Brow PMU (Permanent Makeup) is a form of cosmetic tattooing designed to enhance or recreate the look of natural eyebrows. Using either a handheld tool or machine, pigment is implanted just below the surface of the skin to mimic hair strokes, create soft shading, or combine both for a fuller, more defined brow.
It’s semi-permanent — typically lasting 1 to 3 years — and customized to your features, skin type, and personal style. The goal? Natural-looking brows that save you time and boost your confidence.
Read below for Brow PMU 101 — where we explain common terms and definitions used by permanent makeup artists, plus the customization options available to tailor your brows to your unique features and style.
Brow Anatomy:
Bulb: Inner part near the nose
Arch: Highest point
Tails: Outer parts near the temples
Techniques:
Microblading:
Manual method for creating hair strokes, using a single use sterile blade.
Best for full brows needing definition.
Suitable for dry/normal skin; lasts about 1-2 years.
Nano:
Tattoo machine method for hair strokes, using a single use sterile needle.
Works for all skin types and ages; lasts 2-3 years.
Ideal option for hair strokes for mature skin and oily skin vs. microblading
Less invasive & less prone to scar tissue, and can be longer lasting vs. microblading
Powder (Microshading):
Tattoo machine shading for a filled makeup look.
Ideal for oily/sensitive skin, mature skin and coverups.
Lasts 2-3 years.
Combo Brows:
Combination of customized shading and hair strokes.
Suitable for all skin types; lasts 2-3 years.
Color: Cool or warm undertones
Shape: Straight, subtle arch, dramatic arch
Arch Height: No arch, rounded, sharp
Size: Adjustable width and length using the "golden ratio"
Thickness: Thin, average, or thick
Direction: Sleek, messy, gelled, or natural
Coarseness: Fine or coarse
Saturation: Pixelated, solid, or ombre look (ombre is lighter in the bulb and more saturated in the tail)
While I aim to help you achieve your desired brows, I have my own style and standards. Customizations must be reasonable, so if you prefer an unconventional brow shape, I may not be the right technician for you.
A Note About Pigment vs. Makeup
Permanent makeup is not traditional makeup — it’s pigment placed under the skin, and it heals differently than how makeup looks on the surface.
We use pre-modified warm-toned pigments to help prevent your healed results from turning grey, ashy, or cool-toned over time. Trust the process — and your artist’s expertise — when it comes to choosing the right shade for your skin tone and undertones.
Your healed result will look softer and more natural than freshly applied makeup — that’s exactly how PMU is designed to work.