Andrew Stassi of Smudge Free
discusses the role of Micropigmentation in today's salon

The application of semi-permanent cosmetics is fast becoming one of the most requested treatments in the beauty industry.

Technically known as 'micropigmentation', or semi-permanent make-up, it is a process whereby minute particles of inert, iron oxide colour pigments are implanted into the uppermost layers of the skin. The science and the latest techniques involved in this procedure allows for the enhancement to remain in the dermal layers for a period of between one and three years. In some cases it may last even longer.

The most important point to remember is we are continually ageing and gravity also takes its toll on the characteristics of the face. Nobody wants to have their eyebrows slowly creeping over their eyes due to a tattoo that has been there for as long as they can remember, or a lip-liner that is drooping at the corners of the mouth.

For this reason a good technician will know not to implant too deep into the dermis. The pigments are implanted to a varying depth of between 1mm and 2mm depending on which part of the anatomy is being treated.  The procedure is very safe and medically approved and the components used are non-reactive with the body.

Procedures carried out today by qualified technicians should involve the minimum of discomfort and the use of the most sophisticated equipment with disposable needle cartridges allowing for this due to their superiority in needle technology. There are many needles available, but they don't all perform as well, or deliver the same results. Old needle structures result in scarring and many retouches due to heavy crusting.

Now that we are done with the science, who can benefit from micropigmentation? In my opinion it's for everyone who wishes to look his, or her best. Many women are discovering the great advantages of waking up and looking great 24/7. No more endless regimes of morning make-up application, and not forgetting the frequent visits to 'powder their nose,' several times a day.

Eyebrows that have been heavily tweezed over the years can now be given a new lease of life and give the face back the long-lost frame that it's been craving for. The eyes are often referred to as the 'windows of the soul.' When two people interact it's the eyes that draw you and captivate you. With semi-permanent cosmetics they can be alive all of the time.

Lips that have depleted over time can be given a more youthful appearance by careful placement of lip blending colours to give lift, shape and if necessary, even volume.

Now that today's men are no longer embarrassed to walk into a beauty clinic so the arena for these treatments is becoming even bigger. Male clients can have subtle enhancements, whereby tiny dots are strategically placed in between the lashes to give the illusion of lash density. Washed out lips can very subtly be given a new lease of life and even sparse eyebrows can be filled.

The above illustrates just a scratch of the endless possibilities that micropigmentation has to offer. The medical sector is an area that needs to be highlighted significantly because beauty isn't just about what is exposed for our eyes to see, it's also for those who suffer with disfigurements and scarring, which we can't see. Thousands of women every year go through the terrible ordeal of having mastectomy and many of those have double mastectomy. This is where either one or both breasts are removed due to cancer.

Medical pioneering and new developments have come a long way, and thankfully, most of these patients can be made to look whole again, thus, giving them back their dignity and their confidence. That is the surgeon's role completed. Our role as advanced technicians, who are also qualified in the paramedical arena, can give these patients the final touch to their reconstructive surgery by giving them a natural-looking areola (or nipple). Cleft-lip balancing and scar camouflage to name but a few are conditions where micropigmentation can play a big part.

Moving on to some more serious issues, I had a business lunch last week with the managing director of Finishing Touches, Dawn Forshaw. In our discussions we were both appalled at the level of complaints that are knocking our industry from unsatisfied students, to clients receiving less than satisfactory procedures and even complaints from medical professionals. While some of us strive to excel in our position as technicians and trainers, others are simply bringing the industry down with their greed and lack of practicing standards, which should be maintained at all times.

There is a lot of new blood coming into the industry who have the advantage of learning with the most up to date technology and equipment. While some of the industry's old-timers have the advantage of experience, others may be using out of date methods and unless this is rectified, they run the risk being knocked off of their perch by enthusiastic newcomers to the industry.

Poor teaching standards, no after-support for their students  - these are two of the most common complaints we hear time after time. If you are thinking of becoming a facet in this ever-growing sector, it is absolutely vital that you take on the responsibility in finding yourself the right instructor. While we at Smudge-Free offer a very comprehensive training programme in semi-permanent cosmetics, the new Wrinkle-Erase treatment and not forgetting a high level of after-support, it is up to you the technician, to do your research to help you make an informed decision as to who will be the best to train you. Many schools promise you a lot, but it's up to you to find out if they actually deliver their promises.

Whoever you choose to be your instructor, I would personally like to wish you all the best. It's a great industry to be in, so get it right!

For more information about offering micropigmention treatments contact Andrew Stassi on 0207 272 6021, email sales@smudge-free.co.uk, or visit www.smudge-free.co.uk