THE FRECKLE FAQ
+ What is it?
Natural looking freckles tattooed with a rotary tattoo machine and PMU (permanent makeup) pigments and needles. The colour, quantity and placement are customized for each client.
+ How long does it last for?
The freckles will fade gradually over 1-3 years, but longevity will vary for every individual. They look great over time as they fade and they also layer beautifully if you get more freckles tattooed in the future.
+ How much does it cost?
Freckles generally start at $240 and up. When you book your appointment, you can consult my Freckle Guide and select the option that best reflects the amount of freckles you're looking for so that we can book the appropriate amount of time. If you want to add more freckles in the future, additional sessions are discounted for existing freckle clients.
+ What is included in this service?
Your first session and a touch-up within 4-12 weeks is included. Topical numbing is used during the procedure and pre-numbing is an option you can select at the time of booking. Pre-numbing is recommended if you are concerned about pain, if you have never been tattooed before, or if you are wanting to get a lot of freckles done.
+ Does it hurt?
If you've had a tattoo before, the sensation is similar without numbing. We are doing small spots, so it feels like hot 'spicy' little zaps. The machine is quiet but there is vibration. Some areas of the face are very sensitive and delicate such as the undereyes and lips. With topical numbing, the pain/sharpness is reduced or eliminated and it's mostly the pressure and vibration you'll be able to feel. Right afterward, the area might feel swollen, tender or mildly sunburnt for a few hours.
+ How long does the healing process take?
Initial healing takes about 5-10 days for most people. The freckles can look dark and dramatic for up to 10 days before they flake off, and will need to be carefully cared for and kept clean and dry until the initial healing process is over. After 2 weeks, the freckles will appear healed but will still take a couple more weeks to fully settle in. Please see the Aftercare section for more detailed information.
+ How is the placement decided on?
After cleaning the skin (and after pre-numbing if applicable) we will draw the freckles on using tattoo ink, which allows us to play around with placement/size/colour while being able to imagine what they'll look like. You're welcome to bring reference or inspiration material if you want, and we can design them together!
+ What is the process like?
After you get signed in, we'll start discussing your desired look. Your skin will be cleaned and if you chose pre-numbing, we'll first cover the entire area to be tattooed with a layer of Zensa numbing cream and cover it with plastic film for 20-30 minutes. We'll then draw the freckles on first using tattoo ink, and then tattoo right on top of it once we're happy with the design. After a quick first pass, a fast-acting numbing gel is applied to the tattooed areas to make the second pass more comfortable.
+ Can you darken a mole that I have?
Unfortunately I can't tattoo over top of a natural mole. It's important to be able to detect any colour or shape changes in a mole over time, and most tattooers won't tattoo over them for this reason. If the spot is at all raised, shiny or has a different texture than the surrounding area it's best to leave it alone. In addition, moles will not always take pigment consistently and the trauma of tattooing it can cause unpredictable bleeding or growth. If you're not sure if your spot/freckle can be tattooed over, you can book a free consultation!
+ What will they look like right after and as they heal?
Immediately after tattooing they are going to look much more dramatic and intense than the expected final result. Everyone's skin is diffrent, but it's normal for the immediate area to be a little red or swollen and for the freckles themselves to be dark, red and defined right afterwards. Once any initial irritation subsides, the freckles will just be very dark and slightly three-dimensional for up to around a week until the dark spots gently flake off. It will take another couple of weeks for the colour to fully settle in as your skin continues to heal.
+ Can I wear makeup over them after?
While they are healing, no. You won't be able to put any makeup or powder over them for about 1-2 weeks. Once they're superficially healed, you absolutely can. While the freckles are healing, the tattooed area needs to be kept clean and free of all makeup, beauty products, sunscreen, serums etc.
+ I've had my freckles tattooed by someone else and I don't like them, can you fix them?
Please email me with photos of your freckles before booking an appointment, or book a free consultation so we can talk about them in person. If your existing tattoo isn't too dark, it can possibly be colour-corrected. We can also make the freckle pattern/placement more natural-looking. In some cases lightening/laser treatments may be recommended first.
+ Do you offer any training?
No, at this time I don't offer any training for freckles or eyebrows. If I do, I'll be sure to announce it on social media! I do have plans to offer freckle training in the future.
+ Do you travel or do guest spots?
Right now I don't have any plans to travel for work, but if I ever do I'll be sure to announce it!
+ What kind of ink and technique do you use?
I use cosmetic tattoo inks made by Permablend. They are vegan and made in North America. I do not use iron-oxide based pigments. I use a rotary tattoo machine for freckles and beauty marks.