Color correction vs removal

As PMU artists, we sometimes get clients with previous unwanted permanent or semi-permanent makeup (can be microblading or shading, or old brow or lip tattoos) that they want to be corrected. Now the question is when should you do color correction, just put color without color correction, and when should you send your clients for removal? 

Let’s talk about color correction first. Color-correction can be done to old and recent semi-permanent makeup IF:

-client only wants to change/correct brow color and not the shape and/or reduce brow thickness.

-the depth of the procedure was not too deep and the color was not too dense (same for the lips).

-Lips: if the color is uneven or if there are dark spots.

When can’t you do color correction:

-if the previous tattoo is dense in color and wants to shape the shape of the brows.

-if the clients had old blue microbladed brows, it is impossible to color correct microblading – you can only perform powder brows to make the color more appealing.

-if the client had an old tattoo and the skin is already scarred – even if you try to do color correction, it won’t stay because scarred skin has a loose texture, not as tight as normal skin.

When you do not need to perform color correction:

-if orange or blue color is light and transparent – usually any organic pigments will cover those unwanted colors.

On how to do color correction and which corrector to use, you can refer to the videos below.

Now, when to do or advise removal? 

-if the tattoo is permanent and really dark. Please see the sample photo below.

-if the client wants to correct the brow shape, specifically make it thin. 

-if the depth of the procedure went too deep resulting in blurry strokes.

-double eyebrows. Please see the photo below. (dark/dense or shape is really weird)

I’ll also add a few cases below for your reference.

Case 1: light eyebrow color. This does not require color correction the color is too light. And organic pigments since they are very dense in color, are able to cover it.

Suitable technique: any

Case 2: The color is not flashy Orange – any technique on top will look great

Suitable technique: any

Case 3: color is flashy orange but still light. You should use olive undertones pigments or any pigment with adding olive corrector.

Suitable technique: powder brows, powder brows with Microblading. Just microblading is not suitable since there are gaps between strokes and the orange color will show.

Case 4: old blue microblading. Blue colors are to be removed with laser but if the client insists, you still can educate the client about how fast and painless laser removal is. If she really doesn’t want to do the removal, then powder brows can make these brows less patchy.

Case 5: Scarred skin. Scarred skin is hard to work on, chances are you will have a poor healed result. The blue color here is very deep and can’t be color corrected – only laser removal. The orange color here is light, do not require color correction. The best technique is powder brows – you can choose the color that will even out the gray parts, usually adding color on the tail will make that part even.

Pro-tip: If you are unsure, not familiar with the process, or not trained to do any of these 2 procedures, I suggest saying no to the client. You can just refer them to someone who’s trained to do it or just simply say it’s not part of your services.

For more helpful daily tips, you can check my Instagram account @beautyslesh. 

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