Permanent Makeup faqs
Got questions about permanent makeup? You’re in the right place! Whether you’re wondering about the treatment process, healing time, or how to choose the right service, this page covers everything you need to know. If you don’t see your question here, feel free to get in touch – I’m happy to help!
Steph Stepney2025-02-12Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Carly is a true pro. Fantastic experience from start to finish and I was able to put my trust in her expertise and skills for great results. Would highly recommend to anyone thinking of PMU. Charlotte Richardson2024-11-28Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a fantastic experience from start to finish with Carly. I had combination brows done. I was always very self conscious of my brows from over plucking them when I was younger! I did some research into PMU and came across Carly. I was also recommended to her by a couple of people I know. I went along for an initial consultation and I knew straight away I was in good hands. Carly is so professional and knowledgeable about what she does. She explained what she could do to help and I felt under no pressure at all to go ahead. As I was a little apprehensive I decided to have henna brows done first so I could get a better idea of what the brows could look like if I had them done permanently. I was really happy with the result and decided to go ahead with combination brows. Carly explained everything from what I needed to do pre procedure and also the after care. She provides everything you need to make it really straightforward. On the day of the procedure Carly made sure at all times I was comfortable and happy with what she was going to do. She is so skilled in what she does , mapping the brows and making sure they are just right for your face. I was over the moon with the initial results and then returned 6 weeks later to have the final part of the procedure done. Again Carly did a fantastic job and I was really happy with my brows! I’ve recently been back for my after care appointment and I have no regrets about having them done, I just wish I had them done sooner ! It’s one less thing to worry about having to sort in a morning ! I highly recommend Carly. Thank you Charlotte Sharon Gerrard2024-10-17Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am so happy that I chose Carly to do my eyebrows they are absolutely perfect . She is a perfectionist and makes you feel so welcome I would not hesitate to recommend Carly . I have gone from no eyebrows to beautiful eyebrows I am so lucky thankyou so much Carly Mel Gibbons2024-07-25Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Today was my Eyebrow permanent makeup top up visit with Carly. From my first enquiry about the procedure, Carly has been helpful, friendly and provided thorough information about the procedure and what to expect. I would highly recommend Carly. Rachael S2024-04-27Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've just had my second treatment with Carly and have left feeling giddy and brand new. Carly is so friendly and warm, she listens intently and obviously uses her years of experience to get exactly the results I hoped for. She is magic and I'd recommend her to anyone without hesitation. Thank you Carly. lynette Widdowson2024-02-17Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Carly is amazing! I have been going to her for eyebrow tinting and shaping and they've never looked better. I never feel rushed and she always pays attention to all the small details. She truly is the eyebrow specialist! Emma Robertson2024-02-16Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Carly is absolutely amazing and talented in what she does, having had both my lips and eyebrows done with her I wouldn't go elsewhere. It's the best investment you can make in yourself and carly is the person to go to. She's very professional and makes you feel at ease. I have had so many comments on my brows. People cannot believe they are tattooed as they look so natural. Definitely recommend 👌 💓 5 stars from me. Laura Palmer2024-02-16Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I would highly recommend Carly for all your permanent makeup needs. She is extremely professional, a perfectionist and truly passionate. She created the perfect combination brows for my wedding after years of applying makeup to very faint brows, I felt amazing and she’s saved me money and precious time on make up routines especially now I have a little one. She’s also since topped them up and done two LVL treatments on my lashes which last so well and look great. True artist and I always look forward to my next treatment. Agnieszka Podgorska2024-02-16Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve been going back to Carly for years now! Regularly topping up my brown and 2 years ago I have added lip blush to the list! I love them! Carly is fantastic person as well as PMU artist! Very professional and her work is always perfect! 100% recommend and I would not trust anyone else with my face 😍 Laura Louise2024-02-14Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had Lvl lashes and my brows tinted and waxed. They look fab and Carly provided an excellent service as always 😀
Frequently Asked Questions about permanent makeup
Find answers to commonly asked questions about my permanent make-up services.
Does Permanent Makeup hurt when its applied?
Everyone has a different level of sensitivity so topical anaesthetics are applied during the treatment to lessen any discomfort. Some clients may feel one brow more than the other. You will experience a slight noise and vibration / sensation throughout.
Some clients liken it to a sharp plucking of the brows and it feels a little scratchy but nothing unbearable and of course the results are more than worth it!
Music is usually played during the procedure and I will chat to you throughout to put you at ease.
Will my brows be swollen / what is the downtime like?
You should not be swollen unless you are extremely sensitive.
You might have slightly red skin around the eyebrows, but this usually lasts no more than a few hours.
They will feel slightly tender for a few hours.
How Long Does It Take?
The procedure takes roughly about 2.5 hours sometimes more, sometimes less. Please allow a good 3 hour window for your treatment.
The touch up (6 weeks later) takes around 1.5-2 hours.
Do you remove my natural eyebrows?
No. Every attempt is made to retain all natural hair and incorporate it into the design of the permanent eyebrows as the more natural hair present then the more natural they will look.
In some cases, where shaping of the natural brow is required a minimal amount of brow hairs may need to be removed to create the most flattering result.
What’s Involved In The Process?
Semi permanent brows are a 2 step treatment, consisting of an initial procedure and then a touch up around 6 weeks later.
After taking your before photo, I will draw the brow design in pencil so you will get an idea of the shape and style.(Please note that nobody’s face is totally symmetrical and you need to be realistic with your expectations.) There is no point in trying to make the eyebrows identical or matching a photo of your favourite celebrities eyebrows if your face shape Looks nothing like theirs.
Once we have agreed on a final shape (ultimately it is your decision- but I will always voice my opinion on what I think suits you aesthetically), I will shape your eyebrows then we will decide on the colour.
The first part (or the first pass as we call it) is done without anaesthetic so that I can get a feel for your skin in it’s natural state and can adapt my pressure to suit your skin, after the first pass a topical anaesthetic will be applied to numb the skin and you should barely feel anything during this part allowing you to relax into the treatment and let me work my magic!
Why do I need a touch up appointment?
In order to keep your eyebrow tattoo results looking fresh, we recommend a colour boost every 12-24 months.
The pigments are semi permanent and designed to fade out gradually over time, as they fade they tend to lose their warmth so during the colour boost treatment we implant more pigment and warm them back up to keep them looking fresh.
How often will I need a touch up appointment?
This will depend on your skin, medication and lifestyle & age & how well you look after your brows.
What is the aftercare like?
You are advised to keep the skin clean and dry, that means no swimming, heat, steam, sweating or otherwise getting the area wet. No tanning or prolonged sun exposure, no picking, peeling, scratching or rubbing the tattoo, this may result in a loss of colour and scarring.
You will be given aftercare products and a written aftercare leaflet at your treatment and it is imperative you follow these instructions to get the best results from your treatment.
You can read my aftercare guides here. Also, included in your initial treatment price is one retouch appointment.
What will my brows look like after the treatment?
After any initial redness has subsided you can expect your brows to look darker for the first 5-7 days then you may experience some flakiness/dryness, the pigment may flake off in patches then they will look light etc the following week-possibly too light for the next week then from around week 3 you will see your true healed results from your first session. You can read more about this here.
There may be some areas that need working on more at the top up and that’s why we call that the “perfecting session”.
How long do permanent brows last?
This will vary from person to person and is dependent on lots of factors such as skin type, any medication, sun exposure, smoking, sweating. Plus how well you’ve looked after them, but generally without a colour boost, after just the 2 initial sessions they would last around 1-5 years in the skin, the more top ups you have, the longer they will last in the skin.
It is important to realise that to keep them looking fresh you will need to have regular colour boosts.
Do you offer free consultations?
Yes, I offer all new clients a free consultation before any treatments are booked. You can book your consultation here.
Where are you based?
I have a lovely home studio in the Newbold area of Chesterfield, Derbyshire. You can find me on the map here.
How can I book a consultation?
You can book an appointment by following this link, emailing info@carlysmithpmu.co.uk or calling or texting me at 07739 463 838
How and when do I pay for your services?
For all permanent make-up treatments, a £50 deposit is either payable at your consultation or once you have booked your first treatment appointment. The remaining balance is payable at your first treatment session.
For other treatments, such as LVL lash lift and tinting and waxing etc a 50% deposit is required at the time of booking. I also offer payment plans, please ask for more information on this.
Still have a question?
If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out to me. I’m always here for help and advice.
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