When working on melanated skin, pigment placement isn’t just about choosing the right color; it’s about managing concentration for long-lasting, vibrant results. One of the most overlooked but effective techniques in achieving this is dilution, which can be achieved with . Melanated skin often requires more saturation for pigment to appear clearly and heal evenly.
The perfect way to dilute any pigment is with Perma Blend ShadinOpens a new windowOpens a new windowg SolutionOpens a new windowOpens a new windowOpens a new windowOpens a new windowOpens a new windowOpens a new windowOpens a new windowOpens a new windowOpens a new windowOpens a new windowOpens a new windowOpens a new window, which are expertly formulated to dilute pigments without altering the base color.
But here’s the catch: products with a high pigment load can easily lead to over-saturation, where the pigment sits too densely on the surface. This can cause ashing over time, leaving your work looking muted, dull, or grayish.
Dilution allows you to reduce the pigment concentration without changing the color tone. That means you can still achieve bold, rich colors with more control and greater potential for building. For example, an ink with 40% pigment, when diluted by 50%, becomes 20% pigment. The color is still vibrant, but it heals more consistently, especially on deeper skin tones.
The Science Behind the Tip
When you dilute, you're spacing out pigment particles. This softens how the pigment settles into the skin while maintaining the integrity of the hue. It’s not about making the color weaker, it’s about making it smarter.
Since melanated skin may need extra pigment to show up well, many artists think more pigment leads to better results. But the real pro move is knowing how to layer pigment strategically.
Dilution gives you the flexibility to layer pigment properly, especially when working with inks that are “heavy” or have higher pigment loads. If you’ve ever struggled with pigment healing too dark or ashy on melanated skin, this is your sign to rethink your ratios.
Try diluting your pigments next session and watch how much more control you gain—not just in your application, but in your results!
To learn more tips and tricks of the trade, head over to Artistry by ZuriOpens a new windowOpens a new window!
Be Exceptional. Not the Exception.
Beauty INKlusivity is an initiative to empower artists of all skill levels in the professional PMU beauty industry through scholarship, product development and education. We're in the business of eradicating the status quo by developing products that represent us all - and creating a better world beyond our imagination.
Beauty that won't wash away
Perma Blend is the color expert in permanent cosmetics. We empower professional beauty artists to create true transformations for their clients. Featuring an extensive palette of over 200 vegan pigments for timeless beauty, from 'no-makeup' makeup to bold, iconic looks with our award-winning color range for all skin tones. No more hassle. Just hustle.
You May Also Like...
New Look, Same Trusted Formula: Meet the Updated Evenflo PackagingOpens a new windowOpens a new window
by
Evenflo pigments are getting a sleek packaging refresh—but the formula inside hasn’t changed. In this spotlight, we walk you through what’s new, what’s staying the same, and why artists can continue to trust Evenflo for the soft saturation, true-to-tone healing, and consistent results they love.
Emotions in Professional Activity with Elizaveta SurkovaOpens a new windowOpens a new window
by
Perma Blend Pro Team Artist Elizaveta Surkova explores how passion, perseverance, and emotional connection shape the work of PMU professionals—and why inspiration is often the most powerful tool in your kit.
The Science of Dilution: A Smarter Way to Work on Melanated SkinOpens a new windowOpens a new window
by
PMU artist Zuri Dale shares how strategic pigment dilution can transform your results on melanated skin. From controlling saturation to reducing ashy healing, this pro-level technique gives artists greater precision—without compromising vibrancy.