"A conversation several years ago with a cancer survivor initially spurred Jacqueline Perry to do some research on microblading. The beauty trend was booming in Los Angeles but had yet to reach Western Washington. And that surprised Perry. Cancer treatment often leaves patients with little or no brow hair, and with all the cancer care facilities in the area, it seemed strange microblading wasn’t more prevalent in Western Washington. “Why isn’t there anyone in Seattle (doing microblading)?” she wondered. “We have this huge network of cancer care. We’re known for our cancer facilities. So, I was kind of mind-blown that no one was doing this.” Of course, now, microblading services have sprung up all over the Eastside, but Perry started her boutique way before it became mainstream in our area. She flew back and forth to Southern California to complete training in the nuances of permanent makeup before opening Permanent Appeal, a Bellevue-based permanent makeup and micropigmentation clinic. Her bread and butter is microblading, which adds color and volume to eyebrows so they look naturally full and shapely. And she also offers scalp micropigmentation, a permanent tattoo mostly performed on men that mimics the hair follicles to make the scalp look like it has more hair density. She also does areola tattooing for women who have lost their nipples due to breast cancer or who want a scar around their areola blended to look more natural. She said about 75 percent of her clientele come to her purely for beauty reasons, and about 25 percent for medical. Prior to opening the boutique, Perry worked in the medical field, managing a plastic surgeon’s office and then at the medical research lab at the University of Washington. Her former career and her training have made her a reputable professional on the Eastside and beyond, especially considering that training on permanent makeup isn’t required in Washington state. To better understand the ins and outs of permanent makeup and micropigmentation, Perry walked us through each service.

MICROBLADING

This treatment is the most high-maintenance, Perry said, because it fades after a year or two — both a pro and a con. In other words, there’s no need to fear how microbladed eyebrows will look decades down the line, because the tattoo will naturally fade until it’s undetectable, if it’s done properly. Perry said if the tattoo artist penetrates the skin too deeply, then you could be left with scar tissue or a permanent brow, which is why it’s important to find a skilled professional. For microblading, Perry recommends a touch up once a year to bring back the vibrancy and volume of the tattoo. Pricing in this area for microblading is typically $500 to $600, and Perry charges $700, which includes a touch-up.

SCALP MICROPIGMENTATION

Scalp micropigmentation is a more serious commitment, Perry said. “Say a client comes in, and they have a little balding in the front, so you give them a more defined hairline, and 10 years from now, they’re balding everywhere,” she said. “So, you have to make that decision to commit to it. You might have to keep going. The nice thing is, people who are suffering hair loss, even if you go with a shorter hairstyle, the tattoo blends really well.” The treatment mimics hair follicles on the scalp by tattooing tiny dots to create the illusion of hair. The cost generally ranges from $1,500 to $3,000, depending on the coverage and typically requires two sittings and a touch-up.

AREOLA TATTOOING

Those wanting to rebuild their nipples or hide scarring on their breasts can choose from a dozen or so skin-tone colors. Perry also has the ability to enhance the tattoo, so it looks 3D, making the nipple appear more realistic. Perry said she doesn’t charge cancer survivors for an areola tattoo. For those who come in to lessen the appearance of scarring from, say, a breast implant, the session is roughly $500."