Permanent Makeup Pigments

Understanding Permanent and Semi Permanent Makeup Pigments

The PMU pigments we use to enhance and create beautiful eyebrows, lips and eyes come in an extensive range of shades and consistencies . Pigments are often referred to as permanent makeup inks, and unlike traditional makeup, PMU pigments are implanted into the skin, providing a more durable solution that doesn't wash off each day

Some give long lasting results, others are designed to fade, this is the consideration and confusion between permanent makeup pigments and semi permanent makeup pigments. When we know the type of pigments we're working with, we can choose the best option for each client, keeping in mind the client's own personal preferences

Yes tattooing fashion shapes with longer lasting pigments is a wonderful idea in the short term, by that I mean 2-5 years, but what happens when our style becomes a little more natural, or fashions change. Thankfully, this is where Botched Ink can help, with our gentle removal solution, and if brows are more dense and saturated, combining with laser when needed - Always Botched Ink first!

Comparison with Hair Colouring, Permanent and Semi-Permanent

Pigment, whether it's considered permanent or semi permanent, has made a long term change to the skin. The term semi-permanent is not one that's used much anymore, due to the confusion it's caused over the years - Not weeks!

• Permanent Hair Colour: These long-lasting hair colors contain pigment molecules and extra ingredients that penetrate deep into the hair shaft. This means they cope with multiple hair washes, resulting in a color that remains vibrant for a longer period. Sun exposure in the early days can permanently change the colour, so can other environmental exposures. Over time, as hair grows and the colour fades, you'll still see a permanent change has been made to the hair follicle

• Semi-Permanent Hair Colour: On the other hand, hair colors that fade quickly usually contain pigment molecules that sit more on the surface of the hair. These molecules are easily washed away with shampooing and exposure to sunlight and other environmental factors, causing the colour to fade faster. Unless hair follicles are particularly absorbent, or light in colour, semi-permanent hair colours visibly fade away, as no pigment molecules got in the hair follicle

If carried out by a skilled PMU artist, the permanent makeup pigments heal as superficially in the skin as befits the style of brow and desired results. Permanent makeup pigment still can't be washed away, and even when they fade, it's only the visible colour that's faded, the implanted pigment powders remain in the skin forever

That's why old faded work can look so faded, yet there's no more room in the skin for another touch up session, or any colour correction! It's educating your eye, and asking you client questions about how many treatments they could have had over the years. Asking how their brows looked when they were first worked, and then covered over the years, helps you learn more about their tattoo history

Permanent Makeup Pigment Brands

Most PMU artists have heard of Perma Blend and Li Pigments, but there's other brands available. I've tried to include worldwide manufacturers and their websites, some also have an online shop. But this isn't a full list of all the pigment brands available around the world, any many are manufactured by these companies

• Amiea

• BioTek

• Biotic

• Ever After

• Goldeneye

• Hanami

• Li Pigments

• Long Time Liner

• Perma Blend

• PhiBrows

• SofTap

• Swiss Color

What's in Your Permanent Makeup Pigments?

It's important to understanding the composition of the pigments used, not just whether the pigment is organic, inorganic pigments or a hybrid mix of the two. It's easy just to look at organic pigment being known for its vibrant colors, and inorganic pigments being more muted, but there's more to pigments than just the pigmented powder colours

While other courses about pigments focus on colour theory, iron oxide, organic and hybrid pigments, colour corrections and mastering your skills as a technician, I wrote a Masterclass about what else is in your pigment bottles – The Elephant in the Room!

A Masterclass on Carrier Fluid Ingredients

Our "What's In Your Pigment?" masterclass explores the different ingredients in pigment carrier fluids, and their role in PMU treatments. Carrier fluids are the liquid part of the pigment in each bottle, making sure the pigment powders are evenly distributed and absorbed by the skin, this leads to consistent and predictable healed results. Ingredients are typically labelled on the bottle, or come with the bottle, but for others you need to research a little more

Some carrier ingredients also changing how pigment looks in the skin once it's healed, more than just considering whether the pigment is organic, inorganic or hybrid. This is why some pigments heal looking soft and powdery, while others heal looking more fresh, just think about face makeup for a second, a translucent glossy lip tint, a creamy lipstick and a lip liner pencil can all have the same colour and shades of pigment powder, but they're all different textures

Permanent Makeup Inks or Pigment?

It's true that in recent years we can no longer say to a client that the healed colour will fade by 50%, as with some there's much less fading once healed. Do you know the fade on heal factor of your pigments? You'll find it's too easy to implant more pigment than you need to

This is the first and only Masterclass on carrier fluid ingredients. Discover how ingredients such as glycerin, polysorbate 20, propylene glycol, rosin, and PVP can affect tattooing, healing, retention, and the removal processes. Topics covered in my online Masterclass are: Introduction - The Elephant in the Room - Carrier Fluid Ingredients - Vegan Friendly - Cruelty Free - Consequences for Removal - Conclusion

Are we using inks or pigments? That's your call my friend!

Choosing the Right Pigments for Your Clients

As PMU experts, it's essential to choose pigments that will best meet your clients' needs. Factors such as skin tone, desired results, bold or more natural. When working on the face, it's important to select shades that complement the client's natural hair color and skin tone, creating a beautiful natural look

When selecting pigments for lips, vibrant and organic pigments are often the go-to choice, as they provide the bold, rich colors that clients desire. Additionally, using high-quality pigments can ensure that the results are not only stunning but also long lasting. Whilst some range of pigments are at competitive prices, allowing artists to find the perfect match for their clients without breaking the bank, others are more expensive

When you stock up and buy pigments, it's worth knowing that after opening, a bottle is only suitable to use for 12 months. This is because the preservatives in each bottle are designed to be effective for a certain amount of time after exposure to air

Pigment Removal: A Second Chance for Perfect Results

Despite the best efforts of artists, there are times when a client may wish to remove or alter their PMU. This is where my expertise as a pigment removal specialist comes into play. At Botched Ink, I've developed a gentle saline removal solution, and a comprehensive training course. We're building strong team of correction and removal specialists, each giving clients a fresh start and the opportunity to achieve their desired results in future work

Botched Ink is designed to be gentle on the skin, while effectively lifting up and our the unwanted pigments. This approach minimizes the risk of scarring and other complications, allowing clients to confidently undergo further treatments if desired