PMU FAQs
Questions about our permanent makeup services? Find answers below. For anything else, please reach out on Instagram @urbanbeautynz or call us on 022 174 9969.
Do I need a consultation before booking a PMU appointment?
Yes. A consultation is required before securing any PMU appointment. Please contact us on 022 174 9969 or DM us on Instagram before booking. This allows us to assess your suitability, discuss your desired outcome, and ensure the best possible result.
Is permanent makeup safe? Are there any contraindications?
PMU is generally safe when performed by certified, experienced technicians. However, certain conditions may increase the risk of complications or make the treatment unsuitable.
Please inform us if any of the following apply to you:
Medical conditions: Bleeding disorders, diabetes, or blood-thinning medications. Your doctor may need to advise on whether temporary discontinuation is appropriate.
Recent procedures: Botox, fillers, or chemical peels within the past 4 weeks.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding: PMU is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Skin conditions: A history of keloids or hypertrophic scarring, active viral infections, ongoing chemotherapy, or significant skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis near the treatment area.
Sun exposure: Avoid treatment on recently tanned skin.
Allergies: Disclose any known allergies to numbing creams or pigments.
If you are unsure whether PMU is suitable for you, please consult your doctor before proceeding.
What should I do to prepare before my PMU appointment?
To get the best results from your appointment, please keep the following in mind:
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and blood-thinning medications (including aspirin and ibuprofen, unless prescribed) for at least 24 hours before your appointment, as these can increase bleeding and affect pigment retention.
Do not use Retin-A, AHA, or exfoliating products near the treatment area for at least one week beforehand. Avoid sunbeds, prolonged sun exposure, and spray tans before your appointment.
For lip blush: avoid lip fillers for at least 4 weeks before. For brow services: do not wax or tint your brows immediately before your session. Come with your natural brows so your technician can assess your shape accurately.
Is PMU actually permanent?
PMU is not permanent in the same way as a traditional tattoo. The pigments used are designed to break down over time and only reach the upper layers of the skin, which are affected by natural cell turnover. As a result, the colour gradually fades.
Generally, results last 12 to 24 months, though this varies depending on skin type, aftercare, body chemistry, sun exposure, and lifestyle. A touch-up appointment can refresh the result as it fades.
How many sessions will I need?
Most PMU services are structured as an initial session followed by a perfecting session 6 to 8 weeks later. The initial session places the pigment and establishes the overall shape and colour. The perfecting session allows your technician to refine any areas where pigment may not have taken evenly and make any adjustments after the skin has fully healed.
For scalp shading, at least two sessions spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart are generally recommended. Additional sessions may be needed depending on individual results.
When should I book my touch-up?
The perfecting session is typically booked 6 to 8 weeks after your initial appointment, once the skin has fully healed and the pigment has settled. Booking too early can interfere with the healing process.
For ongoing maintenance, a colour refresh is usually recommended every 12 to 18 months depending on how your skin retains pigment and how much fading has occurred.
What is the difference between Hairstroke, Powder, and Hybrid brows?
Hairstroke brows use precise, hair-like strokes tattooed to mimic real brow hairs. The result is soft and defined, enhancing natural features. Well suited to all skin types and ideal for those with sparse or uneven brows.
Powder brows use a shading technique to create a soft gradient effect, darker toward the tail and lighter at the front, with a makeup-like finish. Long-lasting and smudge-proof, they suit those who prefer a more defined, polished look.
Hybrid brows combine Hairstroke and shading for a result with added depth and dimension. The combination creates a balanced look that is both defined and natural, ideal for those who want the best of both techniques.
What is the healing process for brow tattoos?
Healing typically takes 4 to 6 weeks in total. Here is what to expect at each stage.
I had my brows tattooed elsewhere and I am not happy with the result. Can you fix them?
Yes. We offer corrective brow work to adjust or improve previous brow tattoos done at other salons. This can include neutralising unwanted pigment, correcting the shape, or addressing asymmetry.
Please note that corrective work may require multiple sessions to achieve the best outcome, and may involve additional steps such as laser or saline removal of the existing work. A consultation is required before booking.
What is the difference between Lip Blush and Lip Neutralisation?
Lip Blush enhances the natural colour and shape of the lips with a soft, tinted finish — similar to a washed-out lip colour or tint. It adds definition, fullness, and evening of tone. Ideal for those who want a naturally enhanced look with long-lasting colour that requires minimal daily upkeep.
Lip Neutralisation (also called corrective lip blush) is designed for those with uneven or darker lip pigmentation. The focus is on neutralising and counteracting darker tones to create a more even, balanced base that matches your desired shade. This is typically the first step before adding colour for clients with significant natural discolouration.
What is the healing process for lip blush?
Healing takes approximately 1 to 2 weeks. Here is what to expect.
During the first week, avoid salty, spicy, and acidic foods, heavy exercise, and anything that causes excessive sweating. Keep lips moisturised throughout.
Once healed, apply SPF to your lips daily to protect the colour from fading due to sun exposure.
How is scalp shading different from scalp micropigmentation (SMP)?
Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) tattoos individual dots onto the scalp to mimic individual hair follicles, typically used for clients with significant balding to create the appearance of a shaved head.
Scalp shading deposits tiny dots in soft layers to create a more diffused, fuller look across the scalp. Rather than replicating individual follicles, it builds density and reduces the contrast between the hair and scalp. It does not damage existing hair follicles and is especially suited to those with thinning hair or sparse areas who want a more natural, subtle result.
What is the healing process and aftercare for scalp shading?
Day of treatment: Slight redness and tenderness in the treated area is normal and usually subsides within a few hours to a day.
First 48 hours: Avoid washing your hair to allow the pigment to settle. Do not touch or scratch the area.
First week: Some scabbing and mild itching may occur as the scalp heals. Do not pick at scabs or scratch the area.
Ongoing: Protect the treated area from direct sunlight by wearing a hat or using a scalp-safe SPF. Avoid harsh chemical treatments such as dyes or perms for at least two weeks after treatment.
A follow-up session is recommended after 3 to 4 weeks to fill any areas where pigment has faded and to refine the result.
What removal options are available?
Laser removal uses laser technology to precisely target and break down pigment particles in the existing brow tattoo, allowing the body to gradually eliminate them. Treatment plans are tailored to each client. Pricing varies by session: first session $199, second session $179, third and subsequent sessions $159.
Saline removal is a natural, less invasive approach. A saline solution is implanted over the existing permanent makeup using a machine. This breaks up the healed pigment and helps lift it to the surface, where it forms a scab and falls away during healing to reveal a lightened tattoo. This service is coming soon.
If you are considering removal to prepare for new brow tattooing, or are simply unhappy with existing work, please reach out for a consultation so we can recommend the most appropriate approach.
Ready to get started?
PMU requires a consultation before booking. Reach out and we will take it from there.