Is Permanent Makeup Painful? Here’s What You Should Know
When considering permanent makeup, one of the most common concerns is pain. After all, nobody wants to endure discomfort for the sake of beauty, no matter how lasting the results may be. The good news is that permanent makeup procedures have evolved significantly over the years, incorporating advanced techniques and pain management strategies to ensure a more comfortable experience.
If you're thinking about getting permanent makeup, here’s what you need to know about pain levels and how discomfort is managed during these procedures.
What Exactly Is Permanent Makeup?
Permanent makeup, also known as cosmetic tattooing, involves using micro-sized needles or blades to deposit pigment just beneath the surface of the skin. The goal is to enhance natural features, giving you perfectly defined brows, lips, or eyeliner that don’t wash off.
Some of the most popular permanent makeup treatments include:
Microblading (for fuller, natural-looking eyebrows)
Powder Brows (for a soft, filled-in brow look)
Lip Blush (for naturally pigmented lips)
Permanent Eyeliner (for long-lasting, smudge-proof eyeliner)
Each of these procedures is designed to streamline your beauty routine and enhance your appearance with minimal upkeep. But what about the pain factor?
Does Permanent Makeup Hurt?
In short: No, it doesn't hurt as much as you might think! Pain is subjective, and how it’s experienced varies from person to person. Many people report feeling little to no pain, with some even dozing off during their appointment! High-quality permanent makeup clinics use medical-grade numbing agents to ensure that clients feel as comfortable as possible throughout the entire process.
Let's break down the pain levels by procedure:
1. Microblading and Powder Brows
For eyebrow treatments like microblading and powder brows, discomfort is minimal. Numbing cream is applied to the brow area beforehand, and most clients say the sensation feels like light scratching or pressure. While some may feel a little more sensitivity, especially during the first few passes, overall, the process is far from painful.
2. Permanent Eyeliner
The idea of having a needle near your eye can be unnerving, but don’t worry—the area is thoroughly numbed with a cream that takes about 20 minutes to activate. Once it kicks in, clients describe the feeling as more of a pressure or tickling sensation rather than pain. Numbing cream can also be reapplied as needed to keep you comfortable throughout the process.
3. Lip Blush
Lips can be more sensitive compared to other areas because of their thin skin. However, after applying a pre-numbing cream and a secondary numbing agent during the process, the discomfort is greatly reduced. Some clients feel a slight stinging sensation, but it usually subsides quickly. After the procedure, lips may feel tender for a day or two, akin to having a mild sunburn.
Tips to Minimize Discomfort
To ensure a virtually painless experience, here are some steps you can take before your appointment:
Avoid caffeine and alcohol the day before and day of your procedure. These substances can thin your blood, making you more sensitive to discomfort.
Stop using retinol and other exfoliating skincare products at least a week prior to your appointment. These products can make your skin more sensitive.
Stay hydrated. Well-hydrated skin tends to tolerate the procedure better and may heal more quickly.
Avoid sun exposure and tanning for a week before your appointment to prevent extra sensitivity.
What to Expect During Healing
After the numbing effect wears off, you might experience mild tenderness, tightness, or a sunburn-like sensation, but these are all part of the healing process. This is particularly true for lip blush and permanent eyeliner. For the first 48 hours, your brows, lips, or eyeliner might also feel a bit dry or itchy. It’s crucial to follow the aftercare instructions carefully, as they will help manage discomfort and ensure the best possible results.
Pro Tip: Applying a cold compress to the area can help with swelling and soothe any post-procedure tenderness.
Painkillers: Yes or No?
It’s perfectly safe to take over-the-counter pain relief medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen after your procedure, but make sure to check with your artist beforehand for any specific recommendations.
Final Thoughts
Pain shouldn’t be the reason you hold back from enhancing your beauty with permanent makeup. The process is designed to be as painless and comfortable as possible. By using top-quality numbing agents and advanced techniques, you can enjoy stunning, long-lasting results without the worry of pain.
If you’re ready to wake up every day with flawless brows, lips, or eyeliner, book your consultation with an experienced permanent makeup artist. You deserve to look and feel your best without the daily hassle of applying makeup!
