PMU faq
Frequently Asked Questions
Microblading is a semi-permanent makeup technique where a special hand tool and color pigment are used to etch hair-like strokes just under the skin’s surface (epidermis layer). Microblading can fill in sparse brows or create an entire brow. The 3D effect adds realism to the result, creating brows that look like real hair strokes, rather than a solid traditional tattooed eyebrow.
Microbladed brows will last anywhere between 1-3 years at best, depending on your skin type and how well you take care of them. No down time is required after the microblading or Nanoblading procedures. It takes approximately 7-14 days for the brows to heal, and about 1 month for the color to fully set in. You’ll notice the color is much lighter right after the two weeks of healing.
Because this is a cosmetic invasive procedure, topical anesthetics have been developed specially to reduce the discomfort to almost 0% in some people. These creams and gels are applied to the desired area before and during the procedure to assure you of the most comfortable experience possible. Some people describe the sensation as “tingling”. However, some people might still experience some discomfort depending on how well their skin can absorb topical anesthetics. How much pain? On a scale of 1-10, you will usually be somewhere between a 0-3. Rarely is anything stronger than Tylenol necessary for the discomfort and you won’t have to miss work or take time off to recover.
Semi-Permanent makeup is beneficial for clients who:
Are looking for natural brow look.
Are on the go and want to save time.
Have poor eyesight.
Have allergies to makeup.
Are physically incapable of applying makeup.
Wish to correct asymmetrical facial features.
Brow loss due to Cancer treatments, Alopecia or Thyroid disease.
Nanoblading is a technique similar to Microblading, however, the results are slightly different as the Nano blade creates much finer crispier strokes and therefore a softer overall look for the brows. Great for people with partial brows, no brows or for people with very fine textured brow hair.
A style of application using multiple blades and/or pigments to create the most natural and realistic-looking eyebrows possible. The technique involve using Microblading, Nanoblading and in some cases a little amounts of shading if required.
For questions related to enrollment, certification, or program details, please contact our academy director and administrator, Eveline Benjamin, directly through our academy contact page or by calling 480.415.8880.
Although permanent make up (PMU) itself is not currently regulated by the state of Arizona, teaching the skill is. Only schools licensed by the Arizona State board for Private Postsecondary Education are legally authorized to provide PMU training and issue, legitimate certifications. Training with an unlicensed individual or institute— who is in violation of state education laws— will result in a certificate that is not state-recognized.
By choosing a licensed school like Brow Me Pretty Academy, you’re not only receiving high-quality, legitimate education— you’re also protecting your certificate in the event that PMU becomes regulated in the future. This means your credentials will remain valid and recognized, securing your career and long-term investment.
To become a certified PMU (Permanent Makeup) artist in Arizona, you don’t need any prerequisites, but You must complete a professional training program through a licensed institute to receive a valid certification. While PMU itself is not currently regulated by the state, teaching the skill is— which means your training must come from a school licensed by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education.
Brow Me Pretty Academy is the only state-licensed school in Arizona focused exclusively on brow-based permanent makeup training. Your certificate is not only legitimate— it’s protected. This gives you a competitive edge and safeguards your credentials in case PMU becomes regulated, allowing you to meet future licensing requirements without any setbacks.
Health and Safety
Is Microblading Safe?
Myths vs. Facts
No. Microblading is preformed by make in tiny strokes in the upper layer of the skin, called the epidermis, and does not penetrate deeply enough to create scars like surgical procedure can. When done correctly by a trained professional, it is a precise hand technique that safely enhances the brows. Claims that it causes permanent damage are often promoted by artists who primarily use machines, aiming to steer clients toward machine-only procedures or simply lack the knowledge about microblading technique.
Yes. Keloids and hypertrophic scars form when deeper layers of the dermis are significantly injured during a procedure or the healing process. Microblading and properly performed permanent makeup procedures only affect the upper layer of the skin (epidermis), a layer that is constantly renewing itself through shedding cells, and does not penetrate deeply enough to trigger abnormal scar formation. Clinical reviews of superficial facial cosmetic procedures report that keloid formation is extremely rare on the face.
Machine-based procedures, body tattoos, and surgical procedures that penetrate deeper layers of the dermis can carry a higher risk of hypertrophic or keloid scarring because of the depth of the needle or trauma.
That being said, this does not mean you should go to just any permanent makeup or microblading artist. Not every artist is trained properly or understand the correct needle depth for your skin. It is essential to research thoroughly and choose a professional who has experience performing these procedures successfully on clients prone to keloid formation, ensuring proper technique, safety, and optimal results.
Yes, microblading can change color overtime, but this primarily depends on the artist’s technique, and the client’s long-term care.
If the artist is not properly trained or applies too much pressure (“Heavy hands”), Pigment can be deposited into the dermis. This can result in pigment migration, creating a solid brow appearance, instead of natural, feathery hair strokes. Because pigment in the dermis become more permanent, the body metabolizes It very slowly over years. During this process, color shift may occur as one or more primary colors in the pigment fade, leading to discoloration.
Additionally, long-term client care plays a major role in maintaining color. Factors such as:
- Excessive sun exposure.
- Chlorine from swimming pool.
- Skincare products (Like retinol, vitamin C, oils, or heavy moisturizer)
Can all alter pigment appearance, potentially causing fading, blurring, or color changes overtime if proper precautions are not taken. Furthermore, internal factors such as hormonal fluctuations and medications can also influence pigment retention and color over time.
Choosing a trained, experienced artist and following proper aftercare and long-term maintenance are the most important factors and preventing unwanted color shift, and ensuring your brows remain beautiful and natural-looking until they fade.