Is Permanent Makeup Really Permanent? What You Need to Know Before You Book

You’ve probably heard it before: “Wait, isn’t it permanent?”

It’s one of the most common questions people ask when they hear about eyebrow tattooing. The term permanent makeup (PMU) can be a bit misleading—and for good reason. It suggests something that lasts forever, but the reality is more nuanced.

What Is Semi-Permanent Eyebrow Tattooing?

PMU techniques like microblading, combo brows, nano brows, ombré brows, and powder brows fall under the category of semi-permanent makeup. Unlike traditional tattoos, which go deep into the dermis layer of the skin, cosmetic tattooing involves implanting pigment into more superficial layers.

This is exactly why eyebrow tattoos fade over time—and that’s actually intentional.

Why Do Eyebrow Tattoos Fade?

Several factors influence how long your semi-permanent brows will last:

1. Skin Type

If you have oily skin, your body may break down the pigment faster. Dry or normal skin types tend to retain pigment longer, which can result in longer-lasting results from microblading or powder brows.

2. Lifestyle Habits

Frequent sun exposure, swimming, exfoliating treatments, retinoid creams, and active acids (like AHAs or BHAs) can all accelerate eyebrow tattoo fading. Skipping sunscreen is also a no-no.

3. Your Body, Metabolism & Hormones

Everyone’s skin and body metabolize pigment differently. Your metabolism plays a role in how quickly pigment fades—those with faster metabolisms may notice their brows fading sooner. Hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy, postpartum, menopause, or even certain medications, can also impact pigment retention and the healing process. These internal factors make the longevity of semi-permanent makeup highly individual.

4. Pigment Colour

Lighter pigments tend to fade faster than darker ones. But that doesn’t mean you should always go dark—it’s about choosing a shade that enhances your natural features while ageing gracefully.

How Long Does Microblading or PMU Last?

Most clients enjoy their microbladed or shaded brows for 1 to 3 years before needing a colour boost or touch-up. The exact duration depends on:

• Skin chemistry

• Aftercare routine

• Daily habits and lifestyle choices

• Metabolism and hormonal balance

  
  

For the majority of people, we typically recommend 1.5-2 year touch up to keep brows looking fresh!

Fading Is Normal—And It's a Good Thing

It’s important to remember: fading is part of the process, and it’s actually beneficial.

As your face changes with age, trends evolve, or your personal preferences shift, semi-permanent brows give you the flexibility to adjust and refresh your look over time. You're not locked into a shape or shade forever.

So… Is It Permanent?

Yes—and no.

Yes, in that you wake up with brows every day, no makeup required. No, in that the pigment will gradually fade, giving you the freedom to refresh or change your brow style in the future - and that’s actually a great thing.