Question 1

When do I need a touch-up?

Accepted Answer

You need an initial touch-up 5 - 8 weeks after your full procedure. Then you are good for about 2 years before needing to come to us for a periodic touch-up.

Question 2

Why are my brows getting darker?

Accepted Answer

Your skin is forming scabs over the pigmented area. It is completely normal for your brows to get darker during days 1 - 4. Don't worry, they will heal to a beautiful, natural color.

Question 3

Do I really need to skip the beach?

Accepted Answer

Yes. During the healing process, direct exposure to sunlight and water expel pigment from the skin. We love the beach too, but we want the absolute best healed results for you.

Question 4

How long will PowderBrows last?

Accepted Answer

Typical results last 1 to 3 years depending on the individual’s skin-type and lifestyle

Question 5

What is the difference between Microblading and PowderBrows?

Accepted Answer

Microblading is a technique that produces hair-like strokes throughout the eyebrow, adding shape and density. The strokes are etched into the skin using a manual tool and backfilled with pigment. PowderBrow is a technique that adds pigment to the brow area in a shaded, pixel-like fashion. This service leaves a natural look which enhances the brow shape and color. The results appear very soft and powdery; almost airbrushed.

Question 6

When do I need a periodic touch-up?

Accepted Answer

We recommend at least two years between your first appointment and a periodic touch-up. This allows adequate time for the existing pigment to fade and ensures we are maintaining the health of your brow area :)

Question 7

Who is not a candidate for PMU?

Accepted Answer

• Any person with a serious heart condition should consult with their doctor before scheduling a PMU appointment. 
• Any person who is currently taking Isotretinoin (Accutane ®) or has taken Isotretinoin within the last year. 
• Any person who is pregnant or nursing 
• Any person with a serious skin condition affecting the eyebrow area. 
• Any person who has undergone chemotherapy or radiation treatment within the past year should consult with their doctor before scheduling a PMU appointment.

Question 8

Do I need a consultation?

Accepted Answer

Our consultation is built into the full session appointment. At your full session, we will map your face to create the perfect brow shape, select a pigment color to match your natural undertones and hair color, and walk you through the entire process in detail! Ultimately, we are working to achieve the most natural and healthy results possible. If you have any questions about PMU, email us!

Question 9

My hair is colored. What color should my eyebrows be?

Accepted Answer

We understand that your hair color may change and that is not a problem! During the color matching process of your full session appointment, your artist will create a pigment color based off of your existing eyebrow color and skin tone.

Question 10

Can I wear makeup to the procedure?

Accepted Answer

You are encouraged to come to your appointment wearing your makeup just like you normally would. We do not base our measurements or design off of your current makeup, however, knowing what look you are accustomed to helps us gage your expectation of the final product.

Question 11

How do you decide the shape and color of the brow?

Accepted Answer

When receiving a full session PMU service at MDS, you will undergo our custom mapping and color matching process. We find the shape of your brow by using the natural geometry of your facial features and create the color based off your natural brow and skin tone. During the mapping process, we explain each step to you and will not proceed until you are 100% satisfied with the selections.

Question 12

Can I have a PMU procedure if I am pregnant or nursing?

Accepted Answer

You cannot receive a PMU service while pregnant or nursing.

Question 13

Is there a recovery period or will I need to miss work?

Accepted Answer

For most professions, there is no recovery period required for PMU services. If your job involves sweating, swimming or water activities, or exposure to dusty environments, we recommend you take some time off to adhere to our aftercare instructions.

Question 14

How long is an appointment?

Accepted Answer

PowderBrow Duration: 2.5 Hours 
Initial Touch-Up Duration: 1.5 Hours 
Periodic Touch-Up Duration: 1.5 Hours

Question 15

1. Introduction

Accepted Answer

Introduction to the World of PMU 
Tips to Succeed in PMU

Question 16

2. Hygiene + Regulation

Accepted Answer

Industry standards 
Sanitation procedures 
Safe practice requirements.

Question 17

3. Contraindications + Skin Types

Accepted Answer

How skin health affects healed results & when to avoid treatment. 
Commom skin conditions affecting healed results 
Skin anatomy & structure 
5 skin types model

Question 18

4. Color Theory + Pigment Fundamentals

Accepted Answer

Understanding color theory in PMU 
Understanding pigments in PMU 
MDS academy preferred pigments 
Skin tones & undertones 
The Fitzpatrick Scale 
Selecting the right pigments. 
Undertone Case Studies 
Cover-ups & color corrections in PMU

Question 19

5. Needle + Machine Theory

Accepted Answer

Needle & machine knowledge 
Machine configuration 
Needle selection, depth, and creating consistent pixelation
Holding your PMU machine: technique & best practices

Question 20

6. Contracts + Pre/Post Care

Accepted Answer

Client consent 
Healing Process Expectations 
Pre-Care instructions
Post-Care instructions 
Aftercare for optimum healing. 
Client FAQ’s

Question 21

7. Mapping on Paper: 6 Point Brow Model

Accepted Answer

Shaping on Paper - Setup 
Shaping on Paper - Finding Points of the Brow 
Shaping on Paper - Completing the shape 
Shaping on Paper - Symmetricity 
Shading Brows

Question 22

8. Latex Shading Techniques

Accepted Answer

Machine & hand movements 
Mastering your hand & machine speed 
Latex do’s & dont’s: Understanding hand speed & machine speed balance 
Understanding powderbrow techniques 
Whipping Technique 
Pendulum Technique 
Cross Hatching Technique 
Fanning Technique

Question 23

9. Full PowderBrow on Latex

Accepted Answer

PowderBrow on Latex - Setup 
Securing the shape & shading the tail 
Shading the middle of the brow 
Shading the front of the brow
Second & third passes: building density & definition 
Using varying shading techniques at different points in the brow body

Question 24

10. Mapping + Shaping

Accepted Answer

String method mapping 
Mapping essentials 
A detailed demonstration of the 9- step mapping method, used alongside the Six-Point Brow Model to design a natural, balanced shape that aligns with each client’s unique hair growth pattern

Question 25

11. PowderBrow Full Procedure Demo

Accepted Answer

Full PowderBrow procedure on a model

Question 26

12. Extras: Photo Editing + Brand Creation Basics

Accepted Answer

Photo editing tools & tips 
Recommended Apps 
Editing tips 
Prepare with a “checklist” 
Build your visual identity 
Attract your ideal clients 
Establish a standout PMU presence.

Question 27

Do I need to provide my own model for the in-person workshop/1:1 Private Intensive?

Accepted Answer

For group workshops, you do not need to bring a model — students will practice on each other under the instructor’s guidance.

If you’re scheduling a one-on-one workshop, we recommend bringing a friend or family member as your model—It helps tremendously to lower the nerves  and ensures you get hands-on practice. In all workshops, the instructor will guide you every step of the way as you work on your model and refine your permanent makeup skills.

Question 28

Do I need to be a licensed tattoo artist or esthetician to attend this workshop/1:1 Private Intensive

Accepted Answer

No. No license or certification is necessary to attend the workshop/1:1 Private Intensive.

The permanent makeup industry is most commonly regulated by the state or county health department - not the board of cosmetology and barbers. Typically, you will need to follow all tattoo laws and regulations, not esthetic regulations. Be sure to check with your local/state laws on the permanent makeup rules in your jurisdiction.

Question 29

When can I schedule my 1:1 Private Intensive training?

Accepted Answer

Students receive 6 months of access to the online training portal upon enrollment. While you’ll have plenty of time to review the material, we strongly encourage students to complete the online portion within the first 30 days before attending their 2-day private intensive.

Your private intensive training dates will be scheduled after your tuition has been paid in full. Once you’re ready, we’ll coordinate a Saturday and Sunday training weekend that works for both schedules.

The private intensive takes place from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM each day and is designed to reinforce the concepts learned online through hands-on practice, live demonstrations, personalized coaching, and real-time feedback.

To make your training experience as comfortable as possible, a breakfast bar and dinner are provided both days.

This approach ensures you arrive prepared, allowing us to maximize our time together and focus on technique, implementation, and real-world application.

Question 30

Where can I do my in-person instruction?

Accepted Answer

Anyone can enroll in a MDS  Academy training program, from anywhere! This in-person instruction is currently offered in Macon, GA.

It is not uncommon to travel to a PMU course or workshop, so we try to make the in-person training as accommodating to you as possible. We are always working to expand our instructor presence across the U.S. to provide the most access to our students.

Question 31

When can I start microblading on my own?

Accepted Answer

This is a question that is best answered by your city, county, and state's regulations for body artists. The regulations differ drastically across state and county lines, and it is your responsibility to ensure you are compliant with all local and state regulations.

At MDS Academy we recommend you consult your local and state body artist regulations before enrolling in a course; never perform PMU procedures before having approval from your local regulatory entity.

Question 32

Can I cancel my workshop/1:1 Private Intensive?

Accepted Answer

All sales are final. You may unenroll from a in-person workshop/1:1 Private Intensive at any time, however, a refund will not be provided.

Question 33

Can I request a refund?

Accepted Answer

Sorry, no refunds are offered for MDS Academy courses or workshops. We can not guarantee your success as an artist, but we are confident that we will provide you with the highest quality training, student experience, and service in the industry.

If you feel that your experience as a student did not meet your expectations, please contact your online instructor or support@micheldesignstudio.com for assistance.

Professional Permanent Makeup Services

Microblading FAQS