Is permanent makeup safe? It’s one of the most common (and most important) questions people ask before choosing a treatment. Enhancing your features should never come at the cost of feeling unsure. You deserve to feel confident, safe, and completely at ease with every step of the process.
Permanent makeup can simplify your routine and restore what may have been lost, but it’s essential to know you’re in safe, expert hands. At Karen Betts Professional, we’ve been leading the way in natural-looking, medically approved permanent makeup for over 30 years, combining artistry with the highest safety standards.
If you’re curious but cautious, booking a consultation is a great place to start. We’re here to guide you through every step with honesty and clarity.
How Safe Is Permanent Makeup?
When performed by a trained, experienced professional, permanent makeup is considered a safe and effective treatment. At its core, it’s a form of cosmetic tattooing that should always follow strict hygiene standards, clinical protocols, and industry best practice.
With us, safety isn’t an afterthought – it’s at the heart of everything we do. With over 3 decades of experience, Karen and her hand-trained team work to the highest standards of clinical care. We only use sterile equipment, bespoke pigment formulation and tailored treatment plans, to ensure everything is handled with the utmost precision.
Unfortunately, not all providers offer the same level of quality. Poorly regulated environments, cheap pigments, and under-qualified artists can carry risks – ranging from inconsistent results to infection or long-term dissatisfaction. Choosing a reputable clinic can make all the difference.
What to Avoid: Red Flags When Choosing a Clinic
Not all permanent makeup providers are created equal – and your safety, comfort, and results depend on choosing the right one. Here are a few warning signs to look out for when researching a clinic:
Lack of qualifications or visible experience
If a clinic doesn’t showcase the credentials, experience, or portfolio of their artists, it’s worth questioning why. Always look for evidence of specialist training and real client results.
No consultation offered
A proper consultation is essential. If you’re rushed into treatment without a thorough discussion of your goals, medical history, or concerns, that’s a red flag.
Unclear hygiene standards
Cleanliness is non-negotiable. Be wary of any environment that doesn’t feel sterile, organised, or professional. Equipment should be single-use or medically sterilised.
Cheap pricing that seems too good to be true
High-quality pigments, skilled artists, and clinical-grade care come at a cost. Extremely low pricing may indicate shortcuts that could affect your safety and outcome.
No aftercare guidance or support
The healing process is just as important as the treatment itself. You should receive clear aftercare advice and know exactly who to contact if you have any questions after your appointment.
What Are the Permanent Makeup Risks?
It’s completely normal to wonder about permanent makeup risks – especially when considering a treatment that enhances your face. While the majority of treatments are safe and successful when performed by experienced professionals, risks can arise when the right care isn’t taken.
Potential risks if performed improperly include:
- Infection due to poor hygiene practices
- Allergic reactions to low-quality pigments
- Uneven or unnatural results from lack of experience
- Scarring (though rare) if the skin is overworked
At Karen Betts Professional, we do everything possible to minimise these risks:
- Every client receives a patch test before treatment to ensure safety and suitability.
- We use only medical-grade pigments (including our own bespoke formulations) for predictable, natural results.
- Consultations are thorough, covering your health, goals, skin type, and suitability.
- Our elite artists design and deliver each treatment with clinical precision and aesthetic expertise.
- Hygiene is paramount, with strict protocols in place before, during, and after every session.
Your safety, confidence, and peace of mind are at the heart of everything we do. Contact us if you’d like to speak to someone on our team, we’re here to help.
Potential Side Effects of Permanent Makeup
If you're considering a treatment, it's helpful to understand the potential side effects of permanent makeup – most of which are completely normal and short-lived.
In the first few days after your treatment, you may experience:
- Redness or tenderness in the treated area
- Mild swelling, especially around the eyes or lips
- Light flaking or dryness as the skin begins to heal
These side effects are expected and usually settle within a week. It’s all part of the skin’s natural recovery process.
At Karen Betts Professional, we make sure you’re fully supported throughout. You’ll receive detailed aftercare advice, tailored to your treatment, and we’re always here for questions or reassurance.
How Karen Betts Ensures Your Comfort and Safety
At Karen Betts Professional, your wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. From the moment you step through our doors, we take the time to understand you – your skin, your goals, and your concerns.
Every treatment begins with a comprehensive consultation, where we’ll review your medical history, assess your skin type, and talk through exactly what you’re hoping to achieve. Nothing is rushed, and nothing is assumed.
We use custom pigments created by Karen herself, formulated to be skin-friendly, safe, and beautifully natural. These are matched carefully to your individual tones to ensure seamless results.
Treatments are carried out using advanced, gentle techniques that are designed for both precision and comfort. All of our elite artists undergo continuous training and are held to the highest standards of hygiene and care.
What to Ask Before Choosing a Clinic
If you’re considering permanent makeup, asking the right questions can make all the difference. Feeling safe, supported, and confident throughout your treatment journey matters just as much as the result itself.
Here are a few key questions to ask any provider:
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Are your artists fully qualified and licensed?
Experience matters. Your artist should have advanced training and a strong portfolio of real results. -
Do you offer patch tests?
Patch testing is an essential safety step to check for any allergic reaction before treatment. -
What hygiene measures are in place?
Treatments should be carried out in a clean, sterile environment, using single-use equipment wherever possible. -
Do you use custom or generic pigments?
High-quality, bespoke pigments (like those formulated by Karen Betts) are far safer and more natural-looking than generic alternatives.
Book a Consultation With a Trusted Team
Choosing permanent makeup is a personal decision – and it should feel empowering from the very beginning. When carried out by skilled professionals in a safe, caring environment, it can make a truly positive difference to how you look and feel.
If you're considering treatment or simply have questions, our expert team is here to help. We’ll take the time to understand what you’re looking for and offer honest, thoughtful guidance tailored to you.
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