The History of Permanent Makeup: Everything You Need to Know

The history of permanent cosmetics is very interesting. As an aspiring artist or technician, you should be wondering about the origins of permanent makeup.

Often, people associate permanent makeup with traditional body art tattoos and those unnatural-looking eyebrow tattoos. Part of the reason for this confusion is that permanent makeup has gotten to where it is today.

It turns out that permanent makeup has its origins in traditional tattooing. It turns out that some of the early results of this unique technique were not perfect.

However, permanent makeup has come a long way since then.

Let's dig into how it's transformed from an emerging technology to a life-changing treatment.

There are many misconceptions and disagreements about the history of permanent cosmetics. Mummies from prehistoric times have been found with well-preserved body tattoos. Experts believe that ancient people used tattoos for decorative and religious purposes. While some believe that they also use tattoos to beautify themselves, like makeup, others are sure that tattoo cosmetology is a recent innovation.

Sutherland Macdonald, a famous tattoo artist in 1902, reported that he could tattoo women's cheeks to give them a pink complexion that lasted throughout the year. It is also thought that permanent makeup may have been used as a cosmetic treatment in the 1930s. People of that era probably didn't know they were getting "tattoos."

 

Today, permanent makeup is seen as a cosmetic procedure that restores or enhances a person's features. If we delve into the history of permanent cosmetics, the concept probably started in the 70s. During that time, tattoo studios offered this service. It is primarily used to restore eyebrows in patients with alopecia (a condition that causes patients to lose some or all of their hair).

Permanent cosmetics became popular in the '80s. It was then that one witnessed the emergence of professional salons and training programs targeting this niche market.

In the early days of its popularity, permanent makeup didn't look as subtle and natural as it does today. Still, the novelty, convenience, and other benefits of this beauty treatment have enticed people to try it. Many people were satisfied with the results, and positive discussions about permanent makeup have since spread like wildfire.

In the 80's and '90s, permanent makeup artists used the same technique for all functions. Whether it's on the lips, brows, or eyes, all the features get a solid color application. One reason for this is that the pigments used in permanent cosmetics at the time were very similar to the inks used in traditional tattoos, i.e. they were carbon-based.

While many people are satisfied with the results of their permanent makeup, some have to experience fading and end up with an unnatural finish.

Thankfully, in the 1990s, permanent makeup tools advanced. In the early 90s, artists began using motorized rotating devices to efficiently implant permanent makeup into the skin. These devices come with disposable and sterile parts. The permanent cosmetics industry quickly adopted these tools. Even modern technicians use newer versions of these devices.

Over the years, permanent beauty tools, techniques, and pigments have been innovated and customized to perform corrective and restorative work on the whole body, enhancing people's natural beauty.

Technicians have come up with new techniques and equipment to ensure permanent makeup looks as natural as possible. They feature state-of-the-art technology with soft, hair-like brushstrokes and carbon-free custom-blended paint. These tiny adjustments ensure that the paint doesn't turn into an unnatural shade when it starts to fade.

In addition to this, permanent makeup artists and technicians started using thinner needles to ensure the accuracy of the work. At the same time, they specialize in permanent cosmetic procedures with the gentlest touch.

Today, permanent makeup is used to enhance facial features, including eyes, eyebrows, and lips. How much it changes appearance depends on the design, color, and type of pigment injected into the skin.

After the process is complete, the result may look too dark and bold. This happens because the pigment is still near the outermost layer of the skin. As the skin heals and the upper layer is replaced by new epidermal cells, the color begins to fade and the client achieves the desired tone.

That being said, the latest permanent makeup techniques don't offer long-lasting results. People see it as a benefit because it allows them to tailor their appearance to their latest style choices and preferences. This also allows permanent makeup artists to cater to changes in a client's facial features.

While these procedures are still sometimes referred to as "cosmetic tattoos," permanent makeup practices have developed their own distinct identities through a unique set of techniques, hand tools, machines, pigments, and clients.

The popularity of permanent makeup procedures is skyrocketing these days. More and more people are excited to try these cosmetic treatments to restore or enhance their facial features. These programs allow them to live with greater confidence.

Given the gradual evolution of tools and changing client styles, we cannot be sure of future possibilities.

Recently, specific technologies have attracted attention. One of these procedures is permanent makeup under-eye concealer. As the name suggests, it conceals and camouflages dark circles to help clients look refreshed.

Today, people also opt for permanent cosmetics for facial contouring. This procedure involves implanting darker and lighter pigments to add depth and change the shape of the face.

Although these therapies are not very popular yet, we can expect them to become widely used in the future. Whatever happens, one thing is clear: When it comes to permanent makeup, our imaginations are the limit. The history of permanent cosmetics bears this out. If you are looking for permanent makeup tools or inks, welcome to contact us.

Charming Tattoo is a professional custom pmu tools and pigment manufacturer. Our R&D engineers have 20 years of experience in developing permanent makeup inks and micro-scratch pigments. We have professional production equipment and a 100,000-class dust-free workshop that meets ISO9001 standards. We provide a professional product, packaging, post-design, and professional pigment knowledge support. In order to achieve a win-win situation, our company has formulated a policy to protect customer privacy.