FAQ - Bitty Beauty
Sometimes it’s a little easier to read over a multitude of questions we would never think to ask! Here are some popularly asked questions about my services. From permanent makeup to lashes and brows and all the in between! I hope this is helpful to anyone locally in Birmingham, Alabama looking for an artist or for someone in another part of the country who will now know what to ask when searching for their local beauty professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
PERMANENT MAKEUP
What is permanent makeup?
Permanent makeup is a cosmetic tattooing technique that enhances your natural features through carefully selected pigments. Results are designed to soften gradually over time, although pigment may remain in the skin indefinitely.
How long do lip blushing, powder brows, and eyeliner last?
Lip blushing typically maintains its appearance for 1 to 3 years, powder brows for 1 to 3 years, and eyeliner often for 2 to 5 years or longer. Longevity depends on skin type, lifestyle, sun exposure, skincare, and pigment retention.
How should I prepare for my appointment?
Arrive with healthy, hydrated skin. Avoid tanning and irritating skincare treatments beforehand. Discontinue retinoids and exfoliating acids around the treatment area as directed. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before your appointment. Do not stop prescribed medications without your healthcare provider's approval.
For lip blushing, keep lips moisturized and disclose any history of cold sores. Preventive antiviral medication may be recommended by your healthcare provider.
For eyeliner, lash extensions must be removed beforehand. Contact lenses should be removed for the procedure, and eye makeup should be avoided on appointment day.
What is the healing process?
Expect temporary swelling, tenderness, and changes in pigment intensity. Brows and lips typically experience initial surface healing within 7 to 14 days, while eyeliner often settles sooner. Full pigment healing and color stabilization generally take 4 to 8 weeks.
Will I need a touch-up?
Many clients benefit from a perfecting session approximately 6 to 8 weeks after their initial appointment. This allows us to evaluate healed pigment and refine color, shape, or saturation.
Perfecting sessions are priced separately unless specifically included in your booking.
PARAMEDICAL PIGMENTATION
What is scar camouflage?
Scar camouflage uses specialized pigmentation techniques to reduce the visual contrast between healed scars and surrounding skin. Results depend on scar texture, maturity, skin tone, and pigment retention.
Can every scar be camouflaged?
No. Scars must be fully healed and stable before treatment. Raised, irritated, actively changing, or keloid prone scars may not be suitable. A consultation determines whether pigmentation is appropriate.
What is areola pigmentation?
Areola pigmentation uses detailed shading and color techniques to recreate or enhance the appearance of the nipple and areola following breast surgery, reconstruction, or other changes.
When can I receive areola pigmentation after surgery?
Treatment generally requires complete healing and clearance from your surgical or medical team. Timing varies with reconstruction, radiation, scar condition, and individual healing.
What is hypopigmentation camouflage?
Hypopigmentation camouflage helps soften the appearance of lighter areas of skin by introducing carefully selected pigments that visually blend with surrounding tissue.
Will camouflage restore my natural skin pigment?
No. Camouflage tattoos do not restore melanin production. The treatment creates a visual color match that may change as your surrounding skin tans, fades, or ages.
How many sessions will I need?
Multiple sessions may be necessary. Treatment plans depend on the size, condition, location, and complexity of the area.
CORRECTIVE PERMANENT MAKEUP
Can previous permanent makeup be corrected?
Often, yes. We evaluate existing pigment, saturation, placement, skin condition, and desired results before recommending correction, neutralization, or removal.
What is lip neutralization?
Lip neutralization is a corrective pigmentation process designed to balance naturally cool, dark, or uneven lip tones before introducing a desired target color.
Can overly dark or uneven brows be corrected?
Some previous brow tattoos can be improved through color correction or reshaping. Heavily saturated, poorly positioned, or excessively dark pigment may require removal before additional tattooing.
How does tattoo removal work?
Removal techniques vary according to the pigment and skin condition. Treatment gradually reduces unwanted pigment, and multiple sessions may be necessary. The appropriate method and risks are discussed during consultation.
Will corrective PMU require multiple appointments?
Frequently. Corrections may require several stages to achieve a balanced result. Complete removal or correction cannot be guaranteed.
LASHES + BROWS
How long do lash extensions last?
Extensions shed naturally with your lash growth cycle. Most clients schedule fills every 2 to 3 weeks to maintain fullness.
How should I prepare for lash extensions?
Arrive with clean lashes, free from mascara, oils, and eye makeup. Avoid applying heavy creams around the eyes before your appointment.
How do I care for lash extensions?
Clean lashes regularly with an extension compatible cleanser, brush gently, avoid pulling or rubbing, and follow your artist's adhesive specific instructions.
What is a lash lift and tint?
A lash lift enhances the natural curl of your lashes, while tint deepens their appearance. With our Korean lash lift system, we are able to give you the best results with the least amount of damage. Results generally last 6 to 8 weeks.
What is hybrid brow tint?
Hybrid tint enhances brow hairs and temporarily stains the skin to create a fuller, more defined appearance. Skin staining typically fades sooner than the tint on brow hairs. We always ombre the front of your brows to make it look like a natural filled in look (No 2016 brows here!)
What is brow lamination?
Brow lamination redirects natural brow hairs to create a lifted, fuller, and more uniform shape. The more often you do it, the more they are trained to stay in your desired shape! Results typically last 4 to 6 weeks.
How should I prepare for brow treatments?
Avoid exfoliating acids and retinoids around the brows for approximately 5 days before waxing or lamination. Inform us about recent peels, laser treatments, prescription skincare, allergies, or skin irritation.
How do I care for laminated brows?
Follow your artist's instructions for the initial setting period. The first three days are the most important! Brush gently each day, keep brows conditioned with your facial HA5 and lotion and in the shower you can even add your conditioner on them while you do your hair. Please avoid harsh exfoliants or excessive rubbing.
How often should I book brow maintenance?
Brow tint and shaping are commonly maintained every 3 weeks. Lamination is generally repeated every 6 weeks, depending on hair condition.
BODY GLAM
How long does a spray tan last?
Most spray tans last approximately 7 to 10 days, depending on skin preparation, exfoliation, and aftercare. We do two soft layers to make sure you are even and dry. If you like to be much darker, we do a third spray.
How should I prepare for a spray tan?
Exfoliate and complete shaving or waxing 24 hours beforehand. Arrive with clean, dry skin free from lotion, deodorant, perfume, and oils. Though it is okay to lotion your hands and feet and put the remaining lotion on any rough or dry areas.
How do I maintain my spray tan?
Follow the recommended rinse time for your solution, moisturize daily, pat skin dry, and avoid exfoliation. The only way to extend your tan is by moisturizing. Layer with an oil then a cream, and make sure they’re as natural as possible.
How long do tooth gems last?
Retention varies considerably, from weeks to months or longer. Placement, oral habits, and bonding technique influence longevity. Following the strict aftercare for the 3 hours after and 3 days after can leave you with results up to 2 years.
Are tooth gems safe for natural teeth?
Tooth gems should be applied only to suitable, healthy enamel using appropriate dental materials. Clients with cavities, restorations, enamel damage, or other dental concerns should consult a dentist before treatment.
How long does hair tinsel last?
Hair tinsel may last several days to several weeks depending on the attachment method, hair growth, brushing, and styling habits. We get as close to your scalp as possible and double knot it so it is seamless and shouldn’t snag on your hair brush.
Can I wash and style my hair with tinsel?
Yes, with appropriate care. Use gentle brushing and follow the heat limitations of the specific tinsel material. We use Thai silk and though it is very heat resistant, color tends to fade after 6 months if you use a curling iron regularly.
BOOKING + SAFETY
Who may not be a candidate for treatment?
Certain services may not be appropriate during pregnancy, with active infections or skin irritation, uncontrolled medical conditions, recent procedures, or known ingredient allergies. Some medications and medical treatments may require additional precautions or medical clearance.
Eligibility varies by service and is evaluated individually.
Do I need a consultation?
Consultations are especially important for corrective PMU, scar camouflage, areola pigmentation, hypopigmentation, and previous permanent makeup.
During your consultation, we review your goals, skin condition, medical considerations, treatment options, and realistic expectations.
Are results guaranteed?
No. Every client's skin and healing process are different. Pigment retention, color development, symmetry, and longevity vary. Additional sessions may be recommended to refine results.
What is your cancellation and deposit policy?
Appointment deposits, cancellation requirements, rescheduling terms, and any applicable fees are provided during booking. Please review these policies before confirming your appointment.