Semi-Permanent Cosmetics
This has been the topic of conversation on multiple message boards and spanning the globe. Is permanent cosmetics really permanent?
One first needs to determine if it is a tattoo or not. Whether it is called permanent cosmetics, permanent makeup, semi-permanent makeup, micropigmentation, or whatever the flavor of the month is, it is still a cosmetic tattoo, so this is established.
Next we need to consider how it is permanent. Permanent is lasting and albeit generally without change, does the change pigments go through over time make them consistent with semi-permanent? Pigments are formulated to remain in the dermis of the skin. Is there some magical pre-determined range of time for when they will no longer remain there? NO.
A permanent pacemaker as opposed to a temporary pacemaker is not guaranteed to last forever, but is considered "permanent." A "permanent" is something someone has done to their hair to make it curl. It does last, and generally stays and must grow out, but often relaxes quite a bit and needs to be redone. Does that make it a "semi-permanent?" NO.
The same could be said for hair color, house paint, car paint, etc. These all deal with color additives that change with time due to a variety of reasons.
Tattooing is meant to stay in the skin. Why are we questioning this now? Politics, of course - but, one can argue that in some areas of the world it is required to call it semi-permanent.
This is true. But it brings to mind the old saying, "If someone jumps off a pier, do you follow?" (You can substitute bridge, ledge, cliff, whatever is appropriate for you.) What was the reason for this decision? Unless someone enlightens me further, I have been told that someone got sued because the cosmetic tattooing did not last as long as expected. Uneducated or persuaded legislators are typically behind such ill conceived, misleading factors. So is this reason to categorically alter the entire purpose and definition of what we do? Of course not. Could it be that some cosmetic tattoo artists are using inferior pigments, inferior equipment, with inferior techniques? Food for thought.
If cosmetic tattooing were truly not permanent, would laser removal be as popular as it is for bad choices in this industry? Why not let it just fade away naturally if it is to be considered semi-permanent.
If the artist was accomplished and used appropriate methodology, complete fading away of pigment is still remotely possible but does not qualify a tag of semi-permanent. If the client was properly notified of fading and other issues associated with this ART FORM through informed consent, there really would be no issue.
What about those of us who do the job we set out to do and provide cosmetic tattoo that lasts indefinitely? Am I to get sued because my client thought it would go away in a pre-determined amount of time because I am forced to call it semi-permanent? This is insane and makes for massive confusion for both the artists and their clients.
I have heard of distributors of equipment saying their machine provides semi-permanent procedures. Someone please prove to me how this is possible with each and every client. Pigments properly formulated and effectively tattooed will provide the client with a tattoo that will change over time due to a variety of factors BUT will likely be there in some form.
Finally, as far as cosmetics, there are brands of cosmetic makeup that are labeled and sold as semi-permanent because they are long-wear or long-lasting. Cosmetic tattooing should not be confused with this by also referring it to be semi-permanent. Education, as always, is imperative.
One first needs to determine if it is a tattoo or not. Whether it is called permanent cosmetics, permanent makeup, semi-permanent makeup, micropigmentation, or whatever the flavor of the month is, it is still a cosmetic tattoo, so this is established.
Next we need to consider how it is permanent. Permanent is lasting and albeit generally without change, does the change pigments go through over time make them consistent with semi-permanent? Pigments are formulated to remain in the dermis of the skin. Is there some magical pre-determined range of time for when they will no longer remain there? NO.
A permanent pacemaker as opposed to a temporary pacemaker is not guaranteed to last forever, but is considered "permanent." A "permanent" is something someone has done to their hair to make it curl. It does last, and generally stays and must grow out, but often relaxes quite a bit and needs to be redone. Does that make it a "semi-permanent?" NO.
The same could be said for hair color, house paint, car paint, etc. These all deal with color additives that change with time due to a variety of reasons.
Tattooing is meant to stay in the skin. Why are we questioning this now? Politics, of course - but, one can argue that in some areas of the world it is required to call it semi-permanent.
This is true. But it brings to mind the old saying, "If someone jumps off a pier, do you follow?" (You can substitute bridge, ledge, cliff, whatever is appropriate for you.) What was the reason for this decision? Unless someone enlightens me further, I have been told that someone got sued because the cosmetic tattooing did not last as long as expected. Uneducated or persuaded legislators are typically behind such ill conceived, misleading factors. So is this reason to categorically alter the entire purpose and definition of what we do? Of course not. Could it be that some cosmetic tattoo artists are using inferior pigments, inferior equipment, with inferior techniques? Food for thought.
If cosmetic tattooing were truly not permanent, would laser removal be as popular as it is for bad choices in this industry? Why not let it just fade away naturally if it is to be considered semi-permanent.
If the artist was accomplished and used appropriate methodology, complete fading away of pigment is still remotely possible but does not qualify a tag of semi-permanent. If the client was properly notified of fading and other issues associated with this ART FORM through informed consent, there really would be no issue.
What about those of us who do the job we set out to do and provide cosmetic tattoo that lasts indefinitely? Am I to get sued because my client thought it would go away in a pre-determined amount of time because I am forced to call it semi-permanent? This is insane and makes for massive confusion for both the artists and their clients.
I have heard of distributors of equipment saying their machine provides semi-permanent procedures. Someone please prove to me how this is possible with each and every client. Pigments properly formulated and effectively tattooed will provide the client with a tattoo that will change over time due to a variety of factors BUT will likely be there in some form.
Finally, as far as cosmetics, there are brands of cosmetic makeup that are labeled and sold as semi-permanent because they are long-wear or long-lasting. Cosmetic tattooing should not be confused with this by also referring it to be semi-permanent. Education, as always, is imperative.
posted by katiecee | 9:24 AM
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