Permanent makeup Vs Body Tattooing

There is undoubtedly a lot of similarity in how body tattooing and permanent makeup might appear on the surface level. But if you do a little research, you’ll see sufficient differences between them. And based on these differences, they can be considered entirely different procedures that require distinct skills, equipment, and products. Let us look into the key differences one by one. 

Application and Equipment: Permanent makeup Vs Body Tattooing 

Let’s talk about the process of application of permanent makeup and body tattooing. A normal body tattooing machine creates more punctures on the skin as compared to a permanent makeup machine for obvious reasons. You cannot get too rough on the face as the skin here is much thinner and needs gentler treatment.

A body tattooing machine has rotary mechanism coils which are heavier and stronger than a PMU machine. They create a vacuum and put the pigment into the skin. This way, the pigments seep deep into the subcutaneous level. In contrast, a PMU machine is a much lighter hand piece that simply creates small scratches and slices and applies the pigment. That way, the pigments stay just below the epidermis. 

Also, a PMU machine has much more controlled pulsation as opposed to a tattoo machine which has a high vibration and sound. The needles used in PMU are also smaller in size. 

 

Pigments: Permanent makeup Vs Body Tattooing 

The pigments used in permanent makeup and body tattooing greatly differ from each other. In permanent makeup, the pigment used is mainly composed of iron oxide. These inorganic pigments are the safest.  In contrast, body-tattoo inks are mainly composed of antimony, beryllium, nickel, arsenic, and additives such as fillers, surfactants, and many more. 

PMU pigments are composed of smaller particles suspended in a carefully diluted base. The composition and color intensity is adjusted to replicate the natural look of the skin or hair. Therefore, the colors look more human-like and are subtle. Based on individual requirements, an artist can layer these pigments to create a realistic look.  

On the other hand, inks used for body tattooing are concentrated and much more pigmented. The colors are bolder, brighter, and eye-catching. They are totally unfit for usage in permanent makeup because the results will clash with the natural hues of the human skin. 

Result Expectations:  Permanent makeup Vs Body Tattooing 

When it comes to body tattooing, it is expected that the results must be vibrant, eye-catching, and dark. But a PMU result would scream excellence only when it can restore the natural look and balance of the individual’s facial features. The eyebrows, lips, cheeks, etc should become more defined and attractive as post the procedures. 

 

With PMU, there is no competition to make the pigment appear as dark and vibrant as possible. Whether it is to camouflage baldness, vitiligo, or simply correct asymmetrical eyebrows or face, the key is to restore imbalances in one’s features. 

Longevity:  Permanent makeup Vs Body Tattooing 

The results of body tattooing could potentially last a lifetime. The colors will need retouching once in a while to maintain their vividness. Nevertheless, it would not be as frequently as an eyebrow or a lip blush done with PMU. Even if you leave your body tattoo without any maintenance, they will stay. Although it will not look as good as a freshly revamped tattoo, the results will last. 

 

But the same does not apply to PMU. The pigments will fade and they will need necessary attention every few months. Depending on body chemistry and lifestyle choices, the results of PMU may need revamping once in 2 years to regain the desired look. 

 

About Ibrow: 

We are India’s first exclusive 3D eyebrow enhancement and Permanent Makeup brand. If you’re on edge about Permanent Makeup (PMU), we would recommend taking a look at our Instagram page or our gallery where you’ll see many happy clients. We promise that it will be a real game changer for you.

If you are inspired to pursue PMU as a career, you are most welcome to attend our IAPMU Training sessions in selected cities! Click here to check out the details/contact us here.