PMU 101: Your Essential Guide to Permanent Makeup

The permanent makeup (PMU) industry is growing fast, and stepping into it as a new artist is a big deal.

While mastering your technique is essential, knowing how to confidently answer client questions is just as important. From explaining how pigment interacts with the skin to helping clients understand the value of their investment, clear communication is what builds trust—and trust is the foundation of a long, successful PMU career.

This guide is here to help you get there. Use it as a foundation while you build your knowledge, sharpen your voice, and grow into the artist you’re becoming.

What Is Permanent Makeup (PMU)?

Permanent makeup is a form of cosmetic tattooing that uses specialized pigments to recreate the look of traditional makeup, usually on the brows, lips, and eyes. The goal is usually cosmetic.

But PMU goes far beyond everyday beauty. For many clients, it’s not just about convenience—it’s about confidence. Permanent makeup can play a meaningful role in medical and restorative treatments, from areola reconstruction after surgery to softening the appearance of scars and creating a more natural-looking finish.

At its core, PMU is a powerful tool. One that helps clients feel more like themselves, more confident in their skin, and more comfortable in their bodies.

Is Permanent Makeup (PMU) Safe and What are the Risks?

Yes—PMU is safe when it’s done the right way.

Because permanent makeup involves depositing pigment into the skin, professionalism and safety aren’t optional. CompliancOpens a new windoweOpens a new window and safetyOpens a new window start with getting the right training and a proper license. Then, it’s about working in a clean, controlled studio environment: Fresh gloves for every client, protective barriers on equipment, and strict hygiene practices help keep everything clean and compliant.

As with any cosmetic tattooing service, the main risks include infection, allergic reactions, or scarring. 

The good news? These risks are significantly reduced when you follow correct procedures. To help protect both you and your clients—and to minimize potential side effects—there are a few key steps every PMU artist should take.

⏺ Check health history: Always host a consultation and ask your clients about allergies or health issues before you start.

⏺ Use the right tools: Only use sterile, single-use needles and throw them away in a sharps container immediately after.

⏺ Give clear instructions: Tell your clients to avoid blood-thinning medications like aspirin or ibuprofen for a few days before their appointment.

⏺ Watch the diet: Make sure they skip alcohol and caffeine for at least 24 hours before you work on them.

⏺ Keep it clean: Use hospital-grade cleaners to wipe down your station before and after every client.

What are the Different Types of Permanent Makeup (PMU) Procedures?

There are many ways to use PMU to help your clients. Most of your work will likely focus on the face, but you can also perform procedures that help people feel better after surgery or injury. Here are the main types you should know:

⏺ Brows: This is the most popular service. You use pigment to shape and fill in eyebrows so they look fuller.

⏺ Lip Blush: This adds a soft tint of color to the lips and can make them look more even and defined.

⏺ Eyeliner: You can add pigment along the lash line to make eyes pop without the need for daily makeup.

⏺ Paramedical PMU: This is a more specialized area. It includes areola reconstruction for people who have had breast surgery, scar restoration to hide marks on the skin, and Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) to make hair look thicker.

Keep in mind that there are many other niche services you can learn. For example, some artists specialize in creating faux freckles or beauty marks. Even within brow services, there are different styles like ombre powder brows or microblading. As you grow, you can choose the specific methods that you enjoy most.

Does Permanent Makeup (PMU) Hurt?

Most clients worry about pain, so you'll get this question a lot. The short answer is that it shouldn't be unbearable. Everyone has a different pain level, but you can do things to make it easier for them.

Most artists use a topical numbing cream before the procedure starts and a numbing gel once the skin is open. This helps keep your client comfortable while you work. Most people say it feels like a light scratching or a tingling sensation rather than real pain.

How Does Permanent Makeup Work?

To explain it simply, you're using tiny needles to push color, called pigment, into the skin. While it’s similar to a tattoo, there are some big differences. You don't go as deep into the skin as a regular tattoo artist does. You only place the pigment into the upper layer of the skin. This is partially why the results eventually fade and look more natural.

Here's the step-by-step process you'll follow with your clients:

Step 1: Consultation: You talk to your client about what they want and check their skin type.

Step 2: Numbing: You apply a cream to the area so the client stays comfortable.

Step 3: Mapping: You draw the shape on their face using special tools to make sure everything is straight and even.

Step 4: The Procedure: You use your machine or hand tool to carefully add the pigment.

Step 5: Healing: The skin needs time to fix itself. The color will look dark at first, but it will lighten up as it heals over the next few weeks.

How Much Does Permanent Makeup (PMU) Cost?

Pricing your PMU procedures can feel like a tightrope walk—too high, and clients might flinch; too low, and you sell yourself short. In the US, most clients are dropping anywhere from $300 to $1,000 for a single PMU procedure, with the sweet spot usually around $400–$800 for the most common services.

Location and experience shake up pricing, too. Big city vibes like New York or Los Angeles? Expect prices to fall around $1,200 or more. Cozy corners of the Midwest or South? Clients usually stick to that $400–$800 range.

Brows

This is the most common service you'll offer. Whether it's microblading, powder brows, or nano brows, the average cost is around $600. Some artists charge as low as $300 when they're new, while master artists can charge $800 or more.

Lip Blush

Adding a tint of color to the lips usually costs between $300 and $1,000. The average price most clients pay is about $366. This procedure takes a bit of time and skill to get the color just right.

Eyeliner

Adding a lash line or winged look costs between $300 and $700. On average, you can expect to charge about $456. It’s a great service for clients who want to save time on their daily makeup.

Paramedical PMU

These services are more specialized and often cost more because they require advanced training.

⏺ Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP): This can range from $850 to over $2,100 depending on how much of the scalp you need to cover.

⏺ Areola Reconstruction and Scar Restoration: These prices vary a lot based on the size of the area, but they are often priced similarly to high-end brow or lip services.

How Long Does Permanent Makeup (PMU) Last?

A lot of people ask: “Is permanent makeup really permanent?” Even though it's called "permanent," PMU is actually semi-permanent. It is designed to fade slowly over time as your skin naturally heals and replaces itself. Most results last between 1 to 5 years, but the exact timing depends on the procedure and how well your client takes care of their skin.

Here is a general idea of how long different procedures stay visible:

To help your clients understand what to expect, you can use this table to show how long their results should stay fresh:

Why does it fade?

As an artist, you should explain to your clients that several things affect their results:

⏺ Skin Type: Oily skin often loses pigment faster than dry skin because the extra oil can push the color out.

⏺ Sun Exposure: UV rays are like a natural bleach for PMU. If your client spends a lot of time in the sun without protection, their makeup will fade much sooner.

⏺ Skincare Products: Products with strong ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, or exfoliating acids can speed up fading if they are used directly on the treated area.

To keep their results looking fresh, recommend that your clients come back for a color boost every 12 to 18 months. This keeps the shape defined and the color vibrant.

Is Permanent Makeup (PMU) Bad For the Skin?

When done correctly, PMU isn’t bad for your skin. In fact, most people have no issues at all. However, because you are using needles to place pigment into the skin, you need to understand how the skin reacts to stay safe.

If you use the right depth and high-quality tools, the skin heals smoothly. Problems usually only happen if an artist goes too deep, uses low-quality ink, or doesn't follow cleanliness rules.

To keep your client's skin healthy, keep these points in mind:

⏺ Avoid Scarring: If you press too hard or go too deep, you can cause permanent scarring or "blowouts" where the ink spreads out and looks messy.

⏺ Prevent Infections: Always work in a sterile environment. Using dirty tools or touching the area with bare hands can lead to infections that damage the skin.

⏺ Watch for Allergies: Some people might be sensitive to certain pigment ingredients. It is a good idea to ask about skin sensitivities before you begin.

⏺ Give Aftercare Advice: The skin is most at risk while it is healing. Make sure your clients know to keep the area clean and avoid picking at any scabs.

As long as you treat the skin with respect and follow your training, PMU is a safe and helpful service.

How to Choose a Good Permanent Makeup (PMU) Artist

Choosing someone to work on your face is a big decision. You want to feel sure that you're in good hands and that you'll love your new look. Use this checklist to find an artist who is safe, skilled and professional.

1. Look at their portfolio

A portfolio is the best way to see what an artist can do.

⏺ Check for healed photos: Fresh tattoos always look dark and crisp. You need to see how the color and shape look after the skin has fully healed.

⏺ Skip the filters: If the photos look blurry or too perfect, the artist might be hiding mistakes. Look for clear, close-up shots of the skin.

⏺ Find your style: Every artist has a different touch. Make sure you like the way they shape brows or color lips before you book.

2. Check for certifications

A professional artist will have the right paperwork to show they know what they're doing.

⏺ Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) certificate: This shows they know how to handle needles and blood without spreading germs.

⏺ License and insurance: Make sure they have a permit from the local health department and insurance to cover their business.

3. Watch for hygiene

When you visit the studio, it should look as clean as a doctor's office.

⏺ Single-use tools: The artist must open a new, sterile needle in front of you and throw it in a special bin when they're finished.

⏺ Clean space: They should wear fresh gloves and use plastic covers on their equipment and chair.

⏺ Proper cleaning: The station should be wiped down with strong, hospital-grade cleaners before you sit down.

Ready to Give Your Clients the Best Permanent Makeup?

Your skill is only part of what creates exceptional results. The pigments you choose play an equally important role. You need colours that remain true over time and heal beautifully across every brow, lip, and eyeliner treatment.

At Perma Blend, we provide high-quality, reliable pigments designed to support artists who care deeply about their craft. Explore our extensive range of inksOpens a new window to find shades that fit your style and technique. For deeper insight into PMU, visit our FAQ pageOpens a new window, and if questions come up, contact our teamOpens a new window; we’re always here to help. Start delivering results your clients trust and love.