting session”.
The initial session for brows (nano/powder/combo) is $675. There is a $100 non-refundable deposit due at the time of booking.The remaining balance of $575 is due at your appointment & the touchup session is included in that price.
Cosmetic Tattooing typically lasts 1-2 years before needing to be refreshed. The color boost (when needed) is $375. There is also a $100 non-refundable deposit due at the time of booking and a remaining balance of $275 due at your appointment. This is a one time appointment, so no touch up is needed.
*Color boosts are ONLY for existing clients who originally had their brows done at PCB.
Girl Math: it only costs $1.78/day/year to have the brows of your dreams!
Cosmetic Tattooing is a 2 part service which consists of your initial session & a touch up session completed 5-8 weeks after the initial session. Think of the touch up as a “perfecting session”.
The initial session for lip blush is $600. There is a $100 non-refundable deposit due at the time of booking. The remaining balance of $500 is due at your appointment & the touchup session is included in that price.
Cosmetic Tattooing typically lasts 1-2 years before needing to be refreshed. The color boost (when needed) is $300 There is also a $100 non-refundable deposit due at the time of booking and a remaining balance of $250 due at your appointment. This is a one time appointment, so no touch up is needed.
*Color boosts are ONLY for existing clients who originally had their lip blush done at PCB.
Girl Math: it only costs $1.64/day/year to have the brows of your dreams!
Cosmetic Tattooing is a 2 part service which consists of your initial session & a touch up session completed 5-8 weeks after the initial session. Think of the touch up as a “perfecting session”.
The initial session for upper lash liner is $425. There is a $100 non-refundable deposit due at the time of booking and the remaining balance is due at your appointment. The touchup session is included in that price.
Cosmetic Tattooing typically lasts 1-2 years before needing to be refreshed. The color boost (when needed) is $225 (upper).There is also a $100 non-refundable deposit due at the time of booking and a remaining balance due at your appointment. This is a one time appointment, so no touch up is needed.
*Color boosts are ONLY for existing clients who originally had their lash line enhancement done at PCB.

How to prepare for your upcoming appointment:

2-4 WEEKS PRIOR:
If you regularly get Botox/Dysport in the forehead, it MUST be done at least 2-3 weeks prior to your appointment/touchup appointment so it has time to settle. NO chemical peels or laser treatments around the brow area 4-6 weeks prior. If I am unable to tattoo your brows at the scheduled appointment because you did not follow the recommended pre-care prior to the scheduled appointment, you may be charged a fee and asked to reschedule.
I recommend coming to your appointment with your brows grown out, no need to have them cleaned up before! I want to see how they grow naturally, and will clean them up for you. If you need to clean them up beforehand, please do so at least 2 weeks prior to your appointment. If you tint your brows, please do so at least 7 days prior.
Please refrain from using any Retin-A products in the brow area for 2 weeks leading up to your appointment. This also applies to Vitamin A taken orally.
24 HOURS BEFORE:
To minimize bleeding during the procedure, please avoid any alcohol and limit your caffeine intake. Blood thinning medications such as Ibuprofen and Advil should also be avoided unless prescribed by a doctor.
DAY OF APPOINTMENT:
Avoid heavy exercise and caffeine. Exercising and caffeine increases blood flow and will cause excessive bleeding, leading to poor healed results. Drink plenty of water! If your appointment is in the afternoon, it is okay to have a small cup of coffee that morning.
You are welcome to come to your appointment with or without makeup on. We will be taking photos, so come however you are most comfortable. If you regularly fill in your brows, coming with at least your brows filled in helps me to see how you normally style your brows.
You will be sent home with aftercare instructions for all PMU services. Brows take 10-14 days to completely heal. You must avoid sun, sweat, water, makeup, & skin care products, so please plan accordingly.
RELAX! Feeling nervous is normal but we are going to work together to create your perfect brows!
2-4 WEEKS PRIOR:
If you regularly get Filler or Botox in/around the lips, it MUST be done at least 3 weeks prior to your appointment/touchup appointment so it has time to settle. NO chemical peels or laser treatments around the lip area 4-6 weeks prior.
If I am unable to tattoo your lips at the scheduled appointment because you did not follow the recommended pre-care prior to the scheduled appointment, you may be charged a fee and asked to reschedule.
Please refrain from using any Retin-A products on/around the lip area for 2 weeks leading up to your appointment. This also applies to Vitamin A taken orally.
*If you are prone to cold sores/fever blisters, it is recommended that you take an oral antiviral prescription from your doctor for 5 days prior to your appointment & continuing for 5 days after. If you have never had a cold sore/fever blister and you are worried about getting one, I have been told that the vitamin L-Lysine helps some people to not get them. I am not a doctor, so I cannot tell you what to take but these are just my recommendations.
24 HOURS BEFORE:
To minimize bleeding during the procedure, please avoid any alcohol and limit your caffeine intake. Blood thinning medications such as Ibuprofen and Advil should also be avoided unless prescribed by a doctor. For Lip Blush, please gently exfoliate your lips 2-3 days prior to your appointment, keep them moisturized, and drink plenty of water!
DAY OF APPOINTMENT:
Avoid heavy exercise and caffeine. Exercising and caffeine increases blood flow and will cause excessive bleeding, leading to poor healed results. Drink plenty of water & keep your lips moisturized!
You are welcome to come to your Lip Blush appointment with or without makeup on. We will be taking photos, so come however you are most comfortable. If you have a favorite lip color, you are welcome to bring it and I will do my best to color match it.
You will be sent home with aftercare instructions for all PMU services. You must avoid sun, sweat, water, makeup, and facial/laser services, so please plan accordingly. Lips take 3-7 days to heal.
RELAX! Feeling nervous is normal but we are going to work together to create your perfect lips!
2-4 WEEKS PRIOR:
If you regularly get Botox/Dysport, Filler/Tear Trough Filler in/or around the eyes, it MUST be done at least 2-3 weeks prior to your appointment/touchup appointment so it has time to settle. NO laser/chemical peels, eye/lid lift, or lasik surgery 6 weeks prior and must be cleared by your doctor.
Please refrain from using any Retin-A products in the eye area for 2 weeks leading up to your appointment. This also applies to Vitamin A taken orally. If you regularly take a fish oil supplement, its best to stop taking that as well prior to your appointment.
LASH EXTENSIONS & LASH SERUM: Please REMOVE any lash extensions you may have 1 week prior to having lash enhancement done. If you use a lash serum, please STOP using it a minimum of TWO MONTHS prior to your lash enhancement appointment. There is NO EXCEPTIONS to either of these. Please keep these rules in mind for your 6 week touchup appointment. Not following recommend pre-care will result in being charged a fee and asked to reschedule.
24 HOURS BEFORE:
To minimize bleeding during the procedure, please avoid any alcohol and limit your caffeine intake. Blood thinning medications such as Ibuprofen and Advil should also be avoided unless prescribed by a doctor.
DAY OF APPOINTMENT:
Avoid heavy exercise and caffeine. Exercising and caffeine increases blood flow and will cause excessive bleeding, leading to poor healed results. Drink plenty of water!
Please come with clean eyes and NO makeup for your Lash Line Enhancement appointment.
*If you wear contacts, please either bring glasses or a case for your contacts as it is not advised to wear them during the service.
You will be sent home with aftercare instructions for all PMU services. Lash Line Enhancements take 10-14 days to completely heal. You must avoid sun, sweat, water, makeup, and facial/laser services, so please plan accordingly.
RELAX! Feeling nervous is normal but we are going to work together to create your perfect lash line!

Frequently Asked Questions

DO I NEED A CONSULTATION?

An in person consultation is only necessary if you have a previous cosmetic tattoo from another artist in the area that you wish to book an appointment for.

If you would like a consultation anyway, I am happy to set up a phone/video call to go over any questions you may have.

I do a consult at your initial appointment before getting started to talk about expectations & goals and determine the best option for you.

Port City Brows does not do corrections/coverups from another artist at this time. If you have a previous cosmetic tattoo and you think it is 90% faded away, you must email/text clear photos for approval before booking!

COVERUPS & CORRECTIONS?

I do not take new clients with previous work (from another artist) at this time.

Anyone who has had their brows/lips/liner done previously by another artist, must email photos to see if we will be able to work over the existing pigment.

I typically only go over other artists work if it’s at least 90%+ faded, and all new clients to us are considered initial sessions. No matter how long ago or how faded you think the pigment is, please email photos for approval before booking.

I want to give our clients the very best, and help create their dream brows!

If I don’t think we can achieve what you’re wanting with your existing work, I recommend 1-3+ sessions of laser removal before doing your brows. The best & fastest removal option is Laser.

I highly recommend VivaLux Med Spa in Jacksonville, NC or Pure Cosmetics in Wilmington, NC.

Laser removal is usually $100-$150/session depending on how much ink is in your skin. If you choose to do laser removal, please contact one of the Med Spas for more information.

HOW LONG DOES A COSMETIC TATTOO LAST?

A cosmetic tattoo is designed to fade over time, but is still considered a tattoo. Factors such as skin type, lifestyle, age, metabolism, medications, and pigment color affect the longevity of the tattoo. The sun and some kinds of lighting (tanning beds) can affect the rate at which these pigments are broken down.

Following the given aftercare instructions is critical to getting your best healed results, and touch-up your cosmetic tattoo every 12-36 months (as needed). Touch-ups are normal and expected for permanent cosmetics. Picking the proper service for your skin type and following the proper aftercare will lead to beautiful results for years to come!

*Please note that final results vary and CANNOT be guaranteed due to the nature of skin as it heals. A touch up appointment is recommended 6-8 weeks after your initial session where we can assess your pigment retention and perfect your cosmetic tattoo!This is a frequently asked question?

HOW LONG ARE THE APPOINTMENTS?

Initial sessions are scheduled for 3.5 hours - Touch up appointments are scheduled for 1.5 hours - Color boost appointments are scheduled for 2.5 hours.

Keep in mind, during the mapping and tattooing you will be lying completely flat on your back.

DO I NEED A TOUCH UP?

Yes! A cosmetic tattoo is a two-step process, and a touch up is strongly recommended to get the best results. Also known as the “perfecting session”, a touch up is ideally done 5-12 weeks after your initial session, and is where we assess your retention, perfect the shape and color, and add more dimension.

Touch ups are very important and add to the overall results and longevity of your cosmetic tattoo. On occasion, a 3rd touch up can be needed to achieve desired results.

WILL A COSMETIC TATTOO REPLACE MY MAKEUP?

While cosmetic tattoos are amazing for defining the lips & eyes or shaping the brows, when enhancing a client’s natural features, it’s important to have realistic expectations about what it can and cannot do. Permanent makeup is a cosmetic tattoo, meaning it is going in your skin. Makeup sits on top of your skin. Therefore, some of things you can achieve with makeup will not look the same of give the same effect as a PMU tattoo. Because the tattoo we are creating is relatively permanent and is going in your skin, it’s very important where we place and shape the brow! Going too far away from where the hair naturally grows will look unnatural and won’t blend with the natural hair that you have.

Because the ink is being implanted under the skin, it’s also important to note that the healed results will always differ from fresh ones as the skin heals over it. Permanent makeup/cosmetic tattoo is not magic, and it’s important that we stay close to what your brows are naturally doing to maintain beautiful results.

I strive for natural results that will look amazing for years to come! Remember a cosmetic tattoo is LOW maintenance, not NO maintenance!

DOES IT HURT?

Most clients report little to no pain throughout their procedure. While pain tolerance varies between clients, a topical Lidocaine/Epinephrine cream is used throughout the procedure to make sure you’re comfortable.

WHAT IS THE AFTERCARE?

Following the given aftercare is crucial to obtain the best results! All clients are expected to follow the instructions exactly to get the best healed results! All products needed for your aftercare will be provided to you at your initial appointment & will last you for the touch up as well.

If you need another aftercare kit, you can purchase one at your touch up for $10.

*Please refer to our “aftercare” page for more detailed instructions.

What to expect immediately after your appointment

Immediately after getting your brows, lips, or lash line done, you may experience minor redness or swelling around the treated area, which typically goes away within 24 hours. Over the next few hours, the pigment in the skin will oxidize, making the pigment look darker and warmer (red) than they were initially. This is normal and expected. Pigment typically fades anywhere from 30-60% once fully healed.

Around day 3-4, you may notice light scabbing and flaking on the treated area. This is normal! Please refrain from picking at the flaks. Doing so will result in loss of pigment in those areas and can cause scarring. Brows/Lips may appear spotty or patchy until the entire area has finished healing. Once all the flaking is complete (usually around day 10), the brows/lips will appear much lighter. The pigment will darken over the next 4 weeks and the pigment will return to the skin in it’s healed color.

At 4 weeks, your brows/lips will be fully healed. Whatever pigment that does not return will be addressed at your touch up appointment. At this appointment, we will asses your retention, touch up the spots that didn’t stick, and can adjust the pigment color to give you perfect brows/lips! Once the treated area has healed from your touch up appointment, you will have beautiful, full brows/lips for 12-36 months!

What factors can effect your results:

* Oily Skin: Increased oil production can cause hair strokes to blur and fade very quickly, or not stick at all. If you have really oily skin and/or large pores, you are a better candidate for a Powder Brow. 

* Sun Exposure: Increased exposure to the sun will cause premature fading. I recommend all my clients purchase Cannasmack Ink Guard to protect their healed brows from the sun. You can purchase this at the studio! 

* Excessive Bleeding: Excessive bleeding during your procedure will greatly affect how your body retains pigment. Pinpoint bleeding throughout the procedure is normal, but excessive bleeding causes pigment to fade very quickly and heal ashy. While bleeding is not entirely in our control, it is important that you follow before care instructions to help minimize bleeding. This includes avoiding blood thinning medications and alcohol 24 hours before your procedure. 

* Improper Pre and Post Care: Not following the given pre and post care instructions will greatly diminish your healed results. Follow all instructions exactly for the best results! I can only control what happens inside my studio, so please come prepared beforehand and follow all instructions exactly afterwards for the best results.