8 Myths About Permanent Makeup

Permanent makeup, also called cosmetic tattoo or micropigmentation, is a fast-growing part of the health and beauty industry in recent years. Although it is not a new thing, the technique and aesthetic of permanent makeup has truly evolved to provide people with the most natural looking enhancements, there are still a lot of misinformation surrounding PMU and its process.

Whether you are interested in permanent makeup but think it's scary, or you are new to the field and have unanswerable questions, this article can help! We'll explain the process of permanent makeup and to clear all the misconceptions around it.

Myth 1: It is a very painful process

First, let's clear up the biggest misconception in the entire industry - that all PMU procedures are painful - which is not the case. The discomfort felt during PMU procedures depends on the pain threshold of the clients. More often than not, the discomfort is exacerbated by the psychological fear caused by the customer's eyes that are always closed and the vibrating machine.

The truth is that there is generally a slight discomfort, but before the procedure begins, the cosmetic tattoo artists apply numbing cream to soothe the area and regularly ask the client about the pain level throughout the procedure and use more numbing cream if necessary. Also due to modern equipment and technology being constantly improved, PMU machines produce less vibration and perform more consistently, there is no pain.

Myth 2: It is 100% permanent

Permanent makeup has another name - semi-permanent makeup. Both PMU and SPMU refer to microblading or micropigmentation treatments. 

We usually prefer to call it permanent, because the implanted pigment does not disappear completely from the skin. However, unlike tattoos that last a lifetime, Permanent Makeup has a life of 12 to 18 months and the pigment fades over time, so it is recommended that clients who wish to maintain the effect have regular touch-ups every 12 to 18 months to keep it fresh.

Myth 3: It looks unnatural

The truth is that it looks completely natural. Microblading, a form of permanent makeup, which uses a handheld blade (a series of fine needles) to create simulated hair strokes to give structure, contour and volume to the eyebrows. Over time, the pigments will gradually blend in with the neighboring area and look very natural.

Myth 4: It is like a traditional tattoo

Since both involve the use of machines and inks, people think that permanent makeup is like traditional tattoos, but in fact they are not the same. Permanent makeup works on the first layer of the skin, and compared to traditional tattoos, PMU artists tend to use thinner needles to achieve the accuracy and precision needed for micropigmentation, and use pigment formulations that are much different from tattoo inks, which are softer and more natural than the vibrant colors of tattoos.

Myth 5: It is another form of cosmetic surgery

This is another of the most common misconceptions about cosmetic tattoos. There are no similarities between cosmetic surgery and cosmetic tattoo. The procedures are also completely different. Cosmetic surgery is designed to make permanent alterations to your body, but cosmetic tattoos are temporary.

Myth 6: It Is a treatment for the brows only

With new technologies and styles emerging, PMU services now include lip blushing, eyeliner, scalp micropigmentation, freckles and areola tattoos.

Myth 7: It is only for women

In the past, people often thought that makeup was reserved for women. However, with the development of the times, any gender has the right to pursue beauty. In addition to being used for cosmetic purposes, PMU is also used for medical tattoo treatment when treating patients with hair loss, cleft lip tattoos, breast cancer survivors or burn victims to help rebuild their confidence.

Some PMU programs such as scalp micropigmentation are also more suitable for men, which helps restore the hairline and increase the density of thinning areas of the scalp. PMU is more economical than surgical hair transplantation or the use of wigs and can also give a more natural look to the scalp.

Myth 8: Anyone can have a cosmetic tattoo

Cosmetic tattoos are suitable for everyone, but specific issues are analyzed, and it is best to do a research or ask PMU artists before doing each procedure. For example there are some special situations that are not suitable for lip blushing, you can read our blog here.

However, please skip all PMU procedures if you are

• Pregnant
• Diabetic
• Have heart problems
• Have a viral infection
• Have a cold
• Have suffered from epilepsy in the past few months