Velvet Tattoo

Velvet Tattoo is a private, female-owned studio in Charlotte's Elizabeth neighborhood that does both cosmetic and traditional tattooing. Founder Megan James, a Charlotte native who calls herself a multi certified cosmetic tattoo artist, opened it in 2020, and the studio says its artists have multiple years of industry experience. For brows, they offer microblading (hair strokes only), powder brows made with machine shading, and combination brows that blend the two. They also offer Velvet Lips, a semi-permanent lip stain. Custom colors for it are mixed during a consultation that is part of the first visit. Semi-permanent freckles and beauty marks are offered too. They also do correction work on brows or lips that were tattooed before, and clients must upload photos when booking to be approved.

Each cosmetic service includes the first appointment, a follow-up 8 to 10 weeks later and aftercare product. Clients are asked to read the prep guidelines before booking. The studio lists conditions that rule out treatment, such as pregnancy, diabetes, autoimmune disease or being under 18. Bookings go through the website. A one-on-one shadow training program for artists who are already certified is listed as coming soon.