PMU Pigments, Laser Removal & Aged Results: What Artists Need to Understand Before Choosing Pigments
The permanent makeup industry is in the middle of a major shift—and if you’re a PMU artist, you’re feeling it.
More clients are asking about laser removal, more artists are dealing with aged results they didn’t expect, and pigment choices are under heavier scrutiny than ever before. But here’s the truth:
👉 Pigments aren’t the problem. A lack of education is.
In Tatter-a-Fact Podcast Episode 121, Teryn Darling sits down with internationally respected PMU educator Alex Mechenici to unpack what’s really happening behind the scenes of pigment behavior, removal challenges, and long-term results.
This conversation isn’t about fear.
It’s about responsibility, understanding, and smarter decision-making.
Why PMU Pigment Choice Matters More Than Ever
Pigments don’t exist in isolation. Once implanted, they interact with:
❤️ Skin type
❤️ Depth of implantation
❤️ Technique
❤️ Carrier fluids
❤️ Environmental exposure
❤️ The body’s immune response
When artists choose pigments based solely on marketing, trends, or Instagram results, the long-term outcome is often unpredictable.
That’s why more artists are now encountering:
❤️ Unexpected color shifts
❤️ Difficulty with laser or saline removal
❤️ Clients wanting changes sooner than expected
Understanding what’s inside the bottle—not just the brand name—is critical.
Iron Oxides vs. Organic Pigments: The Real Conversation
One of the biggest misconceptions in PMU is that one pigment type is “good” and another is “bad.”
That’s simply not true.
Iron Oxide Pigments
✔ Tend to be more forgiving
✔ Often fade more predictably over time
✔ Ideal for beginners and mature skin
✔ Typically easier to manage long-term
Organic & Hybrid Pigments
✔ Offer stronger saturation
✔ Implant quickly
✔ Require refined technique and control
✔ Can be beautiful when used correctly
The key difference isn’t the pigment itself—it’s how well the artist understands it.
Carbon Black, Titanium Dioxide & Yellow Pigments — Not Villains, Just Misunderstood
Certain ingredients get blamed constantly:
❤️ Carbon black
❤️ Titanium dioxide
❤️ Organic yellow pigments
But blaming ingredients without understanding their behavior leads to fear-based choices instead of informed ones.
The reality?
❤️ Carbon black isn’t inherently bad—it depends on quality, concentration, and skin type
❤️ Titanium dioxide provides opacity but must be used responsibly
❤️ Yellow pigments vary widely depending on formulation and stability
Education—not avoidance—is the solution.
Why Aged Results Matter More Than Healed Result
A healed result shows what happened today.
An aged result shows what happened because of your decisions.
Advanced artists don’t judge success by:
❤️ Fresh photos
❤️ One-year touch-ups
❤️ Social media trends
They judge it by:
✔ How pigments age
✔ How skin responds long-term
✔ Whether the client still has options years later
This mindset is exactly why education matters.
Where Education Meets Responsibility
If you’re purchasing pigments, supplies, or tools, they should be backed by real education—not hype.
That’s why Girlz Ink doesn’t just sell PMU products—we support artists through education-first resources.
👉 For deeper learning on pigment science, skin behavior, and long-term outcomes, explore the Girlz Ink Academy and its advanced PMU education programs.
👉 To listen to the full conversation that inspired this discussion, tune into Tatter-a-Fact Podcast Episode 121.
Smart pigment choices start with smarter education.