At the ripe old age of 75, I learned something today. A young man came to see me with the ambition to train as a makeup artist or stage manager, he wasn't  quite sure which! Had I been much younger, I would have dismissed him after 10 mins.  However, I listened to him and we spoke for 2 hours.  I then realised how misguided and wrong his school and parents had been in not realising how important it is that he gets hands on experience in hairdressing, wig making and dressing, backstage work, including makeup, in the local theatre, etc, The problem too is these "Media Makeup" courses in government colleges which, as far as I can see, are a monetary exercise to encourage 'bums on seats', attracting people who live in a dream world, and who in most cases have no artistic flair whatsoever! I am not the best person to help him, but I have tried to point him in the right direction.
 

Scalp tattooing with the Dawn Cragg MBE roller method.

Just to say sorry to all the techs who are disappointed that my one -to- one classes on  the Dawn Cragg MBE scalp rollering course are completely booked until February 2015.  If you wish to book for any other dates please contact us NOW. 00441777860500
 

Example of recent Students working on scalp tattooing

Before: A Dawn Cragg student preparing to tattoo a clients scalp 

After: The whole scalp Completed in 1.5Hrs using the
 ‘Dawn Cragg’ roller method 

nA client having his first appointment for scalp tattoo using the Sterling GM digital device handpiece powered by the iStar 3000 power unit manufactured by Mei-Cha and distributed in the UK by Dawn Cragg MBE (M.T.E.C Ltd).

With respect...

This is how one of my wonderful clients acknowledges each member of her family who has suffered from Cancer.

Don't you think this deserves a few likes and shares!!

Please feel free to add photos of people you know who do similar things to acknowledges those who also suffer with cancer.

Dawn Cragg's Top Tips for Cosmetic Tattooing revised

 No.1-

 It is wrong to put white in pigment to lighten. It will turn either pink or orange. It will darken if exposed to laser.

 For examples of this and other work gone wrong just have a quick search on Google for permanent make up gone wrong.

No.2-

Never tattoo white into the skin.

The new fad of white around the lips and above the eyeliner will end up a disaster in a few months as fashions change.

                                Example of white tattooing above the eyeliner

No.3-

The ONLY removal which is safe for everyone to use is salt however, it has to be a certain type of salt, applied in a certain routine. NOT normal table salt. There is a removal and lightening gel available for many years which works very well but should NOT be used around the eyes. It can only be supplied to those who have completed a training course on the correct use of this gel. This gel is made by the Mei-cha company and is available from them

No.4-

If you have not had your hepatitis B inoculation, you should not be putting needles into people.

Both you and your clients could be at risk.

Hepatitis can be very serious because it affects the liver which could become enlarged. It can affect you for the rest of your life

No.5-

     If the pigment doesn't stay in, it is likely to be one of the following reasons:-                                                                                  

You are going to fast

You are using the wrong needle

You are inserting the needle at the wrong angle

The pigment is too diluted and thin.

Your technique is incorrect

No.6-

      The finer the needle the more intense the colour will be.

No. 7- 

Today's "Fashion" of using single needles for fine hairstrokes may turn into tragedy in the future because as the pigments separate inside the skin over time then the hairstroke brow will become powdered brows 

Five examples of hair stroke technique being
used incorrectly leaving the brow looking unnatural

Example of hairstroke brows becoming powdered brows as the result of

 the pigment separating over time within the skin

Non-laser tattoo removal using a gel.

The safest way to remove pigment from the surface of the skin.

Before

During

After the first session 

Permanent make-up insurance

Please read the small print on your insurance policy because you will not be covered if the colour fails to heal into the skin as the client had anticipated.
Asking the client to sign a release form does not protect a technician from professional ethics and responsibilities

Skin type's

Dry Skin

This type of skin is often very sensitive and may sting when highly perfumed preparations are used

It may have flaky patches and a dull lifeless appearance.

A dry skin sometimes looks paper fine.

It will show signs of early ageing (i.e. wrinkles) if it is not been cared for correctly.

Make-up may look floury if a moisture cream is not used.

Oily skin

This is a tough skin, and so is often neglected. In teenagers it is often running with oil most of the time, but this decreases as time goes by.

This skin may have a few spots and blackheads and almost certainly it will have some enlarged pores, which look like little holes in the skin.

Make up will not show for long, as the oil will soon shine through.

An oily skin can be helped if you remember this little rhyme:

                                          Don't put grease on an oily skin,

                                  'cause it clogs up the pores, keeping oil and dirt in!

Normal skin

A normal skin is the most rare of all skins, unfortunately

It is smooth and has good colour. it looks lovely with or without make-up.

In a way this can be a disadvantage, because there is a tendency to forget this skin needs to be nourished and protected in order to preserve its bloom.

Combination skin

This is a mixture of the skin types and is the most common among British girls and women. It consists of:

                           Oily and Dry

                                   or

                           Oily and Normal,

                                    or

                           Normal and Dry

The oily part is usually the centre panel- Chin, nose and sometimes the centre of the forehead.

This kind of skin must be treated as two different skin types, which is rather annoying. Never mind; it is well worth the effort.

Acne

This is a skin condition that can cause a lot of distress, to teenagers in particular.

It consists of spots, blackheads and whiteheads.

It is usually made worse than it need be through eating the wrong types of food.

In the meantime, remember that you must never pick your spots. Only touch your face with clean hands.

THE REMOVAL OF SMALL TATTOOS AND PERMANENT MAKEUP

laser is not the only way, and is often not the best option for removing small tattoos and permanent make-up.  With laser, many sessions are required, it can work out very expensive and can leave scarring, and it does not remove every colour.  The removal gel which has been manufactured by Mei-Cha for many years is by far the safest and cheapest method. It will remove every colour, as well as gravel tattoos. 2 days training is required to learn the correct method of using the gel to get maximum results. Also on this course Dawn Cragg MBE  will show you how to make a saline paste which can be used to fade pigment. For further details contact Dawn on 01777860500  check us out on dawn@dawncragg.net. you can also see Dawns reviews on Linkedin.

PATCH TESTS FOR PERMANENT MAKE-UP

A company is advertising that it is not necessary to do a patch test if using their brand of pigments. I sincerely hope that there is not one responsible technician out there who would take notice of this. There will always be someone, somewhere out there who WILL be. People have different allergies at different times, and are not necessarily allergic to a product the first time they are exposed to it.either.
Remember that a disclaimer will not sand up in a court of law.  You can't get a person to sign their rights away.

PERMANENT CHEEK BLUSH

It is becoming increasing popular to do cheek blush on clients who request it,  My advice is, don't do it. I have insurance for this but will only do it for medical reasons, not cosmetic. In the years to come if the client suffers from split  capillaries on her cheeks, she may sue you for causing the problem. There would be no way that it can be proved that it wasn't your fault, and the client is sure to win the case.

Someone told me that I have glowing testimonials in LinkedIn but I haven't seen them! Is there a clever person out there who can tell me how to access these messages? In simple language please, I'm not very good at these things!

Busy Telephone Lines

To those of you who have been patiently trying to call us, please keep on trying.   We have had so much response to our amazing offer of 2cc top 20 Microcolors, and of course it takes time for us to take down your card and other details. Our 'phonelines will be open until 11 pm tonight -------  01777860500 or 07875498145  Hopefully you will have made contact with us by then and hopefully too we will not have run out of our special promotion.  Check earlier blogs if you don't know what we are talking about!  Dawn Cragg MBE, and Robert.

ARRIVED TODAY FOREVER LIP PIGMENTS BY MEI-CHA

FOREVER LIPS PIGMENTS BY MEI-CHA

Series 1 TITANIUM FREE

Pure organic titanium free formula.  Safe for laser removal.

Ideal shades used alone to create true bright colours.

Intense, long lasting colours.

COLOURS:-

Tabasco.   Red Hot.   Fine Wine
.................................................................................................................................................

Series 2  MAXIMISER

9 beautiful shades, subtle to vibrant.

Endless mixing options.

Can be used to Maximise colour saturation of previous colour.

Can be used to Maximise brightness of new colour.

COLOURS:-

Sugared Rose.  Luscious Raspberry.  Berry Persistent.  Pink Coral Pop.  Watermelon Lip Candy.  Cranberry Craving.  Electric Pink.  Toasted Coral.  Sugar Cinnamon.
...................................................................................................................................................

Series 3  CORRECTOR/MODIFIER

Essential to every technicians repertoire.

Correct previously healed procedures.

Modify blues and purples in natural lips.

COLOURS:-

 Orange Crush.  Purple Gone.


Size 6 ml  Cost £26.00 + VAT

FOR A LIMITED PERIOD ONLY TECHS WILL RECEIVE BAG OF MEI-CHA TOP 20 x 2cc MICROCOLORS.

Please telephone the office with your order  01777860500   Thank you  Dawn and Robert
  

Pigment Sensation of the Century

Check this weeks posts for our offers on Mei Cha top 20 Microcolors in 2 cc sizes

Contact Dawn Cragg at MTEC Ltd  01777860500

The Magic of Permanent Make Up by Dawn Cragg MBE (re-posted by popular request)

These heart warming photos show a couple who have been in a long term relationship but who only got married April 2012.



Before the procedure-
eyebrows drawn on by the client

The reason? Gemma didn't have any eyebrows due to suffering from a type of alopecia and at one time lost all of her hair and eyebrows. Her hair grew back but her eyebrows did not. For years, Gemma had been getting up at 5:00am to paint them on, and living in daily fear that her brows would melt or rub off. 

Before procedure-
Make up off



This fear had ruled her life for many years. Her spectacle frames were chosen to appear as eyebrows should the pencil disappear. Gemma would not agree to marry Graham (although over the years they have produced four beautiful children) in case her eyebrows disappeared on her wedding day.

Then a year ago her mother, the owner of Trudy’s Kitchen in Retford persuaded her to see Dawn Cragg MBE, a professional in both artistic and permanent make up. Gradually, over the last 12 months a transformation took place.


Immediately after the procedure

Dawn tattooed eyebrows for Gemma. After a few months when she realised that they were there to stay, Gemma exchanged her spectacles for contact lenses.



On her first informal meeting with Gemma, Dawn made a promise that when Gemma felt confident enough to walk down the aisle, her wedding present would be that Dawn would be her make up artist on her special day.

These picture show what a difference the make over has made to Gemma and, of course, her eyebrows will be there indefinitely.

It is wonderful that although applying make up everyday for most is just "The thing to do.", when for others it can change their lives forever,

Dawn would like to thank Gemma and her family for their cooperation with this feature which will raise awareness to others with Alopecia, that there is help available.

Face shape's Part 1

I hope that will help all new technicians who are unsure about which eyebrow and lip line shape goes with the face shape of your client. It is split into three parts please be sure to read through all three posts, 

Thank you very much,

Dawn Cragg MBE.

Face shape's part 2

Face shape's part 3

Big Offer, Big Savings!!!!!

DO NOT MISS THIS WONDERFUL LIMITED TIME OFFER, AMAZING SAVINGS TO BE HAD

i-star digital and Sterling hand piece.  

Until 31st December 2014 everyone who purchases a Mei-Cha I-star digital machine and Sterling hand piece (machine cost £1250 + VAT and comes with warranty) from Dawn Cragg MBE will be given 1 day of free training with Dawn Cragg MBE.
This will cover assembly, care and correct use of your new machine followed by a refresher course in permanent make-up in a subject of your choice, eg. Brows, eyeliner or lips and medical tattooing if you are already trained.
CDP credits will be awarded. Students will be given a bag of 2 ml pigments of the top 20 micro colors Free of charge.
Training with Dawn is normally £750 + VAT per day,

 So make sure to purchase your I-star digital machine and Sterling hand piece before December 31st 2014 and get your days training for FREE!!!!!!!!

Scan Me

Pigment samples

Mei-Cha top 20 microcolors  Sample packs  Ring us to place your order NOW.  Dawn Cragg MBE  M.T.E.C Ltd  01777860500

Treatments that will cost you 50 pence for the pigment!

Check out our permanent make-up offer of the year  Will only cost you 50 pence to do a set of eyebrows, lips or eyeliner with quality Mei-cha pigments. Make money this Christmas, have clients queuing to take advantage of special offers in permanent make-up . Order today on 01777860500

Sensational offers on pigments

Be sure to take advantage of our amazing offer of sets of Mei-Cha single use microcolors  TODAY. This offer won't be repeated . Look on yesterday's blog for information then ring Dawn Cragg to place your order  01777860500  it will be dispatched today

Permanently Profitable?

Yes, this could be YOU!
Bespoke one-to-one training in Permanent Make-Up with Dawn Cragg MBE. 40 + procedures on REAL PEOPLE during your 8 day foundation course.  All models provided. Course can be broken up into smaller units eg 4 x 2 days, 4 days x 2, etc. Weekdays or weekends. Don't go for cheap, go for class and proven expertise.
Bed and breakfast accommodation at £45 per night just across the road.
Visit www.dawncragg.net for more information.
Contact details:-
email:- dawn@dawncragg.net, office tel. 01777860500, personal line:- 07875498145.

To our Trainers and Technicians- a big thank you.

Thank you, on behalf of Mei-Cha, for your orders for the individual sachets of Microcolors.  Some of you have ordered 50 sets of the 20 top colors.  You certainly know a bargain when you see it. It won't last for much longer, so please get your orders in soon.

Permanent Make up offer of the year!!!!!! (Huge Savings)

Want to try a new pigment range?

Dawn Cragg MBE is offering 2 ml sachets of the top 20 Mei-Cha Micro Colors for only £10+VAT for 10 full set of 20 single use pigments each ( each 2 ml sachet is usually enough for two treatments)
Expiry date- December 2014
   Orders must be in multiples of 10 sets 
i.e 1x10 sets of 20 2ml sachets=£10+VAT
     2x10 sets of 20 2ml sachets=£20+VAT
     3x10 sets of 20 2 ml sachets=£30+VAT etc.

Mei-Cha® Micro-Colors pigments complies with all aspects of quality and safety standards and are considered one of the highest quality pigments available. With a large color selection allowing versatility with all skin types and procedures and custom mixing and blending. It’s highly concentrated formula and glycerine base will stop the pigment from drying out unlike some of those that are water based.

• Full sets of the top 20 colours only 
• Sold on a first come first served basis 
• Colour guidelines sent with each set
• Conform to EU standards.
• U.K Only 
• Ideal for student kits
• To order phone 01777860500, give your card details and your order will be processed A.S.A.P

Whatever procedures you do, make sure that they are mentioned on your insurance certificate.

THE DANGERS OF SCALP TATTOOING

Please do not attempt tattooing the scalp unless you have done a course with a recognised trainer in the UK, who is experienced and qualified enough to both do the treatment as well as teach it.
Remember, there are very few applicants are suitable for this type of tattooing. I am acting as Expert Witness for several cases at the moment, and all the technicians were trained in the USA.
 I wonder how much back up these technicians will get if they tell their"trainers" that there will be a law suit against them (the technician)  for scalp tattooing? Think about it!  Also, are you covered by your existing insurance?
There are good and bad trainers in all countries, but the law states that is the responsibility of the treatment is in the hands of the technician and that the trainer cannot be held responsible.

Never work on a client who is using anti-histamines

Remember- especially at this time of the year, to ask your clients if they take anti-histamine for allergies.
If they do, don't do their permanent make-up until at least 2 weeks after they have stopped taking it.
Why? The body will reject what it considers to be an intrusion, or foreign body, such as the pigments that we use.

Technicians must be aware!!

BEWARE!! In today's litigious society NEVER correct another technicians work no matter how much you are offered.
I have taken the advice of a Barrister due to an impending court case where i will be an expert witness, I was informed that
'The last technician to touch the client is liable for all past mistakes and failures of other technicians.'
THIS MAY NOT SEEM FAIR BUT IT IS THE LAW!!
I understand that clients won't want to return to a technician who they feel has failed them.
They were probably looking for the cheapest technician not the most experienced!!
REMEMBER IT WAS THEIR CHOICE AND IS THEREFORE THEIR PROBLEM.

Scan Me

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PERMANENT MAKE UP TECHNICIANS

With the pollen count being so high this summer, remember that clients who are taking anti-histamines WILL NOT RETAIN ANY COLOUR.
You MUST explain this to the client otherwise they will continue to return thinking that you have not completed the procedure correctly.
Wait until the client has stopped taking anti-histamines for at least 2 weeks, after this time the skin should retain the colour again.

Scan Me!!

Insurance for Permanent Make-Up

I knew it would happen. Some insurance companies are not renewing policies for permanent make-up even for technicians who have been trained and practicing, successfully and without claims, for a number of years. This is apparently happening in several countries  at the moment.  Please make sure you read the small print when your renewal is due to make sure that you still have cover. You could also email or call your insurers just to check.

A pefectly pleasant place to rest after a hard day's training with Dawn Cragg MBE

Become permanently profitable in permanent make up

Train with Dawn Cragg MBE
But could you stand the pace?

40+ permanent make up models on the foundation course
Hours- 9am until we finish! (7pm maybe, then carry on with things over dinner)
One-to-one training with Dawn Cragg MBE
Removals and corrections are included on the foundation course.
Accommodation with our cook Coral who runs a bed and breakfast a few steps away.
A pick-up service is available from Retford station and local airport (Robin hood airport Doncaster, Leeds/Bradford, Birmingham and East Midlands

Permanent make up training UK

If you are considering training in permanent make up check with BABTAC because if the training company is not recognised then you might be about to waste your money...
You may not get a qualified or recognised tutor, or insurance.
Working in this industry without a recognised diploma and insurance is the quickest way to lose everything you have worked for!!!!!

Scalp tattooing session before and after

Before

After

A student of Dawn Cragg MBE during a scalp tattooing course. This may LOOK easy, but there are many contraindications to scalp tattooing.
It is imperative that anyone considering this type of work should receive training from an expert, MOST people who request this procedure are NOT suitable candidates.

THE PROS AND CONS OF USING A SINGLE IF YOU ARE AN INEXPERIENCED TECHNICIAN

Looks good at first BUT  the pigment is likely to migrate causing a smudged effect.
No skin resistance felt as the needle is too sharp, so it can penetrate too deeply.
Deeper penetration will cause bleeding, pigment migration and scarring.
Scarring may encourage clients to sue you.
Getting the client to sign a disclaimer will not exclude you from your professional responsibilities and will not be accepted in a court.
I consider that the use of a single needle should be taught only on an advanced course with a reputable trainer.
Val Glover Hoven, my dear friend . You are a true expert with the single needle.  If you read this blog, would you like to comment please?

Cheaper is never the better option

Two students were going to enroll on private one-to-one 8-day bespoke courses with me have cancelled, saying they have found somewhere shorter and cheaper! I asked them who it was, they both gave me different names and I haven't heard of either of them! I AM SPEECHLESS!  (Those of you who have trained with me know that I don't do speechless very often).
The fact that I am an Expert Witness and these future 'technicians' may have to face me in the courtroom will be frightening enough for them, but what about the lovely clients who spend their hard-earned money with us in order to keep themselves looking good, and it all goes wrong?
I would be so pleased if some of you would write comments on this post, especially any of my students, past and present, and my wonderful colleagues who are also renowned  teachers in the UK.

Using Camouflage Make-up creatively!!

The recent on-set of Vitiligo has prevented this lady from leading any kind of social life because of her condition.

Before: Camouflage Make-up

After: Camouflage Make-up 

In many cultures persons suffering with a skin pigment deficiency are banned by relatives from leaving the house because of their condition. This can often mean that the person feel dissociative, depressed  and unfairly made to feel unclean. In some cultures these people who are suffering would be branded as not acceptable for marriage because of this skin pigment deficiency.

This Client was not suitable for permanent make-up and so was given a make-up lesson using a specialist camouflage product and being taught how to set it to last for 24 hours at a time. Derma-colour camouflage make-up was used to achieve this effect including Derma-colour gold.
The difference is instantly noticeable not only in the colour of the skin but in the general demeanour of the client.
                                                                                                                           

Before: Camouflage Make-up

After: Camouflage Make-up