FAQ
What is Permanent Makeup?
Is Permanent Makeup painful?
All PMU Brows are a two-step/two-appointment process. In the first appointment, a consultation is done by completing a profile, evaluating the skin type, bone & facial structure, and symmetry. Then the eyebrows/lips/eyeliner is drawn on with a makeup pencil, so the look and design are achieved and approved before the process begins. Once approved, the PMU application process begins. We first apply a topical anesthetic to numb the area and will continue to keep the client comfortable during the entire procedure. Most procedures from beginning to end take less than 3 hours.
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There will be mild scabbing and aftercare required, but your PMU should be completely healed in about 4-6 weeks for Microbladed Brows, and 6-8 weeks for Powdered, Ombre, Combo, and Nano Brows.
The second appointment is a touch up in 6-8 weeks after the first session. This allows enough time for the pigment in the epidermis to naturally slough off, and the color to settle into your skin.
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At the touch-up appointment, we thoroughly evaluate to see how your skin has received the pigment and make any necessary corrections or adjustments.
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Sometimes a client’s skin undertones may have unexpected effects on the color of the pigment, and there may need to be an adjustment to the color. These kind of corrections are normal with any PMU Artist, and an essential part of the process, as everyone’s skin is different and receives pigment differently.
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We use the highest quality pigment for retention and color purity, certain brow pigment colors initially look a bit redder than the color patch test we do on your skin before the procedure, but rest assured that this is normal, and the color will adjust in a few days; the red tone helps ensure the colors heal to the correct hue and does not take on the ashy grey tones that are common with healing results of certain pigment brands. With both brow and lip pigment, it will be bold in color at first, however, as the healing process takes place it will lighten about 35-40%
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During the healing process after your first appointment, it will seem like the pigment and tattoo are fading away completely. This is NORMAL and the pigment color will return as the skin heals and exfoliates off of the tattoo. The new skin that grows in after the scabbing sheds often has an opaque appearance, and is referred to as "Milk Skin", which can greatly conceal the pigment implanted below this new skin... just be patient for a few weeks and trust the process, the pigment IS there, and will mysteriously reappear once the new "Milk Skin" matures, and becomes more translucent again.
In areas where the pigment did not take as well, will be re-treated during the second appointment touch-up process. We will also adjust any pigment choices, or design preferences during the touch-up appointment, with PMU Brows more often than not, we choose a more conservative design and pigment color choice in the first session. We can always add to the PMU however, it is more difficult to take away. However, in the end, you will have the perfect Permanent Makeup you want!
It is the micro-implantation of coloring pigments into the skin for aesthetic purposes to enhance, contour, color, and outline facial features. It is also a valuable procedure for camouflaging scars, burns, skin pigmentation variances caused by vitiligo, correcting some facial irregularities, or to further enhance facial rejuvenation and post-operative treatments.
How are Permanent Cosmetic Procedures performed?
The discomfort is relative as everyone has a different level of sensitivity. A topical anesthetic is applied to numb the area before and during the procedure. Every effort will be made to ensure you remain comfortable for the duration of the procedure. Clients are usually pleased to discover that it is no more painful than tweezing your eyebrows.
How long is the healing process?
Is Microblading for Me?
What is the Process for PMU?
Permanent cosmetics procedures are performed using various devices, including the traditional tattoo coil machines, the pen or rotary machine (including digital rotary machines), and manual tools or hand devices. The process includes a consultation, the design (mapping), the application of pigment, and at least one or more follow up visits for evaluating the healed design work and color of the pigment to ensure the desired results are achieved.
The initial healing process is about 10 days, and the final results of your makeup cannot be seen until the completion of the healing time, which varies for each client and can be as long as 20-30 days. In the first week following your treatment, it will appear darker and thicker. As you continue to heal, you will see it scab and begin to lighten. During this time, allow the skin to exfoliate naturally. Do not pick, let it heal naturally. Keep in mind that as it heals, you will lose 30% of the color and intensity, and any pigment loss will be corrected during the touch-up appointment. Please be patient during the healing process! Keep in mind that everyone heals differently, and factors such as skin type and how well you follow the aftercare instructions will determine the final result of your brows.
Contrary to popular belief, Microblading isn't for everyone. Microblading will give amazing results for someone who ultimately wants beautiful natural-looking brows and whom either has dry to normal skin.
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If your skin is oily, it may not hold onto the Microblading pigment well due to the method of implantation. Powdered, Ombré, Combo, or Nano Brows are more suited for Oily skin types, with much greater success for pigment retention with this special skin type, as the pigment is implanted a bit deeper than Microblading allows.
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If you regularly fill your own brows with Brow Pencil or Brow Powder, and like a very defined look, the natural hairstroke look of Microblading is likely not going to heal as bold as you would like it to. Either Powdered, Ombré, or Combo Brows will be much better and ensure you are satisfied with your healed brows. If you are unsure which style will be the best option for you, please contact us with a photo of your desired brow look (either how you currently fill them in, or a picture of your dream brows along with a picture of your own brows), and we will explain the best options to ensure you choose the most suitable procedure.
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If you have previous permanent tattooed eyebrows, unless they are very faded, microblading may not work to cover them up, or you may need multiple sessions to do so. Powder Brows, Ombré or Combo Brows more successfully conceal previous PMU work, hairstrokes alone may not hide the old work effectively enough.
***If you have a tendency to not take care of your skin or have the patience for the healing process - PMU Brows are NOT for you! This applies to ALL PMU Brow procedures, proper after-care is ESSENTIAL to the finished product of our brow art, to ensure you get the best healed results***
What to Expect At Your PMU Appointment
A typical PMU appointment is approximately 3 hours, depending on the procedure being done. A PMU touch-up appointment lasts 2-3 hours, depending on any desired changes or additional
implanted pigment.​ A standard appointment will have the following steps:
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Profile the client:
First, the PMU Artist will assess the client’s lifestyle and desired brow style. Does the client workout, if so how often? How much time does the client spend in the sun? Do they want something bold or natural? Do they wear makeup every day or just on special occasions? What face shape does the client have? Do you keep the same hair color or does it change throughout the seasons? This interview will help the Artist create the best brows for their client.
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"Before" photos will be taken of the brow/eye area:
A condition of proceeding with a PMU Brow procedure is that you authorize your Artist to take Before and After Photos. If you have a concern with this, please contact us to discuss prior to booking.
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Measuring points of the face to create symmetry:
The PMU Artist will use a variety of tools to measure depending on the client's facial and bone structure, to create the perfect symmetry. Making small markings to identify crucial points.
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Draw on the eyebrows:
Next, the PMU Brow Artist will draw the eyebrows directly on the client’s face with an eyebrow pencil. This will be the Artist’s guide for the Brow procedure. This also allows the client to see the final shape before any permanent work is performed. Nothing is performed until the client approves this design.
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PMU Brow Application:
After a precise numbing process for your ultimate comfort, the PMU Brow Artist begins the PMU Brow application of choice, following the design drawing they have agreed upon with the client.
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Client Approval of Finished Design:
No PMU Brow application is considered complete until the client is 100% in love with the finished design. We will give you a complimentary Abs workout sitting you up, and laying you back down as many times as needed, to ensure both you and the Artist agree that the design is final, and both brows are symmetrical.
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Client sessions are booked with a time cushion in between to ensure your PMU Artist is NEVER rushed to finish your PMU session, as we believe quality far exceeds the importance of the number of sessions that can be squeezed into a day, like many other studios. You are trusting us with the most defining feature of your face, and we DO NOT take that trust and commitment lightly, and to us, you LOVING your finished Brows is essential!
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Remove the excess pigment:
Once the final PMU design has been approved, and the final pigment mask has been completed, the Artist wipes off any remaining pigment on the client's face. If you look very closely, you may be able to see slight traces of the surgical marker dots used to ensure the brow design remained mapped on the skin during the anesthetic process, but rest assured, any potential marking shadows will disappear over the next day.
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Photography & Aftercare:
Your Artist will now take the "After" photos of your new Brows, then apply any necessary initial aftercare ointment, provide you with your aftercare package, and go over your aftercare instructions with you. Do not worry, you will have a written copy of the instructions as well, and everything you will need to care for your new PMU during the aftercare process. So if you feel less than confident you retained all the information discussed, because you were too busy obsessing over how much you are in LOVE with your new Brows, you have written back-up as a reference!
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In most cases, little to no redness occurs for clients who chose Microblading, however, regardless of the Brow procedure chosen, the client will be ready to go back out in public, no problem. More redness can occur initially with the PMU machine procedures, such as Powdered, Ombré, Combo, or Nano Brows, however, they heal with the most consistency due to the pigment implantation method, and steps are taken post-procedure to minimize redness as much as possible. Most clients do not experience swelling, but in the rare event that swelling occurs, a clean plastic-wrapped cold compress can be applied for 10 minutes per hour as needed until the swelling subsides.
Who Should Avoid PMU Brows?
While PMU Brows are great for most people, there are some people who are ineligible:
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-Those prone to keloids or post-inflammatory hypopigmentation. Unfortunately, since all styles of PMU Brows puncture the skin as we add pigment, we cannot work with clients with these conditions.
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-If you have a transmittable blood disease such as HIV or Hepatitis. Again, PMU artists cut the skin so it is our policy not to work with these conditions.
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-Patients with Auto-Immune Disorders (Diabetes, Lupus, Celiac's Disease, etc). We require a doctor’s note in order to perform any PMU procedure for anyone with Auto-Immune disorders, as the compromised immune system can impact your ability to heal properly from the procedure.
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-Patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Although PMU is great for restoring eyebrows, we would require a doctor’s note in order to perform the procedure for anyone undergoing chemotherapy. Clients often schedule preventative PMU Brow procedures in advance of starting chemotherapy, to ensure that they are prepared even if they do lose their brows while regaining their health.
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​-If you have any kind of skin condition on or near your eyebrows. This includes eczema, shingles, rashes, acne, sunburn, eczema, or anything else near eyebrows.
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-If you have used Accutane in the past year.
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-If you have gotten a deep tan or chemical peel in the past 2 weeks
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-Children.
Permanent Makeup is for adults only! We do not recommend PMU for anyone under the age of 18. It is our policy not to work with children, even with a consent form.
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-Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women.
The most important reason a pregnant or nursing mother should not have a permanent makeup procedure, or any tattoo, is because there is always a risk of infection.
How long to PMU Brows typically last?
What Type of Pigments Do you use?
We proudly use Tina Davies X Permablend "I Love Ink" pigment collection, Perma Blend Premium Pigments & Evenflo by Perma Blend. As the Top Rated Pigment choice available in North America, this was chosen based on quality, proven result ratings by Artists across North America with the best retention available. We want you to be able to LOVE your new PMU for as long as possible, so we use nothing but the best for our procedures!
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"The ingredients are a combination of pigments, glycerin, witch hazel, isopropyl alcohol, aqua, rosin, and DMDM hydantoin. Pigments are gamma-ray sterilized, vegan, and also cruelty-free. All ingredients can be found in the MSDS. Using the most experienced chemists and cosmeticians in the industry, Permablend is grounded with safety first.
The length of time you will be able to go between touch-up appointments will vary depending on the type of procedure you have done, your skin type, adherence to aftercare, ongoing skin care instructions, medications, etc. It is important to schedule your touch-up before your brows fade to the point that your hairstrokes are no longer visible (Microblading/Nano Brows), or before 50% of your color has faded (Powdered, Ombré, Combo Brows); otherwise, a new Initial Appointment will need to be scheduled to allow time for the complete re-design process.
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Typically the length of time clients can go between touch-up appointments are as follows:
-Microblading: 1-2 Years
-Ombré/Powder/Combo/Nano Brows: 2-3 Years
​Ultimately, we want your Brows to remain Life-Proof and Fuss-Free, so please schedule touch-ups when you notice you are just not quite as in-love with your Brows as you once were before you feel that urge to pull out the old brow pencil again!