ABOUT PERMANENT MAKEUP
What is Permanent Makeup?
Permanent makeup is similar to a tattoo, but the modern version uses much more sophisticated tools and machines as well as pigments. The results are semi-permanent, which means they last from 2 to 10 years, depending on the procedure.
The main purpose of permanent makeup is to beautify. For instance, if you choose a permanent makeup tattoo for lips, you will have the perfect color on your lips 24/7 without worrying that it will wear off or smudge. Permanent makeup eyeliner doesn’t come off after you wash your face. It is a tattoo, the pigment is inserted between the epidermis and the dermis layer of your skin.
How is Permanent Makeup Done?
Permanent makeup artists use machines or manual tools specially designed for the treatment they practice. For example, microblading is done with a manual blade that consists of tiny needles that deposit pigment under the skin. Other treatments use pens or state-of-the-art machines for tattooing.
Is Permanent Makeup Painful?
Clients claim that getting a permanent makeup treatment is not painful, but can be a little bit uncomfortable, depending on the tattooed area. PMU artists usually use numbing solutions to reduce the pain. The client is informed of what steps to take to prepare for the treatment and given the post-care tips, which are very important in order for the tattoo to heal properly.
Who Should Avoid Permanent Makeup?
Permanent makeup is generally considered to be safe, but some people should avoid it, otherwise, it can lead to serious complications. Permanent makeup treatments are not allowed for people younger than 18, pregnant or breast-feeding women, as well as those who have any of the conditions from the following list:
- People with any bleeding disorders
- People who take blood-thinning medications
- People with viral infections or diseases
- People who are going through chemotherapy
- People with diabetes should get a doctor’s approval
- People with skin irritations or Psoriasis near the treated area
- People who have undergone an organ transplant
- People who’ve recently had Botox injections or fillers in the area (at least 2 weeks should pass before you get your brows microbladed)
Is Permanent Makeup Safe?
Since permanent makeup is a cosmetic tattoo, small incisions are made on the skin. Therefore, a new tattoo is an open wound and it is prone to infections if not treated properly. In order to avoid complications, it is vital to follow aftercare tips, and some of the most important rules say that wearing makeup during the healing stage is absolutely forbidden.
When it comes to side effects of permanent makeup, allergic reactions are rare and can be easily avoided if you do a patch test prior to the treatment. You are obliged to inform your permanent makeup artist about any skin conditions and health problems you have, in order to avoid complications during and after the treatment.
In order to lower and actually avoid any chances of getting an infection and other problems, it is important to find a reputable, experienced and above all, certified permanent makeup artist to provide the treatment.
PERMANENT MAKEUP TREATMENTS
What Permanent Makeup Treatments Are Available?
Microblading
Microblading treatment uses a manual tool that consists of tiny needles which deposit pigment and create realistic hair strokes. Eyebrows look natural, fuller, and more defined. For detailed information about microblading cosmetic tattoo, effects, healing, aftercare, and more, read our ultimate Microblading Guide.
Image source: Instagram @ludovica_mendola_phibrows
Powder Brows
Powder brows tattoo is popular among people who like fuller brows, with a soft, makeup effect. Shading is added to create the powdery effect, so there are no separate hair strokes as with microblading. Find out everything about ombre powder brows in our Powder Brows Guide.
Image source: Instagram @permanent_moscow
Microshading
This treatment uses a manual or electric tool with needles that make tiny, pin-like dots in a gradient pattern, creating a powdered effect. It is commonly added after microblading when a client asks for brows with makeup effect. Read all about this treatment in our Microshading Guide.
Image source: Instagram @ecochic_agata_ciolek_pmu
Nano Brows
Nano eyebrows look almost completely the same as microbladed, however, they are done differently. Nanoblading is often referred to as machine brows because an electric machine is used instead of a manual blade. Our Nano Brows Guide will give you all the information about this cosmetic tattoo.
Image source: Instagram @robinyucosmetictattoo
Feather Brows
Eyebrow Feathering is a treatment for those who already have good brows, but want to fill the sparse spots and add some extra hair trokes to get bushy, natural-looking, and trendy eyebrows. Read more about microfeathering in our Feather Eyebrows Guide.
Image source: Instagram @jademendes
Henna Brows
Henna brows are the brow treatment that lasts the shortest (up to 6 weeks), so some are reluctant to categorize this treatment under permanent makeup. Nevertheless, this is a great way to enhance your brows, as it doesn’t only color the hairs, but also adds a subtle shade underneath. Find out all you need to know in our Henna Brows Guide.
Image source: Instagram @brows.by.j_
Brow Lamination
Another brows treatment that does not include tattooing, but can make your eyebrows look fuller and thicker for 6 weeks. Find out all about brow lamination here.
Image source: Instagram @forevervalentinebeauty
Permanent Eyeliner
For those who like wearing eyeliner every day, an eyeliner tattoo is a great, time-saving option. It lasts up to three years, during which you will have eyeliner on fleek at all times. You can choose different styles – from subtle lash line enhancement to a more dramatic, bolder version. Read all about the treatment, healing, aftercare, and cost in the Permanent Eyeliner Guide.
Image source: Instagram @cristanicolebrows
Permanent Lips
Lip tattoo or lip blush is a semi-permanent treatment that enhances the color and volume of your lips, making them look fuller. This treatment is also great for covering up scars and improving the shape of the lips. Read all about it in our Permanent Lips Guide.
Image source: Instagram @minkcosmetictattoo
Scalp Micropigmentation
For people who are suffering from hair loss, or going bald, scalp micropigmentation is a great solution. It is a more sophisticated form of scalp tattoo, that has the effect of a freshly shaved head. Our Scalp Micropigmentation Guide includes all the information about the treatment, its effects, potential risks, cost, and much more.
Image source: Instagram @rafaelmicrocapilar
Nipple and Areola Tattoo
Some breast cancer survivors feel insecure after mastectomy and choose this treatment to restore their nipples and areolas and regain their self-esteem. Read Nipple and Areola Tattoo Guide for more information about the treatment.
Image source: Instagram @inkhanced
Freckle Tattoo
Sun-kissed skin with these cute spots is very trendy, which makes freckle tattoo treatment very popular and in demand. Learn about the treatment by reading Freckle Tattoo Guide.
Image source: Instagram @jette.scherzer
Permanent Concealer
This treatment enables covering up dark circles under your eyes. However, there are debates about whether it should be done or not. Read more in the Permanent Concealer Guide.
Image source: Instagram @vip.estetica.lab.torino
Lash Lift
Lash lift or lash perm is a treatment during which your eyelashes are curled and lifted with a solution. The effect of longer, thicker lashes lasts for up to 8 weeks. This treatment is very popular and you can find all the information about it in our Lash Lift Guide.
Image source: Instagram @vavvyartistry
PERMANENT MAKEUP COST
What is the Price of PMU Treatments?
Permanent makeup prices vary depending on the treatment you choose. For example, if you opt for some of the semi-permanent eyebrow makeup treatments, you will have to pay somewhere between $250 and up to $2000.
To make it more precise, the average cost of microblading in the US is $600, but the price depends on your location and the permanent makeup clinic you choose. Some clinics i.e. PMU artists are very popular, and true experts and charge a lot, but if you opt for a not-so-experienced person to do your brows, you can pay as low as $250. Naturally, you risk ending up unsatisfied with the beginner’s work, so the best is to research the “average price of permanent makeup near me” and check the recommendations and online reviews.
Other eyebrow permanent makeup treatments cost similarly to microblading, so for powder brows the average price is somewhere around $600, while nano brows cost almost the same.
The average price of permanent makeup for lips is $590, and for PMU eyeliner the price is around $500, but the prices vary significantly. The cost depends on different factors, such as location, the popularity of a salon, the material used, etc. Exclusive salons charge more than $1000, but you can also have the treatment for only $300.
The benchmark price for scalp micropigmentation is around $3,000 in the USA, while nipple restoration costs around $400 per nipple.
