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96 | SignatureMT MT S nicians must be willing to invest in their work. She notes that while current state and local regulations address health related concerns, and artists, shops and technicians do give concise health-related handout in- structions to clients, regulators do not address skill levels. e Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals (SPCP. Org., founded in 1990) website provides helpful information with ser- vices such as scar and beauty mark camouflage, areola repigmentation, eyebrow, eyeliner, lip color, and hair imitation. "Some procedures," state the SPCP website, use advanced, "pa- ra-medical techniques," and require experi- enced technicians with advanced training." Lindsey Murolo, Taoo Removal and Fa- cial Specialist with the Laser Clinic/ Associated Dermatology in Helena, provides laser services for facial or cosmetic taoo removal. Murolo says, "these can be difficult to treat because sometimes ink can oxidize and turn green." "Patients need to be patient with the pro- cess because it takes at least 8 to 15 treatments, if not more," she says, adding that costs vary because, "every taoo varies," and are based on the square inch. Murolo is very thorough during the initial "gratis consultation" and ongoing appointments with regard to care, precau - tions and procedural explanations. Aimee Lennox, Certi- fied Microblade Artist with Studio Montage in Great Falls shares perspectives from her service providing microblade cosmetic taooing: "e most important things about microblading are that it is a SEMI-permanent service. It is not the commitment of a true taoo or cosmetic taoo that can last a life- time. Microblading will fade from your skin in 1-3 years. Because it is only in the outermost layers of your skin it does not bleed or blur like a taoo." "It is ideal," she says, "for anyone who wants to fill in sparse or no brows, add a more defined shape, thicken, lengthen, or darken the look of their brows." Lennox explains that, "Microblading is a 2 step process. It cannot be done in only one appointment. Your initial appointment will include your full new brows and the second ap - pointment is the touch-up, filling in of any hair strokes that were lost in the healing process." "Eyebrows can dramatically change the look of your face which can change a person's life. e lack of specific skill requirements by state and local licensing agencies, make it possible for those associated with the beauty world to be tempted to take an introductory course in facial cosmetic taooing and begin practicing on clients. Mystic Rhythms' Tina Brataan observes, "Taoos oen go on a pain-filled canvas: e skin." And while many body art taoos are done in the memory of loved ones, "take care with your self first. Go to licensed facilities and technicians. Avail yourself of information to educate the customer." Most importantly she says, "Stay healthy. Body, art, health and heart, inside and out." Who can dispute the importance of the lift of a brow, whether in real life or the movies? Studio Montage cosmetic technician, Aimee Lennox, uses the pen for design then the microblade for work on client Ashlee Ethridge. "Eyebrows can dramatically change the look of your face which can change a person's life," says Lennox. ~ Mary Ellen Hendrickson finds stories of inspiring humans to be the best medicine for motivation in the 32 years where people have trusted her with their words.