Cosmetic tattooing, also referred to as semi-permanent makeup or micropigmentation, is the process of implanting colour pigment beneath the surface of the skin by means of tiny, sterile, disposable needles to produce the appearance of hair strokes, makeup, or to enhance the natural features of the face.

The purpose of cosmetic tattooing is to enhance the natural features of a client. Cosmetic tattooing is softer and more subtle – it is meant to be a natural-looking enhancement. Body tattoos use ink while cosmetic tattoo procedures involve pigments. These pigments are designed to gently fade over time. Fading is desired as it allows the artist to make changes to colour and shape over the years as the client’s natural colouration and facial changes occur.

A highly-effective, topical anesthetic cream and gel are used for numbing before and during your procedure. Pain threshold levels vary from person to person and every effort is made to ensure you remain comfortable for the entirety of the procedure. Having this service performed during your menstrual cycle may increase discomfort during your procedure. If you are a frequent smoker, the topical anesthetics used during the treatment will not last as long. If you have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, be aware that this may affect your sensitivity tolerance to the procedure.

All deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. 48 hours notice is required when rescheduling or cancelling appointments. Artists must be contacted directly via email.

You must be 18 years or older to receive a tattoo service at Studio Sashiko.

As a precaution, we do not perform cosmetic tattooing on pregnant or nursing women.

Cosmetic tattoo treatments will not wash off, however, they will fade over time and may need to be refreshed every 1-2 years. Frequency of sessions depends on a number of factors including: the pigment colour used (lighter colours fade faster), lifestyle (sun exposure), and if any chemical peels come into contact with treated areas. Please note that final results CANNOT be guaranteed as each unique skin type will hold pigments differently and break down at different rates. We will re-evaluate how your skin has received the pigment at your second session and make any changes necessary. Multiple sessions are normal for cosmetic tattoo procedures, with each new procedure requiring a minimum of 2 visits. Your second session can be booked no sooner than 2 months after the initial appointment. Additional sessions will be charged according to our current pricing.

For most clients, a minimum of two treatments are usually needed, at least 8 weeks apart. With most procedures, the colour looks dramatically lighter after the first week. Some clients prefer this, while others opt for a bolder look. At the second session, we will assess the colour retention and make adjustments as necessary. Everyone heals differently and at different rates. If your cosmetic tattoo does not heal perfectly after the first session, do not worry! We can always go darker and add more density at your next appointment.

We will not tattoo you if you have had Botox or filler near the eyebrow area. You must wait 3 weeks prior to your appointment for the Botox and filler to settle in your skin.

Your semi-permanent makeup will appear darker and more intense than expected for the first few days. This will gradually lighten during the complete healing process. Redness and swelling is minimal. Please view our detailed aftercare instructions here.

We have detailed aftercare instructions listed here. It is highly beneficial to follow these instructions to ensure a comfortable healing process and to achieve the best results.

Chemical exfoliants and anti-aging products such as retinol, glycolic acid, lactic acid, etc. can lighten the cosmetic tattoo over time with continued use. This is due to the enhanced skin cell turnover and rapid exfoliating of the area. We recommend discontinuing use of these products at lesat 3-4 weeks before receiving a cosmetic tattoo. It is also best to avoid using these products directly on the tattooed area after your cosmetic tattoo is healed for better long term results.

If you have an ideal shape and colour in mind, bring a few reference photos with you to your appointment. You may fill in your eyebrows as you normally would so we can take into consideration the shape you desire. If you regularly get your eyebrows shaped, waxed, threaded or tinted, please do so at least 3 days before your appointment. If there are any stray hairs that fall outside of our final shape, we can remove them. If you plan to go on a vacation, it is recommended to plan your trip a minimum of 14 days after the procedure. We require our clients to avoid any blood thinning medication for a minimum of 72 hours prior to their appointment. This includes Vitamin E, Aspirin, Niacin, fish oil supplements, and Ibuprofen. Do not drink any alcohol the night before and day of your appointment and limit the amount of caffeine you consume. If you have been on prescription Accutane in the past, you MUST wait at least one year before considering this procedure. It is highly recommended that you avoid SUN and TANNING BED exposure for 30 days BEFORE and AFTER your procedure. If you show up for your appointment with a new tan or a sunburn, you will need to reschedule and will forfeit your deposit. As your skin exfoliates from a sunburn, it will take the pigment with it.

Sun exposure: The sun will extremely soften the look of your tattoo, so sunblock should be used (once healed) to prolong your enhancement.

The regeneration of skin cells: The longer the regeneration takes, the longer the pigment holds.

The speed at which the skin absorbs the pigment: The slower the absorption, the longer the pigment will hold.

The choice of colour: Some colours fade quicker than others, e.g. a blonde colour will fade quicker than a dark brown colour. The area of treatment: Enhancements to the face, for example, fade more quickly due to constant exposure.

Bleeding during the procedure: Any bleeding during the tattooing procedure will reduce the amount of pigment absorption. Alcohol and certain medications act as blood-thinners and should not be taken prior to and following your appointment.

Aftercare: Failure to follow the aftercare diligently during the first 2 weeks of healing can contribute to less than desired results. For example sweating during healing can affect the appearance of the hairstrokes when fully healed.

Iron Deficiency: If you suffer from Anemia or low iron this could affect the way your body reacts to the pigment. The pigment used contains iron oxide which can result in the hairstrokes to fade or change in hue due to your body absorbing the iron.

During your appointment, we will analyze your skin's undertone to anticipate how pigment colours will fade in the future. We will also mix pigments to ensure colour blends well with your existing eyebrow and hair colour. The majority of our clients' cosmetic tattoos stay true to color and lighten naturally over time. There are some cases, however, where colours may fade to different tones according to the individual’s response to the pigments (like lifestyle and iron deficiencies). Many factors affect these changes. At your next appointment, we will re-analyze how your body has responded to the initial colour. Special formula alteration to correct the colour and to prevent further colour change is made at this time. Your eyebrow tattoo will eventually look softer and have more of a "powdered" look. This happens with all clients as the skin ages. To keep your hair strokes looking good, a refresher appointment is suggested every 1 to 2 years. Results vary with each client.

A good sunscreen should be applied daily AFTER healing and is required to help keep colour true. As with any tattoo, sun exposure will make the colour soften faster.

Fading speed depends on your skin type, lifestyle, sun exposure, pigment colour used, broken capillaries, and if any chemical peels were done after your procedure.

If you are planning a chemical peel, laser treatment or other medical procedure, please inform the technician that you have had a cosmetic tattoo. Careful application must be taken to avoid affecting the tattooed area.

If you have extremely oily skin, the hair stroke eyebrow technique will NOT work well for you. The constant production of oil will cause the hairstrokes to heal with a diffused, softer look. Your end result will look more powdered than you would expect.

If you have little to no existing hair, your tattoo will appear more 2-dimensional than those clients who have more hair naturally.

If you are a frequent smoker, your pigment may fade sooner.

If you are iron deficient or Anemic, your pigment may fade sooner and bleeding/bruising may occur during and after the procedure.

PLEASE NOTE: If you have had your eyebrows previously tattooed we cannot guarantee results for cases such as these. In some instances where the previous work is too dark, dense, discoloured, or large, tattoo removal will be highly recommended before our services will be considered. Previously tattooed areas will almost always require additional sessions and will be charged accordingly. Some special cases may be considered. Please send us photos PRIOR to booking so that we can ensure that your brows are workable at this time. Failure to do so could result in the loss of deposit. Please contact us with any further questions.

Absolutely! We pride ourselves on having an immaculate and sterile studio space. We only use single use, disposable needles and supplies. This means that each set-up for each new client is discarded safely afterwards. Each of our stations are thoroughly disinfected before opening and after each procedure throughout the day.

Appointments can be made via our online booking system. Currently, all eyebrow appointments will be made available on the 15th of each month at 11am (Pacific Standard Time) on our website. These appointments are booked at least a month and a half in advance. Please note that a deposit is required to schedule and secure your appointment and is deducted from the total price. This deposit is to ensure that you are serious about your appointment and is non-refundable. If you cancel or miss your appointment, you will simply forfeit your deposit. If you are having difficulties booking online and are flexible with artists and times, we would be happy to assist you over the phone or in-studio. Please note we are only able to book an appointment manually based on artist availability. If your desired artist is fully booked online, we will not be able to find an alternative appointment until bookings go live the following month. If you need to reschedule or change your appointment, please email YOUR ARTIST DIRECTLY.

We accept CASH, VISA, MASTERCARD, AMEX, DISCOVER and DEBIT.

Please note we will not accept PAYPAL, E-TRANSFER or VENMO payments.