How Long Does PMU Last? It Depends — and Here’s Why
If you’ve been Googling “how long does permanent makeup last,” you’re not alone — it’s one of the most common questions I get.
The truth? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your skin type, lifestyle, aftercare, and technique all play a role. Let’s break it down together.
HOW LONG DOES PERMENANT MAKEUP LAST?
On average, permanent makeup lasts 1.5 to 5 years before needing a color refresh.
But “lasting” doesn’t mean staying exactly the same the whole time. PMU is designed to fade gradually, softening and dulling over time — and that’s the goal. Fading allows us to safely refresh and brighten your results over the years.
Most clients refresh their look every 2–4 years, depending on how the results fade — and which area was treated (brows, lips, and eyes all fade differently).
🔁 The ideal time to refresh is when your pigment has faded by 30–50% — not before.
WHAT AFFECTS HOW LONG IT LASTS
There are several key factors that influence how your PMU fades:
Skin Type: Oily skin tends to fade faster than dry or normal skin.
Sun Exposure: UV rays break down pigment over time — causing color to dull or shift. Wearing SPF 30+ daily is essential (your face is exposed every day, even in winter).
Lifestyle: Smoking, sweating, frequent exfoliation, and certain medications can impact how long pigment stays.
Metabolism & Health: Younger clients with faster metabolisms may fade more quickly than mature clients. Health conditions and medications can also affect pigment retention — and in some cases, can lead to more unpredictable fading.
Technique: The technique used (sheer vs. saturated, bold vs. soft) affects how long results stay visible.
Aftercare: The first 6 weeks are critical. Following pre- and post-care instructions gives your skin the best chance to heal well and hold onto the pigment over time.
Pigment Density: The more pigment that is healed into the skin, the longer it may take to fade. Lighter colors can tend to fade faster than darker shades.
HOW DO YOU MAKE PERMANENT MAKEUP PMU LAST LONGER
Here’s how to protect and extend the life of your results:
✅ Follow all pre- and post-care instructions
🧴 Use SPF 30+ daily — and reapply when outdoors
❌ Avoid retinols, AHA/BHA exfoliants, and lightening serums on or near the area
💧 Keep your skin healthy, moisturized, and protected
🔁 Schedule a refresh once your results have faded by about 30–50%
FINAL THOUGHTS
PMU is considered low-maintenance, not no-maintenance. With the right care — and realistic expectations — it fades gracefully over time. The key is finding an artist who can guide you honestly. Not every technique is right for every person, and that’s why research and trust matter so much.
I’ve performed thousands of procedures and helped hundreds of women feel more confident through soft, natural-looking enhancements. I lead with transparency, prioritize healing, and continue to grow as an artist year after year.
And as a total PMU nerd, I genuinely enjoy unpacking the odd nuances and variables that make this work so complex — and so rewarding.
If you’re thinking about permanent makeup and want to explore what’s possible for your skin and goals, I’d love to connect.
📍Based in Minnetonka, MN — serving the Twin Cities and beyond
📸 See my healed results on Instagram: @naturalbeauty.ink
📩 Have questions? Message me any time
🔗 Visit the Website
xoxo,
Tamsen