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Permanent makeup, PMU for short, is a cosmetic technique that uses tattoos as a means of producing designs that resembles makeup. Also, these tattoos use a special pigment designed for sensitive skin like the face and special tools that are less traumatic than normal tattoos. Permanent makeup is also called permanent cosmetics, micropigmentation, cosmetic tattooing, or some people just know it as microblading.
PMU can be used on many parts of your body such as your face, scalp, chest, or areola. However, each area of the body may require different types of pigment for the design to appear natural. You can even use permanent makeup to cover scars!
Microblading or Ombre Shading (eyebrows)
Lip Blush (lips)
Magic Eyeliner (eyeliner)
Scalp Micropigmentation (head)
Areola Restoration (breasts)
No, PMU is not actually permanent. Most of the services will last at least 2 years before they start fading. For this reason, it is recommended that you get a touch up every few years to keep the makeup look fresh.
No, PMU is not the same as tattooing. Even though they both on the surface do the same thing the technique, tools, and pigment used are very different. For instance, in tattooing the needle will penetrate all the way into the deeper dermis, this is done so the ink will last forever. In PMU, the dermis is rarely pierced and the pigment stays in the epidermis. This is the reason why tattoo’s will last a lifetime while PMU will only last a few years before starting to fade. It fades because the epidermis keeps growing and eventually sheds the pigment.
No, permanent makeup does not hurt if you are getting it done by a trained professional. In general, permanent makeup uses a smaller needle than tattoo’s because it doesn’t pierce as deep. This allows for less trauma to the skin. What helps the most is the topical anesthesia that is used on the skin to make sure no pain is felt. One of our goals as PMU artists is to make you feel comfortable and pain free throughout the entire service.
Each PMU procedure have different completion time but on average they take 2-3 hours. However, the longest procedure is called Scalp Micropigmentation. This procedure takes roughly 4-6 hours a session and sometimes requires 2-3 sessions to finish depending on the size of the area.
Yes, of course PMU procedures are safe! Granted that depends on the artist. But at Advanced PMU we do everything under sterile conditions, using only disposable needles and products. There are no long term side effects. However, every one is different, so we always recommend asking your doctor before booking a service.
Each service is slightly different, but in general you will see redness and sometimes swelling in the areas that the service was performed on. The redness and swelling should be gone the same day. The full healing time of procedures very but most on fully healed within 2 weeks. After the procedure, make sure to keep the area clean and avoid any physical activity.
Whether PMU looks natural depends on 2 things: what the client wants and the talent of the PMU Artist. Sometimes clients walk in and want the same look as their makeup which does not look very natural. The other factor is the talent of the artist, make sure you’re checking to see if you like the work of the PMU artist you want to go to.
If you have any questions about permanent makeup please feel free to message us and ask questions. We are here to help!
