PMU FAQ: Answering my Most Commonly-Asked Questions!

You're wondering it - I've probably been asked it. Having been in this industry as a Permanent Makeup artist as long as I have, I've received a lot (and I mean a lot) of questions regarding PMU. It never bothers me, though - in fact, I love it! Educating current or prospective clients is truly one of the best parts of my job. Whether you're brand new to PMU, looking to get some answers before you book, or perhaps you're just curious about how the wonderful magical world of Permanent Makeup all works: here are some of the most commonly asked questions I receive along with honest, helpful answers to give you some clarity.

"Is Permanent Makeup really permanent?"

At the end of the day, this is a tattoo and it's gonna behave like one, too. Over time, pigment fades naturally due to factors such as your skin type, your lifestyle, sun exposure, and product use. Most of my clients will tend to need a touch-up or color boost every 1-3 years to keep things looking as fresh & sharp as they can. Think of it like dying your hair, or getting facial/dermal fillers - it’s low-maintenance, not no-maintenance.

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""What will it look like in, say, 5 years?"

With proper care and maintenance, your PMU will fade gradually and evenly. If it's left totally untouched for five years, it may appear lighter than initial treatment, but it may take on warmer or cooler tones, depending on the original pigment & your skin’s chemistry. Many of my clients opt for a refresh & color boost right around that 2–3 year mark to keep their look soft, natural, and true to their current aesthetic.

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""What if I want to change my look at some point?"

Trends come and go, and personal taste evolves. I would know, I've even changed the look of my brows recently for the same reason. The good news? You’re never stuck. If you at some point find yourself wanting to change the shape, style, or color of your brows, we can use techniques such as color correction, brow reshaping, or even PICOSure Pro Laser-powered Brow Tone (which is what I recently did!) to adjust or remove old work safely.

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"Can PMU reallyyy ever look natural?"

Abso-freaking-lutely! IMO, natural is the new bold. Whether you’re going for fluffy, feathery brows (within reason...) or a barely-there, just-kissed lip blush - I'll customize the shape, color, and look to flatter your features and enhance the beauty you've already got going on. No harsh lines, no bold highlighter lips and absolutely NO sharpie brows - cross my heart!!

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"Does it hurt?"

Pain is subjective, but most of my clients would probably describe the sensation as mild discomfort; I would say it's in the same realm as light scratching of the skin or tweezing stray hairs. We do have a secret weapon in our arsenal: topical numbing agents are always utilized to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure - because I would never let a client of mine raw-dog their appointment like that. I even have clients doze off during their appointments!

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"Is there any downtime?"

Yes - but it's minimal! You may experience some redness, swelling, and tenderness for the first 24–48 hours.

The PMU result will appear more intense initially - but don't let that scare you! It tends to soften as it heals, which will span over the next 7–14 days.

Biiiiig ol' disclaimer here, though: following aftercare instructions is 100% KEY to a beautiful healed result.

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"When can I use my retinol??"

You’ll want to pause retinol and, truthfully, any other exfoliating actives like AHAs, BHAs, tretinoin etc. at least 7–10 days before AND after your PMU appointment. Not only can these strong ingredients thin the skin, but they can also affect pigment retention - and I know you want your $$$ worth. Once your beautiful brows or luscious lippies are fully healed, you can add your retinol back into your routine - BUT just avoid using it directly on treated areas.

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"What about Botox or fillers - do I need to adjust my appointments?"

For my Botox babes, be sure to schedule your PMU appointment at least 2 weeks after your injections to allow your facial muscles to settle.

For my lip blush clients looking to also enhance their pouts with dermal fillers, it's paramount that you wait 4 weeks after lip filler to allow any potential swelling to subside, and for your tissue to normalize. This cadence will ensure the most optimal shaping AND optimal results.

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"Can I do laser treatments afterward? I want PICO Skin!!"

First of all - what a great choice to book an appointment for PICO Skin! That being said, any laser treatments (such as facials, resurfacing, etc.) should be avoided over PMU areas, as the laser may alter the pigment or cause fading (hence, why Brow Tone works so well.) You'll want to time your laser appointment before your PMU appointment, if possible - but if you're booked for a Glow Job with me after I do your brows, I'll always protect that PMU Pigment. No unintentional Brow Tone around here!

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"Will the sun affect my PMU?"

100%! Just like your skin, your PMU is extremely vulnerable to UV damage. Always apply SPF 30+ over any treated areas (and just apply it in general, DUH!) and wear hats or sunglasses when outdoors. Sun exposure is the number one cause of premature fading and pigment shifts - so I cannot stress how important proper sun protection is. Protect yourself, AND protect your investment!

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Final Thoughts

Biased, I know - but permanent makeup is truly such a cheat code for waking up every day to as the most confident, put together version of yourself. That being said, it's key that this is something you go into fully informed and prepared. If you have more questions or are thinking about booking your first session, my consultations are always complimentary! Schedule that here, or reach out to us at booking@thebrowproject.com OR call/text (214) 334-5232 .

I’m always here to help you feel your very best, and I'm so excited to see you in my studio soon!

- xo, Nicole -