While semi-permanent tattooing is nothing new, we’re increasingly seeing the category expand with new offerings like ‘lip blushing‘ come to the fore. Now, across the ditch, Nipple-areola tattooing is going more mainstream. Amy Jean, Australia’s brow industry pioneer and heavyweight, chats to us about her decision to incorporate the service into her high-end treatment menu.

Hannah Gay: Amy, for how long have you offered cosmetic tattooing treatments at your business?

Amy Jean: “We’ve been early adopters of technological cosmetic innovation, and have been offering in-salon tattooing treatments for 15 years.”

HG: We’ve seen a boom in demand for cosmetic tattooing and PMU services in-salon in the last few years. Why do you believe this is the case?

AJ: “Our clients have never been busier, or more time poor, meaning anything that shaves time off their daily makeup routines will continue to rise in demand. And the technology improves year upon year; procedures are far less invasive or permanent, allowing for more natural, subtle results. I see this as an area that will only continue to grow as more people become educated in the space and experience the benefits for themselves.”

HG: You recently added areola and nipple tattooing to your treatment menu. Which of your salons are offering this treatment?

AJ: “At present, our Sydney CBD and Double Bay studios.”

HG: Did your existing team members undertake this training, or did you opt to outsource specialists in this field? 

AJ: “We’re lucky to have an incredibly skilled team of 3D cosmetic tattoo artists on the Amy Jean team, and we are always refining our craft. It felt like a natural evolution of our treatment curation to expand into areas of restorative and post operative care, such as areola and nipple tattooing.”

HG: Why was it important to you that Amy Jean offered this service to its clients? 

AJ: “Sadly, it is all-too common to know of someone undergoing cancer treatment or post-operative care, or to have experienced it personally. While traditional cosmetic tattooing is often associated with aesthetics (even vanity), it can also be an incredibly effective tool to nurture and build up the self-esteem of clients undergoing changes to their body. We also finally seem to have reached a place culturally where people are able to embrace, and be accepted for, whatever sexuality they identify with, and these kinds of treatments allow them to feel more at home in their bodies as well. It felt like a no-brainer for us to offer these incredible services.”

HG: What strategies have you put in place to ensure the comfort of your incoming clients receiving this treatment, given the subject of cancer in particular can be a sensitive one?

AJ: “We have dedicated, private spaces where the consultations and treatments take place. We also ensure the client feels they have the space and comfortability to ask as many questions as they need, and ascertain if this treatment is right for them, by allowing for additional time during the initial consultation. It is as much about providing psychological safety as it is about a premium, effective treatment experience.”

HG: You have opted to partner with Look Good, Feel Better. Why did you feel this relationship was important to you and/or to your clients?

AJ: “Our partnership with Look Good, Feel Better (LGFB) is so special to us. Our brands’ ethos’ are so aligned, each providing services and products to uplift our clients so they can feel confident and beautiful. LGFB offers beauty workshops for those facing cancer, and our aim in partnering with them is to extend an opportunity for clients to regain confidence following their cancer treatment – a perfect match.”