microblading, microshading, hybrid brows Montreal

I think most people hear “tattoo” when they hear permanent makeup or semi-permanent makeup. However, tattoos is different from permanent makeup. 

Permanent cosmetics are a technique where tattoos are used to replicate eye liner, lipstick, eyebrows or hair. Paramedical permanent makeup is using cosmetic tattooing to disguise skin discolorations such as scars or vitiligo. This technique can also be used to restore or enhance a woman’s areola after breast surgery or a mastectomy.

Permanent Cosmetics requires specialized education and training- a combination of dexterity, artistic and technical skill and communication with the client is what leads to the final look of the cosmetic procedure. You may also hear permanent cosmetics referred to as ‘derma pigmentation’, ‘micro pigmentation’ or ‘cosmetic tattooing.

Micropigmentation has actually been in use for thousands of years, with archaeological evidence showing tattoos on bodies as old as 3300 B.C. Egyptian and Nubian mummies are tattooed, as were the Incas, Mayans, Aztecs and Greeks. The tradition persists today- using tattooing to create beauty, prestige, and set oneself apart from the pack.

The first modern application of permanent cosmetics was by Sutherland MacDonald, in 1902 at his tattoo parlor in London. Mr. MacDonald became well known for tattooing an ‘all round delicate pink complexion’ on the cheeks, and he was followed by George Burchett in the 1930’s as a major developer of this technique.

Today permanent makeup has become a complete separate category in the beauty industry for its own good reason. As everything has changed from technique to the tools used to the pigments approved. one of the new trend being scalp micropigmentation, where the artist replicates hair follicles.