PMU FAQ
Frequently asked questions about permanent makeup here at Near Me Tattoo
Common Questions
How old do I need to be?
Georgia State law requires you to be at least 18 years old with valid photo ID to receive permanent makeup tattooing services. We will absolutely not tattoo anyone under the age of 18 years old. There is no parental consent for tattooing in the state of Georgia.
How Long will my makeup last?
PMU will typically last between 1 and 5 years depending on the procedure before needing refreshing. Although PMU is considered semi-permanent, it will fade over time rather than disappearing completely. Everyone’s skin is unique, and many factors such as lifestyle, pigment color choice, and aftercare all play roles in its longevity.
Who should get PMU?
Nearly everyone! Any person who wants to look flawless without the effort of having to put on makeup everyday, those that are active in sports where normal makeup can smear and run, or even those that may have allergies to ingredients in traditional makeup. No matter the reason, we have you covered.
Does PMU hurt?
Permanent makeup is not completely painless. The sensation varies from person to person however it is commonly described as pressure, vibration, scratching, and others may feel little to no discomfort or pain. Many PMU artists will offer anesthetic creams to help with discomfort. If this is something you are worried about, always feel free to reach out to Shian.
How do i choose a color?
Fear not! Shian has received extensive training in color theory and can give you the best guidance in choosing the best color palette that suits you and your needs. She has many pigment colors to choose from and can mix out custom ones to your liking.
Is it different than regular tattoos?
Yes! While both involve implanting pigment into the skin, PMU uses specialized pigments designed for the face that are meant to fade naturally over time. The pigment is deposited into the upper layer of the skin (the basal layer), whereas traditional tattoos are placed deeper into the dermis.
Before Your Appointment
How do I prepare for my tattoo appointment?
Preparation is always key when seeking to get cosmetic tattooing services. Some of the best things you can do to prepare is to ensure a good nights rest, wear comfortable clothing, bringing headphones to help zone out, or even bringing a friend for moral support.
What should I avoid before my appointment?
Avoid alcohol, recreational substances, aspirin, ibuprofen, or other blood thinning medications for at least 24 hours beforehand as these can increase bleeding during the procedure. Don’t show up hungover, sick, or overly tired, as that can lead to a poor experience. Skip caffeine overload if it makes you anxious,
Can I wear makeup to my appointment?
While you should arrive with a clean, makeup free face, many artists encourage you to wear your daily makeup to consultation first. This allows Shian to understand your personal style and color preferences before the procedure. However if you do wear makeup to the appointment, then no worries, Shian will clean and cleanse the area prior to beginning.
Should I tint or wax my eyebrows?
You should avoid waxing, threading, or tinting your eyebrows for at least one week prior. An artist needs to see your natural hair growth to create the most flattering shape, and freshly waxed skin can be too sensitive or inflamed for cosmetic tattooing.
What if I have allergies or sensitive skin?
While many modern pigments are hypoallergenic, a patch test is often offered and recommended for those clients with highly sensitive skin or known allergies to hair dyes and metals. This is typically done at least 24-48 hours before the full procedure to ensure no adverse reaction occurs.
What should i eat before my tattoo?
Opt for a nutritious meal 1 to 2 hours before to maintain blood sugar and energy levels. Think proteins, carbs, and veggies like a sandwich or salad. Avoid heavy, greasy foods that might upset your stomach. Snacks like nuts or fruit during breaks can help, but may be less advised depending on the procedure selected.
During Your Appointment
What is the mapping phase?
Mapping is the blueprint stage where the artist draws the shape on your skin with a pencil. You will have the opportunity to review, adjust, and approve everything to ensure you are 100% happy and confident in the desired outcome in the final result of the procedure.
What if I’m nervous or scared of needles?
Totally normal! Tell your tattoo artist, they’re used to first timers and can talk you through it, offer breathing tips, or help distract you. Many people feel a bit uneasy at first, but it passes quickly. Bringing a friend for support is often helpful and recommended.
Is everything used single use?
Yes! For your safety, our professional artist Shian will only ever use single use, sterile, disposable needles and cartridges. They are opened in front of you and disposed of in a biohazardous sharps container immediately after your procedure.
Can I talk, move, or ask questions during?
Absolutely! feel free to chat, ask questions, or say if something feels off! Our artists will encourage communication to make sure you’re comfortable. Stay as still as possible during the actual tattooing (they’ll guide you based on your chosen procedure), but you can breathe normally, squeeze your hands, or even listen to music if you brought headphones.
When is the numbing applied?
Numbing is usually a two step process: a pre numbing cream is applied to the intact skin for 20-30 minutes before Shian begins, and a secondary anesthetic is applied once the skin has been “broken” to keep you comfortable throughout the rest of the session.
Am I allowed to take breaks?
Absolutely! Most artists encourage breaks for stretching, eating, or bathroom needs, especially for sessions over 2 hours. Communicate if you’re uncomfortable; our artists prioritize your comfort. Plan for 5 to 10 minute pauses every hour and a half or so to avoid fatigue.
After Your Appointment
What is healing and aftercare like?
PMU aftercare for beginners is very simple. most applications will take 4-6 weeks to fully heal. During the first week you will keep the area dry, clean, and moisturized, the second week after flaking and scabbing ends you will notice that your tattoo may be lighter. This is completely normal and the color will completely return over time.
Is there anything I should do after?
Go straight home if possible. Keep it dry for the first 7-10 days, and take it easy. Ice if swollen (wrap the ice pack in a clean paper towel to avoid moisture), and eat something light. Follow the aftercare advice which has more information about everything.
Celebrate, you just did it!
What should I avoid right after?
No swimming (pools, lakes, oceans) for 2 to 4 weeks minimum. Keep it out of the sun as well, the sun will break down tattoos over time. Skip makeup and hair products near it, and sleeping directly on it (use sheets you don’t care getting marked). If you’re ever unsure about what to do about a situation and a healing tattoo, always feel free to reach out to us!
How do I shower with my new PMU?
You should keep the area dry for the first 7-10 days. Take shorter, lukewarm showers to avoid excessive steam, and keep your face out of the direct water spray. Many artists suggest washing your hair at the very end of your shower with your head tilted back.
When can i come back for my next session?
PMU is a two step process. The first session is for building the foundation; the second session (usually 6-8 weeks later) is to fill in any spots that didn’t take pigment perfectly and to make final adjustments to the color and shape. Always allow full healing of the tattooed area before returning in order to achieve the most out of the last perfecting session.
What if something feels wrong after I leave?
Come back anytime for free check ups, we’re here for questions, bumps In the road, or any concerns you may have. Most “issues” are normal healing, but we’d rather have you come in and let us check out the permanent makeup than have you worry. Your first session or your 50th should be a great experience! Contact us at any time through our contact page.
