Permanent Makeup Contraindications
Permanent makeup is NOT recommended for any clients who:
- Are under the age of 18.
- Are pregnant or nursing
- Have a history of Keloids or Hypertrophic scarring
- Have uncontrolled Diabetes (need written doctor consent)
- Are undergoing Chemotherapy (consult your doctor)
- Have HIV or Viral infections and/or diseases
- Have Epilepsy
- Have a pacemaker or major heart problems
- Have had an organ transplant
- Have a heart condition or uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Skin irritations or Psoriasis near the treated area
- Have had Botox in the past 2 months
- Used Accutane within the past year
- Have excessive oily skin
- Are sick or have symptoms of the flu including: Fever, Fatigue, Dry Cough, Sore Throat, Muscle Pain, Headache, Chills, Difficulty Breathing, New loss of taste or smell.
- Any treatment, medication, or illness that compromises the immune system or healing process would NOT make you a good candidate for micropigmentation procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Permanent makeup (also known as cosmetic tattooing or micropigmentation) is a technique where pigment is implanted into the skin to enhance natural features like the eyebrows, lips, and lash lines. At AVO, we specialize in natural-looking enhancements such as microblading, ombré brows, lip blush, and nano brows. The results are permanent, but fade slightly over time.
Results typically last 1 to 3 years, depending on your skin type, lifestyle, sun exposure, and skincare products. Touch-ups are recommended between 2-3 years to maintain the shape, color, and freshness of your results.
Yes, when performed by a certified, trained professional using sterile tools and high-quality pigments. At AVO Brows and Beauty, we are fully licensed and permitted by the Department of Health and follow strict hygiene and safety protocols for every service.
Permanent makeup is generally well-tolerated and not considered painful — most clients describe the sensation as light scratching or pressure. We apply a topical numbing cream before and during the procedure to keep you as comfortable as possible. That said, pain tolerance varies from person to person, and some clients may experience more sensitivity than others. For example, you may be more sensitive to pain during your period due to hormonal changes.
Absolutely. I’m formally trained and certified in a full range of permanent makeup techniques, including Microblading, Microshading, Ombré Powder, Combo Brows, Nano Brows, Lip Blush, Scar Camouflage, and Inkless Stretchmark Rejuvenation.
My studio is fully licensed and permitted by the Department of Health, and I follow strict safety and sanitation protocols for every service. I’m also a proud member of the American Academy of Micropigmentation and committed to ongoing education to stay current with the latest advancements, techniques, and industry standards.
At AVO Brows and Beauty, we offer complimentary consultations to help you choose the best brow technique for your skin, lifestyle, and desired look. During your consultation, we’ll assess your skin type, brow goals, and facial structure, then walk you through the differences between microblading, ombré powder, combo brows, and nano brows. We'll also explain what to expect during your appointment and answer any questions you may have. Our goal is to make sure you feel confident, informed, and excited before your brow transformation.
The healing process after permanent makeup can take 7 to 14 days, with full settling of the pigment over 4 to 6 weeks. But it’s not just physical — it can be an emotional rollercoaster, too (and that’s totally normal!).
Here’s what you can expect:
Day 1–2: You’re obsessed
Your brows look fresh, crisp, and perfectly shaped. You’ll likely be in love with the initial results.
Day 3–5: The panic phase
As your skin starts to heal, scabbing and flaking begin. Your brows may look darker, uneven, patchy, or even start to disappear — this is completely normal and temporary. Many clients feel nervous or second-guess the results during this phase.
Day 6–10: Flaking finishes
The scabs naturally fall off (don’t pick at it!), revealing softer, lighter brows underneath. They may appear too light — this is just part of the healing process.
Weeks 3–4: Pigment resurfaces
As your skin regenerates, the color begins to return and settle into its final shade and shape. At this point, you’ll see a more accurate result.
Week 6+: Touch-up time
Your perfecting session allows us to make any adjustments, add depth, or refine any areas that healed unevenly.
This emotional wave — from “OMG I love them” to “Did I mess up?” and back to “Okay, wow, I’m obsessed again” — is a very common experience. We’re here to guide you through it with clear aftercare, reassurance, and support every step of the way.
At AVO Brows and Beauty, we offer multiple brow techniques to fit your unique skin, style, and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of each method and the finished look you can expect:
Microblading
Technique: Manual tool used to create hair-like strokes Best for: Normal to dry skin types with a good amount of natural brow hair Finished Look: Soft and natural — mimics real hair Vibe: “Barely there,” low-key enhancement Notes: Not ideal for oily or sensitive skin, as strokes may blur over time
Ombré Powder Brows
Technique: Machine shading that creates a soft gradient from lighter at the front to darker at the tail Best for: All skin types, especially oily or mature skin Finished Look: Defined yet soft and powdery — like a perfectly filled-in brow Vibe: Fluffy, polished, and makeup-ready Notes: Longer-lasting than microblading; great if you regularly fill in your brows
Combo Brows
Technique: A blend of microblading (at the front) and machine shading (throughout the arch and tail) Best for: Normal to combination skin types; ideal for those wanting both definition and hair-stroke realism Finished Look: Soft and full — structured yet natural Vibe: Balanced between no-makeup and glam Notes: Great option if you love the look of hair strokes but need more density
Nano Brows
Technique: Hair-like strokes created with a digital machine (vs. manual tool) Best for: Most skin types, including combo skin, sensitive, or mature skin Finished Look: Ultra-natural strokes with precise detail Vibe: Soft and realistic light and feathery brows Notes: Long lasting and more suitable for clients who aren’t good candidates for microblading
Most PMU appointments take 3 hours, which includes brow mapping, color selection, numbing, and the procedure itself. Follow-up sessions or touch-ups are shorter.
Yes. A perfecting session is typically scheduled 6–8 weeks after your initial procedure to refine the shape and color. This session is typically between 1-2 hours depending on how your skin healed and how much pigment was retained. After that, touch-ups after 24-36 months will help maintain your results. The touch up session is not included in the initial treatment price.
Proper preparation helps ensure the best results and the smoothest healing process. Here’s how to get your skin ready for your appointment at AVO Brows and Beauty:
What to avoid before your appointment:
No alcohol, caffeine, or blood thinners (like aspirin or ibuprofen) 24 hours before — these can increase bleeding and affect pigment retention.
No intense workouts the day of your appointment — increased circulation can cause more bleeding or swelling.
No sunburn or tanning on the face at least 4 weeks prior — irritated skin cannot be tattooed.
Avoid Botox or filler in the brow area at least 4 weeks before your appointment to ensure your facial muscles are settled.
Do not tweeze, wax, or tint your brows for at least 72 hours before your appointment.
Important: Avoid any facial treatments or active skincare ingredients for at least 4 weeks prior:
No chemical peels, microneedling, laser treatments, or hydrafacials
Stop using retinol, tretinoin, AHAs, BHAs, or any strong exfoliants on the treatment area at least 4 weeks before These can thin the skin or cause increased sensitivity, which may affect how the pigment heals and how well your skin holds the color.
Arrive with clean skin and no makeup on the treatment area. We’ll walk you through the entire process and customize everything to you, but following these guidelines helps ensure optimal results and a smooth healing experience. If you’re unsure whether something in your skincare or beauty routine needs to be paused, feel free to reach out before your appointment — we’re happy to help!
.png)