Question 1

How do I choose the right artist or studio?

Accepted Answer

These are our top tips for selecting the best artist for your Cosmetic or Paramedical Tattoo:
 
1. PROPER LICENSING
The artist you choose should be licensed to tattoo in Oregon and have a current state issued license displayed in the studio. A tattoo license is the only legal license for a permanent makeup, microblading artist or tattooer in Oregon. Microblading and permanent makeup are tattoos and do NOT fall under cosmetology, hair, esthetics or any other licensing requirements in Oregon. Certificates from trainings do not mean they are licensed, although it is also helpful to ask about any additional continuing education and training the artist may have.
 
2. SAFETY CERTIFICATIONS
In addition to a valid state license your tattoo artist, permanent makeup or microblading artist should carry insurance and is required by law to have current Bloodborne Pathogens and First Aid Training certificates. These should be displayed in the studio.
 
3. THE ARTIST
We recommend going for a consultation to meet the artist and visit the studio. Meet the artist and make sure it's someone you feel comfortable working with, afterall, this is your face/body. Are you comfortable communicating with them? Look for an artist who answers your questions and is confident discussing the process. They should be willing to talk about their experience and share their knowledge. You should trust their artistry and like the style of their work.
 
4. THE RESULTS
Check out examples of the artist's work to be sure you like their style and vibe. Do you like the general style of eyebrows they create? A good artist should have plenty of photos of their own work (not stock images pulled form the internet) on their website and social media platforms. Most permanent makeup and microblading looks great when newly done, however, healed results are a good indicator of the artist's skill. 
Please visit the gallery page to see Amanda's work: PHOTOS 
Were also on instagram:
Amanda: @manda.hoffmantattoo  
The studio: @blink.salem

5. THE STUDIO
Check out the studio. Does the space feel clean and comfortable? Because of the nature of tattooing, cleanliness should be a top priority in the studio. To avoid spreading diseases, equipment and surfaces should be disinfected between each client and single-use needles and tools are discarded after use. Work surfaces and tattoo machines should always be covered with a disposable leak-proof barrier. Any studio you choose should exclusively use sterile single use needles, cartridges and blades. 
 
6. THE DEMAND
Understand that generally, the best artists are booked out. Some artists schedule in blocks, some open their schedule for certain spans of time and others restrict how far in advance bookings can be made. You may have to wait a bit to get in. This also allows time for any pre-care instructions to be followed prior to your procedure. Do not expect to have an appointment available right away or on a walk-in basis.

Question 2

What should I do to prepare for my appointment?

Accepted Answer

Please visit our full Pre-Care page HERE.

Free consultations are always encouraged for new clients and clients with  previous cosmetic tattoo work in the same area. Sometimes consultations can open up conversations for specific circumstances around your procedure and it's best to be prepared before your appointment to have the best chance at your desired result.

Before scheduling your appointment, talk to the artist about any/all health concerns and medications you're taking. Ask for a list of contraindications. Plan the appointment around any vacations or events that could interfere with proper aftercare like sun exposure/swimming. In the month leading up to your appointment discontinue the use of any harsh or strong skin care products with anti-aging or acne fighting ingredients such as retinol, retin-A, tretinoin, glycolic acid, alphahydroxy acid, betahydroxy acid, activated charcoal, exfoliants, etc. These types of products can cause the skin to be very fragile and sensitive and can interfere with the procedure, impede the ability to properly implant pigment into the skin, cause poor healing and negatively affect final healed results. Stop UV tanning and do not show up to your appointment tanned or brunt from the sun or a sunbed. If you have a sunburn, you will be required to reschedule to a new date at a minimum of 4 weeks further out and will need to pay a rescheduling fee. Your skin must be calm and healthy to get the best results!

Before your Appointment
Bring your valid, current, government issued ID to each and every visit. We cannot tattoo you without your ID present or if it is expired.  
Be prepared to fill out paperwork with simple health history information. If you are in treatment or have any medical condition that requires a doctor’s note beforehand, make sure you have the necessary documentation to avoid needing to reschedule. Check with the artist if you are unsure.
Avoid highly caffeinated beverages, alcohol and over the counter painkillers for 24 hours before your appointment. Do not come to your appointment hungover.
Reschedule your appointment if your skin is irritated, damaged, sunburned or you feel ill. We cannot work on skin that's sunburnt or has rashes or lesions. It is imperative that we maintain an environment that is safe and clean and cannot risk exposing ourselves or others to communicable diseases. Please reschedule if you are feeling sick.
Drink plenty of water and get good sleep the night before. Eat within 2 hours before your tattoo procedure but avoid caffeinated, alcoholic beverages or energy drinks before your appointment.
Avoid aspirin and/or ibuprofen or other blood thinners for 24-48 hours before your appointment, unless your physician requires you to take it.
Keep an eye on your inbox for emails about your appointment.
If you're not feeling well, please stay home. We do the best we can to prevent the spread of communicable diseases and infection. If you're displaying symptoms of a cold, flu or other illness we will not tattoo you at that time.
A fresh disposable mask will be provided as on option for those who wish to wear one. Masks help us keep our breath to ourselves while working in such close range face-to-face proximity. Your artist will most likely be wearing one during the tattoo portion of the procedure.
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For Cosmetic Tattooing Procedures
Previous cosmetic tattooing in the treatment area must be disclosed to the artist before scheduling an appointment.
In the days/weeks leading up to the appointment, avoid using harsh products containing retinol, exfoliants, acids or peels. Your skin should be healthy and calm. Stop tanning and do not get sunburnt. We cannot tattoo sunburnt skin.  Speak with your technician regarding your specific skincare routine before your appointment.
Refrain from tinting, using henna, and tweezing/waxing/threading/other hair removal methods for 1 month before eyebrow services.
Avoid botox, fillers or other beauty injections in the month before your appointment.
If you wish to use a topical numbing product during your procedure you must bring your own. Oregon does not currently allow licensed Tattoo Artists to administer numbing products. If you choose to bring your own, there will be time during the appointment for you to apply and wait for it to become effective. Please reach out to your artist with any questions about this.
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For Permanent Eyeliner procedures: 
Discontinue the use of any eyelash growth serums or products for 4-6 weeks prior to your appointment.
Contact lenses cannot be worn during the procedure or for 5 days after. REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR GLASSES!
Eyelash extensions must be removed before your appointment and cannot be replaced until one month after the touch-up.
Do not wear mascara to your appointment, it can be difficult to remove and irritate the area further. If removal of mascara is required, a $10 fee will be added to the price of the procedure.
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The Day of Your Appointment
Please arrive on time.*
Wear comfortable clothing that won’t be hurt by potential ink stains. Make sure the artist can easily access the area being tattooed. Consider dressing in layers in case you get warm/cold.
We ask that you please come to you appointment alone. Children under 18 are not allowed in the studio and other guests will be asked to wait elsewhere.
Eat a light meal or snack before you come, food is not allowed in the treatment room.
Please leave your phone and other belongings in your bag or on the chair/client seating area. We try to keep the procedure area clean from everyday germs and distractions to a minimum.
Be patient and come prepared to lay on your back without moving around. The procedure should not be rushed.
Stay calm. Let your artist know if you’re nervous, and they can often help by explaining the process to you. You should keep your body relaxed, breathe steadily and slowly.
Pay attention to the instructions your artist gives you during the procedure. and do not touch the area being tattooed to prevent the spread of germs.
Inform your artist if you need to take a quick break or if you need to move, stretch, sneeze or if you’re feeling nauseous or dizzy.
Expect to feel tired after receiving your tattoo.
 
We do not tattoo those under 18 years old. We cannot tattoo those who are pregnant or nursing.
 
Eyeliner Cosmetics Tattoo Notes:
Discontinue the use of any lash growth serums or products for a minimum of 6 weeks prior to your procedure. 
Eyelash extensions must be removed before the eyeliner tattoo pricedure. It is difficult to access the area to be tattooed when eyelash extensions are worn and lash extensions can hold bacteria and other germs or contaminants. We will not tattoo those with eyelash extensions until they have been removed. For those whoe wear contacts; corrective lenses cannot be worn during the procedure so please wear glasses to your appointment. Avoid wearing contacts for an additional 3-5 days after your eyeliner procedure.
 
The skin around your eyes is very delicate and differs from skin on other parts of the body and bold styles or dramatic winged eyeliner effects may not redcommended. Please speak with the artist before your procedure to talk about your design plan. 
 
Eyebrows - Cosmetic Tattoo or Microblaing notes:
The skin around your eyebrows must be healthy at the time of your appointment. Skin that is breaking out, sunburnt, has blemishes, moles, or other skin lesions must be cleared up or healed before tattooing. Moles and some other natural lesions cannot be tattooed without written permission from a dermatologist. Some skin types are not candidates for certain styles of cosmetic tattooing such as microblading and a different method will be recommended if that is the case. Exact results cannot be guaranteed because each client is such a unique canvas. Skin type, healing and proper aftercare all play a major role in healed results as well as other factors. Talk to your artsit before your appointment if you have any questions.
 
Lip Liner & Lip Blush Tattoo notes:
*Lip procedures are on hold during the pandemic and as long as masks are required by local authorities*
The use of Zovirax, Valcyclovir, Valtrex or other prescription antiviral prophylactic which prevents cold sores is necessary for all lip procedures.

If you have any specific questions or concerns, please ask the artist.

Question 3

How do I take care of my Cosmetic Tattoo or Microblading?

Accepted Answer

Each initial cosmetic tattoo service will come with an aftercare kit with all the essentials required to heal your fresh tattoo properly. The kit also includes thorough instructions on how to care for your healing cosmetic tattoo and pointers for a comfortable and successful healing process. Your new cosmetic tattoo should always be kept clean and should be washed, then moisturized, 2-3 times a day according to the aftercare instructions provided to you by your artist. 
 
Use an antibacterial or mild, unscented soap and warm water to gently wash the area, then pat dry with a clean paper towel or tissue. Avoid using washes and lotions containing exfoliants, anti-aging or acne fighting ingredients such as retinols or acids, as they're too harsh for the healing tattoo and can cause skin irritation and premature fading.
 
Moisturize using the thinnest layer of the recommended aftercare product according to the instructions given to you at the time of your service. Be sure no to over apply which could suffocate the new tattoo and slow the healing process.
 
Do not allow anything to come into contact with your new tattoo that could introduce germs to the area. Only touch the tattoo with clean, washed and dried hands.
 
No swimming, soaking, sweating or sun exposure until fully healed. Specific instructions may be given for your unique circumstances.

Question 4

What is the healing process like for Permanent Makeup and Microblading?

Accepted Answer

Cosmetic tattoo procedures require no down time once the procedure has been completed. Many clients return to work or regular plans the same day.
After care will consist of washing the tattooed area twiced daily until the tattoo has healed. Most clients will feel healed within about 7-10 days although the skin will continue to fully repair itself for about 4-6 weeks. It is very important to keep the tattoo clean, dry (except when washing) and out of the sun during this time.
 
The area should be washed at least 2-3 times a day during the healing process using mild soap and warm water taking care to rinse all soap, ointment, moisturizer and residual ink or fluid away. Pat the area dry with a paper towel and apply the tiniest bit of aftercare product, making sure not to use too much. We recommend After Inked® products. 
Aftercare is discussed thoroughly at your appointment and written instructions will be sent home with you.
 
Your cosmetic tattoo should not be over moisturized, remain wet or soak while healing and it should be kept clean and out of the sun. Use gentle products when washing the new tattoo and avoid harsh products with anti-aging or acne ingredients like retinols, exfoliants and acids.

Aftercare for your specific procedure and skin-type will be disussed at your appointment. 
 
There are some things you need to avoid during the healing process such as swimming, sweating and sun exposure. Ask your cosmetic tattoo artist about specific aftercare instructions for your procedure. 
 
Once the tattoo is healed it is recommended to wear a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to keep your tattoolooking its best the longest.

Question 5

What is the difference between Microblading and Cosmetic Tattooing?

Accepted Answer

Microblading and cosmetic tattooing are both tattoos. Microblading is done by hand with a manual tool and cosmetic tattooing is done with a digitally controlled electric device. Both are considered "permanent" because pigment is implanted into the skin, but the length of retention will vary between individuals with cosmetic tattooing generally looking better longer than microblading and requiring less frequent touch-ups (although both are considered permanent).
 
Many variables such as skin type, skin care routine/products used, sun exposure, hormones, diet and metabolism, application method and color choices will affect the longevity for each client. These variables can be discusses in a personalized consultation or at your appointment before beginning the prodcedure.
 
Cosmetic tattooing is our specialty at Blink Tattoo & Esthetics because we know it delivers the best results over prolonged periods of wear and it is suitable for almost every skin type. In addition to eyebrows, cosmetic tattooing is done for eyeliner, lips, scars, areola, and freckles or beauty marks. Tattooed eyebrows can be done in many natural looking styles including fine hair-like strokes, powder brows for a subtle fullness, ombré for the most subtle and natural look , soft shading to balance the shape, combination brows and more.   We know all the tricks, just ask.
 
Microblading is done on eyebrows only and is limited to hairstrokes and micro-shading. The results are much more subtle and will fade quicker than tattooed eyebrows. Due to the way the pigment is placed in the skin, not every skin type is a good candidate for microbladed brows, please call or schedule a consultation to discuss wether this is the right method for you.
 
There is so much to consider before commiting to any semi-permanent makeup procedure. Consultations are always no-cost and with our knowledge and experience of the process we can help guide you and determine the best possible choice for the look you desire.

Question 6

What is the COVID-19 protocol?

Accepted Answer

For your protection, we have new guidelines and extra precautions we are taking to keep everyone as safe as possible.
 
•If you’re not feeling well, please stay home. Do not show up with cold like symptoms (this includes sniffles). 
 
•One client per artist/esthetician, we cannot accommodate extra guests and they will be asked to wait elsewhere.
 
•Please wait until the time of your appointment to arrive. Early birds should wait in their car or outside until their scheduled appointment time or text us they’re here.
 
•We respectfully request that masks masks be worn properly, over the mouth and nose during cosmetic tattoo procedures where we are face-to-face for an extended period of time.
 
•Grab a pump of hand sanitizer upon entering the studio; clean hands = self care!
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•Please do not bring drinks or food to your appointment.
 
•Please refrain from using your phone during your appointment.
 
•We will contact you via email before your appointment to confirm your appointment with you. Keep an eye out for a text or email and please reply with your confirmation for your visit. If you're unable to keep your appointment, please let us know as soon as you can. We can easily reschedule you to another date or time and it allows us to fill the spot with another guest.

Question 7

What is Microblading?

Accepted Answer

Microblading is a specific tattoo technique that is performed manually, without a machine or electric devise . It's performed with a handheld tool comprised of needles arranged into the shape of a blade. This tool creates incisions in the skin which collect ink from off the "blade" and resemble hairs. Although it is often referred to as semi-permanent it is very much as permanent as aconventional cosmetic tattoo and unlikely that the ink will fully fade away or that the skin will ever return to its original state before Microblading. Microblading requires regular maintenance (touch-ups or lightening) to preserve the effect and the "hair stroke" look is not sustainable long-term. Most looks can be recreated with an electronic tattoo device and will yield better healed results over time.

Clients looking for a more stable option can get a similar outcome with longer lasting effects through cosmetic tattooing. Cosmetic tattooing causes less trauma to the skin, heals faster, holds it's integrity better over time and requires fewer touchups.

Microblading is not recommended or suitable for all clients. For some reasons as listed below, there may be a better more suitable method. Consult with the artist for the best info for you.
- Mature skin
- Suntanned or skin with past sun damage
- Too much or too little natural hair
- Wrinkly or textured skin
- Visible/large pores
- Treated for acne (Rx or topicals)
- Oily skin
- Thin Skin
- Using anti-aging products
- Bleeds easily or is on blood thinners
- Recently used retinol or had chemical peel

Question 8

What is Permanent Jewelry?

Accepted Answer

Permanent jewelry is long-wear chain jewelry that is welded shut instead of using a clasp so it can be worn long term without being removed. It comes in varying metal qualities but our studio carries Sterling Silver and 14k Gold filled. Sold gold and other options can be ordered upon request.

Bracelets and anklets are the most popular but the chain comes in all lengths so it can be worn anywhere typical jewelry would be worn. It is custom fit to the client wear comfortably and safely.

Permanent jewelry can be worn while swimming or working out. It's safe to wear traveling through security and can clear metal detectors. If for some reason it needs to be removed it can be cut with regular scissors or a wire cutter. If cut properly in the right spot it can even be re-welded to wear again. The jewelry technician can instruct you how when it's being put on.

Question 9

Where is Blink Tattoo & Esthetics located?

Accepted Answer

Our address is:
388 State Street Suite 601 (6th floor)
Salem, Oregon 97301

Blink Tattoo & Esthetics is on the 6th floor of the Capital Tower building on the corner of State & Liberty Streets downtown Salem, Oregon. It is in Salem's Tallest Building, which is easy to spot in the downtown skyline due to its height. Some recognize it as the building with gargoyles. We're right on the corner next door to Wild Pear Restaurant (which is a favorite, by the way).

The entrance is on State Street under the awning with gold numbers 388 above the door.

There is an elevator in the main lobby. Blink Tattoo & Esthetics is on the 6th floor.

Free 3-hour parking is available on the street as well as the adjacent Liberty Square Parcade on Ferry Street, directly behind the building. The pacrade has a sky-bridge directly connecting to the buildings 4th floor.

Frequently asked questions