Permanent makeup: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What permanent makeup is

A permanent makeup artist uses a tattoo-style device to place pigment in the skin for brows, lip color or eyeliner. The results fade over time, and the work often takes a few sessions to heal and set.

Signs you need it

  • You want brows that look full without a daily routine
  • You want lip color or eyeliner that lasts through the day and sweat or swimming
  • You have sparse brows or lost hair and want a natural shape
  • You want a look that suits your face and that you can keep up with touch-ups
  • You want a provider who explains the healing process and the color plan

What the pro does

  • Consults with you on the shape, color and the look you want
  • Checks your skin, medications, allergies and any health conditions that affect healing
  • Maps the shape with a guide and makes changes with you before any pigment is placed
  • Numbs the area and places pigment in the skin with a device, in thin layers
  • Cleans the area and explains the healing steps and the touch-up plan
  • Schedules a follow-up visit to check the result and fill in any missing areas

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • The area treated, such as brows, lips or eyeliner
  • The number of sessions needed for the look and the healing
  • Whether a consultation, numbing or a touch-up is included
  • The pigment type and the technique used
  • The time the procedure takes and how much detail the look needs
  • The provider's training and the setting where the procedure is done

What a written quote should spell out

  • The area treated and the shape and color plan
  • The number of sessions and the time between them
  • Whether numbing and aftercare products are included
  • Whether the touch-up visit is included in the price
  • The cancellation and reschedule terms, including any deposit

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What training and certification do you have for permanent makeup?
  • What pigments do you use, and are they tested for safety?
  • How long will the results last, and how often will I need touch-ups?
  • What sterilization steps do you take for needles and equipment?
  • What should I expect during healing, and what should I avoid?
  • Can I see healed results from clients with a similar face or skin type?
  • What should I do if I notice signs of infection after the procedure?

Red flags

  • Does not explain their training or cannot show a health or sanitation process
  • Reuses needles or equipment that should be single use, or cannot show sealed sterile packaging
  • Will not show healed results, only fresh results
  • Skips the health check or the medication check before the procedure
  • Promises the color will never fade or that no touch-up will be needed

What you can do yourself

You can keep the area clean and protected after any procedure, and use only the aftercare products your provider gives you. Do not do any permanent pigment work at home. Hire a trained provider for permanent makeup, and see a doctor if the area becomes swollen, hot, painful or leaks fluid after the procedure.

Licenses and permits

Permanent makeup is commonly regulated like tattoo work, through state or local health department rules, and some places require a license or permit. Check with your state and local health or licensing agencies before you book, and ask the provider what permit they hold.

Permanent makeup questions

Is permanent makeup safe?

It carries the same types of risk as any procedure that breaks the skin, including infection and allergic reaction. Choose a provider who uses sterile equipment, checks your health, and explains the aftercare.

How long does healing take?

Healing takes a few weeks in most cases, and the color often looks darker at first and softens over time. Ask the provider what to expect for the area you chose.

How long does the color last?

The color fades over time and varies by person, skin and the pigment used. Ask the provider how often you will need touch-ups.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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