With these semi-permanent make-up techniques the trauma of hair loss can now be eased.

Cancer treatment can cause dramatic hair loss, which can be particularly upsetting for female sufferers. While a well made wig can disguise a bald head, the loss of the surrounding hair, like brows and lashes, can add to a woman's feeling of indignity and disfigurement.

Cosmetic tattooing can restore eye lashes, eye brows and areola and can help to reduce stretch marks and scarring including cleft palate.

Sylvie Walls, of Elle Holistic Beauty Clinic has been using this technique for over four years and gained her qualifications after completing an intensive course with international trainer Dawn Cragg. Sylvie is a member of the Society of Permanent Makeup Professionals, which requires annual refresher training in the USA.

Elle is the first beauty clinic in Cornwall to be able to offer this remarkable addition to our clients beauty regimes.

Hygiene is obviously an important factor and everything, apart from the pen, is disposable and used only once. All equipment is in sealed packets and opened in the presence of the client so they can be assured that all is sterile.

Our treatment room was built especially for the procedure, with plenty of natural light to work under and equipment which can be hygienically wiped down.

This process, which lasts for between two and six years, has previously been reserved for cosmetic purposes but is now being used to disguise scar tissue, discolourations, blemishes and stretch marks. It is also suitable for use after breast surgery to create or define nipples.

For non-medical purposes, semi-permanent make up can be used to give a professional look, saving time and relieving the necessity to apply, re-apply or remove.