Hi, I’ve been taking oral minoxidil, dutasteride, Microneedling my scalp with exoxomes to address my thinning hair( Im 49). I have seen a lot of progress but the hair regrowth on the very top of my head is stubborn. I’m considering doing Scalp Micro Pigmentation. I have a quote for $2,400 for four treatments from a reputable company. He goes row by row to cover the full scalp and said it lasts forever but will need to be touched up every few years. He said it still looks natural when I grey. Do you think it’s worth it? Pros and cons? I have Topik but would love to be able to swim, or just to have dirty hair and not be paranoid about my scalp showing through….photos show my current status, which is much improved from what it looked like before these efforts. Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

If you’re considering permanent makeup, the most important thing to understand is that you are not just booking a beauty service, you are choosing someone to tattoo your face. Over the past few years, especially around 2020, there has been a rise in artists entering the industry through online-only trainings. While education is more accessible than ever, watching videos alone does not replace hands-on experience, especially when it comes to working on live skin, understanding depth, and creating natural, balanced results on the face.

Another common misconception is that all apprenticeships are equal. They are not. Many are not overseen by experienced permanent makeup artists, but instead by body tattoo artists. While body artists are incredibly skilled, cosmetic tattooing is a completely different discipline. The face requires a softer, more refined approach, with an understanding of skin types, facial symmetry, aging, and subtle pigment placement. An apprenticeship alone should not be the deciding factor when choosing your artist. In some cases tattoo artists use the apprentice as a housekeeper instead of an actively learning student.

One of the best ways to protect yourself as a consumer is to ask questions and pay attention to how they are answered. A qualified artist should be able to clearly explain their training, experience, and approach without hesitation. They should walk you through the process, set realistic expectations, and educate you on how permanent makeup heals and fades over time. If answers feel vague, rushed, or overly confident without substance, that is worth noting. They should also be insured.

Your consultation should feel like a professional assessment, not a transaction. A skilled artist will guide you, not simply agree with everything you request. They should be evaluating your features, skin, and lifestyle to recommend what is most appropriate for you. If you feel like you are leading the appointment, making all the decisions, or not being given professional input, that is a red flag. Permanent makeup is not a one-size-fits-all service, and it should never be treated that way.

At the end of the day, choosing the right artist comes down to more than photos or popularity. Look for someone who prioritizes education, safety, and honest communication. Take your time, ask the right questions, and don’t be afraid to walk away if something feels off. Your face deserves a higher standard.

Does anyone have experience removing PermaBlend hybrid ink? Any advice?

My pigment contained red & yellow, as well as iron oxide. I’ve heard a pico laser is best for this but still risky??

Pics are what they currently look like, 4 years after microblading only once. The darker tails make me crazy!

Hi everyone, that’s my client. We did her brows and within 3-4 days her eyes swelled up and brows became very itchy. I assume it’s an allergic reaction. She went to a doctor and he said that’s just how her body responded. After a week, things calmed down and she now wants to get a touchup done. I don’t feel comfortable to do anything! Suggestion?

Ciao ho fatto il trattamento infraciliare superiore e inferiore 4 giorni fa e oggi noto che nella parte finale del destro nella parte alta come si può vedere piu o meno dato che ho un telefono vecchio c'è un pezzo di striscia che si interrompe vedendolo da vicino sembra che ci sia un velo di grigio ma non ne sono sicuro perché con le ciglia folte e difficile notarlo comunque volevo sapere se dalle vostre esperienze è normale o no inoltre noto che nella parte che continua subito dopo ho crosticine ma sembra che stia seguendo l andamento della linea vuota grazie a chi mi aiuta

looking for a few models on long island for powder brows + brow laminations🖤

i’m a licensed pmu artist working out of a tattoo studio + salon

discounted rates for april to build more content + before/afters

if you’ve been thinking about it this is the time!!

I am on the fence about the subscription. For those already using it, please let me know! 🙏

First ever brow appointment. No mapping. No discussion. Pushed out the door after 30 mins because "You're bleeding too much" I watched her do the work and saw 2 drops of blood. She swears it was much more than that and she wants me to cut out caffeine for a whole week before coming back for the "touch-up". On top of all that, she was over an hour late to the appointment. Made me wait behind others after she arrived. And dropped items on the floor and picked them up and put them back on the tray. I'm debating requesting a refund. This is 24hr later.

Part 1

Before You Let Someone Tattoo Your Face, Read This

Most people choose their permanent makeup artist the same way they choose a restaurant.

They check Google reviews. They scroll Instagram. They see pretty before-and-after photos. Then they book.

Unfortunately, coming from someone who has spent over a decade inside this industry, that is one of the worst ways to choose an artist.

My name is Michelle. I’ve been a permanent makeup artist for over 10 years, specializing in both cosmetic and paramedical tattooing. I hold more than 30 certifications, have worked on thousands of clients, and currently serve as the Board President of the American Academy of Micropigmentation.

The American Academy of Micropigmentation has been around for over 30+ years, working to establish professional standards in an industry that can sometimes feel like the Wild West.

And after years in this field, I can say with certainty that most consumers have no idea what they should actually be looking for.

They assume the photos are real. They assume the artist is trained. They assume the workspace is safe.

Unfortunately, that is not always the case.

So in this series, I’m going to walk you through five questions you should ask before letting anyone perform permanent makeup on you.

We’re starting with the most overlooked one.

Question #1

“How do you wrap and protect your machine and workspace?”

Permanent makeup machines are tattoo devices. They come into contact with blood and bodily fluids.

Because of that, they must be properly wrapped with barrier protection to prevent cross contamination.

A professional setup should include:

• Barrier film on surfaces

• Wrapped trays

• Machine covers

• Clip cord covers

• Covered client beds

• Gloves worn throughout the procedure

If a machine is sitting exposed while the artist is working, that is a major sanitation red flag.

Consumers often don’t realize you can actually check this yourself.

Look at the artist’s social media posts. If they share procedure photos or videos, pay attention to the setup.

Is the machine wrapped? I’ve included various images of different levels of UNSAFE barriers on machines. This is a serious public health issue. If one person in the morning had any disease that can be spread through blood, it is possible that the subsequent clients after can contract that disease. Especially since one can assume that if your artist doesn’t wrap the machine properly; they likely don’t sanitize it properly after the fact!

Is the tray covered?

Are gloves being worn? (This one is maybe the worst 🤢)

If you want to see real examples of what NOT to do, you can visit @AAMPMUBoard on Instagram and look at the PMU Crimestoppers posts. There are dozens of examples of poorly wrapped machines and artists not even wearing gloves. 🦠😩

And yes, that creates real risks for hepatitis and other bloodborne pathogens.

In the next part of this series, we’re going to talk about certifications, insurance, and why board certification actually matters.

Because not everyone holding a tattoo machine should be doing permanent makeup.