It is no secret that permanent makeup is a booming industry, with treatments for women becoming more and more popular every day. But what you may not know is that this trend is starting to catch on with men as well. In fact, an increasing number of men are turning to PMU (permanent makeup) procedures to enhance their features or improve symmetry.
If you're considering getting PMU done, whether it is for the first time or as a returning client, this article is for you. We'll give you some tips on how to find the right practitioner and what to expect from your treatment.
Eyeliner for Men
Men have been wearing eyeliner since the 1950s; James Brown & Little Richard enjoyed the results from adding definition to their eyes. More recently in the 1980s many pop stars adopted guy liner for smokey moody sultry eyes. Boy George has continued to enjoy the appearance & benefits of traditional make up. Johnny Depp is reported to have had an eyelash enhancement; a fine pmu eyeliner which makes your lashes look fuller & in turn your eyes more striking.
Microblading Eyebrows for Men
It is rumoured actors including Nicolas Cage & Dustin Hoffman have had their eyebrows microbladed. This techniques uses a fine hand tool to add hair stroke patterns when hair is missing, sparse or fine. The benefit is a more defined, bold & masculine brow, when this is done well by an experienced artist the result is so realistic & natural looking; it is often undetectable.
Lip blush for Men
The benefit of a tint of a natural tone added to male lips is a more youthful tone, often considered more attractive to kiss, The treatment can add definition, improve symmetry & give the appearance of more volume without the use of fillers. Practice for lip tattooing is often performed on a balloon; this demonstrates how lightly the pigment is embedded in order to cause minimal trauma to the lip tissue. Results & tone can easily resemble a richer natural tone without resembling lipstick whatsoever.
What is male permanent makeup and how is it different from female permanent makeup?
Male permanent makeup is essentially the same as female PMU, just tailored specifically to men. Men's PMU treatments focus on enhancement of masculine features such as the male brow, eyes and lips. In most cases PMU for men will be subtle, ultra realistic and natural-looking - it is not meant to resemble make up or look artificial.
Another difference between PMU for men and women is in the techniques used. For example, male PMU may require adaptations to needle depth and diameter plus specific hair stroke patterns. Mens' eyebrows require a pattern that has inconsistencies, to resemble genuine hair stroke patterns. Female brow hair is more commonly fine & orderly in spine formation & growth pattern. Male brows are often less refined with hair growth following less ordered formations; to emulate realism it is imperative to mimic natural patterns. This will ensure that the results are as close to perfect as possible without being obvious or unnatural-looking.
How to choose a qualified permanent makeup artist for your needs?
When it comes to PMU treatments, the most important thing is finding a qualified and reputable PMU artist. After all, you don't want your permanent makeup to look anything less than perfect! Here are some tips to help you find the right PMU practitioner:
Check their credentials and certifications:
Make sure that any PMU artist you're considering has the proper qualifications and experience. Ask for proof of their professional experience and training, as well as references & examples from past male clients if possible.
Research their portfolio:
A good PMU artist should have an extensive portfolio of before-and-after photos for you to view. This will enable you to see various examples of how their work looks & is adapted on different faces so that you can make an informed decision. It is key that the artist that you choose tailors the treatment to your requirement & has the ability to create bespoke style.
Ask about their PMU techniques:
Different PMU artists may have different approaches and techniques when it comes to PMU. You can ask for male microblading, cosmetic tattooing, micropigmentation, and more.
Make sure you ask questions about their methods, as well as the type of products they use for PMU treatments.
Consider the price:
Permanent makeup is an investment, the result will be on your face for years to come. As is the case in many professions; all artists have varied training, experience & will be using wildly different quality equipment. In order to provide you with a better understanding regarding the high price tag for the treatments; reputable artists will have spent in excess of £10000 on their initial training. This training includes in depth understanding of different skin types, medical contradictions & tailored after care advise. The pigment & instruments your artist uses strongly influences the result. Therefore please consider more than just the price tag, remember the longevity of the result & value your artists investment & experience. This is not a decision you should make based on cheapest, choose the right artist for you.
Book a consultation:
Lastly, make sure to arrange a consultation with the PMU artist prior to booking your appointment. During the consultation, ask as many questions as you need to feel comfortable and make sure that all your concerns are addressed.
What to expect during the procedure and aftercare instructions?
During PMU for men's treatments, you can expect the PMU artist to apply a topical numbing cream before starting the procedure. This will help ensure that the treatment is as comfortable and pain-free as possible.
Once the numbness has set in, the PMU artist will begin the PMU treatment according to your individual needs. The first treatment takes between 90mins - 2 hours from start to finish, most artists will request to see you again in 6-8weeks. Your second appointment will be to tweak & perfect any areas that have not retained or to go darker or bolder if necessary, working this way trust is developed between artist & client.
After the PMU treatment is complete, it is important to follow all of your PMU artist's aftercare instructions carefully. This will help ensure that you get the best possible results and that your permanent makeup looks flawless for years to come.
These instructions may include avoiding direct sunlight, applying ointments or creams, and avoiding certain activities such as swimming or exercising.
PMU is for you too!
From hair loss to uneven eyebrows, there are various natural things that can be fixed with PMU. All you need to do is to choose the right PMU artist for you.
Choosing the right PMU artist is essential for achieving the best possible results with PMU treatments. With these tips you needn't hesitate; you too can achieve quality technique PMU treatments tailored specifically to your needs and preferences.