Why are some brows turning red and some grey out?

Healed Results of Organic and Inorganic Pigments:

When considering the healed results of organic and inorganic pigments in permanent makeup (PMU), it's essential to understand how they interact with the skin over time.

There are 3 main formulations of pigments on the market:

Organic, Inorganic, and blends of the two called Hybrid. Usually, blends lean more towards either organic or inorganic.

Organic pigments

Organic pigments are synthetic pigments that are created in a lab using carbon chemistry. They have a very small molecular structure which makes them somewhat less stable and more prone to migration. They are less resistant to sunlight, chemicals (including skincare ingredients), and humidity than inorganic pigments.

• Do not contain iron oxides.

• Contains carbon black. Carbon black has intense staying power, which means black remains on the skin while red and yellow slowly faded (brown pigments is a mixture of red, yellow and black) , therefore you will see your brows slowly turning from brown to black.

• Carbon based pigments give ashy healed results.

Inorganic pigments

In contrast, Inorganic pigments, they are of the earth and are of natural origin. Often times, they are also called iron oxide-based pigments.

Different inorganic pigment colourants:

Iron Oxides

Ultramarine blue, pink, green chromium, oxide green

Titanium Dioxide

Manganese violet

Powder Iron Oxide

Inorganic iron oxide pigment colourants are either naturally mined or synthetically made.

• They have larger molecular size than carbon-based pigments making them stable and less prone to migration, but also harder to implant into the skin.

• Iron oxide-based pigment lines fade to red, orange and salmon colours.

• Known for their durability and resistance to fading. As a result, the healed results of inorganic pigments often maintain their colour intensity and saturation for longer periods.

Hybrids

A mix of both organic and inorganic pigments are referred as Hybrid Pigments. Combining an inorganic pigment with an organic one helps to create pigment mix. When fading occurs in the skin, unwanted tones are avoided.

At Tattoo with K, we understand the importance of achieving natural-looking and long-lasting results in PMU. That's why we use high-quality hybrid pigments and employ skilled techniques to ensure optimal colour retention and minimize the risk of unwanted colour shifts. With our expertise and commitment to excellence, you can trust that your brows will maintain their beauty and integrity for years to come.

Other factors can contribute to brows turning orange or grey after PMU procedures, including:

1. Skin Undertones: The natural undertones of a client's skin can influence how pigments heal and interact with the skin over time. In some cases, organic pigments may oxidize and shift towards warmer tones, resulting in an orange or reddish hue. Similarly, inorganic pigments may take on cooler tones, appearing grey or blue, particularly on clients with cool undertones.

2. Sun Exposure: Exposure to sunlight can accelerate the fading process of PMU pigments and cause them to shift in colour. UV rays can break down pigments and alter their appearance, leading to unwanted discoloration.

3. Pigment Quality and Application: The quality of the pigments used and the technique of application can also affect the long-term colour stability of PMU. Inferior quality pigments or improper application may result in uneven healing and undesirable colour changes.