First and foremost, SofTap® is a brand. The company, located in Livermore, CA, is dedicated to supplying needles, pigments and miscellaneous accessories to permanent cosmetic technicians that use a manual hand tool method. Since their beginnings in 1988, their needle configurations have become synonymous with the hand tool. SofTap® is hand tool, but not all hand tool technicians use SofTap® needles. But it is safe to say that the SofTap® needs are the most widely used hand tool needles. All needles are delivered in sealed, sterilized casings and you can be assured of your personal safety when the technician is combining these safe tools with the proper universal precautions safety standards.
Many hand tool technicians use other pigment lines than the SofTap® brand. Be sure to understand the difference between the hand tool technician that uses the SofTap® needles and one that uses, trains and supports the entire brand. Be sure your consultation includes answers to method, pigments and actual client results.
Why the hand tool method? The modality used by a technician is very subjective. The modalities for tattooing are numerous and vary quite widely. Each technician, as in any profession, has their own preference. There are advantages and disadvantages that can be lined up for every machine and tool on the market. But most importantly, the best tool is the one your technician is most experienced with.
Permanent cosmetics is an art. Skin is a living canvas. The nuances to this art are extreme.
The consumer should focus on the technicians training and continuing education, their safety standards, and their demonstrated client results.
Melisa Ferriola, CPCP, LE
Shanan Zickefoose, BSN, RN, CMM, CPCP