What to Expect at Your PMU Appointment (And Why My Process is Different)

If you're feeling nervous about booking your first brow or lip tattoo appointment—you’re not alone.

Maybe you're worried about pain. Or what it’ll look like. Or if it’ll suit you.

Here's the truth: the biggest fear I see in clients isn’t the needle—it’s not feeling heard.

That’s why my entire process is designed around trust, comfort, and natural results. No templates, no rushing, and definitely no one-size-fits-all shapes.

Step 1: Your Consultation—No Pressure, No Judgement

Before I ever touch a blade or machine, we talk. Whether you’re coming for microblading, powder or combination brows, laser removal, or lip blush, the first step is always the same:
I listen.

We'll chat about:

  • What you like (and don’t like)

  • Past experiences (if you’ve had PMU before)

  • Your lifestyle, skin type, and aesthetic goals

  • Any worries—like pain, pigment colour, shape, or healing

If you're not ready to book then and there? That's okay. This isn't a sales pitch—it's a space to breathe and decide. If you choose not to have a pre consultation before your appointment we will still have a consulattion before we begin. THe only difference is you won’t have a patch test.

Step 2: Bespoke Mapping & Design

Now for the magic. I don’t use stencils or carbon copies.
Every brow and lip is custom-measured based on your:

  • Bone structure

  • Muscle movement (hello, asymmetry!)

  • Natural features

  • Your own preferences—we work together

Once the shape is mapped out, I’ll show you and we tweak it together. It’s a co-creation, not a surprise reveal.

Step 3: Choosing Pigment & Technique

This is where real expertise matters. I’ll guide you on:

  • Undertones that work with your skin and fade beautifully

  • Whether microblading, powder, or combo are best

  • If you’ve had old PMU, whether partial laser removal might give us a cleaner, more refined finish

💡 I don’t believe in doing something just because it’s trending. I believe in doing what works—for you.

Step 4: Treatment Time (The Gentle First Pass)

I don’t numb before I begin. Here’s why:

When numbing is applied straight away, it constricts the blood vessels and changes the skin texture.
That means I can’t assess your skin’s natural response—things like:

  • Pin-prick bleeding

  • Pigment retention

  • How your skin takes pressure

So instead, I work gently, slowly, and intentionally—without numbing for the first 5 minutes. This allows me to create the initial strokes with full visibility and respect for your skin. This step is very comfortable with clients describing it as an annoying scratch.

Then I apply a secondary numbing, which kicks in within 10 seconds. From that point on, you’ll be numb and comfortable while I go back over each stroke—not with more pressure, but with more pigment. This layered method means:

  • Less trauma

  • Better long-term results

  • A more even fade

Why I Don’t Go Deep Just to Impress on Day One

Yes—I could go deep with the needle and pack the pigment so it looks bold and “perfect” after one appointment. But I won’t.

Here’s why:

  • It causes unnecessary trauma

  • Leads to poor healed results (like blurring, greying, or scarring)

  • Disrespects your skin’s limits

Instead, I work within your skin’s capacity—so you get brows that look soft, natural, and heal beautifully.

This is a two-step process for a reason

What to Expect After Your Appointment

Every client’s healing journey is different, which is why I always set realistic expectations:

Most clients will need a top-up after 4–6 weeks. This session is not included in the initial price, but it’s highly recommended to:

  • Boost overall colour

  • Fill any areas where pigment faded (commonly the head or tail)

  • Correct uneven fade if one side healed differently

  • Rebuild any missing strokes

Some clients don’t need a top-up—but it’s important to expect that you probably will.

I can’t predict how your skin will hold the pigment, and I’d rather be honest than overpromise.

What If I’ve Had Bad Brows Before?

This is where I specialise. I work with many clients who’ve had:

  • Botched PMU (bad shape, over-saturation, strange colour fade)

  • Previous colour corrections that didn’t work

  • Brows from years ago that no longer suit their face

Sometimes we need to start fresh with laser removal. Other times, we can gently rework what’s already there. Either way, I’ll be honest—and careful.

Final Thought: It’s Not Just About Brows

It’s about how you feel when you see your reflection.
Calm, empowered, and just a little more you.

If you're ready to explore natural, bespoke PMU—or need a trusted space to talk about your past PMU trauma—I'm here.

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Combination & Powder Brows: It’s Not One-Size-Fits-All