PMU Stands for “Permanent Make Up” (or Semi-Permanent Make Up) and it is a form of cosmetic tattooing which implants pigment into the skin that gradually fades over time. Microblading, Nano Brows, Ombre Brows (Otherwise known as Powder Brows or Machine Shading) and Combination Brows are all considered types of PMU Brows.

Microblading is done with a small handheld tool made up of very fine needles that are used to implant pigment and mimic hair like strokes. This technique enhances your natural eyebrows by adding colour and fullness as well as a more defined and customized shape while still maintaining a more natural appearance. The best candidates for this type of technique are typically someone who has small pores and a normal to dry skin type. Microblading is NOT suitable for people with combination to oily skin and/or mature clients.

Nano brows also mimic the look of hairstrokes however it is done with the same PMU machine used for shading (ombre brows). Nano brows are less invasive than microblading meaning it’s gentler & healthier for the skin allowing better healed results and reduced sensitivity for the client. Unlike microblading, Nano brows are suitable for most skin types including combination to oily and mature clients. For very oily skin types, Ombre brows are best suited.

Ombre brows (otherwise known as “Powder Brows”) is a shading technique that is done with a small handheld PMU machine where pigment is deposited through a stippling effect to create tiny pixels. These pixels mimic a soft and natural to crisp and bold make up look (depending on your desires). Most ombre brows are more saturated towards the tail of the brow and gradually soften towards the front. This technique is suitable for all skin types and is especially recommended for those who have very oily or mature skin. One of the most common misconceptions of Ombre Brows is that they can’t be “natural” looking. Often, you are seeing photos and videos of freshly done Ombre brows which appear much bolder and more defined at first. As they heal, they lighten and soften leaving a more natural appearance.

Combination Brows (otherwise known as “Hybrid Brows”) is a combination of Microblading or Nano hairstrokes and Machine Shading. It is very customizable in terms of how much to little hairstrokes vs shading is done. For example, you could choose to have hairstrokes throughout the whole brow with shading in certain areas to create some density or it can be done with hairstrokes at the front of the brow only and shading throughout the rest. This technique is great for clients who want the best of both worlds.

It is important to me that my clients are as comfortable as possible. For this reason, I use an initial as well as a secondary numbing agent to ensure your comfort. Pain is subjective but PMU brows are described as a very minor discomfort. In fact, a lot of my clients fall asleep while I am working on them! Most (if not all) of the clients who have come to me with fear of the pain have been pleasantly surprised by the sensation and instantly more relaxed when they experience it.

The longevity of your permanent make-up depends on a lot of factors such as (but not limited to) your skin type, lifestyle, aftercare, medical conditions, type of PMU done etc. For example, someone who has oily skin will fade faster than someone who has dry skin. Microblading also tends to fade faster than shading (ombre brows). Generally speaking, PMU Brows tend to last anywhere from about 1-5 years. Touch-ups/colour refreshers are recommended every 1-3 years but this can also vary.

Permanent makeup is considered non-invasive and there is no actual “down time;” You can go about your day/life immediately after the treatment so long as the proper aftercare is followed. Since the techniques do involve breaking the surface of your skin, there is still healing that needs to take place. The entire healing process will take 4-6 weeks before your brows are considered fully healed. However, the “outer” portion of your skin will be healed within 10-14 days (sometimes even less).

Appointment times can vary client-client depending on certain factors such as how long the mapping process (drawing out the desired brow shape) takes as well as how your skin is taking the pigment and your desired PMU type. On average, the whole appointment takes anywhere between 2.5-3 hours give or take. Often, the first half of the appointment is numbing, a further consultation, picking out a custom pigment colour and brow mapping. The remaining time of the appointment is the procedure itself.

After your initial appointment you will require a 6-8 week touch up to see how your brows healed and to perfect them. In some cases, this touch up isn’t required but I do tell my clients to plan for it. As for “annual” touch ups, it is essentially up to you if you want to maintain your PMU brows! As previously mentioned in “how long does permanent makeup last” touch ups are going to look different for everyone. Some people may need to come around 1-2 years or less for their annual touch up to refresh their brows whereas others may not have to come for 2-4 years! Your brows will tell you when it’s time to come back. Once your brows start to fade quite a bit and you are feeling like you need a refresh, it is best to reach out and send some photos and/or videos so I can give my opinion on if it’s time! I like to say that brows are “low maintenance” not necessarily “no maintenance”; It is okay to use a bit of makeup on your brows to get you by and keep them looking fresh. If you no longer wish to have touch ups done, you may let your brows continue to fade over time, but a slight shadow may remain.

Absolutely! It is extremely important to me (as I’m sure it is for you) that we are on the same page for your desired brow shape. I will work with your natural brow hair, your facial features and your wants to draw out a customized brow shape that you will get to see and have say in before we begin.

Not necessarily but this can vary from client to client! You will wake up feeling confident with your PMU brows already there, however it depends on how natural they healed/were desired to be. You may feel the need to add a bit of tinted brow gel for example, or if you are going out for the tonight with a full face of makeup you want to add a splash to your brows. That being said, it will still make your routine a lot faster, and your brow shape will already be there for you! **During healing you will need to avoid makeup in the surrounding area for the first 14 days.

No. It will not have any effect on your natural hair growth.

NO WAY! I am so surprised at how often I hear this question. I want to work WITH your natural brow hairs. In fact, the more natural hair, the better! Once the brow shape has been drawn on and you give me consent, I may use a dermaplaning razor and/or tweezers to remove some hairs outside of the shape and clean up the area.

Your safety is my number one priority and as a precaution I do not offer PMU to anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding. It is best to wait 6 weeks after you have finished breastfeeding for your hormones to level back out and then you are okay to have the procedure done.

I will need to see your brows and the previous PMU that remains for a consultation prior to booking an appointment. You may start by reaching out and sending photos of your brows so we can discuss further from there.

Please refer to “Brow Contraindications” under my Brow Policies and reach out if any apply to you.