You may have seen both these terms flying about when it comes to microblading or powder brows and been confused as to what they mean or what the difference is. Some artists say permanent and some say semi permanent, but with regards to the treatment and the outcome, it's exactly the same. I choose to refer to myself as a permanent make-up artist and to my treatments as permanent. I'll do my best to explain why.
I choose the term permanent make-up because once you have microblading or ombré brows they won't wash off. You will wake up every morning with your brows done. They do, however require maintenance. Every 18 months or so (the exact length of time depends on many genetic and lifestyle factors), you will need to get your brows colour boosted to keep the shape and colour fresh. This is because permanent make-up pigments should be very high quality and made from molecules much smaller than body tattoo pigments, allowing your body to break them down over time. For this maintenance reason, many artists prefer to call it semi-permanent make up.
A client asked me to do ombré brows on her and she wore her make up in a very particular way, right up on her forehead. It was a really great, strong look, but maybe not one she will want to keep in the future. "but it's only semi-permanent!". Ethically I wouldn't want to take the risk of some of the pigment staying there so I politely passed.
As part of my training with Deluxe Brows it was instilled into us that even with deft skill and perfect pigment distribution, we cannot absolutely guarantee that all the pigment will eventually go, you may be left with a slight shadow. As the skin is having a tattoo procedure (it is a tattoo, if anyone tells you it isn't then they're misinforming you) there is a change to the skin. To refer to it as semi-permanent means it should go back exactly how it was, for example semi-permanent eyelash extensions or semi-permanent hair dye and that is something that nobody can promise. These reasons are why I will continue to class what I do as permanent make-up.
So whether you see permanent or semi-permanent, it's useful to keep these things in mind- it is a form of tattoo, it will require maintenance every 12-18 months, pick a well trained artist who is happy to be open about the procedure, and someone who uses high quality pigments, such as Deluxe Brows pigments that fade really well. If you're not sure about these things, never be afraid to ask.
Hope that helps to clear up any confusion.
Katie
I choose the term permanent make-up because once you have microblading or ombré brows they won't wash off. You will wake up every morning with your brows done. They do, however require maintenance. Every 18 months or so (the exact length of time depends on many genetic and lifestyle factors), you will need to get your brows colour boosted to keep the shape and colour fresh. This is because permanent make-up pigments should be very high quality and made from molecules much smaller than body tattoo pigments, allowing your body to break them down over time. For this maintenance reason, many artists prefer to call it semi-permanent make up.
A client asked me to do ombré brows on her and she wore her make up in a very particular way, right up on her forehead. It was a really great, strong look, but maybe not one she will want to keep in the future. "but it's only semi-permanent!". Ethically I wouldn't want to take the risk of some of the pigment staying there so I politely passed.
As part of my training with Deluxe Brows it was instilled into us that even with deft skill and perfect pigment distribution, we cannot absolutely guarantee that all the pigment will eventually go, you may be left with a slight shadow. As the skin is having a tattoo procedure (it is a tattoo, if anyone tells you it isn't then they're misinforming you) there is a change to the skin. To refer to it as semi-permanent means it should go back exactly how it was, for example semi-permanent eyelash extensions or semi-permanent hair dye and that is something that nobody can promise. These reasons are why I will continue to class what I do as permanent make-up.
So whether you see permanent or semi-permanent, it's useful to keep these things in mind- it is a form of tattoo, it will require maintenance every 12-18 months, pick a well trained artist who is happy to be open about the procedure, and someone who uses high quality pigments, such as Deluxe Brows pigments that fade really well. If you're not sure about these things, never be afraid to ask.
Hope that helps to clear up any confusion.
Katie
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