The PMU Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Microblading uses a manual tool to create hair-like strokes, while Ombré (or Powder) brows use a machine to create a soft, misty, makeup-like finish.

Technically, yes, because pigment is implanted into the skin. However, we use specific pigments designed to fade over 1–3 years, unlike traditional body ink which stays forever.

Most clients describe it as a “scratchy” sensation. I use medical-grade topical numbing creams before and during the procedure to keep you as comfortable as possible.

Usually 2 to 3 hours. A large portion of that time is spent “mapping” your face to ensure perfect symmetry before we even start the pigment application.

Safety & Suitability

As a professional, I always advise waiting. Hormonal changes can affect pigment retention, and your safety (and the baby’s) is the priority.

Yes, but you might be better suited for Ombré Brows and Nano Brows rather than Microblading. Oily skin can cause Microblading strokes to “blur” over time; powder shading and Nano strokes tend to hold much better.

Not at all! We work in the upper layers of the dermis, while your hair follicles are much deeper. SPMU actually often makes your natural hair look fuller.

Yes, but you must take an anti-viral medication (prescribed by your doctor) for a few days before and after the treatment to prevent an outbreak.

For the first week, they will look very dark. Then they will peel or flake, and the colour will seem to disappear before “blooming” back to its true shade around week 4.

Surface healing takes about 5–10 days, but the internal skin takes a full 4–8 weeks to completely recover.

You should avoid heavy sweating for at least 7 days. Sweat contains salt, which can pull the pigment out of the skin before it heals.

You can wear face makeup immediately, but you must keep the treated area (brows, lips, or eyes) completely makeup-free for at least 10 days to avoid infection.

The 6-week touch-up is where we “perfect” the work. Skin heals differently for everyone; some areas might not take pigment the first time, and we use this session to ensure longevity.

Typically 12 to 24 months depending on your skin type, lifestyle (sun exposure), and the products you use on your face.

In the old days, yes. Modern high-quality pigments are “stable,” meaning they simply fade into a lighter version of the original colour rather than shifting to odd hues.

We do it together! I choose a base based on your skin’s undertone (cool, warm, or neutral) and we discuss how bold or natural you want to go.

Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and blood thinners (like Ibuprofen) for 24 hours before. These can cause bleeding, which “washes out” the pigment.

Usually, it’s a “clean and lean” approach: gently blotting the area with a damp cotton pad and applying a very thin layer of healing balm provided by me.

It’s best to wait at least 2–3 weeks after Botox before getting your brows done so your muscles have settled into their natural position.

Because we map the shape and agree on the colour before we start, “surprises” are rare. However, pigments can be adjusted during the touch-up, or in extreme cases, removed via saline or laser.

This is a “cover-up” or “correction.” I can only do this if the old ink is at least 50% faded. If it’s too dark or saturated, I usually recommend a session of saline removal first to ensure the new shape looks clean.

I use the “Golden Ratio” and specialised mapping string or calipers. However, I always tell my clients: “Brows are sisters, not twins.” We aim for perfect balance while respecting your natural bone structure.

I use high-quality, “reach-compliant” pigments (like Permablend). These are vegan, cruelty-free, and formulated to stay true to colour without shifting over time.

Nano brows use a single needle machine to create hair strokes rather than a blade. It is generally gentler on the skin and lasts longer for clients with textured or oily skin.

I don’t recommend it. You must stay out of direct sunlight, chlorine, and salt water for at least 14 days. If you’re heading to the beach, book your session at least 3 weeks before you leave.

Yes! Anti-aging products speed up cell turnover. If you apply them near your brows, they will cause the pigment to fade significantly faster. You should stop using them near the treated area permanently.

Absolutely. UV rays are the #1 cause of pigment fading. Once healed, applying an SPF 50 stick over your brows or lips daily will keep the colour vibrant for much longer.

Yes, but you should inform the technician. Some older pigments contained trace amounts of iron oxide, which can occasionally tingle during a scan. Modern pigments are generally MRI-safe.

It won’t add physical volume like filler, but by defining the “vermillion border” (the edge of the lips) which often loses colour as we age, your lips will appear fuller and more youthful.

No. You must have your extensions professionally removed at least 3 days before the procedure and wait until you are fully healed (4 weeks) to get a new set.

Surprisingly, no! Most clients find it tickles. I use a very specific numbing gel for the eyelids that is pH-balanced so it doesn’t sting the eyes.

Yes, this is called “Melanin Neutralisation.” We first use warm tones (like orange) to cancel out cool/dark tones, then apply the target colour in a second session.

If you stop getting touch-ups, they will continue to fade. Depending on your skin, they may disappear almost entirely, or leave a very faint, soft shadow that can easily be covered with a little makeup.

Not at all! I have many clients in their 70s and 80s. In fact, SPMU is amazing for mature skin because it restores definition that naturally fades with age.

Yes. Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and can slow down the healing process, especially for Lip Blush, potentially leading to poorer pigment retention.

In many regions, you must wait 4–12 months after a tattoo or SPMU treatment before you can donate blood. Check your local Red Cross or blood bank guidelines.

No. You should wait 4 weeks between filler/Botox and your SPMU appointment to ensure the “base” of your face is in its permanent position.

This is the “milk skin” phase. New skin is growing over the pigment, making it look dull or missing. Be patient! The colour usually returns to the surface by week 4.