Written by: Michelle Rukny (Oct 10th, 2025)
Healed vs. Fresh: What Permanent Makeup Really Looks Like Weeks Later (And Why It Matters)
Let’s be honest: freshly done brows, lips, or eyeliner always look amazing on Instagram. But what about after the healing process? That’s the part most people don’t see—and the part that truly reveals the skill of your PMU artist.
If you’re researching permanent makeup, you’re probably asking:
“What will it look like when it’s healed?”
“How much does the color fade?”
“Will my brows turn gray, green, or red over time?”
You’re not alone—and this blog is here to show you exactly why healed results matter just as much (if not more!) than day-one photos.
💉 What Are “Healed Results” in PMU?
“Healed results” refer to how your permanent makeup looks 6-12 weeks (depending on service) after the initial appointment, once your skin has fully recovered. During this time, pigment settles into the skin and fades slightly from its initial bold appearance.
A skilled artist will:
- Know how to adjust pigment for undertones
- Understand depth to avoid over-saturation
- Anticipate fading patterns for realistic results
📉 Why Fresh Results Can Be Misleading
It’s easy to fall in love with those crisp, just-finished brow photos on Instagram—but those are taken minutes after the procedure, when the pigment is still fresh, the skin is slightly swollen, and lighting is perfectly staged.
But… if your artist isn’t properly trained, those fresh results can heal into:
- Ashy, grayish tones (from going too deep)
- Warm red or orange brows (from incorrect pigment choices)
- Patchy color (from poor technique or aftercare)
🏆 Why AAM-Certified Artists Prioritize Healed Results
Every artist in the AAM directory has completed over 100 hours of fundamental training, passed a written and practical exam, and learned how to:
- Choose pigments based on skin tone and undertone
- Layer color properly for even healing
- Educate clients on proper aftercare
- Show both fresh and healed work with transparency
✨ Real Talk: Ask to See the Healed Work
When researching artists, always ask to see healed photos. Any experienced, certified artist should be proud to show them. If they only show day-of photos, that’s a red flag. You want to see the real, long-term results.
🔍 How to Find an Artist You Can Trust
We recommend choosing an AAM-Certified Artist who has the training, ethics, and skills to deliver beautiful work that heals well—not just looks good in a photo.
Use the official AAM Directory to search for certified artists in your area:
👉 Find an Artist at www.micropigmentation.org
Final Thoughts
Permanent makeup isn’t just about what you see on Day 1. It’s about what you’re still loving 6 weeks, 6 months, and even 2 years later. That’s why healed results should be your #1 priority when choosing a PMU artist.
Trust your face to someone certified, skilled, and transparent.