Why Every PMU Artist Should Be Diluting Pigment: Teryn’s Story & Pro Tips

Why Every PMU Artist Should Be Diluting Pigment: Teryn’s Story & Pro Tips

Kathryn Boehme

Pigment dilution might sound like a new trend in the PMU world—but for Teryn Darling, it’s been part of her artist toolbox for over two decades. What started as a body tattooing technique evolved into a game-changing approach to PMU that gives artists more control, better healed results, and less touch-up work.

Here’s how Teryn brought pigment dilution into permanent makeup long before it was popular—and why you should seriously consider it too.

A Tattoo Artist’s Secret: Where It All Began

Back in her body tattooing apprenticeship over 25 years ago, Teryn learned a foundational concept: diluting black ink creates a full value range of gray, from dark to soft smoky tones. It was second nature in the tattoo world—so when she transitioned into permanent makeup, she brought that knowledge with her.

And guess what? It worked.

Bringing Pigment Dilution into PMU (Before It Was a Thing)

Teryn first started diluting black pigment for eyeliner clients who didn’t want the full-on jet black look. The result? Soft, smoky eyeliners that healed beautifully. From there, she applied dilution to brows, lips, and areolas—customizing each result based on what the skin needed and what the client wanted.

But at the time? Dilution wasn’t common in PMU. In fact, most artists thought she was making a big mistake by “weakening” pigment.

“Artists were struggling to get pigment to stay in the skin. They thought I was crazy for using less.” — Teryn

But here's the truth:
Dilution gave Teryn more efficiency, more control, and better results.

Why Pigment Dilution Works in Permanent Makeup

Teryn’s experience in body tattooing gave her a different perspective from most PMU artists—especially when it came to pigment saturation and healed results.

Let’s break it down:

🩷 Bigger needles = More pigment deposited, more quickly

🩷 Too much saturation = Harsh, unnatural healed results

🩷 Dilution = Control + Softness + Efficiency

By diluting her pigment, she could keep using larger needles for speed without oversaturating the skin.

What Happens When You Add a Dilution Solution?

When you mix pigment with a dilution solution like Soft FX, here’s what happens:

✅ Lower pigment concentration → Softer effects
✅ Thinner consistency → Smoother flow and application
✅ Less opacity → More translucency for natural healed results

The Science Behind Why Dilution Works

This isn’t just artist instinct—there’s science to back it up:

🧬 Reduced pigment load = Lighter, softer healed appearance
🌈 Light dispersion = Skin reflects more light for a natural glow
✨ Transparency = Natural undertones show through
💡 Surface reflection = The skin’s tone enhances the pigment
🛡 Macrophages = The body distributes pigment more evenly

Will Diluted Pigment Fade Faster?

Nope. That’s a common myth—and here’s why it’s wrong:

🩷 The pigment’s core properties (lightfastness, durability) don’t change

🩷 Particle size remains the same—you’re just spreading them farther apart

🩷 The immune system still processes the pigment the same way

🩷 Retention depends on depth, not dilution—as long as you're in the upper dermis, you're golden

When Should You Use Pigment Dilution in PMU?

This is where dilution really becomes a game-changer. Here’s when to use it:

🩷 Softer, Smoky Eyeliner

  • Great for clients wanting subtle results

  • Perfect with 5 shaders, mags, or when you're using movement techniques other than whip shading or pendulum

🩷 Powder & Ombré Brows

  • Creates that soft pixelated finish with larger needles

  • Can also be used with 1RL or 3RL to outline without leaving harsh healed edges

🩷 Lip Blush & Tints

  • Gives you seamless blends with larger needles

  • Lets you outline lips without worrying about visible lines after healing

🩷 Layering & Gradient Work

  • Use diluted pigment to sketch in a "safety line"

  • Great for bottom eyeliner fades or step-by-step saturation builds

🩷 Delicate, Mature, or Sensitive Skin

  • Prevents oversaturation

  • Reduces trauma and promotes smoother healing

What Dilution Solution Does Teryn Use?

Teryn created Soft FX with Li Pigments over 15 years ago to get the perfect balance of:

✔️ Sterile water
✔️ Alcohol
✔️ Glycerin

Now it lives under the OMG® brand—same formula, new pink outfit 💖

Soft FX is compatible with all pigment brands and gives you the flexibility to work your way.

Final Thoughts: Work Smarter, Not Harder

Pigment dilution gives you more options, more control, and more confidence. Whether you want a soft, delicate effect or a bold, saturated look—dilution lets you create both with precision and purpose.

👉 So if you haven’t tried pigment dilution yet, this is your sign.

Grab Soft FX, experiment with your technique, and start customizing your results like never before.

FAQs: Pigment Dilution in PMU

Q: Will diluted pigment fade faster?
A: No. As long as it’s implanted at the correct depth, dilution does not impact retention.

Q: Can I use Soft FX with other pigment brands?
A: Yes! Soft FX is universal and works with all pigment lines.

Q: Do I need special training to start diluting?
A: Not necessarily—but knowing when and how to dilute is key. We offer courses and free education to help you master it.

Q: Is it better to use dilution with larger needles?
A: Yes—dilution helps balance the saturation load of larger configurations, giving you soft, natural results without trauma.

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