Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? You’re definitely not the only one. Whether you’re considering permanent makeup, scalp micropigmentation, scar camouflage, or paramedical tattooing, I want you to feel comfortable and informed before you ever sit in my chair.
What services do you offer?
Hexe Ink specializes in permanent makeup and paramedical tattooing, including:
• Permanent brows
• Permanent eyeliner
• Lip blush/lip color
• Scalp micropigmentation (SMP)
• Scar & stretch mark camouflage
• 3D areola restoration
• 3D belly button tattooing
• Saline tattoo/PMU lightening and removal
Not sure which service is right for you? Schedule a consultation and we can talk through your options.
Do you offer consultations?
Yes! Consultations are available to discuss your goals, expectations, pricing, previous work, medical considerations, and any questions you have before committing to a service. Virtual Consultations are $50 and in person consultations are $100, both goes towards the cost of your service.
Do you use stencils?
Nope! I hand-map and pre-draw my PMU, paramedical, and SMP work based on you, your anatomy, features, existing hair, scars, goals, and desired result.
Nothing permanent begins until we have discussed the plan and you have approved the design.
Does permanent makeup actually look natural?
Absolutely, that's the goal! Permanent makeup doesn't have to mean huge brows, harsh eyeliner, or overly dramatic lips. Your service is customized to your features and preferences.
Want subtle? We can do subtle. Want a little more drama? We can talk about that too.
Does it hurt?
Everyone's pain tolerance is different, so I can't promise you'll feel absolutely nothing. Most clients find their appointments manageable, and comfort measures are used when appropriate for the service.
How long does permanent makeup last?
Permanent makeup is designed to fade gradually over time. How long your results last depends on the service, your skin, lifestyle, sun exposure, skincare routine, pigment retention, and other individual factors. Maintenance or color-boost appointments may eventually be needed.
Will I need more than one session?
Possibly! Some services require multiple sessions to achieve the desired result. This is especially important with scar and stretch mark camouflage, SMP, paramedical tattooing, and certain PMU services. Every person's skin heals and retains pigment differently, so I never promise a specific result in a specific number of sessions.
What is scar camouflage?
Scar camouflage uses tattooing techniques to help scars blend more naturally with the surrounding skin. Scar type, age, texture, location, pigmentation, and your individual skin can all affect whether you're a good candidate and how many sessions may be needed.
What types of scars can you work with?
Paramedical tattooing isn't just for one type of scar. Depending on the individual case, services may be appropriate for scars from surgeries such as tummy tucks and breast procedures, injuries, ports, non-surgical scars, stretch marks, and other healed areas.
A consultation helps determine whether the area is ready and appropriate to tattoo.
What is 3D areola restoration?
3D areola tattooing uses specialized tattoo techniques, shading, color, and detail to create the illusion of a realistic areola and nipple.
This may be an option individuals following mastectomy, breast reconstruction, other breast surgeries, or anyone who has experienced changes or loss of pigmentation to the areola. What is scalp micropigmentation (SMP)?
SMP uses tiny pigment impressions to recreate the appearance of hair follicles.
It can be used for both men and women and may help create the appearance of greater density, camouflage certain scars, enhance a hairline, or create the appearance of a closely shaved head.
Can you tattoo over someone else's previous PMU?
Sometimes, but I need to see it first.
Previous pigment can affect color selection, shape, placement, and the final result. Some previous work may need to be lightened or removed before I can safely and confidently work over it.
Please disclose previous PMU when requesting your appointment.
Do you offer saline removal?
Yes. Saline lightening/removal may be an option for certain unwanted permanent makeup or tattoo pigment.
Multiple sessions may be necessary, and complete removal cannot be guaranteed.
How much do services cost?
Pricing varies depending on the service and, for certain procedures, the size, location, complexity, previous work, correction needs, and expected appointment time.
Scar camouflage and SMP are especially case-specific, so consultation may be required before final pricing can be provided. Do you require a deposit?
Yes. A deposit is required to secure your appointment.
Your appointment time is specifically reserved for you, so appointments are not considered secured until the required deposit has been received. EACH service requires a separate deposit.
Do you offer refunds?
All sales, payments, deposits, gift cards, and completed services are final and non-refundable.
That doesn't mean I won't work with you if a legitimate concern arises. Please contact me directly so I can review the situation. When appropriate, I will make reasonable efforts to address the concern and determine a possible solution.
A concern does not automatically qualify for a refund, and all sales remain final.
What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Life happens! I ask that you provide at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment.
Late cancellations, repeated rescheduling, and no-call/no-shows may result in loss of your deposit and/or require a new deposit before another appointment can be scheduled. See the policy page for more details.
What if I’m late?
Please contact me as soon as you know you're running behind.
Depending on how late you arrive and the service scheduled, there may not be enough time to safely complete your appointment without affecting another client's reserved time. In that situation, your appointment may need to be rescheduled.
What should I do before my appointment?
Specific instructions depend on your service, and you'll receive appropriate pre-care information.
In general, arrive well-fed and hydrated, avoid alcohol before your appointment, and follow all service specific instructions provided to you. For eyeliner appointments, please arrive without eye makeup and be prepared to remove contact lenses.
Can I get tattooed if I have a medical condition or take medication?
Certain medical conditions, medications, recent surgeries, treatments, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or other circumstances may mean we need to postpone a service or obtain medical clearance.
Please be honest when completing your health history. This information is used to help determine whether performing the service is appropriate.
When in doubt, ask before booking.
Can you guarantee my results?
No ethical artist can guarantee exactly how another person's skin will heal.
I can control my technique, sanitation, products, and the work I perform. I cannot control your body's healing process, pigment retention, lifestyle, sun exposure, skincare, underlying scar tissue, or whether aftercare instructions are followed.
I'll always work toward the best possible result while being realistic about what your skin allows us to achieve.
Do I have to let you post my pictures?
No. Your comfort and privacy matter.
Photos may be taken when appropriate for documentation and before-and-after comparison, but permission to use identifiable images for my portfolio, website, advertising, or social media can be handled separately.
Do you accept financing or payment plans?
Yes! Financing options may be available for qualifying clients, allowing you to break your service cost into more manageable payments.
Ask me about current financing options when you're ready to book.
Can I use insurance for paramedical tattooing?
Coverage varies significantly by insurance plan, diagnosis, procedure, and individual circumstances, so reimbursement cannot be guaranteed.
Because of my background in medical billing, coding, and health insurance claims, I can help provide appropriate service documentation and information that may assist you when seeking reimbursement for eligible paramedical services.
Your insurance company ultimately determines whether a service is covered or reimbursable.
I'm nervous. Is that normal?
100%.
You're trusting someone with your face, body, scars, hairline, or an area that may have a very personal story behind it. You are always welcome to ask questions.
My chair is a judgment-free space. We'll talk through what you want, what is realistically achievable, and what I'm comfortable performing before moving forward.
What if you don't think the service I want will look good?
I'll tell you.
I'd rather say no to a service than take your money for something I don't believe I can execute safely or beautifully.
We'll talk about your goals and see whether we can find an option we're both comfortable with. If we can't, I may recommend waiting, choosing another service, or not proceeding at all.
How do I get started?
Send me a message or request a consultation/appointment through my booking page. If you aren't sure what to book, that's completely okay. Tell me what you're hoping to achieve, and we'll figure out the best place to start.
Questions are always welcome. I'd rather you ask me 100 questions before your appointment than sit in my chair unsure about something.