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Updated on February 28, 2024
I created the video below a year ago. During this time, I’ve had ample opportunity to go deeper into the details of permanent makeup removal of yellow pigment. Understanding how and why it occurs, and identifying the crucial questions you should ask before getting your brows tattooed. This is a detailed and comprehensive post about microblading removal of yellow brow pigment.
- Understanding Yellow Permanent Makeup/Microblading Pigment
- What is a modifyer in Permanent Makeup Pigments?
- Difference between a traditional pigment and an new generation pigment
- Traditional Pigments
- New Generation Pigments
- Is it yellow pigment or a new generation yellow modifier pigment?
- Methods for Removing Yellow Permanent Makeup Pigment
- Which Pigment Should I Ask For When Being Tattooed?
- Book a Free Video Consultation HERE
- The Solution to Microblading Removal of Yellow Pigment and Brows
Understanding Yellow Permanent Makeup/Microblading Pigment
Yellow pigments in permanent makeup is usually a modifier used in the manufacturing process of the pigment. It can pose unique challenges due to their composition and visibility on various skin tones. Removing yellow pigment requires careful consideration of factors such as pigment depth, skin type, and the composition of the pigment. Unlike darker traditional pigments that respond well to laser treatments, yellow pigments may require alternative methods for effective removal.
What is a modifyer in Permanent Makeup Pigments?
When permanent makeup pigments are being mixed, they are done so in a way that when our skin grows a layer over the fresh tattoo once healed, the colour remains warm. Often, colours like red and yellow are used as a modifier to retain the warm colour that we want. The warmth of Microblading replicate the colour of real hair. Theoretically, all pigments are made this way.
Difference between a traditional pigment and an new generation pigment
This is written from the point of view of a Permanent Makeup/Microblading removal expert. I am not a scientist so I can not get into the intricacies of pigment formulation. I can only pass on the information relating how pigments are reacting to the laser during the removal process.
Traditional Pigments
Traditional pigments are based of ingredients like Titanium Dioxide, Carbon and Organic materials. These are browns, they come from materials such as mud and earth. Traditional pigments also can include pigments formulated in laboratories also known as Organic Synthetics.
If this doesn’t make a lot of sense to you, worry not, because it’s not of much of a subject unless you’re looking to remove your Microblading or Permanent Makeup.
Traditional pigments are the easiest to remove. They were made to break down to a degree over time. The laser picks up on all the colours, even the yellow titanium dioxide (often turning it dark before removing it with another treatment). This is why they used to be called Semi Permanent.
From the point of view of the Permanent Makeup Artist, these pigments are a real challenge. After a couple of years, they age in ways that are not ideal. This is where we see brown brows turning red, or blond brows turning pink as a regular part of ageing. You can imagine how frustrating this is for a Permanent Makeup artist that wishes to deliver long lasting results.
They are a dream to remove and I fancied myself as the PMU Removal Expert Extraordinaire….Until….
New Generation Pigments
I don’t have a lot of knowledge on how these pigments are made. It all seems to be a huge secret. I’m also not allowed to mention names or companies for legal reasons. New generation pigments are a nightmare to remove and they are PERMANENT. The technician should be telling you that these brows will not fade over time in order to comply with the informed decision process of the treatment.
So why would a technician chose to use permanent pigments for this work? One reason is that Permanent Makeup Artist have not be given full disclosure about these new pigments. Another reason is that we don’t really have full disclosure in this industry until time passes and problems begin to creep in, and this could take YEARS and even DECADES. This makes it very difficult for the manufacturer to fully know the impact of their pigments until much later. It’s a problem as old as time itself, since we don’t have a crystal ball.
The thing about these new generation pigments is that they are an absolute dream to use. They heal beautifully, true to colour, stay crisp long term and stay true to colour for years and years. On the surface these pigments are the holy grail. Until…
We need to get them off… This is where the it becomes an entire new game. An evil game that has over the past year has ignited my yearning to retire. People may want to get their PMU removed for many reasons, ranging from personal preference and ageing of the brows to dissatisfaction with poorly executed work.
Is it yellow pigment or a new generation yellow modifier pigment?
With traditional pigments, yellow is also used as a modifier, the difference is that this yellow is titanium dioxide based. Titanium Dioxide comes from Titanium, the same metal that we find in the Periodic Table of the Elements. Titanium has a dark grey colour in nature. When oxidised, it rusts to a high quality white power which is commonly used in cosmetics due to it’s safety record. When we see yellow pigment in old brows this is old titanium dioxide. This is commonly seen on people with light skin tones after 2 to 3 years post tattooing. This yellow will turn dark with the first laser session and then we will remove it with further lasering.
With new generation pigments, the florescent yellow happens only after lasering. Often it goes a colour of red/orange with the first laser session and will be yellow by the third laser session. It is this yellow that is extremely difficult to remove.
Methods for Removing Yellow Permanent Makeup Pigment
- Laser Tattoo Removal:
While traditional laser tattoo removal is effective for darker pigments, new generation pigments post laser yellow will not respond as predictably due to their composition. Theoretically, newer laser technologies such as picosecond lasers should show more promising results in breaking down yellow pigments. However, this technology has not proven to be the salvation we have all hoped for. Consult with a qualified laser technician to determine the most suitable laser treatment for your specific case. - Saline or Glycolic Acid Solution Tattoo Removal:
Saline and glycolic acid tattoo removal are effective methods for removing yellow permanent makeup pigment. This technique involves depositing a saline solution into the skin to lift the pigment particles gradually. Multiple sessions may be required to achieve the desired results. Contrary to popular belief this method is far more aggressive than laser and the recovery time is much longer and more complicated. - Microblading and Permanent Makeup Correction:
In cases where yellow eyebrow pigment needs correction, microblading can be a viable solution. Skilled microblading artists can carefully blend new pigment over the existing yellow hue, creating a natural-looking result that camouflages the unwanted colour. PMU artists are becoming very adept in covering this yellow pigment. (we do not do this treatment in our clinic) - Other non laser methods:
There are many branded non laser methods in the market. Our experience is that they all closely do the same as Saline and Glycolic Acid removal. There is not magical non laser method that works better than the other to remove tattooed eyebrows. It’s usually down to the skill of the person administering the treatment.
Which Pigment Should I Ask For When Being Tattooed?
This is such a difficult decision. For all the hate I hold in the most deep corners of my heart for new generation pigments, they do give PMU artist wonderful results. I just wish that they were easier to remove. That would be the most wonderful situation for everyone. Hopefully now you have more information in order to make a more informed decision.
Book a Free Video Consultation HERE
The Solution to Microblading Removal of Yellow Pigment and Brows
With a deep sigh I would say that the way that has worked for me is to alternate laser treatment, with 3 different wavelength and Glycolic Acid. Look, I don’t have the holy grail and it’s my honest opinion that 100% removal of the new generation pigment yellow or red is nearly impossible. However, I can usually hope for 70% to 80% over six treatments (3 laser and 3 non laser treatments). Like I said, this issue has made me want to retire. I don’t like not having the instant results that I have always had. Most if my work enjoyment has come from giving people those instant life changing results. Now I need to learn to be patients, like everyone else.
With new pigments coming into the market, Permanent makeup removal and Microblading Removal is becoming far more difficult than even before. This video explains how we’re doing this and what realistic expectations should be. You can book a free video consultation here. Follow Lorena on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook and YouTube under Lorena Oberg Skincare.
