5 Red Flags you need to Know Before Getting Permanent Makeup
- Written by Sara Mac | OHMYBROW | @ohmybrow.com.au
There’s no doubt that cosmetic tattoos are the latest craze. And why wouldn’t it be? It’s a treatment done in just a few hours, which promises a semi-permanent solution to fix over-plucked eyebrows and lack-lustre lips.
Sounds too good to be true? Well, sometimes it is. As with any trending service, the level of expertise, knowledge, quality and integrity dilutes as the popularity grows.
Sara Mac, owner of OHMYBROW says she has seen an alarming number of clients coming in for consultation needing corrective work. More than 50% of her clientele are individuals requiring a fix-up from other people’s poor workmanship. And more often than not, the solution is not as easy as getting another treatment done.
Sara’s clinic now performs up to 10 cosmetic tattoo removals a week. A number that has doubled since 2020. So, how do you avoid becoming one of these statistics?
A leading PMU specialist and education pioneer, Sara shares 5 Red Flags you need to Know before getting Permanent Makeup
🚩 Cosmetic Tattoo is largely unregulated nationally
Unlike other emerging cosmetic services such as Botox or Filler, Permanent Makeup (PMU) is highly unregulated nationwide. There is no formal accreditation required to complete such training and there are few legal requirements to uphold those offering the service. This means anyone can go on a two-day course and set up shop. Even worse, you could just watch a few YouTube videos, buy some cheap tools from Ali Express and start tattooing. Try to select a well-established clinic that is owned by the performing artist. Ask to see recent photos of their work, read their reviews online and ask for a complimentary consultation to view their station setup. It requires a sterile environment.
🚩 Don’t bargain hunt!
Never skimp on price! I cannot stress this point enough. The economy is tough and budgets can be tight but I suggest waiting a little longer while you save rather than rushing off and doing something you’ll regret later. Often buying cheap means buying twice – or in this case, spending hundreds of dollars on tattoo removal, and then paying again to have your brows redone. I have invested over $200k in my professional development and spent 5 years refining my skill to get where I am today and I never discount my work - I know my worth. If you see this kind of service on a “deal website” or being offered at heavily a discounted price – Don’t do it!
🚩 Be careful if there is no consultation process.
Cosmetic tattoos are not suitable for everyone. There are a number of conditions that are absolute contraindications to permanent makeup. Your PMU artist should obtain your full medical background and evaluate your skin condition before accepting your booking. This is not just another beauty appointment. The client should be educated on the procedure, preparations must be explained, and client expectations should be heard. A consultation is a great way to see if the client and artist are a good match. It is essential your PMU artist also involves you in the process, including shaping, colour selection and style. The consultation also extends to a thorough aftercare plan and a follow-up visit to assess the result.
🚩 Is your numbing legally sourced through a medical practitioner?
Topical anaesthetics commonly known as numbing creams are commonly applied during skin penetration procedures to reduce pain sensation. At the concentrations needed to numb the pain for permanent makeup, these topical anaesthetics are all “Scheduled Medicines” in Australia and therefore restrictions apply on their use. Your technician has a legal responsibility under the Controlled Substances Act 1984, meaning they are not authorised to sell or supply anaesthetics to members of the public. The client MUST source a script for the application of numbing directly through a medical practitioner - similar to when you Zoom a doctor at your Botox appointment.
🚩 Is your cosmetic tattoo lasting the distance?
Permanent Makeup is a two-step process and when done correctly will last 3-4 years. The pigment application process requires appropriate reinforcement that can take up to 1.5 hours. The quality of pigments is equally as important for long-lasting results. A top-up session should only be required every few years to refresh the look. If your artist is spending less time and requiring you to come back sooner than 12 months you may be caught in the "production line" trap. Your money is far better spent with an artist who is giving you the time you deserve and your skin will thank you for it in the long run. Premature top-ups and overworking the skin can eventually lead to scarring.
Sara is fiercely passionate about elevating industry standards and creating awareness around common discrepancies in the field. Being aware of these 5 Red Flags will help you increase the chances of finding a reputable PMU artist in Australia. Just because regulations are not up to date, doesn’t mean great PMU businesses don’t exist.
