The Finishing Touches Team

I am the founder, co-owner and Managing Director of Finishing Touches which I formed in 1996. The company was initially set up as a clinic offering procedures for cosmetic and medical tattooing to clients in my hair restoration company.   Using pioneering  procedures the company's professionalism grew and Finishing Touches moved into training and supplying products to other UK technicians. With the help of my co-director the company has gone on to design and manufacture its own machines and pigments, which are sold worldwide.

I was involved in writing the initial draft industry standards with HABIA, which is the benchmark set today by governmental authorities for the beauty sector and we were invited to join the team again when they came round for review last year.  When you choose to start your new venture with our company, we promise that you will be given the attention, support and encouragement you need. 

Our company is the first point of call for top names and we work alongside Urban Retreat at Harrods, BMi hospitals, Transform Medical and many Harley Street clinics.  Our reputation is synonymous with a professionalism and committment to great service that many other companys promise but very few deliver.  We have set the standards in medical tattooing to help create realistic results for patients, as I am aware that it is not only physical scars but also emotional scars that medical tattooing can treat post surgery or trauma. I take great pride in our team's abilities to help people look and feel better about themselves.

I have been delighted to be the first point of contact  for  medical tattooing for leading conferences such as BAAPS, BAPS, ORBS and BASO, all of whom have invited me as their keynote speaker.  I enjoy the workshops we hold at The Royal College of Surgeons as well as our lectures at overseas conferences in both Europe and America. I am a relentless networker, it's hard drinking all that wine and attending all those 3 course dinners!  It's great when it pays off and I am able to make a connection for one of our trainees or promote our great industry with an even wider audience.

Both myself and my co-director Samantha Jones firmly believe there is a link between facial aesthetics, medical tattooing and dentistry and are working to create awareness in the industry and striving to stay “always one step ahead”.

I have been Co Owner and Director of Finishing Touches since 2005.  Prior to that I worked within adult education and the NHS.  I had never really imagined working in the medical and beauty sectors but ever one to rise to a challenge I could see the huge potential and was overwhelmed by the difference such straight forward procedures can make to people's lives.   

Researching and developing new ideas is a real passion of mine.  It's been so rewarding watching our vision for Medical Tattooing develop and come alive and I am proud to work alongside such esteemed and brave people.

I love my job, I work with an amazing team, meet many interesting people and in a small way, I hope that the work our company does helps improve lives -  of our trainees, customers and of course clients and patients.

It's great to meet our customers,  I am usually the one with the microphone bossing everybody about at seminars and conferences.  If you are undecided if this industry is for you - I can only say you will not regret it and we will support you throughout your career.

I am  a fully qualified, and experienced, Trainer and Technician in the whole range of micropigmentation procedures encompassing both cosmetic and medical for men and women, as well as embracing new techniques and technologies (gaining all the relevant certificates in the industry).  

Everyone is an individual, and their chosen procedure is important to them for special reasons of their own.  Therefore, it’s equally  important to me to discuss in detail with them the treatment involved and ‘the look’ we’re trying to achieve to get  the right results, every time. The job can be intense, and at times extremely challenging, but always rewarding when you know you’ve made your client happy.  I have a regular customer base covering the West Midlands and have for many years, despite some equally exclusive clients, kept a calm and level head (and a steady hand!) when it comes to semi permanent make up. 

I have always had a passion for art and, thankfully, got my Art ‘A’ level qualification – very useful when it comes to casting an artistic eye over my work, particularly when it comes to creating a good brow shape.  I’m forever scanning celeb magazines for pictures of good (and bad) make up, and now that  men are starting to get involved in the make-up world, it makes cutting out the pictures even more fun.  I love to pass on my tips and tricks to up and coming technicians and meeting other technicians.

Every year I organise an event to raise funds for cancer research.  Health & Beauty fairs, pink cocktail parties, Abba Dance Night, to name but a few.  Visit my  website www.lasting-beauty.net for details on the next event.

Before joining Finishing Touches I worked for a large hair and wig restoration company.  I have trained with various companies through out England and the States. My company Medicos works in clinics in Ireland and England.  I work with Transform Cosmetic Surgery Group and the Consulting Suite in Harley Street.   I am trained in hairdressing and beauty and I also offer eyelash extensions.

I look at Semi Permanent Make Up as art work and I endeavour to deliver a work of art for every person that I treat. I enjoy the cosmetic side of my business as it gives people confidence so they can feel good on the inside by looking better on the outside.

Medical Tattooing is my main reason for joining this industry. I have such a passion for the reconstructive aspect. I like being able to help in a small way (I am sure I was a surgeon in a former life), once I get on my gloves, whites and mask I am in a world of my own.  I have trained many nurses and doctors both in the NHS and private hospitals.

My speciality is marketing and I recently designed a new line of brochures, posters and a salon book targeted at showing clients treatments which are available - these are available to buy on this website. I was recently filmed for Channel 4s Embarrassing Bodies series, soon to air and also have appeared in Gok Wans magazine and website.

Training is extremely satisfying and it is brilliant seeing my students become successful and confident in their abilities and I love to hear how their businesses thrive. 

My web site is www.medicoslondon.co.uk

I first came into contact with the world of Semi Permanent Makeup (SPMU) in 2003 after meeting a passionate and experienced technician who gave me the features I never had.
From this day forward I developed a passion for SPMU and have since tirelessly pursued this as my dream career.

Originally trained in Harley Street London, I then went on to graduate from the top three training academies in the UK and mastered the highly specialised hair simulation technique for brows.

My true passion and area of expertise lies within the specialist area of Micro-Pigmentation Facial Enhancements.

Most recently I have just returned from completing a superior master class programme in advanced didactic cosmetic training were I developed advanced skills in sloped needle technique, colourwash designer eyeliner and ultra colourwash lip volumising techniques – I am the first fully certified technician to offer this service in the UK.

Being a trainer for Finishing Touches has enabled me to share my passion with others. I am part of an elite team of highly experienced micropigmentation specialists raising the standards in the permanent cosmetics industry by providing the highest standards of training to thousands of technicians throughout the UK.

I truly believe that life long learning and continuous professional and personal development is the key to a successful career. I am constantly looking to perfect my craft and have always strived for excellence in permanent cosmetics. However, I realise that the true worth of my work can only be demonstrated by the reaction I get from my clients.
This is what keeps me dedicated, motivated and excited about the work I do. Knowing that I’m having a positive effect on people’s lives ensures that I maintain my passion and love of the industry.

I can honestly say ‘I love what I do for a living”

www.hazelfurlong.com

Prior to starting training I was working as a Teaching Assistant and whilst I enjoyed it, I was looking for a totally new direction and a career.  I found Finishing Touches whilst visiting Professional Beauty and they seemed to understand what I wanted and they  offered training which enabled me to start a new career and build a healthy business. 

I don't have a beauty salon so I do alot of presentations and open evenings in salons to network and really push my business forward.  It is paying off in dividends - although I mainly work in Essex, I also run a clinic in Harley Street and numerous spas and country clubs.  I took my business up a level by completing the Medical Tattooing Masterclass and now work as a demonstrator for Finishing Touches and travel all over the UK  to demonstrate to surgeons, nurses and speak at charity events.  I lost my mum to breast cancer and have always supported breast cancer charities so the medical tattooing side really appeals to me.

I recently attended a seminar in Berlin for European trainers and technicians and hope to graduate as a trainer by the end of 2010.

I have recently been accepted as a volunteer for 'Look Good...Feel Better' - a charity which supports women with cancer and I am  currently organising a sponsered walk for Breast Cancer Campaign, starting in Hornchurch, Essex and finishing at the Tower of London.

To succeed in this industry you need to have a cool head, enjoy people and have the determination to push your business forward - believe me it is all worth it when you see results and the joy it brings to people.

www.ruthkane.co.uk

My main role within Finishing Touches is as Training Manager and Head Office technician.  I co-ordinate and administer all  training courses and provide support and mentoring for technicians pre and post course.

I joined Finishing Touches in 2002 and over time was inspired by the skills of the training team and technicians and I have subsequently trained and now offer the procedures myself  in both cosmetic and medical tattooing.  The experience I have gained as a technician strengthens my role as Training Manager. Over the last 3 years I have attended SPCP conferences, training days and workshops throughout Europe, networking with other leading trainers from across the world, exchanging ideas and thoughts on how the industry can benefit from sharing knowledge. This has enabled me to maintain a high standard training programme whilst supporting our team of trainers and head office staff to mentor our technicians and customers alike.

I have a wealth of knowledge which enables me to offer advice and trouble shoot for Finishing Touches technicians who benefit from my experience of networking with,  not only the top trainers in the country, but also many of the top technicians. I run a clinic from Haywards Heath once a week, which allows me to practise what I preach and ensures that I am familiar with all of the new products and techniques to give experienced phone and email advice.

I have not yet been posed a question that either I can’t answer or can’t find out the answer to! (oh no, I will regret that statement!)

I have been in the industry for the last 9 years. Starting as a regular tattooist I moved into the field of cosmetic and medical tattooing bringing a fresh new approach to the application of semi-permanent cosmetics.Working alongside top consultants and surgeons I have pushed the boundaries to get results previously unattainable. My specialist areas are hair stroke brows and MCA – scar and wrinkle reduction.

www.naturaleffects.co.uk

I have worked in the Health Industry for the past 25 years and was a Personal Trainer and  Life Coach for many years.  I have a  passion for making people feel good about themselves and this led me to  Finishing Touches and micropigmentation. I now use my teaching and coaching skills to educate in micropigmentation, working with  top Surgeons and Breast Care Nurses in Medical Tattooing all over the country. My thirst for knowledge took me to Texas, where I became a graduate of The American School of Micropigmentation and to Rosemary Beauchemeys' School of Excellence in Philladelphia where I graduated .  I work in several clinics and leading cosmetic surgery companies including Transform and Surgicare  around the UK and Aberdeen. With all my experience, I have built up a reputation as one of the leading Cosmetic and Medical Tattooists in the country.

I think my specialities are male procedures - full head camouflage, stubble, side burns, moustaches and for ladies I have mastered the latino eyeliner procedure.   I have offered training for Diploma Courses for many years and this year I have decided to take a sabbatical to concentrate on my own education and development.  I am continuing to  train on the Medical Tattooing Masterclass and I love to visit hospitals and clinics.

I have been filmed for the Discovery Channel and have taken part in programmes such as Purely Cosmetic and Sex Change. 

Last year I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro for a breast cancer charity and I now feel that no challenge is too great. 

The Micropigmentation Industry has allowed me to change other peoples lives, as well as my own. No two days are ever the same, and being involved in this industry has truly fulfilled my wishes for a wonderful career. It is incredibly rewarding, and I have the ability to make alot of people very happy, which is a success on its own!!!

www.spmubygail.co.uk

I run a successful Hair & Beauty salon in North Yorkshire, where I also run my micropigmentation clinic and training school. I have clients that may not be famous, but travel from all over England & Europe (Spain, Netherlands and Germany) for my services.   My background is in education and training and I have a passion for learning and teaching.  

City & Guilds ladies/gents hairdressing - Distinction  1980
Northern Counties  make-up/beauty/manicure              1980
City & Guilds Boardwork (wigmaking)                             1980
Further & Adult Education Teacher's Certificate             1990
plus various Diplomas in advanced cutting/colour/perming./make-up

I became interested in micropigmentation in 2000 and chose Finishing Touches for my Diploma Training in 2002.
I studied Pigment Removals in 2003, followed by Body Art Training in 2003.(Finishing Touches);
Master Class Diploma of Excellence in Advanced Colour Theory 2004 (Debra  Robson-Lawrence)
various educational seminars in 2005/2006/ 2007/2008/2009  (Finishing Touches and Nouveau Contour)
Skin Rejuvenation Training  2006 (Finishing Touches)
Medical  Tattooing Training in 2006 refreshed in 2007

Colour Theory Masterclass Berlin 2008
Bluesteel Training-Permanent Body Art  2009

As you can see I like to keep my skills and knowledge really up to date and try to attend at least 2 seminars/workshops per year.  I became a Trainer for Finishing Touches in 2007 and I love every minute of it.  It is so rewarding watching a trainee develop into a fully assessed technician and I love being a mentor and giving support.

My other interests are
Environ skincare training 2002,anti-ageing nutrition course 2006,menopause seminar 2005.
Jane Iredale Mineral Cosmetics training 2002
Bare Escentuals Mineral Cosmetic Training  2004 & Advanced Training 2007.
(Also completed a NABAS hot air balloon workshop in 1997)

I like to help clients make the best of themselves, and put back the confidence that may have been taken away from them by accident or nature or just make them look younger with a great set of eyebrows or enhance the lips or accentuate the eyes with eyeliner.

I find  medical tattooing is very rewarding emotionally and I love to make visits for Finishing Touches to hospitals and clinics to assist them in improving their services.

I like to travel and will drive almost anywhere. I don't have a webpage, but do show my work (with client consent) on my facebook page.

Permanent make-up artist & trainer to Harrods.

I have worked in the industry as a micropigmentation specialist and trainer since before 1997. I have trained worldwide, including South Africa, England, Thailand and Berlin, to expand my skills as a permanent make-up artist.
Originally I ran a successful permanent make-up practice in South Africa, but decided to relocate to the UK in 2005.
Here I quickly established myself as a leading light in the Micropigmentation industry. I hope my fresh innovative ideas, precise techniques and encyclopedic knowledge of colour put me at the very top of my profession.

Since working with Finishing Touches, my reputation as a technician and trainer is unsurpassed. I regularly hosts workshops, seminars and training programmes internationally for audiences which include Surgeons, Doctors, Prosthetists, Nurses and Beauticians. In 2007 I was awarded the very prestigious contract of Micropigmentation trainer to Harrods.
In 2009 I was invited to teach for a leading Micropigmentation company in Japan. Because of my thorough understanding of colour and pigments, I am regularly consulted on by one of the main European manufactures of cosmetic pigments and machines in Berlin.

My compassion and understanding of my clients needs is evident through my treatments and results. I endeavor to give each and every client the most exceptional treatment possible!
I have several successful micropigmentation clinics around the country including Harley Street.

www.permanentmake-upsolutions.com