PMU Frequently Asked Questions

Powder Brows 

What you need to know before the procedure

What To Expect

The procedure takes approximately 2-3 hours.


Before undergoing a permanent make-up powder brows procedure, it’s important to properly prepare to ensure the best results and minimize potential complications.


NB: You will not be allowed to donate blood for 6 months after the procedure.


  • Powder brows is a semi-permanent cosmetic tattoo procedure.
  • The procedure involves inserting PMU pigments into the top layers of the skin with a tattoo machine.
  • The result is a powdery eyebrow effect, creating misty, powdered brows.
  • The procedure is a two-step process, consisting of the initial insertion of the pigment and a touch-up that takes place 6 – 8 weeks after the initial procedure.
  • Immediately following the procedure, brows may feel dry, chapped, tight, and tender to the touch.
  • Brows will get dark for a few days, peel for a few days, then lighten over the healing process of 2 months.
  • The treatment can last 2-3 years, depending on saturation level.
Avoid These Before the Procedure
  • Alcohol and Caffeine: Avoid consuming alcohol and caffeine for at least 24-48 hours before.
  • Blood Thinners: Do not take any blood thinners at least 1 week before. Please consult with your doctor before stopping any prescribed medications.
  • 7 days before the procedure, stop taking the following supplements (Fish Oil/Omega-3, Vitamin D, E, B6, Garlic, Bromelain, Gingko Biloba, Natta kinase, St. John’s Wort).
    These contribute to the thinning of the blood and bruising of the skin. You may resume taking your supplements 72 hours after your procedure.
  • Aspirin, Niacin or Ibuprofen 24 hours before procedure, this can lead to more bleeding. Also do not take ibuprofen (advil) or codeine medication for prior to the treatment.
  • Waxing, Tanning, or Tinting: Do not wax, tan, or tint the brow area at least 3 days prior.
  • Gym: Do not workout the day of the procedure.
  • Tanning: Avoid tanning two weeks prior appointment.
  • Menstrual Cycle: Please note that the area will be more sensitive close or around this time.
  • Anti-Aging Treatments, Chemical Peels, or Facials: Avoid these treatments around the brows for at least 2 weeks prior.
  • Filler or Botox Injections: Schedule any filler or Botox injections for at least three weeks before.
  • Fish Oil and Vitamin E Supplements: Stop taking these supplements one week ahead.
  • Steroid Shots: These should not be taken 30 days before the procedure.
  • Specific Medications: Triflusal (Disgren), Clopidogrel (Plavix), Prasugrel (Effient), Ticagrelor (Brilinta), Ticlopidine (Ticlid), Cilostazol (Pletal), Vorapaxar (Zontivity), Dipyridamole (Persantine) and others.
  • It is recommended to postpone social plans for a few days. Avoid the procedure at least a month before important life events.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and individual responses to medications can vary.

Always consult with your healthcare provider before stopping any medication. 

It's also important to inform your permanent makeup artist about any medications you're currently taking to ensure a safe and successful procedure. Doctor's permission letter needs to be provided should you take any of the above medications.

Always follow the pre-care instructions provided by your professional to ensure the best results.

If any medical details have not been disclosed your technician cannot be held liable for any outcome.

NB : If you have any of these skin conditions then we might not be able to do a permanent make-up procedure on you.

  • Eczema / Dermatitis / Psoriasis / Rosacea / Shingles.
  • Ingrown hairs or acne on the eyebrow area.
  • Severely oily skin or eyebrows (colour retention will be very low or none at all).
  • Large pores (pigment could bleed and result in a powdered appearance).
  • Raised Moles, Skin piercings in or around the eyebrow area (pigment won’t retain well on those areas).
  • Eyebrow hair transplant.
  • Acne medication (must wait one year before treatment, please consult regarding the type of acne medication used if unsure).
  • Extremely thin skin (bleeds very easily and will not be able to retain colour).
  • Tanned or sunburned skin (must not tan two weeks before treatment).
  • Use any eyebrow growth conditioner (skin will be hypersensitive, discontinue use two months before the procedure).
  • Forehead Injections in the past two months.
  • Failure to disclose any of the above skin/medical conditions and medications will result in apoor outcome. Further touch-ups to improve the results will be at an additional cost, ortreatment may be declined.

FAQ

Do I have to shave my eyebrows for the eyebrow procedure?

No, and it will not affect your eyebrows at all. I only clean up your eyebrows once mapping has been done and you're happy with your brow shape.

Does the procedure hurt?

I give you a pre-numbing cream on the consultation day that needs to be blot on 40 minutes prior to the official procedure. Then, I also apply secondary anaesthetic during the procedure. Some people
feel bit of discomfort where others fall asleep.

What is the difference between powder brows and micro-blading?

Microblading requires a manual tool to deposit pigment into the first layer of the skin.


Powder Brows or Ombre shading requires a machine to disperse fine dots (pixels) of pigment across the surface.


Microblading produces hair strokes, whereas ombre shading mimics a soft powder makeup look.

Hybrid Brows are a combination of both. Hairstrokes are used to create a natural hair look and then soft shading is added through the rest of the eyebrow to create density. The shading can be kept light & airy or be bold.

Am I a good candidate for a permanent make-up procedure?

There are many factors to consider when determining if a client is a good candidate for
permanent make-up.


Skin type, skin elasticity, skin quality, sensitivity, skin conditions, skin history to pigmentation, hair growth patterns, and symmetry are all carefully considered.


With a free in-person consultation, I will help you determine what would work best for you.


If you have any of the conditions listed below, you will not retain the colour well & will need a doctor's letter to confirm your procedure. If you are pregnant or nursing, we need to wait, please come back once you have had your baby. For other medical conditions, you will need permission from your doctor.


Epilepsy, Haemophilia or bleeding disorders, diabetes, heart conditions/pacemaker/defibrillator, thyroid conditions, autoimmune disorder, trichotillomania, chemotherapy, viral infections and or diseases, and certain medications. 


If you are taking chronic meds please contact your doctor and ask for permission letter.

How long does the brows take to heal?

The eyebrow area will be slightly red after the procedure, and the colour will appear very dark the first couple of days. This is normal for the procedure and part of the healing process.


The colour will fade by up to 30-50% as it heals and slightly shrinks in size.


The healing process for permanent makeup powder brows typically follows this timeline:


1. **Day 1**: After the procedure, your brows may feel a bit tender¹.
2. **Days 2-7**: You can expect to see subtle yet progressive differences daily, especially in
the first 7 to 10 days, which is when the aftercare routine is most crucial¹.
3. **Days 7-10**: The superficial healing process usually completes, with the surface of the
skin healed¹.
4. **After 2 Weeks**: The final result and true color can be seen¹.
5. **After 3 Weeks**: The healing process should be complete¹.
6. **After 4-6 Weeks**: This is the time it takes for the tissue underneath to heal
completely and for the pigments to settle


Risks

Permanent makeup, like any other procedure, carries certain risks.

Here are some potential risks associated with permanent makeup:

Infection

There’s always a chance of infection if sterilized needles are not used or if the ink is contaminated.

Allergic Reactions

An allergic reaction to tattoo ink color (the pigments used) can happen. (Especially if you are allergic to any metals/dyes/dentist's anaesthetic).

Eye Complications

These can include loss of eyelashes, severe eyelid injury, crusting, and ectropion (outward turning of the eyelid). Only applicable to eyeliner procedures.

Nodules and Scar Tissue Formation

The body may consider the tattoo ink as a “foreign substance” and react to it by forming nodules (called granulomas) around particles of pigment.

MRI Complications

A few people have reported swelling or burning in the tattooed area who have undergone an MRI of their heads.

Skin Discoloration

This includes hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation. (If you are prone to pigmentation, please let your technician know so we can discuss if the procedure is possible)

Temporary Changes in Skin Texture

Damage to Underlying Structures

Unsatisfactory Results

This may necessitate additional procedures. Please make sure you have seen the technicians work and that they are qualified and let them know what you want and expect so that they can see if it's possible.