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PMU Healing Stages: A Week-by-Week Guide

  • Writer: anamgiuglea
    anamgiuglea
  • 5 days ago
  • 3 min read

So you’ve just had your Permanent Makeup (PMU) done — congratulations! Whether it’s brows, eyeliner, or lips, you're on your way to effortless beauty 24/7. But before you fall in love with the final results, there's an important phase you must go through first: the healing process.

PMU healing is completely natural, and while it might look (and feel) a bit unpredictable, it’s all part of the journey. To help you feel prepared and confident, here’s a clear week-by-week breakdown of what to expect during your PMU healing process.


permanent makeup Basingstoke

🗓 Week 1: The Shock Phase – “Why is it so dark?”

Right after your appointment, your pigment will appear bold, dark, and sharply defined. This is totally normal — you're seeing the colour at its most intense before your skin starts to heal.

What to expect:

  • Slight redness, swelling, or tightness

  • Brows/lips/liner may look darker than expected

  • Possible mild soreness

  • Scabbing or flaking may begin by day 3–5

What to do:

  • Keep the area clean and dry

  • Do not pick at flakes or scabs — let them fall off naturally

  • Follow your aftercare instructions and apply ointment if prescribed


🗓 Week 2: The Flaky Phase – “Why is my pigment disappearing?”

permanent makeup Basingstoke

This is the stage where clients start to worry — but don’t panic. Your skin is naturally exfoliating, and some pigment may seem to “disappear” as it heals beneath the surface.

What to expect:

  • Light flaking or peeling

  • Colour may look patchy, faded, or even "gone"

  • The area may feel dry or slightly itchy

What to do:

  • Avoid scrubbing or applying strong skincare products

  • Stick to a gentle, fragrance-free skincare routine

  • Stay patient — colour will return



🗓 Week 3: The Ghosting Phase – “Did it even work?”

permanent makeup Basingstoke

Now that the initial scabbing is over, you may feel underwhelmed — the pigment appears very light or uneven. This “ghosting” phase is totally normal.

What to expect:

  • Faded color

  • Uneven appearance

  • You may feel like you need a touch-up already

What to do:

  • Trust the process! Your skin is still healing internally.

  • Continue using SPF daily to protect the area

  • No facials, peels, or exfoliation yet



🗓 Week 4–5: The Rebirth Phase – “Okay, I see it now!”

By now, your skin is almost fully healed. The pigment starts to resurface, settle, and appear more even. This is when you finally get a glimpse of what your true healed result looks like.

What to expect:

  • Colour begins to “come back”

  • Brows/lips/liner look more balanced and natural

  • You’ll notice the shape and definition softening into place

What to do:

  • Resume normal skincare (except harsh peels or retinols near the area)

  • Keep applying SPF daily

  • Book your touch-up session if needed



🗓 Week 6–8: The Refinement Phase – “Now it’s perfect.”

This is when everything comes together! You’ll likely return for a touch-up during this time to fine-tune the shape, colour, or fill in any small gaps that didn’t retain pigment.

What to expect:

  • Healed results look soft, natural, and more even

  • Touch-up will refine pigment and longevity

  • Skin feels completely normal again



🧴 PMU Healing Tips for Success

  • No picking, peeling, or scrubbing during healing

  • Avoid excessive sweating, swimming, or sun exposure in the first 10 days

  • Use only the recommended products by your artist

  • Always apply SPF to preserve your pigment long-term


💬 Be Patient, The Best is Yet to Come

The healing process can feel like a rollercoaster, emotionally and physically. But if you follow the aftercare instructions and trust the process, the results are so worth it. Your PMU is designed to enhance your natural beauty, not replace it — and it gets better with time.

Still have questions or concerns during the healing stages? We're here to support you every step of the way.

Book your touch-up or consultation today, and let’s keep your PMU looking flawless.



 
 
 

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