January 5, 2026
There are no wigs for eyebrows - so for people recovering from chemotherapy or living with alopecia, tattooed brows are the next best thing.
There are no wigs for eyebrows - so for people recovering from chemotherapy or living with alopecia, tattooed brows are the next best thing.
But the procedure can be costly – That’s why cosmetic tattoo artist Katie Ridgen is so excited about her Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand Accreditation.
Her Stavely business, Alpine Aesthetics, is one of two accredited providers in the South Island.
That means those suffering from hair loss could have their procedures paid for by Health New Zealand.
“Previously with Health New Zealand, cosmetic tattooing and paramedical tattooing haven’t been openly recognised as hair replacement options,” she said.
“Having had a few chemo patients, it was always gut-wrenching having to ask them to pay when they were going through such a horrible time.”
The subsidy is available to those suffering from both temporary and permanent hair loss, and applies to eyebrow or eyelash line tattoos which emulate natural facial hair.
Clients can be reimbursed after a procedure, or can get Health New Zealand to pay ahead of the session.
“It’s an amazing way to be able to reach a demographic of people who may not have been able to previously afford it, but are suffering.”
“I’ve lost clients through cancer, so it's always an emotional journey when I get a chemo patient in.
“Being able to do this and say, ‘hey, you don't actually need to pay for this,’ that is such an amazing feeling.”
Ridgen said she’s already had some alopecia clients book in for the new year after hearing the news.
But business has never been slow for her, even all the way out in Staveley.
“I get people that travel to me from Nelson, Sydney, clients that come over for the ski season.”
While the subsidy covers eyebrows and eyelashes, Ridgen also tattoos lips and does skin scar removal.
“I'm currently studying areola tattoos as well, for patients that have been through mastectomies and things like that.”
With over 15 years of experience in the skin industry, she said the technology has improved by leaps and bounds.
“Cosmetic tattooing is basically like micropigmentation; It's like a tattoo, but we don't go as deep.
“We use hospital grade numbing, and it's really comfortable,” she assured readers; “99% of my clients actually fall asleep because it's such a relaxed environment.”
The tattoos are not permanent and generally last around 12 to 18 months.
For those interested in hair restoration, Ridgen says “just get in contact.
“There is zero judgement from me; I like to see myself as a partner in their journey.”
By Anisha Satya
There are no wigs for eyebrows - so for people recovering from chemotherapy or living with alopecia, tattooed brows are the next best thing.
But the procedure can be costly – That’s why cosmetic tattoo artist Katie Ridgen is so excited about her Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand Accreditation.
Her Stavely business, Alpine Aesthetics, is one of two accredited providers in the South Island.
That means those suffering from hair loss could have their procedures paid for by Health New Zealand.
“Previously with Health New Zealand, cosmetic tattooing and paramedical tattooing haven’t been openly recognised as hair replacement options,” she said.
“Having had a few chemo patients, it was always gut-wrenching having to ask them to pay when they were going through such a horrible time.”
The subsidy is available to those suffering from both temporary and permanent hair loss, and applies to eyebrow or eyelash line tattoos which emulate natural facial hair.
Clients can be reimbursed after a procedure, or can get Health New Zealand to pay ahead of the session.
“It’s an amazing way to be able to reach a demographic of people who may not have been able to previously afford it, but are suffering.”
“I’ve lost clients through cancer, so it's always an emotional journey when I get a chemo patient in.
“Being able to do this and say, ‘hey, you don't actually need to pay for this,’ that is such an amazing feeling.”
Ridgen said she’s already had some alopecia clients book in for the new year after hearing the news.
But business has never been slow for her, even all the way out in Staveley.
“I get people that travel to me from Nelson, Sydney, clients that come over for the ski season.”
While the subsidy covers eyebrows and eyelashes, Ridgen also tattoos lips and does skin scar removal.
“I'm currently studying areola tattoos as well, for patients that have been through mastectomies and things like that.”
With over 15 years of experience in the skin industry, she said the technology has improved by leaps and bounds.
“Cosmetic tattooing is basically like micropigmentation; It's like a tattoo, but we don't go as deep.
“We use hospital grade numbing, and it's really comfortable,” she assured readers; “99% of my clients actually fall asleep because it's such a relaxed environment.”
The tattoos are not permanent and generally last around 12 to 18 months.
For those interested in hair restoration, Ridgen says “just get in contact.
“There is zero judgement from me; I like to see myself as a partner in their journey.”
By Anisha Satya
