Ancient technique: Women still paying price for lasting beauty

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Ancient technique: Women still paying price for lasting beauty
October 30, 2010
by Sarah Forgany
KENS 5

Tattoos have symbolized status and expressed religious beliefs for centuries. But like everything else, they have evolved.

Now, they are about beauty. It’s what caught Patsy Garcia’s eye at the Skin and Permanent Makeup Institute.

“I like it, I like it,” Said Patsy Garcia.

Now more than ever, women are embracing cosmetic tattooing.

“It’s a thriving business that’s becoming very popular”, said Giovanna Albrecht.

Albrecht sees many clients every day at the institute. But she also teaches women how to perform the art.

“We tattoo eyebrows, eyeliner, lip liner. We do eye shadow, blush and concealers,” said Albrecht.

Many like Garcia choose permanent make up for convenience and to feel better about their looks.

“I want to do my eyebrows for a different image. Every day I wake up and I would color my eyebrows darker with makeup, but now I won’t have to do it anymore,” said Garcia.

To get the thicker and healthier looking eyebrows, Garcia’s session lasted an hour and half.

The client uses the colors while the technician numbs the skin.

In Garcia’s case, the intricate process required three different colors.

“The colors may fade after a year, or last up to 15 years depending on the type of skin”, said Albrecht.

There is also a price range based on what the client is asking to have done.

Albrecht says an eyebrow job can cost an average of $300. For the lips, eyeliner and eyebrows the price can climb up to $1,000 and for a face full of makeup, it can reach $3,000.

Albrecht warns clients to research parlors carefully before deciding to use permanent makeup. She has seen many clients with botched jobs.

“Always ask for a technician’s portfolio to see past work. Sometimes a person has 20 years of experience but is still not good,” said Albrecht.

Dermatologist Dr. Phillip Hughes says there are even bigger concerns with tattoos and permanent makeup.

“There is a high risk of infection and catching Hepatitis C” said Dr. Hughes.

The risk of infection is so high that in the United States, you are prohibited from giving blood if you have had a tattoo within the last 12 months.

Hughes says unless a parlor uses an Ultraclave to sterilize equipment, there is no guarantee that equipment is safe.

Hughes has also treated patients who have experienced allergic reactions.

“Sometimes that damage is just as permanent,” said Hughes.

While he is against the idea of tattoos and permanent makeup, Hughes adds that he doesn’t mind recommending it to people with disfiguring body scars.

Albrecht tells KENS 5, many of her clients are burn victims and cancer patients.

“There are people who are desperate for a physical and emotional transformation,” Said Albrecht.

She is proud to have made a difference in their lives. But she also warns against unsafe parlors. She says botched tattoos can be hard to fix and costly.

Albrecht tells us her institute is licensed by the State of Texas, as should every parlor. She also only uses disposable equipment for her clients’ safety.

Meanwhile, Garcia says she’s very pleased with her eyebrows. Her successful first experience may bring her back.

She says it gave her a renewed level of confidence.

“I’m not scared of changes. I’m alright with it,” said Garcia while giggling.

It’s certainly a change of image that continues to shape and define the beauty industry every day.

“If you were to just think of how easy it would have to be for you,” said Albrecht, “That you wouldn’t have to put on makeup everyday. Wouldn’t you do it?,”