Why PMU artists charge per session for lip or eyebrow colour correction?

Permanent Makeup (PMU) is not just an art—it’s a specialised science that requires precision, experience, and an understanding of skin tones, undertones, and pigment behaviour. When it comes to neutralising previously tattooed or naturally pigmented lips or eyebrows, the process is often complex and multi-staged. That’s why PMU artists typically charge per session for these corrective treatments.

In this blog, we’ll explain exactly why that’s the case, what happens during neutralisation, and what clients should expect on their journey to even-toned, beautiful results.

What is colour correction in PMU?

Lip Neutralisation

PMU colour correction is a Neutralisation procedure where the goal is to balance and correct unwanted or uneven pigment in the skin—most commonly seen in:

• Dark, cool-toned lips (deep purples, blues, browns, or greys)

• Discoloured eyebrows from previous PMU (red, grey, green, or blue undertones)

Instead of applying a new target colour directly (which may heal unpredictably), PMU artists first neutralise the unwanted tones using colour theory—introducing opposite tones on the colour wheel to create a more balanced canvas for future enhancements.

Why neutralisation requires multiple sessions?

Neutralisation isn’t a one-size-fits-all or one-and-done procedure. Here’s why multiple sessions are often required—and billed separately:

1. Every skin is different

Pigment retention and how skin heals varies drastically from client to client. Factors like:

• Fitzpatrick skin type

• Undertone (cool/warm)

• Previous pigment saturation

• Natural melanin content

• Health and lifestyle

…all affect how many sessions are needed for successful neutralisation. What takes one session for some may take three or more for others.

2. Layering must be gradual

Neutralisation requires a gradual build-up of pigment over sessions. Overloading the skin with corrective colour in one go can lead to:

• Patchiness

• Ashy or muddy healed results

• Scarring or poor retention

By charging per session, artists can take their time, monitor healing, and adjust the pigment formula as needed in follow-up visits.

3. PMU is a custom process

Unlike generic beauty treatments, PMU neutralisation is bespoke. Artists adjust pigment blends, needle depth, and technique uniquely for each client. Every session reflects a combination of:

• The healed result from the previous session

• The desired end goal

• How well the skin is responding?

Customisation requires time, care, and a new evaluation each visit—which justifies separate session charges.

Why flat pricing doesn’t work for neutralisation?

Many clients ask, “Why not offer a package or flat rate for neutralisation? The honest answer is: it wouldn’t be fair—to the artist or the client.

A client whose lips neutralise beautifully in one session shouldn’t pay the same as someone who needs four. And for the artist, each session requires:

• Supplies (needles, pigments, anesthetic, PPE, etc.)

• Time (often 1.5–2 hours per session)

• Skill and planning for the next step.

Charging per session allows for transparency, flexibility, and fairness—you pay for the time and resources actually used.

What to expect as a client?

If you’re considering lip neutralisation or eyebrow correction, here’s what you should prepare for:

• Consultation First: Your artist will assess your pigment, skin, and goals to determine how many sessions you may need.

• Customised Colour Selection: Based on colour theory, your artist will apply a correcting shade to offset the existing undertone.

• Healing Time Between Sessions: You’ll need to wait 4–6 weeks between sessions for skin to heal and pigment to settle.

• Reassessment: After each session, your artist will decide if more neutralisation is needed or if you’re ready for your target colour.