What is SofTap®?

First and foremost, SofTap® is a brand.  The company, located in Livermore, CA, is dedicated to supplying needles, pigments and miscellaneous accessories to permanent cosmetic technicians that use a manual hand tool method.  Since their beginnings in 1988, their needle configurations have become synonymous with the hand tool.  SofTap® is hand tool, but not all hand tool technicians use SofTap® needles.  But it is safe to say that the SofTap® needs are the most widely used hand tool needles.  All needles are delivered sealed, sterilized casings and you can be assured of your personal safety when the technician is combining these safe tools with the proper universal precautions safety standards.

Many hand tool technicians use other pigment lines than the SofTap® brand.  Be sure to understand the difference between th hand tool technician that uses the SofTap® needles and one that uses, trains and supports to entire brand.  Be sure your consultation includes answers to method, pigments and actual client results.

Why the hand tool method?  The modality used by a technician is very subjective.  The modalities for tattooing are numerous and vary quite widely.  Each technician, as in any profession, has their own preference.  There are advantages and disadvantages that can be lined up for every machine and tool on the market.  But most importantly, the best tool is the one your technician is most experienced with.

Permanent cosmetics is an art.  Skin is a living canvas.  The nuances to this art are extreme.

It is more important for the consumer to be focused on the technician's training and continuing education, their safety standards, and their demonstrated client results.

Should I get bottom Eyeliner?

We hear this question quite often.  Many glamour magazines with articles on conventional makeup insist that women over the age of 50 should not get bottom eyeliner.  Hogwash.

One of the reasons this is touted is “It will close your eyes and make them look smaller.”  In our experience, this simply is not true.  Eyeliner wrapped all the way around the eye will close it in, but a subtle bottom eyeliner can give your eye dimension and shape – making it look larger and defined.

That said, it is not often we would recommend bottom eyeliner only.  This will emphasize the bottom curve of the eye and in some cases weigh it down.  That isn’t usually a look we are trying to achieve.  Most of the time, we will advise that a thin lash line enhancement be done as well to provide balance.  However, if you have heavy upper lids and the upper lash line is not visible, then electing for the bottom only will save you a little money and may be all you need to shape your eye.

“Bottom Line” is that everyone is different.  Talk with your professional to discuss options, your particular eye shape and your desired look.  Think about what works for you.

Melisa Ferriola, LE, CPCP

Shanan Zickefoose, BSN, RN, CMM, CPCP

Understanding Microblading

Recently, the demand for permanent cosmetic hairline strokes has increased. Many estheticians and lash artists are rushing to train in this advanced permanent cosmetic specialty and many are taking 1-2 day training courses from inexperienced people with no understanding or fundamental training regarding permanent cosmetics. They are being poorly trained and ill advised with regards to what microblading is. Many are being taught that it is using a 'blade' which is misleading using medical terminology, instead of proper tattoo terminology. They are also being taught it is semi-permanent and is only placed in the epidermis. The truth is, it is placed in the dermal layer where the color will not flake off in the next 60-90 days. A two day class cannot teach color theory in its entirety to provide appropriate knowledge to prevent the client's eyebrows from turning too cool or too warm. They are not adequately educating the students how to avoid scaring their clients. It is very dangerous to see what is happening to this industry. 

Fortunately, Oklahoma is better protected with our laws regarding any permanent cosmetic procedure. We are required to train for 300 hours in Oklahoma and pass certification exams prior to obtaining licensure. Due to the different laws around the country, many other states are experiencing vast problems with people taking 1-2 day training and then a few months later training others.  I simply cannot imagine how someone would be so unethical, but I suppose my standards are different. 

As of February 21, 2016, there is ongoing discussion on message forums regarding how newly trained technicans, as recent as October and November, 2015 are now offering training. They are using words such as tattooing into the muscle. What a great travesty to an idustry that is well established. Unfortunately, these new technicians are simply focused on making a lot of fast money and they have even sought out opportunities to be featured on shows such as "The Doctors".  I assure you, if this segment airs as we professionals are concerned about, we will do our best to properly educate the public. We cannot support false information that aims to hurt our professional industry. We will not drop our standards. 

Any permanent makeup trainer should have a minimum of four to five years of active experience in this field. Microstroking, the appropriate term, should only be performed by a technician with advanced skill. A technician with experience will understand color theory, color modification, color correction, and have skills to lighten pigment. Clients need to have access to all of these skills by a qualified technician, otherwise, they should be prepared to find a technician that can provide correction. Correcting permanent cosmetics can be very costly and time consuming. It is never a simple fix, you must be prepared for several procedures spaced months apart. 

One reason I am so thankful for the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals is they provide ethical standards for our industry.  They have taken notice to the 'microblading' trend and have produced a fact sheet to better educate the public.   Shanan Zickefoose, BSN, RN, CMM, CPCP 

Importance of Professional Affiliations

Please take a few minutes to watch my colleague talk about being a member of the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals. I am very proud to tell you I earn all of my continuing education hours from the SPCP. There is NO other affiliation that offers such high standards of training. 

I am proud to say that I received my Certified Permanent Cosmetic Professional credentials in 2010. I won the award for the highest score for 2010. 

http://youtu.be/5qTL-RgIBVc