Pros and Cons of Permanent Makeup

Permanent makeup offers long-lasting cosmetic results, but it also requires ongoing maintenance and limited flexibility once applied. Results can fade, shift in colour, or require correction over time. Plus, permanent makeup removal is more complex than its application. The decision to get permanent makeup depends on skin type, healing response, and willingness to maintain or revise the pigment.

In this guide, you will learn the pros and cons of permanent makeup, how long results last, what risks to consider, and when removal or correction may be necessary.

If you’re considering permanent makeup or have questions, contact Alternative Laser Health at (905) 451-4545, or send us a photo for a free consultation. We are located at 37 Dundas Street West, Mississauga, ON.

Pros of Permanent Makeup

Permanent makeup advantages include time savings, consistent brow shape, and reduced reliance on daily makeup. When done properly, it can enhance facial features naturally, especially for people who struggle with sparse, uneven, or hard-to-manage brows.

Time Savings in Daily Routines

Instead of spending 10-20 minutes filling in, shaping, and perfecting your brows with pencils, powders, or gels, you wake up with perfectly defined brows each morning. This is particularly valuable for busy professionals, parents, or anyone with a hectic schedule. 

Consistent Appearance

Permanent eyebrow makeup eliminates the daily guesswork of achieving symmetrical, evenly shaped brows. No more worrying about whether one brow is higher than the other or if your brow colour matches. This consistency is especially beneficial for those who struggle with naturally uneven brows or lack the fine motor skills needed for precise daily application. 

Solution for Certain Hair Loss Conditions

People with alopecia, trichotillomania, thyroid disorders, or those undergoing chemotherapy often lose eyebrow hair partially or completely. Permanent makeup can restore the appearance of natural brows, providing aesthetic improvement and a significant boost to self-confidence during challenging times. For those whose brow hair may never fully return, this option eliminates the daily reminder of their condition when looking in the mirror.

Smudge-Proof and Water-Resistant

Permanent eyebrow makeup stays in place regardless of weather, activity, or contact with water. You can swim, work out, shower, or get caught in the rain without worrying about your brows smudging, running, or fading throughout the day. It is especially helpful for athletes, frequent travelers, or anyone with an active lifestyle who doesn't want to constantly check or reapply their makeup. 

Reduced Reliance on Daily Makeup

Permanent makeup decreases your need for daily cosmetics and application routines. You no longer need to purchase or replace brow pencils, powders, gels, or pomades. With permanent brows already in place, you can simplify your beauty routine and feel confident going makeup-free whenever you choose.

Customizable Results

Permanent eyebrow makeup can be tailored to match your natural colouring, face shape, and personal aesthetic preferences. During the consultation and mapping process, our certified artist will help you select the ideal pigment shade, brow shape, thickness, and arch placement that complements your features. 

Cons of Permanent Makeup

Permanent makeup disadvantages include fading and colour changes, ongoing maintenance costs, and limited flexibility once the pigment is applied. The procedure also carries risks of unsatisfactory results, healing complications, and a removal process that is more difficult and expensive than the original application.

Fading & colour Changes

Permanent eyebrow makeup is not truly permanent, as it fades over time as the pigment breaks down and the skin naturally renews itself. Most people notice lighter, less defined brows within 1-3 years, depending on their skin type, lifestyle, and aftercare. Plus, the pigment doesn’t fade evenly and usually shifts in colour, sometimes turning ashy, reddish, or orange.

Requires Regular Maintenance

To prevent permanent makeup fading issues, you will need maintenance appointments every 1-3 years to refresh the colour, restore definition, and correct any shifting in tone or shape. The permanent makeup maintenance cost can add up over time, making the cosmetic procedure a recurring expense rather than a one-time investment.

Limited Flexibility to Change Your Look

Once permanent eyebrow makeup is applied, you're committed to that specific shape, style, and colour for an extended period. Unlike daily makeup that you can adjust based on trends, preferences, or occasions, permanent brows remain largely fixed. If you decide you want a different arch, thickness, or a softer or bolder look, your permanent makeup removal options are limited and costly.

Risk of Unsatisfactory Results or Errors

Permanent makeup results can vary depending on how your skin accepts the pigment, heals, and retains colour. Uneven pigment distribution, brows that appear too dark or the wrong shade, asymmetrical shapes, or an unnatural appearance are common problems. Additionally, the risk increases if you choose an inexperienced or improperly trained technician.

Difficult and Expensive Removal Process

Laser removal is the most common method to remove permanent makeup, but it typically requires multiple sessions spaced weeks apart to break down the pigment gradually. The process can be uncomfortable, may cause temporary skin irritation or discolouration, and doesn't always completely remove all pigment. Plus, removal costs often exceed the initial procedure cost, and there's no guarantee of perfect results. 

Healing Complications and Downtime

Immediately after the permanent makeup application, you can expect redness, swelling, and tenderness in the treated area. You will also need to avoid water, sweating, sun exposure, and certain skincare products for 4 - 6 weeks. Some people experience scabbing, itching, or uneven healing, which can affect the final appearance. There's also a risk of infection if aftercare instructions aren't followed carefully or if the procedure isn't performed in sanitary conditions. 

How Does Permanent Makeup Work

Permanent makeup works by placing pigment into the upper layers of the skin to create the appearance of defined eyebrows. A fine needle or digital device deposits pigment in controlled strokes or soft shading to mimic natural brow hair or fullness.

The pigment is placed more superficially than a traditional tattoo, which allows eyebrow colour to fade over time. As the skin heals and renews, the pigment lightens and may change in tone, which is why maintenance and touch-ups are often needed.

The eyebrow permanent makeup process typically includes:

• Mapping the brow shape before treatment

• Applying pigment in shallow, precise passes

• Allowing the skin to heal as the colour settles

Because eyebrow skin is delicate and exposed to the sun and skincare products, results vary based on skin type, oil production, and aftercare. These factors influence how long eyebrow pigment lasts and how it fades.

When Permanent Makeup Makes Sense

Permanent eyebrow makeup can be a good option if you:

• Have lost eyebrow hair due to medical conditions like alopecia, chemotherapy, thyroid disorders, or trichotillomania.

• Have physical limitations that make daily makeup application difficult, such as arthritis, vision impairment, or hand tremors.

• Lead an extremely active lifestyle involving frequent swimming, exercise, or situations where traditional makeup isn't practical.

• Have maintained the same brow style for years, with no desire to change your look

• Struggle with naturally sparse, uneven, or nearly invisible brows that require significant daily filling.

• Are prepared for ongoing maintenance costs and touch-up appointments every 1-3 years.

• Have researched and identified a highly skilled, experienced, and certified technician.

• Understand the risks, healing process, and difficulty of removal should you change your mind.

When Permanent Makeup May Not Be the Best Choice

Permanent eyebrow makeup may not be the right decision if you:

• Enjoy changing your brow style, shape, or colour regularly to match trends or your mood.

• Have oily, sensitive, or problematic skin that may not retain pigment well or is prone to complications.

• Are taking medications or have health conditions that affect healing or increase infection risk.

• Have active skin conditions in the brow area, such as eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea.

• Are prone to keloid scarring or have a history of adverse reactions to pigments or tattoos.

• Cannot commit to the strict aftercare requirements during the 4-6 week healing period.

• Are uncertain about the shape, style, or colour you want long-term.

• Have budget constraints that make ongoing maintenance touch-ups financially challenging.

• Haven't thoroughly researched qualified technicians or feel pressured to make a quick decision.

• Are expecting perfectly permanent results without fading, colour changes, or the need for future corrections.

Schedule a Consultation for Permanent Makeup

Permanent eyebrow makeup offers clear benefits, but it also requires long-term planning and realistic expectations. Understanding the services involved, including application, maintenance, correction, and removal, helps you decide whether the benefits outweigh the limitations for your skin and lifestyle.

If you’re considering permanent makeup or need guidance on correction or removal services, contact Alternative Laser Health at (905) 451-4545, or send us a photo for a free consultation.

FAQs

Is permanent makeup safe?

Permanent makeup is generally safe when performed by a trained professional using sterile techniques and approved pigment. 

Who should get permanent makeup?

Permanent makeup may be suitable for people with sparse eyebrows, medical hair loss, or limited ability to apply daily makeup. It also works best for those comfortable with long-term results and ongoing maintenance.

Does skin tone affect how permanent makeup heals?

Skin tone affects how pigment settles and how likely colour changes are during healing. Darker skin tones may require more conservative techniques to reduce pigmentation issues.

Can pigment change colour over time?

Pigment can fade or shift in tone as the skin renews itself and reacts to sun exposure. This is why colour correction or maintenance may be needed.

How does an active lifestyle impact permanent makeup longevity?

Frequent sweating, swimming, and exercise can speed up pigment fading. Active individuals often need touch-ups sooner.

Is permanent makeup suitable for all skin types?

Permanent makeup is suitable for most skin types, but results vary based on skin type and healing response. Oily, sensitive, or highly pigmented skin may require different techniques and more frequent maintenance to achieve stable results.