Once you’ve decided on getting permanent makeup – one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is where to get the service done. Depending on where you live, you may have plenty of salons to choose from, but the last thing you want to do is choose a PMU salon just because of low prices or open availability…
Micropigmentation, i.e. permanent makeup, is a delicate procedure. When applied correctly, you will have long-lasting results that will not only accentuate your natural beauty but also save you valuable time in your makeup routine. However, if you go to the wrong PMU specialist, you could end up with misshapen and discolored eyebrows, eyeliner, lips or even – expensive mistakes that are difficult to cover up – or worse, an infection that threatens your health.
Don’t make a decision lightly! Here are a few things you should consider when choosing a PMU salon.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Adequate training and experience is perhaps the most important factor to consider when selecting a PMU specialist. The training and apprenticeships a service provider has completed often speaks to how well they have mastered their craft. Here are some questions about training and experience: Where was the person educated? Who taught her? What did that education entail? How many complete PMU treatments have they performed since then? Is the person currently in the process of additional education in the field of PMU?
CERTIFICATE
Don’t be afraid to ask if the person has all the certifications required by local law. After all, it is about permanent and semi-permanent tattooing of the skin, and in the salon they should have all sanitary and hygienic conditions met in order to ensure maximum safety for their clients. A true professional will care about your health and their health and will not be bothered by your questions.
PORTFOLIO
You wouldn’t hire a makeup artist or hairstylist without seeing samples of his or her work, so apply the same logic to your search for a PMU specialist. Ask to see photos of past work to get an idea of their style, technique and overall ability. Most artists will have a portfolio on hand and will be happy to review it with you. Take a look at the photos on their social networks.
CUSTOMER EXPERIENCES
It’s always helpful if you can hear about the permanent makeup experience from real clients. Most salons that offer permanent makeup include testimonials section on their websites, but be sure to check Facebook or Yelp for reviews. They will often give you the most accurate, uncensored representation of other people’s results.
PIGMENTS AND EQUIPMENT
Contrary to what some people think, permanent makeup is not done with the same inks as body tattoos. Instead, PMU experts use iron oxide pigments to achieve a softer, more natural look. Ask your PMU specialist what types of pigments he or she uses.
COMMUNICATION
When you talk or meet with a PMU specialist, pay attention to the way that person communicates the process, how they explain it. Are you comfortable talking to them? Do they explain well, clearly? How thoroughly do they answer your questions? Clear communication is key to achieving the desired results.
CORRECTIONS
As we have already mentioned, applying permanent makeup is a delicate process. Sometimes the results don’t turn out the way you envisioned, so ask the service provider what their policy is in case there is a problem after the color cures. If the color didn’t turn out to be very suitable for your skin, or if they mistakenly filled in one part of the eyebrow less, etc., will they stand behind their work? Or will you be charged for repair services? This will give you peace of mind when the time comes to make a decision.
CONCLUSION
In the end, when choosing a PMU salon, the most important thing is to look at education, certifications and experience, as well as pay attention to reviews from previous clients – for most PMU professionals, their work speaks for itself. It is important that you feel comfortable in the conversation and preparation for the process, and that you make a relaxed and safe decision about which salon you will have your permanent makeup procedure done in. It is also important that the salon uses the highest possible pigments and PMU equipment – for this reason, we definitely recommend Laura Žalac and Izabela Cosmetics salons, which use high-quality Brovi pigments and additional equipment, which you can check here on our webshop.