FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
DOES THIS TREATMENT REMOVE STRETCH MARKS?
Other than a tummy tuck, or the literal removal of skin, there is no proven way to remove stretch marks. The Stretch Mark Camouflage Tattoo only helps to conceal and diminish the appearance of stretch marks so that they are less perceptible to the naked eye. Think of it as having a permanent filter, taking away the white contrast of your scars.CAN I GET THE TREATMENT WHILE PREGNANT OR BREAST-FEEDING?
Congratulations on your pregnancy, but unfortunately, we are unable to treat women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
We look forward to treating you once your little one is weaned and your scars have been fully healed (usually within two years).
IS THE TREATMENT SUITABLE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES?
Generally, yes! However, there are a small number of people who the treatment would not be suitable for. Your stretch marks and scars need to be at least two years old, lighter than your skin tone and completely healed. Booking a virtual consultation can help determine if you’re a candidate for this procedure and is required for all clientCAN I GET TATTOOED IF MY SKIN IS ALREADY TANNED?
We prefer to match only your natural skin tone, and require that our clients postpone their session until their tan has faded. This ensures that we are able to custom blend an ink color that will look most natural whether you’re tanned or not.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I TAN?
Your camouflaged stretch marks and scars will not change color. If you tan, your skin’s overtone will darken, but your stretch marks will remain the same color as your natural skin-toned ink tattoo.
Overall, your stretch marks will still be camouflaged because the “white” is no longer there. In short, there’s less of an obvious contrast.
WILL IT HURT? DO YOU NUMB YOUR CLIENTS?
The Stretch Mark Camouflage Tattoo is a penetrative skin procedure so a small amount of discomfort will be experienced. Usually on a scale 1-10 (10 being most painful), the average consensus is a 6 or 7.
We do not numb our clients to avoid any interference to the purity and insertion of pigment into the scar. In addition, your pain receptors will be heightened if you’re on your monthly cycle, and so we suggest you book your session/touch-ups accordingly.
HOW WILL I LOOK IMMEDIATELY AFTERWARDS?
There’s little to no downtime. Most clients can resume work the same day, or even fly home after their session. It’s normal to experience redness and swelling immediately after the procedure for 1-3 days.
For the first 3 days, you’ll be given strict instructions on how to minimize inflammation, speed up the wound-healing phase, and how to “ice” the area and keep it clean.
Over the next few weeks, the redness will dissipate and go through a variety of shades (from dark to light) until your skin heals. We’ll be in contact with you every step of the way.
HOW QUICKLY WILL I SEE RESULTS FROM MY PROCEDURE?
Everyone’s skin is different. Variables include age, diet, hormones, general health, overtones, sun exposure, etc and so it’s impossible to give an exact number of days it will take you to heal.
On average, it takes 45-60 days, but if you’re prone to hyper-pigmentation (you naturally scar dark), it will most likely take longer to heal. During your consultation, we can discuss and assess your skin’s estimated timeline and variables.
*Here’s a recent case study of our fastest healing client to help you speed along your recovery!
HOW LONG WILL THE RESULTS OF THE PROCEDURE LAST?
The Stretch Mark Camouflage Tattoo is a penetrative skin treatment that’s only been around for 6-7 years. According to our industry, it will last 5 years, or more provided that the correct after-care procedures are adhered to.
You may or may not need a touch up after 5-6 years. Remember, a stretch mark is a scar and so the skin is trickier to penetrate. In addition, as we age, all tattoos transition and change on our skin because there’s less elasticity and melanin production. This can affect your stretch mark camouflage tattoo, as well.
WHAT IS THE COST OF THE PROCEDURE?
The total cost of the procedure varies greatly per technician and is dependent on the location and severity of the stretch marks or scar requiring treatment. Studio Conceal charges anywhere between $500-$2,000/ per area.
We require an initial consultation (in-person or virtual) free of charge with zero pressure, during which the final cost can be determined by a formal quote.
DO YOU OFFER PAYMENT PLANS?
Yes we do! We’ve partnered with United Medical Credit to offer easy, reliable financing for all camouflage services and training. It’s really easy to apply and only takes 3 minutes to get approved. They’ll do a soft credit check to determine your options and will be in contact with you in 24 hours. Payments plans are options.HOW LONG DOES THE HAIR NEED TO BE IN ORDER TO WAX?
In the area where you intend to wax, your hair needs to be at least ¼ inch. That’s about the length of a grain of rice. Generally, it takes about 2 weeks of not shaving (bikini area) for hair to grow to this length. Hair that is shorter is not long enough to get “stuck” in the wax and be pulled out. If there’s any question, we can always try a test strip as some people can be waxed at less than ¼ inch.
DOES IT HURT?
Yes. During a Brazilian wax, the pain is immediate and somewhat intense but subsides pretty quickly. You should not leave the appointment walking weird, being sore or needing to ice down the area or anything crazy like that. Almost every single new client I have ever had has said that their Brazilian didn’t hurt nearly as much as they expected! Everyone’s pain tolerance is different so there’s no solid way to describe or rate the level of pain.
WHAT ARE THE MOST PAINFUL AREAS TO HAVE WAXED?
Brazilian, upper lip, chest (not areolas), the sides of your abdomen, hairline. That being said, your first time trying waxing as your hair removal method in almost any area is not going to be pleasant. I had one client discontinue the service after one strip of hair was removed from her shin as that can be a tender spot. Some people think underarm waxing hurts, some people have very little discomfort. All of this varies from person to person.
WHAT ARE THE LEAST PAINFUL AREAS TO HAVE WAXED?
Underarm, nose, brow, areolas/nipples, glutes. This depends on your usual hair removal method. If you’ve been waxing for a while, legs, arms, even Brazilian waxes are a breeze! If you’ve shaved since your last wax or it’s your first time, it can sting and be more uncomfortable. When you begin to ONLY wax an area, as opposed to jumping back and forth from waxing to shaving, each time you wax becomes less and less painful. Your hair becomes weaker and usually begins to grow less. A fine, weak hair is going to hurt a lot less when you pull it out than a thick, coarse hair with a blunt tip that has been shaved or never disturbed before.
IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO TO MAKE WAXING HURT LESS?
Some clients find that taking an ibuprofen before their treatment helps a little. Also, allowing the hair to grow a little longer than the required ¼ inch can help a little by reducing the amount of times we need to go over the area. Once you’ve begun waxing, the one thing you can do to reduce the pain is to STAY ON SCHEDULE with your appointments.
DO I NEED TO TRIM THE HAIR?
No. My technique and type of wax actually perform better with longer hair.
HOW LONG DOES WAXING LAST?
This is a tricky question to answer as everyone is a little different. In the beginning, you may experience more growth and random hairs popping up in the 1-2 weeks after your appointment than you would after waxing for a few months. Once you have been waxing for 3-6 months, you experience around 2 weeks free of hair with 1-2 weeks of some random hairs beginning to pop up and then proceeding to reach ¼ inch (bikini area). Most people are ready to wax again at about 4 weeks for bikini, 5 for backs, around 3 for legs (lower) and underarms, 2-5 for facial hair, upper legs 4-6 weeks. These are generalizations/estimates. It depends how long you have been waxing, how many active hair follicles you have, your after care, whether or not you’re shaving in between, the texture of your hair and how fast it grows, etc.
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO TO PREPARE?
Besides making sure the hair is at least ¼ inch, wear a loose garment. You don’t want to leave in anything tight or synthetic. For Brazilian clients, if you know you are sensitive, you can even bring a pair of clean, cotton underwear to put on afterwards. Also try to exfoliate and moisturize the area you intend to wax as soon as you decide to have the service performed. Exfoliation should be performed 2-3 times a week and you should try to moisturize at least every day or two. This will ensure there are no hairs just under the skin (common with shavers) that we won’t be able to remove. Do not use numbing creams! They are hard to wax over and they don’t work. Please review my aftercare instructions and make sure you do not have any inappropriate activities scheduled for the next 24-48 hours such as gym, tanning, saunas etc.
WHY DOES MY FIRST BRAZILIAN WAX (OR FULLY GROWN-IN OR POST-SHAVING) COST MORE?
Generally, your first time requires a little more wax and more time than a maintenance appointment. Same goes for your first time back after shaving. Shaved hairs are harder to get out which means I need to go over them more times with more wax. I may need to also use thinner strips, which takes longer since the service will hurt more than it would have if you hadn’t shaved or had been on schedule. Also keep in mind that I schedule your first time a little longer so I can spend some time explaining your service and aftercare.
WHY WAX? WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS AND WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WAXING AND SHAVING?
Totally different!! Shaving is essentially just cutting your hair at skin level. Razors cause ingrown hairs, razor burn, discoloration, itchy regrowth, etc. Waxing greatly reduces or eliminates those issues. Waxing also lasts longer! You get a solid 2 weeks of clean, hair-free skin when you get a Brazilian whereas with shaving, you get stubble and need to shave again within the next couple days. There is no stubble, even as the hair grows back, it is finer, softer hair that is not itchy and uncomfortable. Waxing also causes way less hair to grow back. As you wax, you are damaging and sometimes destroying the follicle’s ability to produce hair. Over time, you have less and less hair. That will NEVER happen with shaving. Also consider how much time you’re spending shaving every day or every couple days VS the 15 minutes every few weeks you’ll be waxing.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE “CONS” WHEN IT COMES TO WAXING AS COMPARED TO OTHER HAIR REMOVAL TECHNIQUES?
It depends which hair removal technique you compare waxing to. The biggest hassle is probably that you do have to grow the hair long enough to be able to wax it. Some negative results of waxing can be any of the following: bumps, pustules, ingrown hairs, lifted skin, histamine reactions, allergic reactions, torn skin, burns, bruising, irritation and discomfort. Many of these are prevented by proper technique, quality products and proper aftercare. Things such as histamine or allergic reactions cannot always be prevented or predicted though they are usually treatable.
WHAT CAUSES INGROWN HAIRS?
There are many culprits! Improper technique, tight clothing, sweat/oils/bacteria getting into the follicle, synthetic materials (such as lace, spandex, nylon), friction, dead skin, dry skin, not following proper aftercare protocol. Unfortunately, some people are just prone to these also.
WHY AREN’T MY LEGS SMOOTH AFTER MY WAX?
Dry skin and/or hair breakage. SO much of this can be prevented or reduced with exfoliating and moisturizing. When you wax an area of your body that has dry skin, when the hair gets pulled out, the dry, dead skin around that follicle gets disrupted and feels like a bump. Also, when your skin is dry and not in optimal condition to be waxed, some hair breakage usually occurs, especially in larger areas where bigger strips are used. This results in skin that may not feel as silky-smooth as you were hoping it would. Please refer to my aftercare instructions to be sure you are doing all you can to ensure your legs are moisturized and exfoliated properly. Legs are a great area to use exfoliating gloves or a dry brush on. We don’t realize how much we neglect our arms and legs when it comes to skincare. Be mindful! Legs in particular are notorious for being bumpy after a wax. Remember that it also takes a couple months of waxing to get your best results. So, if you’re getting married or going on a cruise or have some other special event coming up, it's best to begin waxing a couple months before and start getting your skin in shape ASAP to get a good result. If you come in a few days before the event for your first leg wax without having exfoliated and moisturized, chances are you won’t be thrilled with the result.
WHAT DOES A “BRAZILIAN” INCLUDE?
Different regions/countries have different ideas about what a Brazilian is. My Brazilian includes your pubic hair in the front, the bikini line and the hair around your anus. If you’d like to leave a strip or triangle above the labia in the front, that’s fine too. You don’t have to do “the back” if you don’t want to either but, I will let you know that it’s not as painful as the front. This is obviously a very intimate, personal service and I do not expect you to do anything you don’t want to. It’s your body!! Whatever hair you do or don’t want is up to you and I’m not going to make you do anything you don’t feel uncomfortable with.
CAN I WAX ON MY PERIOD?
Absolutely! I do require that you wear a tampon for sanitary purposes. Also be aware, due to hormones, your service may be more uncomfortable during this time. It’s not an absolute, but a definite possibility. Some people notice no difference during their cycle while others report a huge difference in pain/discomfort.
DO PEOPLE SCREAM?
No. It’s very, very uncommon that anyone screams during their wax. Most people nervously laugh or focus on their breathing.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
I schedule your Brazilian wax for 30 minutes. The actual hair removal portion of the service is usually around 15 minutes or less. I allow time for dressing and undressing, possible tardiness on your part or mine, checking out, rescheduling etc. Even though I factor in extra time, it is important that you be on time!! Being late causes me to run late for my next client and possibly forces me to rush your service. No one does their best work being rushed and no one likes their time being disrespected. Please extend the same respect to me and my other clients as I extend to you. Almost all of my services take 30 minutes or less. That time is YOURS. If for some reason I am running late, I will try to notify you ASAP. Please do the same and please understand that being over 10 minutes late may mean that we need to reschedule.
HOW DO I MAKE SURE I DON’T GET INGROWN HAIRS? HOW DO I TREAT AN INGROWN HAIR?
You will need to follow your aftercare instructions and start an exfoliation routine at home. I do my best to give you exceptional service when you are in my treatment room, but you also need to do your part at home. Besides exfoliating and moisturizing as directed, please refrain from picking or digging at an ingrown. You may get the hair out, but you also may cause discoloration, infection, scarring etc. The best way to treat ingrowns is to stick to your routine and spot treat with Bump eRaiser as needed. If you are highly prone to a lot of ingrowns, even after following proper home care instructions, waxing may not be for you. It’s very rare that someone is not a good waxing candidate due to this, but it is possible.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DOING THIS?
I have been in this industry for over 10 years now and have spent the last 6 years primarily waxing, specializing in Brazilians. I also have the rare advantage of being trained by an instructor who owned her own waxing business in esthetics school. It is not common to focus much on waxing while in school, let alone to have the opportunity to work with hard wax or do a Brazilian. I have also trained many other estheticians in body waxing and Brazilians and still currently offer professional training and mentoring.
CAN I BRING MY FRIEND IN THE ROOM WITH ME?
NO. I need to direct my full attention to your service. I also need to be able to focus on educating you about what I’m doing and why, the positioning you need to be in, your aftercare, etc. You need to direct your full attention to what is happening and what I’m directing you to do. Having a friend in the room can also be more embarrassing than you bargained for and may cause you to be uncomfortable. The only times I have gotten really irritated or had clients behave immaturely and disrespectfully has been when I allowed a third party into the room. Your service is not for entertainment, this isn’t a spectator sport. I will allow moms in the room when my client is underage or nervous, but that’s it. This policy is based on experience and I will not make exceptions.
CAN I BRING MY KIDS WITH ME?
That’s really up to you. Be aware they will have to be in the room with you and they are going to be able to see everything. There is not a lobby available that is supervised/safe for children. If you do decide to bring children into the room, you will need to have them with you on the table or they will need to be able to sit still in a chair or stroller. While I do have valuable equipment and materials in my suite I don’t want ruined, more importantly there is a risk of injury. There’s electrical equipment and cords, breakable objects, heavy objects, a cart with wheels, hot wax, chemicals, etc. Please be aware and considerate.
WHAT IS HARD WAX?
Hard wax is a stripless wax. That means the wax is applied to your skin, “cures” to a certain point and is removed without strips/papers. Hard wax is generally much more gentle than soft/strip wax. It’s usually faster and cleaner than strip wax as well since larger strips can be used and no residue is left behind. Hard wax tends to have less instances of bruising, lifting, redness, sensitivity etc. It is important to know that not all hard waxes are created equally. The hard wax used at one establishment does not necessarily indicate what mine is like. Hard wax is manufactured by countless companies, comes in many colors, textures and levels of quality. Many people ask for “the blue wax”. While my wax is actually green, if you’re familiar with “the blue wax”, yes, this is similar. I have tried and worked with over 30 different types of wax to arrive at the amazing wax I’m using now.
STRETCH MARK CAMOUFLAGE TATTOO VS. LASER TREATMENTS?
While Laser Treatments do work on stretch marks by damaging the skin’s outer layer and forcing it to heal itself, they do not put color back into the skin. So almost all clients who get Laser Treatments for their stretch marks still have noticeable stretch marks. In fact, many of our clients have had many Laser Treatment procedures prior to walking into our studio. Another huge difference is the cost of that treatments. Laser Treatments could run $1,000 to $3,000 per session, and can easily end up costing the client over $10,000 overall.Benefits of Vajacials
What does a Vajacial include?
1. Cleansing and steam to loosen any ingrown hairs, dirt or blockages in the skin2. Extractions of any ingrowns/blackheads
3. Toner to restore pH balance of the skin
4. Hydrojelly Mask or Cream Mask provides multiple benefits to your skin such as hydrating, smoothing, moisture retention, cleansing, exfoliating, conditioning skin, toning and reducing inflammation
5. High Frequency Treatment zaps any additional bacteria that might still be in the skin (Pretty Kitty Vajacial) 6. Ingrown Serum to treat ingrowns, bumps and break outs
How often should I get a Vajacial?
Once a month. Just as a facial keeps the skin on your face clear and healthy, a vajacial works to care for and improve the skin on your vulva.
Please keep in mind that I only recommend getting a vajacial if you have alot of ingrowns otherwise it's really up to you if you just want to experience this treatment.
Can you get a Vajacial after waxing?
It is certainly a possibility to get a vajacial immediately post-wax. Vajacials that target inflammation and redness are great to get right after a wax to soothe and calm the irritated skin.
Can you get a vajacial while pregnant?
Yes as long as you book a treatment that doesn't include High Frequency. The topical products used are totally safe for a pregnant woman. For those with extremely sensitive skin, or skin that is not reacting well to pregnancy, I advise you to contact your doctor. Bikini facials while pregnant is a great way to relax and feel confident in your bikini area, especially before giving birth. Make sure you don't get a vajacial too close to your due date. One month before should be fine.
What does a High Frequency Treatment do?
The high frequency device consists of a hand held wand with a glass electrode on the end. When in use, the electrode produces a small electrical current (Tesla Current), ozone, & argon gas. Your esthetician glides this wand over your skin or directly to a specific area, you may sense a mild warming sensation in the skin & hear a buzzing sound. High-frequency treatments kill bacteria and reduce inflammation, hence the acne-fighting benefits. Avoid high-frequency treatment if you: Have any autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, have pacemakers or any large metallic implants in your body, and are pregnant.
How long should I wait after waxing to get a Vajacial?
It's okay to get the vajacial right after a wax. Keep in mind that we're treating the skin and your pores so it's better if you don't have hair.
Is it safe to get a vajacial?
Vajacials are safe in the hands of a trained esthetician who is comfortable and experienced in working in this sensitive area, It is also important to understand that the vajacial is a cosmetic procedure, NOT a medical procedure.
