Who Is Not a Candidate for Permanent Makeup? Read This Before Booking Your PMU Appointment

Permanent makeup (PMU) has become a go-to beauty treatment for those looking to enhance their brows, lips, and eyeliner effortlessly. But while many people can enjoy the benefits of long-lasting, smudge-proof makeup, not everyone is an ideal candidate. If you’re considering PMU, it's crucial to understand the factors that might make you ineligible for the procedure. Let’s dive into who should not get permanent makeup and why.

1. Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women

If you're expecting or nursing, you should avoid PMU treatments. Why? Your body undergoes hormonal changes that can affect pigment retention, healing, and even your pain tolerance. Additionally, there's a risk (even if small) that any potential infection or allergic reaction could impact your baby. Most professional PMU artists will require you to wait until after pregnancy and breastfeeding.

2. Individuals with Certain Skin Conditions

Skin health plays a major role in how well PMU heals and lasts. If you have any of the following conditions in the treatment area, you may not be a suitable candidate:

• Eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis – These conditions cause excessive skin shedding, which can lead to poor pigment retention.

• Severe acne or open wounds – If you have breakouts or open sores on your brows, lips, or eyelids, your skin is not in an ideal state for tattooing.

• Keloid scarring – If you’re prone to keloids (raised scars), your skin may react negatively to the tattooing process.

3. Anyone Taking Blood Thinners

If you're on aspirin, warfarin, or other blood-thinning medications, you may experience excessive bleeding during the procedure. This can dilute the pigment, causing poor color retention and uneven healing. If you're on prescribed blood thinners, consult your doctor before booking a PMU appointment.

4. Those with Diabetes or Autoimmune Disorders

People with uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune diseases (such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis) may struggle with healing. Since PMU involves skin trauma, a compromised immune system can lead to poor pigment retention, prolonged healing, or even infection. If you have diabetes but it’s well-managed, you may still be eligible—just check with your doctor first.

5. Anyone with Active Infections or Viral Conditions

If you have an active cold, flu, cold sores, or any bacterial infection, it’s best to wait until you’re completely recovered. For lip blush tattoos, those prone to cold sores should take an antiviral medication (such as Valtrex) before and after the procedure to prevent outbreaks.

6. People Who Have Had Recent Cosmetic Treatments

If you've recently had any of the following treatments in the area where you want PMU, you’ll need to wait before getting permanent makeup:

• Botox or fillers – Wait at least 4 weeks after getting Botox or filler injections before tattooing the area.

• Chemical peels or laser treatments – These exfoliating treatments thin the skin, making it more sensitive and prone to poor pigment retention. Wait at least 4-6 weeks before getting PMU.

• Recent surgery or scars in the treatment area – If you've had surgery near the desired PMU area, allow your skin to heal completely before proceeding.

7. Anyone Prone to Allergic Reactions

If you have a history of severe allergies—especially to pigments, numbing agents, or latex—you should consult your PMU artist for a patch test before undergoing the procedure. Allergic reactions to tattoo pigments are rare, but they can happen.

8. Those with Unrealistic Expectations

PMU enhances your natural features, but it won’t replace traditional makeup entirely. If you expect your brows, lips, or eyeliner to look identical to a freshly applied makeup look every day, you may be disappointed. Permanent makeup fades over time and requires touch-ups to maintain its appearance.

Final Thoughts: Is Permanent Makeup Right for You?

If you fall into any of the categories above, permanent makeup might not be the best option—or you may need special precautions before proceeding. The best way to determine your eligibility is to consult with an experienced PMU artist who can assess your skin, health, and expectations.

If you’re still unsure, drop your questions in the comments below or book a consultation to see if PMU is right for you!