Habiba MedSparse brows, a gap left by a scar, dull or two-toned lips: more and more men are getting permanent makeup, for a natural, discreet result. Here's what permanent makeup for men can do for brows and lips, and how to make sure the result looks masculine.
Key takeaways
- The goal: a natural look, never made-up.
- Brows: a defined brow (powder effect) or a simple correction (hair strokes).
- Lips: neutralizing dull or dark lips, for a healthy, rested look.
- Beards and mustaches aren't a problem, and neither is shaving.
Permanent makeup for men: what is it exactly?
The same principle as for women: pigment placed in the skin. But the goal is different: add density, correct, even out, without it ever showing. The process is the same: consultation, drawing, choosing the color, an appointment of about 3 hours.
Brows
Add density, fill a gap, correct a scar or hair loss.
Lips
Neutralize dull, dark or two-toned lips: a healthy, rested look.
Eyebrow tattoo: two kinds of men
The defined brow a crisp shape
- A more defined brow
- A well-drawn shape
- Technique: the powder effect (powder brows)
The simple correction correct without drawing
- Alopecia, hair loss, a gap, a scar
- No perfect shape
- Technique: hair strokes, except on oily skin
The details: eyebrow tattoo for men.
Lips: evening out without adding color
Demand from men is growing fast, especially to neutralize dull lips or dark ones. The goal: a more even color and a healthy, rested look, without any made-up effect.
The details: lip tattoo for men.
Scars, alopecia, hair loss
Permanent makeup can give you back a brow after alopecia, alopecia areata or hair loss, for restorative purposes. It's possible on an old, stable scar. If the condition is still progressing, ask your doctor first.
Men's skin: what changes
Skin that's often oilier
The pigment fades a little faster: for brows, the powder effect lasts better than hair strokes.
Beard and mustache
They're not a problem, and neither is shaving.
Right after the session, the lips are very pigmented: plan for 3 to 5 low-key days. Aftercare is the same as for women (see permanent makeup aftercare).
A discreet result: how to make sure
- Ask the artist for photos of men, in the style you want.
- Explain what you're looking for: a defined brow or a simple correction.
- Approve the drawing in the mirror before the pigmentation.
- For lips, choose a color close to your natural color.
Sessions, how long it lasts, budget
| Brows | Lips | |
|---|---|---|
| Sessions | One session, then a touch-up 1 month later | One session, then a touch-up 1.5 to 2 months later; several sessions to neutralize |
| How long it lasts | 3 to 4 years | 3 to 4 years |
| Price | Each artist sets her own | Each artist sets her own |
See permanent makeup cost and prices and how long permanent makeup lasts.
Frequently asked questions
No, if it's done well: the goal is a natural look, never made-up.
The powder effect for a defined brow; hair strokes for a simple correction, except on oily skin.
No: not the beard, not the mustache, not shaving.
Yes, for restorative purposes. If the condition is still progressing, ask your doctor first.
3 to 4 years on average for brows and lips.
For lips, yes: 3 to 5 days, while they soften.
Written by
Habiba Med
Permanent makeup artist since 2019 and trainer, I share what I see every day in my studio to help you make the right choices.
