Why Some Clients Need Multiple PMU Sessions — The Real Reasons Your Color Doesn’t Hold

When clients come in for their first permanent makeup appointment, most hope for perfect, long-lasting color after just one session. While that can happen, it’s not always how the skin responds — and that’s completely normal.
In reality, some clients naturally require two or even three sessions for their brows, lips, or eyeliner to heal evenly and retain the ideal color.

If you’ve ever wondered why your PMU fades quickly, heals patchy, or doesn’t look as vibrant as expected, this guide explains exactly why pigment retention varies and what you can do to get the best results.

1. Everyone’s Skin Retains Color Differently

Your skin is the biggest factor in how well pigment holds.
Some skin types absorb pigment beautifully on the first pass, while others require more layering.

Skin types that may need multiple sessions:

• Oily skin: Pigment can dilute or blur as excess oil pushes it out.

• Thick or textured skin: Pigment has to work harder to settle evenly.

• Mature skin: Thinner, more delicate skin can retain color inconsistently.

• Sensitive or reactive skin: May heal lighter due to higher inflammation.

Pigment retention is a biological process — not a reflection of you or your artist.

2. Natural Undertones Affect How Color Heals

Your skin’s undertone plays a major role in how PMU color develops after healing.

For example:

• Cool or purple lip undertones often heal lighter and need additional warming layers.

• Olive undertones may heal grayish without the right corrective pigment.

• Warm skin can pull red or orange and require balancing over multiple visits.

This is why two people with the same pigment can heal in completely different colors.

3. Lifestyle Habits Can Make PMU Fade Faster

Even perfectly implanted pigment can fade if your lifestyle speeds up skin turnover or sun exposure.

Common fading factors:

• Frequent sun exposure

• Active skincare, especially retinol, AHAs, BHAs, or exfoliants

• Smoking, which slows healing

• Hormonal changes

• Active workouts during the first week

• Swimming, steam, or sweating too soon after your procedure

If your routine includes any of these, you may require more sessions to build lasting color.

4. Healing is a Process — and It’s Not the Same for Everyone

How your body heals directly affects how much pigment stays.

Some clients heal with:

• strong color retention after one session,

• mild fading,

• or patchiness that needs refinement.

Your immune system, medications, and how quickly your skin regenerates all play a role.
More active immune systems (especially in younger clients) tend to clear pigment faster.

5. Aftercare Matters More Than Most People Realize

Even small variations in aftercare can change your healed results — especially during the first 7 days.

Examples:

• Over-washing can lighten the color

• Picking or touching the flakes causes patchiness

• Applying too much ointment suffocates the pigment

• Not moisturizing enough can cause dryness and pigment loss

Perfect aftercare doesn’t guarantee 100% retention, but it absolutely helps maximize it.

6. Building Color Slowly Creates Softer, More Natural Results

Just like makeup artists build layers, PMU artists layer pigment for the most natural, long-lasting finish.

Multiple sessions allow your artist to:

• strengthen color gradually,

• correct undertones,

• refine shape,

• and prevent over-darkening.

A soft, healed, natural result is always the goal — and layering ensures your brows, lips, or eyeliner never look harsh or too saturated.

7. When to Expect a Second (or Third) Session

You may need more than one session if:

• your color healed too light,

• you have naturally resistant or oily skin,

• your goal is deeper saturation,

• you want more definition or shape adjustments,

• you’re receiving a corrective service, especially for dark lips or old PMU.

Most clients return for a touch-up at 6–8 weeks, and some require a third session around 8–12 weeks, depending on their skin.

Final Thoughts: Multiple Sessions Are Normal — Not a Sign of Poor Work

Every client’s skin heals differently, and requiring more than one session is simply part of the permanent makeup process.
In fact, many of the most beautiful and long-lasting results come from gradual color building, not a heavy first session.

If you're planning a PMU appointment, understanding these factors helps you set realistic expectations — and ensures you get the results you’ll love.

Ombre eyebrows by Gigi Beauty PMU