Diploma of Cosmetic Tattooing flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Informed consent

A documented, dated agreement obtained before treatment that records the procedure, risks, alternatives, and the client's understanding and voluntary acceptance.

Papillary dermis

The upper dermal layer targeted by cosmetic tattooing; pigment placed here is retained while pigment placed deeper risks blurring and migration.

Sharps container limit

Rigid sharps containers are sealed and replaced when filled to three-quarters capacity, never overfilled, to prevent needlestick injuries during disposal.

Autoclave cycle

Validated steam sterilisation, commonly 121 degrees Celsius at 15 psi for 30 minutes or 134 degrees Celsius for 3 to 4 minutes, with cycle monitoring.

Single-use pigment well

A disposable receptacle used to decant pigment for one client only, preventing contamination of the stock bottle by the needle.

Standard precautions

Infection control measures applied to every client regardless of perceived risk, including hand hygiene, gloves, and safe sharps handling.

Brow mapping landmarks

Reference points for brow design: medial start at the alar crease, arch apex at about two-thirds length, tail at the lateral canthus diagonal.

Hair-stroke direction

Brow strokes follow natural growth: medial hairs angle upward and outward, body hairs point laterally, and tail hairs point downward and outward.

Ombre brow technique

A shaded brow style built with layered low-opacity passes using a magnum needle, creating a soft gradient that is lighter at the front.

Brow healing fade

Brow pigment typically appears 20 to 40 percent lighter after healing, with flaking over 4 to 7 days and a touch-up at 4 to 6 weeks.

Vermilion border

The distinct junction between the lip and surrounding skin; it is defined with a fine liner needle during lip tattooing.

Wet line

The inner mucosal margin of the lip that is not tattooed because it is non-keratinised, highly vascular, and prone to poor retention.

Lip pigment neutralisation

Cool or blue-based lip undertones are corrected using warm, peach, or orange modifiers based on complementary colour theory.

Herpes prophylaxis referral

Clients with a history of cold sores are referred for medical advice on antiviral prophylaxis before lip tattooing to reduce outbreak risk.

Lip healing fade

Lip colour appears 30 to 50 percent lighter after healing, with peeling over 3 to 5 days and a touch-up scheduled at 4 to 6 weeks.

Waterline

The mucous membrane along the inner eyelid margin; it is not tattooed because pigment there risks migration and ocular irritation.

Eyeliner needle choice

A 1RL or 0.18 millimetre round liner is used for eyeliner because eyelid skin is very thin and requires minimal needle pressure.

Ocular emergency irrigation

If pigment or chemical contacts the eye, irrigate with saline or water for at least 15 minutes and arrange urgent medical review.

Meibomian glands

Oil-secreting glands along the eyelid margin that must be avoided during eyeliner work to prevent dry eye and gland damage.

Eyeliner healing fade

Eyeliner softens by 20 to 30 percent after healing, with flaking over 5 to 7 days and a touch-up at 4 to 6 weeks.

SMP follicle dot

A single small pigment deposit replicating a hair follicle, placed with a 1RL or 0.25 to 0.30 millimetre needle at shallow depth.

SMP session spacing

Scalp micropigmentation sessions are spaced 7 to 14 days apart, with 2 to 4 sessions typically required to build density.

SMP depth risk

Placing scalp micropigmentation dots too deep causes pigment to spread and merge, producing a blurred rather than crisp follicle appearance.

SMP pigment matching

Scalp pigment is matched to the client's hair colour rather than skin tone, using cool carbon-based tones with warm modifiers for grey blending.

Areola medical clearance

Areola restoration after mastectomy or reconstruction requires written clearance from the treating surgeon before any pigment is applied.

Areola 3D effect

Nipple projection is simulated with a lighter outer ring and darker central zone, using shading to create depth and a natural contour.

Areola pigment selection

Areola pigment matches the contralateral areola using warm browns, pinks, and coral tones; cool grey is avoided to prevent an unnatural hue.

Areola scar tissue

Reconstructed scar tissue may have reduced sensation and altered pigment retention, so a test patch and adjusted technique are advisable.

Fitzpatrick skin typing

A six-point scale of skin response to sun exposure that guides pigment selection, needle depth, and hyperpigmentation risk assessment.

Complementary colour neutralising

Pigment correction uses the opposite colour on the colour wheel, such as warm orange to neutralise cool blue undertones.

Needle gauge

The needle diameter; a higher gauge number indicates a finer needle used for detail, while a lower gauge delivers more pigment per pass.

Cosmetic tattoo aftercare

Keep the area dry for 24 to 48 hours, avoid sun, sauna, swimming, and makeup for 1 to 2 weeks, and never pick healing flakes.