Frequently asked question's

If you have a question you did not find the answer to, please email us HERE or give us a call 702-866-6300. We always enjoy answering your questions, and interacting with clients.
What is permanent make up?
Permanent makeup is a cosmetic form of tattooing, a very specialized form of tattooing. There are many fancy marketing terms out there including micro-pigmentation, and semi-permanent tattooing and they all mean the same thing: the tattooing of makeup. It is the art of implanting pigment through the epidermis into the upper dermal layers of the skin. The epidermis is the outer layer of skin that is visible to everyone and is constantly shedding and renewing itself. Due to the fact the pigment was placed into the epidermis and the upper dermal layers, the color we have chosen for you will appear a bit darker than the healed and final result. When the color in the epidermis sheds you will see a lighter softer version of the pigment through a thin veil of healed epidermal skin.
Are you licensed?
Yes. All of our artists are licensed and permitted with the Southern Nevada Health Department. Our studio, and all stations are also approved and permitted by Southern Nevada Health Department. As a business we are subject to unannounced inspections by our local health inspectors. We have received an A on every inspection dating back to the inception of Ironhorse Tattoos in Jan 2000, which we take deep pride in. Our artists have also achieved numerous certificates in blood born pathogens and cross-contamination prevention, as well as artistry, technique, color theory and design.
Is it safe?
Yes, if your artist is following proper guidelines and protocol. It is your responsibility to do your homework and ask questions. At Ironhorse Tattoos we follow the same strict sanitation and sterilization guidelines followed by doctors and hospitals, and are in accordance with Southern Nevada Health Department as well as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). This includes; brand new single use sterile needles which are properly disposed of after each client, the use of an autoclave which is tested periodically to insure proper sterilization, all machine parts are either disposable or sterilized after each client, gloves are new and clean for each client and changed during the procedure as needed, as well as many other precautions to insure our clients safety as well as our own. The possibility that you would have any allergies, reactions, or complications from these procedures or pigments is extremely rare, almost non-existent, especially with today's health standard. However minimal the risk it is still there and important that if you should notice anything out of the ordinary you contact your artist.  It is important for you to follow all aftercare instructions. We provide an after care kit for each client which includes your ointment and instructions.
Does it hurt?
With the topical anesthetics available to us today, discomfort is very minimal and works for most. However, there are some people with a very low pain tolerance and just applying a topical anesthetic doesn't quite work for them. For this reason our artists have spent much time of their careers training on how to properly anesthetize the skin and have learned many tricks of the trade.
What method do you use?
Permanent makeup is performed by any one of the following devices; the traditional coil machine, the rotary, the digital, and the manual method (scrap or tap method). All four devices can produce the same beautiful result. With a trained and skilled technician, one device or machine does not hurt any more or any less then the other. It is not the device/machine; it is without question the artist behind the machine/device. Whichever device a technician chooses to work with, they should learn it until they know it intimately and it has become an extension of their hand. All of our artists have trained and have performed all procedures using all the different devices over the years and have a great respect for them all. Each artist has a love for tattooing. Every artist must choose a tool best suited for them and their tattooing style as well as the task at hand.

How long does it last?
All color fades and that is just a fact. Permanent Makeup, however, lasts longer than most other beauty/cosmetic procedures while comparably priced. Permanent makeup will last years for some and others will need to refresh their color annually. It is our experience that although some will need to refresh their color annually it will last much longer for most. All permanent makeup fades due to the exfoliation process, this is the process of the epidermis continually shedding and regenerating itself. Permanent makeup will last longer for some and not as long for others due most importantly to lifestyle, health, and skin type. Some contributing factors that will accelerate fading just like in standard tattoos are: sun exposure, using products that promote cell regeneration (Retin-A, Renova, Glycolics), extra oily skin which regenerates more rapidly, unhealthy skin, medications, dehydration and smoking.
how long does it take?
Eyebrows, eyeliner, and lip liner will generally take from an hour to an hour and a half to complete. A full lip procedure can take up to two and a half hours. Keep in mind this includes approximately twenty minutes to fully anesthetize the area, and mark the area to ensure final product happiness.
What is a touch up and will I need one?
A touch-up is an appointment that is needed most of the time to complete the procedure process. The touch-up appointment is a fine tuning session to make any adjustments that may be needed or desired to the shape, fullness, and color and to go over any areas that may not have taken well the first time. Almost always the color implanted is not perfect the first time when healed that is why permanent makeup is almost always a two or more step process. My personal experience is that most will require one touch-up, whereas some will require a second touch-up appointment. Once in a great while a client will have everything healed just perfectly and a touch-up is not needed at all, rare, but it does happen.

Why doesn't it last as long as a standard tattoo?
It can if I were to use ink. Pigment and ink are different and it is pigment that it is primarily used in permanent cosmetics. This is why we use pigments, because we want our eyebrows to look natural. We prefer the soft blondes, the beautiful shades of brown, and taupes for our eyebrows. Some like black for their eyeliners but others prefer the black/browns, charcoal, or the medium and even soft browns. To achieve these beautiful colors we are using pigments formulated specifically for the face.
How much does a touch up cost?
It used to be normal to include the touch-up appointment but since permanent makeup has become so popular and mainstream, pigments, supplies, insurance, permits, training etc. has become so expensive for us and just keeps going up. Some technicians are raising the prices of their procedures and giving you a free touch-up included in that higher price, while others are keeping the procedure prices lower and charging a small setup fee for the touch-up appointment. This small setup fee covers the cost of the materials being used to perform the touch-up. Be very cautious of extremely low fees and offers that state "free touch-ups for life" (or an extended amount of time). You get what you pay for and it will show in the end.
Who would benefit from permanent make up?
  • Women who have had reconstruction breast surgery and now want their areolas tattooed. Woman who have had breast augmentation or a breast lift and were left with scars around their areolas. Women who suffer from mastitis. Areolas can be tattooed on beautifully and artistically. They can look very real and virtually impossible to tell the difference.
  • Permanent makeup can help many different people on many different levels or it can simply give you a few extra minutes in the morning. No matter what your reason for choosing permanent makeup... Our artists will make sure it is one of the best decisions you have ever made for yourself.
Do you do corrective work?
Yes. Unfortunately 40% of our work is corrections from artists undertaking tasks without proper training. This is why it is so important to choose a talented, skilled, and experienced artist. Permanent makeup should go on beautifully the first time and every time, no exceptions, no excuses. If you have had permanent makeup done that you are dissatisfied with please call our studio for a free consultation.
How much will permanent procedure cost?
The fees for permanent make-up vary between the technicians from extremely low to very expensive. Be very careful of extremely low fees, you absolutely get what you pay for in this business. Those that are good and do great work are charging for their talent, skill, training, and education. Those who are not skilled and talented are making their living off those of you who are price shopping. This does not mean the most expensive is the best choice either.

Do you have a portfolio?
Yes our artists do. Aside from the before and after pictures on the website, all of our artists keep an extensive portfolio showing many different examples of the procedures they perform. Every permanent makeup artist should have a portfolio...this is our resume.