Habiba MedWant to remove or lighten permanent makeup you no longer like? Laser or remover: it's not the original technique that decides, it's mostly the color. Here are the permanent makeup removal methods, how to choose, what they do, and when you can get permanent makeup again.
Key takeaways
- Blue, gray, too dark: laser, with a doctor or a medical professional.
- Orange or yellow: glycolic acid remover, if your country allows it.
- Laser doesn't hurt with a numbing cream prescribed by the doctor.
- You can get permanent makeup again about 3 months after the last session.
Remove, lighten or correct: your goal
Remove it completely
Either you let time do its work, if it's true semi-permanent makeup. Or, if it's botched or has become permanent, you go for laser.
Lighten it
If the permanent makeup is recent, you can wait for time to lighten it. Or you can speed things up with one or two removal sessions.
Correct it
The pigment is already light and well faded, at least 50 to 60%: corrections can then be done over the top.
Permanent makeup laser removal
Laser breaks the pigment into particles, which the body then eliminates. It works very well on blue, gray, black or too-dark colors. In the best case, it takes about 4 sessions. Have it done by a doctor, or in a center run by doctors.
Does it hurt?
Laser only hurts without numbing. The doctor can prescribe a prescription-strength numbing cream. Apply it exactly as directed, usually 2 hours before your appointment: you'll feel almost nothing.
Glycolic acid remover
For orange or yellow colors, laser doesn't work well. A manual method is used instead, the glycolic acid remover, which draws the pigment back up. It's a very good solution for removing orange.
Check the rules in your country
Depending on the country, remover may be reserved for healthcare professionals and off-limits to estheticians and tattoo artists. Find out what's allowed where you live, and ask PMU artists for advice: they know the right places to go.
Laser vs remover: side by side
| Laser | Remover | |
|---|---|---|
| Which colors | Blue, gray, black, too dark | Orange, yellow |
| Who does it | A doctor or a medical professional | An authorized professional, depending on your country |
| Pain | None with the prescribed numbing cream | Depends on the area and the person |
| Sessions | Often several, about 4 in the best case | Often several |
Which method for which area
| Area | What you often see | The method |
|---|---|---|
| Brows | Blue, gray, too dark or orange | Laser for dark colors, remover for orange |
| Lips | An old blue, gray or too-dark lip liner | Laser, with a medical professional |
| Freckles | Too dark, or turned orange | Laser for dark colors, remover for orange |
The details: eyebrow tattoo removal, lip blush gone wrong, freckle tattoos gone wrong.
How to remove permanent makeup naturally: the myths
Home remedies don't work
Lemon, hydrogen peroxide, scrubs, soaps, lightening creams: they irritate and damage the skin without removing the pigment.
What really fades permanent makeup is time: the body gradually eliminates the pigment. Sun, acids and peels speed this up, but unevenly: that's not a solution.
After permanent makeup removal
- Follow the instructions of the professional who did the removal exactly.
- Don't scratch, and protect the area from the sun.
- Wait about 3 months after the last session before getting permanent makeup again.
How much does it cost?
Each professional sets their own prices, depending on the number of sessions and the area. Above all, remember that removal often costs more than the original permanent makeup: that's why it matters so much to choose well from the start (see permanent makeup cost).
What's next: getting permanent makeup again
Once the skin has healed, you can get permanent makeup again, with a shape that follows your face, a suitable color, and above all, a light hand.
Wait, correct or remove: how to decide
| Your situation | What we recommend |
|---|---|
| It's recent, less than 2 months | Wait: healing isn't finished |
| Light, the right color, a small imperfection | Correct it with a touch-up |
| Orange or yellow | Remover |
| Blue, gray, too dark, wrong shape | Laser |
Frequently asked questions
Laser for blue, gray or too-dark colors; glycolic acid remover for orange and yellow.
Not with the numbing cream prescribed by the doctor, usually applied 2 hours before.
Often several, about 4 in the best case.
With a doctor, or in a center run by doctors.
No: only time and professional methods remove the pigment. Home remedies damage the skin.
About 3 months after the last session.
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.
