FAQs

Everything you ever wanted to know about Permanent Makeup

What is permanent makeup (PMU)?

Permanent Makeup, also known as cosmetic tattooing or micropigmentation, uses gentle, hypoallergenic pigments to enhance the brows, lips, and eyes with soft, natural-looking definition that lasts.

All pigments are medical-grade and hypoallergenic, and only single-use, sterile needles are used for every client. PMU Dorset follows strict hygiene standards and is fully licensed and inspected by the local council for environmental health.

How should I prepare for my permanent makeup appointment?

To help you get the best results, please follow these simple guidelines. If they aren’t followed, your appointment may need to be rescheduled.

2 weeks before: Avoid sunbathing, sunbeds, Botox, facials, retinols, waxing, or tinting.
48 hours before: Avoid alcohol.
24 hours before: Avoid caffeine, ibuprofen, or aspirin. 

How do we to prepare you for permanent makeup?

A patch test is carried out 48 hours before your treatment to check for any allergies to the pigments used, ensuring your safety and peace of mind.

On the day of your appointment, we start by discussing your preferences, including what you like, dislike, and hope to achieve with your permanent makeup.  Wearing your usual makeup helps us understand your style, and bringing photos of brows, lips, or eyeliner you love is very helpful. Treatment only begins once you are completely happy with the design and colour.

Does permanent makeup hurt?

Most clients describe the sensation as mild, similar to light scratching or tweezing. A numbing cream is applied throughout the treatment to keep you comfortable, whether you’re having brows, lips, or eyeliner done. Many clients find the process relaxing, and some even drift off to sleep.

What are some things to consider before a lip procedure?

Before the procedure a numbing cream is applied to keep the lips comfortable.

Some things to consider before having a lip procedure:

If prone to cold sores, speak to your GP about using antiviral medication one week before and after your appointment.

Avoid lip waxing or bleaching for at least two weeks beforehand, as this can cause irritation.
If you’ve had lip fillers or Botox, please wait at least six weeks before booking your appointment, ideally, Permanent Makeup should be done first.

Please note: treatments can not be carried out if you have an active cold sore.

What are some things to consider before a eyeline procedure?

Please feel free to arrive with your usual makeup; you can bring your favourite pencil to match your shade.

Allow at least a week after a lash tint or perm, or two weeks after eyeliner treatment, to let the area heal properly.

Who should avoid having permanent makeup?

Permanent Makeup is safe for most people, but there are a few situations where treatment may not be suitable.

• Pregnant or breastfeeding

• Under 18

• Have diabetes that isn’t controlled

• Take blood-thinning medication

• Have skin conditions (like eczema, psoriasis, or infection) in the treatment area

• Having chemotherapy or radiotherapy (unless cleared by your doctor)

• Have had Botox, fillers, or facials in the area within the last 2 weeks

• Are prone to keloid scarring

• Taking Accutane (you’ll need to wait 6 months after finishing)

 
If you’re unsure, just get in touch. We’re always happy to offer friendly, honest advice to make sure treatment is right for you!

How will my brows heal after a permanent makeup treatment?

Permanent Makeup is a semi-permanent treatment, so your brows will go through a natural healing process before the final result appears.

• Days 2–5: Brows may look darker than expected. This is because the pigment sits on the top layer of the skin, this is temporary and the colour will soften.

• Days 5–10: Tiny scabs or flakes may appear and will naturally shed.

• Days 7–14: Pigment may look lighter as new skin forms.

• After 2 weeks: Colour settles; any patchy areas are corrected at your top-up.


A top-up session 6–8 weeks later ensures the brows are perfected, with adjustments to shape or colour if needed.

How will my eyeliner heal after a permanent makeup treatment?

• Days 1–2: Eyeliner may appear darker and more defined than expected. Mild swelling or redness is normal.

• Days 3–7: The area may flake slightly or appear uneven as the skin heals.

• Days 7–14: Colour softens and settles, revealing a natural, defined line.

• After 2 weeks: Healed eyeliner is visible, with any touch-ups done at your top-up session in 6-8 weeks if needed.

What is the aftercare for my permanent makeup treatment?

You will be guided through all aftercare recommendations during your treatment and provided with a detailed information sheet to refer to at home. Following these instructions is essential to ensure the best long-term results and keep your Permanent Makeup looking flawless.

How long does permanent make up last?

Results vary from person to person depending on skin type, lifestyle, and other factors. Most clients return for a colour boost around 12 months to maintain shape, definition, and vibrancy, while others can wait up to 24 months before a colour boost is required.

What is your cancelation policy?

You cannot have permanent makeup if you are: 

• Under 18

• Pregnant

• Breastfeeding

• Taking blood thinners

• Taking Accutane for acne

• Undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy. 

By booking your treatment, you are acknowledging that you have read, understood and agree to all the information and policies below. 

 

Previous Permanent Makeup 
If you’ve had any previous permanent makeup, please email or send a photo via Instagram before booking. This allows us to assess your existing work and plan your treatment safely. Failure to do so may result in your appointment being rescheduled. 

 

Precare 

Failure to follow the pre-care advice may result in the treatment being cancelled. In this case, the cancellation fee will apply.

 

2 weeks before: Avoid sunbathing, sunbeds, Botox, facials, retinols, waxing, or tinting. 
48 hours before: 
Avoid alcohol. 
24 hours before: 
Avoid caffeine, ibuprofen, or aspirin.  

 

Medication 
If you are taking any medication or undergoing any treatment that could affect your ability to have Permanent Makeup, please email or send a message via Instagram before booking. 

 

Booking & Cancellation Policy 

To secure your appointment, we kindly request a £50 booking fee; this booking fee is non-refundable. Appointments tend to fill up quickly, so please ensure you choose a slot you are sure you can attend. 


We have a 72-hour cancellation policy. Appointments can be moved once with at least 72 hours notice. Any changes to your booking within 72 hours of the appointment time will require an additional booking fee. If you need to reschedule your appointment a second time, the original booking fee is void, and a further £50 fee is required to secure your appointment. 


If you do not arrive for your appointment and haven’t messaged us to let us know, you will still be charged the full amount for your treatment.

 

Arriving on Time 
Please arrive on time for your appointment. If you are more than 15 minutes late, we may not be able to accommodate you, and the cancellation fee will apply. For your comfort and to ensure we can focus on your treatment, we ask that you attend your appointment alone. The treatment room is small, and additional guests can be distracting. 

 

Top-up Cancellation Policy 

If your (free/included) top-up appointment is cancelled less than 72 hours before the allotted date, a payment of £50 will be taken for another appointment. 

If you need to rearrange your (free/included) top-up appointment for a date that is over the allotted 8 weeks, a payment of £50 will be taken for another appointment. 

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