When investing in permanent makeup (PMU), understanding the healing process, the appearance of healed results, and the required long-term care is essential for achieving beautiful, lasting outcomes. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive guide to what you can expect and how to care for your PMU to keep it looking its best.

Healing Process

  • Brows

    Days 1-2: Your brows will appear bold and darker than the desired final result due to freshly implanted pigment and slight swelling.

    Days 3-7: Light flaking or scabbing may occur as your skin begins to heal. It’s crucial not to pick at the flakes to avoid uneven pigment retention.

    Weeks 2-4: The pigment may appear lighter or patchy as your skin continues to regenerate. This is normal and will balance out.

  • Lips

    Days 1-2: Lips may feel swollen and tender, with the color looking more vibrant than expected.

    Days 3-7: Gentle peeling will occur, and the color may appear uneven or muted temporarily.

    Weeks 3-4: The true color settles in, typically softer and more natural.

  • Eyeliner

    Days 1-2: Expect some swelling, tightness, and a more intense pigment than the final healed result.

    Days 3-5: Minimal flaking or dryness may occur. Avoid rubbing or applying pressure.

    Weeks 2-3: The eyeliner softens into a more natural look.

Immediate vs Healed

  • Brows

    Immediately after the procedure, brows will look darker, more defined, and may even appear slightly unnatural due to the intensity of the fresh pigment. As healing progresses, the colour will lighten and soften by 30-50%. Individual cases may vary depending on skin type, pigment retention, and aftercare adherence.

  • Lips

    Freshly treated lips appear more vibrant and saturated in color, with potential swelling that enhances this effect. As the lips heal, peeling will occur, and the colour will fade to a more subdued, natural hue. The final healed colour varies based on lip undertones, lifestyle factors and how well the aftercare routine is followed.

  • Eyeliner

    Directly after application, eyeliner will look bold and crisp, with the pigment appearing darker than the healed outcome. Swelling may slightly distort the shape initially. Over time, the pigment settles into the skin, softening into a natural and refined look. Skin sensitivity and oil levels can influence healed results.

Long-Term Care

  • Always use SPF on treated areas to prevent fading and discoloration.

  • Drink plenty of water and keep the skin moisturised to help maintain the vibrancy of the pigment.

  • Steer clear of strong exfoliants, retinoids, or acids near treated areas.

  • Schedule touch-ups every 12-18 months to refresh the colour and shape as needed.

  • Swimming, heavy sweating, high UV exposure and certain medications may accelerate pigment fading over time.

FAQs

Why does the final result heal lighter?

The final healed result of permanent makeup often appears lighter and softer due to several natural processes. As the skin heals, it forms a new translucent layer over the pigment, which softens its appearance. Some pigment is naturally lost through lymphatic drainage and flaking during healing. The body’s immune system may also metabolise or expel a small amount of pigment. Additionally, oxidation combined with individual factors like skin undertones and oil levels can further influence the pigment, resulting in a more muted appearance.

Why does permanent make-up last longer for some than others?

The longevity of permanent makeup varies from person to person and is influenced by several factors. Skin type plays a major role, oily skin tends to fade faster than dry or normal skin. Individual skin cell turnover, lifestyle habits (such as sun exposure, exfoliating products, swimming, and heavy sweating), and the type, colour, and depth of pigment implantation all affect how long results last. The immune system may gradually break down pigment, and younger skin often fades more quickly due to faster regeneration. Proper aftercare is essential for pigment retention, and factors like medications, health conditions, or skincare treatments can also impact how well pigment holds over time.

Will my permanent makeup change colour overtime?

To minimise colour changes, I use high-quality, stable pigments and ensure proper implantation depth to preserve the true color over time. Additionally, protecting the treated area with SPF, following proper aftercare guidelines, and avoiding harsh chemicals or exfoliants are crucial for maintaining colour integrity. Yearly color boosts are also recommended to refresh the colour.

Will it fade completely or will I eventualy need it removing?

Permanent makeup typically doesn’t fade completely but does become lighter over time, sometimes to the point of being barely noticeable. This is influenced by factors such as pigment type, skin type, aftercare, and exposure to environmental elements. With proper care, most clients will need touch-ups every 1-3 years to maintain their desired look. However, if complete removal is desired, options like laser or saline removal can be used.