Permanent Makeup 15 Facts You Need To Know

Before taking the plunge and dreaming of waking up with the perfect eyebrow intact, eyeliner that never smudges or pouted, plum colored lips that remain after every sip at dinnertime, educate oneself on the ins and outs of what happens when “permanent” makeup is applied. The ease and convenience itself is appealing. Dreaming of late night dates or hours at the gym, no matter the tear, sweat or pillow, makeup that goes unphased for hours, days or weeks on end seems like a girl's best friend.

But is there a catch to it all? Is it too good to be true? Permanent makeup is a form of micropigmentation, like that of tattoos. And just like when getting a tattoo, it's important to do one's research on the practitioner and what's exactly being done to the body throughout the entire procedure. What's to be expected before, during and after application? Are there any risks? Is it truly permanent? Here are 15 facts everyone should know about permanent makeup before making a decision and in the meantime, do some research and check out the American Academy of Micropigmentation and the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals, both of which can help you choose the right practitioner.

15 There are possibilities of allergic reactions

When one decides to implant a foreign object into the skin, there is always the potential for an adverse reaction. And if allergic to these types of pigments, although rare, they are difficult to remove. Furthermore, the reaction could appear years later in the form of a rash or immune system allergic reactions. According to the FDA, there have been numerous reports received of reactions associated with certain shades of ink in permanent makeup, by a particular manufacturer, but when it comes to tattoo pigments, reports have been quite rare.

14 There are possibilities of infections

Aside from the possibility of an allergic reaction, micropigmentation has the ability to “infect” when the proper care is not given. According to an article in the New York Times, adverse reactions can include infections like H.I.V., hepatitis, staph and strep from dirty needles. And there has been some patients who have developed granulomas, keloids, scars, blisters and experience a “burning” sensation when undergoing an M.R.I.

13 It may not stay… permanently

Unfortunately, permanent makeup isn't exactly permanent. Over the years, whether it be the forever eyeliner or lip liner, it will fade. And there are certain precautions to take to keep the application as crisp as possible. For example, avoiding sunlight or certain products, such as peroxide, can damage its “semi” permanent factor. Even if one finds the right practitioner, there's no getting around the paling of its color. That may not be a bad thing, it may be nice to have the option of updating the permanent makeup or taking a break and going natural. For those who are in dire need of long lasting makeup, consult your practitioner about the duration of the product.

12 Practitioners should have licenses

Would it be okay to have an operation performed by a surgeon without the proper qualifications? Well, it's not okay to have ink injected into one's face by someone without the proper licensing either - and there are licenses for the application of permanent makeup. Before one lays down to get inked, make sure the right questions are asks, see their license and double their experience and knowledge.

11 Consultations are important

Before choosing a practitioner and allowing them to take the reigns, it's important to sit down and have a consultation about what's about to happen. He/she should walk clients through the entire process and show different variants of application. For example, Hilary Sheinbaum with Yahoo Beauty consulted about her semi-permanent eyebrows - seeing and choosing between a more natural and exotic look - before sitting down and diving in.

10 It may hurt

Although, unlike getting a tattoo, a numbing treatment will be applied before the procedure begins. It may be uncomfortable, depending on one's pain threshold, and afterwards, of course, one may feel a bit of soreness that comes with the aforementioned swelling. And, despite popular belief eyeliner tattooing is not the most painful. Instead, permanent lip work is actually the most unpleasant of applications.

9 You have to let it heal

Just like if you were to get a tattoo, there is a healing process. There may be redness as well as some swelling, both of which should go down within hours after the procedure is completed. It's advised not to put anything new on the skin to avoid irritation or damage or submerge the face in water. Gentle cleanses and quick showers are the way to go while healing and applying a mineral-based ointment, such as Aquaphor, as instructed.

8 You need to increase your fluids

It's important to increase fluids after the procedure. Just like avoiding irritation, this is too part of the healing process. The Times of India says, “You should keep drinking water or fresh fruit and vegetable juices to detox your system. Normally, after treatment is done, it dehydrates your body, which then needs plenty of fluids to replenish the system.” This may seem a bit silly, but when anything foreign is done to one's body, it's important to stay hydrated.

7 You may also scab

Just another reason why the healing process is so important, scabbing is to be expected. And editor for Cosmopolitan Australia decided to get permanent lip liner for a perfect, plump pout and she too had to deal with the scabbing that comes with the application (and some immediate swelling). Two days later her lips peeled, felt dry and cracked quite a bit - this is when the mineral-based ointment should be applied.

6 There are plenty of botched cases

Just like there are plenty of unqualified people giving others permanent makeup, there are plenty of botched cases and nightmare stories. In an article with CBS news, a woman named Cathy Ahern had her eyebrows tattooed too close together and needed a corrective course of action. But before she could get them fixed, she needed three rounds of laser removal treatment to lighten the work previously done. This is just another example of knowing the risks involved and why doing research beforehand is so important.

5 What's the price?

Yahoo Beauty divulged a bit about the women who swear by permanent makeup and spoke of cosmetic tattoo artist, Kathryn Alexander, who charges $750 for eyeliner, $850 for eyebrows and $1,500 if both are done together. Of course, there have been those who have gotten procedures done for far less but they've also ended up with infections because the practitioner didn't have the right experience or care involved. These prices fall around the average mark, according to The Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals the average cost per procedure can be between $400-$800.

4 It's for men too

From camouflaging hair plugs and scars to filling in sparse eyebrows, men can and have been getting micropigmentation too. According to Hollywood Reporter, this realm is not a “woman's only” domain. And when it comes to the hair, men are using these treatments to regenerate their hair growth and not just make their hair plugs look a bit more natural and blended. Reports claim that many male Hollywood stars are getting micropigmentation done because it is affective and less invasive, costs for this treatment from $1,000 and up. And although it can take about six to seven sittings, the stimulation technique can work for men experiencing hair loss.

3 Wait for multiple treatments

The Times of India also suggests that one waits before jumping in and deciding on multiple treatments. It is advised, “… after you get a cosmetic treatment done, you should ideally wait for two to six months before going in for another treatment. It will reduce the effect of the treatment that you've undergone and delay results.” Allow one application to completely heal, free from infections or reactions, before plunging into multiple procedures.

2 You may still be able to change your look

Bustle contributor, Kristin Collins Jackson, divulged all about her experience with eyebrow reformation. Even though your “permanent” makeup may not stay forever, that doesn't mean that fact can't be utilized. As Jackson said, “… eyebrow styles change. With a treatment that lasts one to two years, you can still change your brows with the times." Mix the convenience of waking up with the perfectly filled-in and arch brown with the flexibility of changing beauty trends. There are even semi-permanent options that lasts only 2-3 days - as a sort of trial run.

1 It can help those who need it

It can be argued that there isn't one person who need makeup to survive. But, there are women and men that have gone through various trials and tribulations that could use the extra boost of confidence. For example, those with alopecia or cancer patients may want to have a more defined eyebrow or highlighted eye. And those with Parkinson's disease could benefit by not having to apply makeup in the mornings with an unsteady hand. One may just feel a bit more confident with permanent makeup application done in the right forum. Even burn victims have benefited from the trend.