Best for treating
People with sparse, thin or no eyebrows
Treatment time
90 minutes
Sensitivity period
Up to a few days
Duration of results
12 to 18 months +
Number of treatments
One with a possible follow-up
Anaesthetic
Topical cream
Back to work
Straight away depending on your job and how you feel
What is Semi Permanent Make-up?
SPMU is a technique to apply pigment to the skin using a very specialist tattoo machine. The tattoo machine distributes pigment just beneath the surface of the skin, not as deeply as traditional tattooing, which is why the effect is not permanent.
How long does it last?
The treatment is non-permanent and as your skin cells naturally degrade and are renewed, the pigment is naturally removed from the body. This means that the treatment usually lasts for around 12-18 months, but does vary from person to person, as different skin types hold the pigment better than others and individual skin renewal skin cycles also vary.
Is SPMU the same as Microblading?
The short answer is no, SPMU is very different to Microblading. Microblading uses a hand-held-blade to make hair like incisions in the surface of the skin. Pigment is then applied to these incisions creating the appearance of strands of hair, this process is repeated several times during the treatment until the desired effect is achieved. SPMU uses a facial tattoo machine, so the pigment is already present in the needles and introduced into the skin when the needles penetrate the skin, instead of after. This can help to create a more defined finish than Microblading and the results last longer, as the pigment reaches a deeper layer of the skin than Microblading. The tattoo machine also enables us to achieve different styles of brow depending on the client’s requirements.
How long does the treatment take?
The treatment takes up to 90 minutes, depending on the individual client’s requirements. A follow-up appointment is usually needed 6-10 weeks after the first treatment to correct any patching that has occurred during the healing process.
Is the treatment painful?
This really does depend on your individual pain threshold. Some clients do not feel any discomfort at all, while others do find it a little uncomfortable, likening it to threading or waxing. We offer topical anaesthetic cream to help minimise discomfort.
How long will it take to heal?
Commonly, the pigment will appear stronger and more defined up to a week after treatment, then it will start to settle. Clients may experience redness and irritation, scabbing and light to moderate swelling in the area. After the first week, the skin in the treated area will begin to gently come away and the pigment will lighten. After 6-10 weeks it is possible that you might want to come back for a top-up treatment, to fill in any areas affected by the healing process.
Who chooses SPMU treatment?
This treatment is really suitable for anyone who desires a natural enhancement to their eyebrows. Some specific examples of why you may seek this treatment are outlined below: o People suffering from hair loss due to medical conditions such as Alopecia or Cancer o People with thin/sparse eyebrows o Athletic people who can’t wear regular make-up during sports o People who want to reduce their reliance on make-up o People with make-up allergies
What are the different types of brow effects?
We offer two main treatments, Ombre and Hair Stroke. Ombre brows are created by varying the density of the pigment from more concentrated to faded, creating a more delicate effect, like that of a softer pencil brow. This option is a good choice for people who have little to no eyebrow hair. Hair stroke creates the appearance of individual hairs that are built up, to give the effect of a fuller natural looking brow. This is the perfect choice if your eyebrows are thin or sparse and you’d like them to look fuller.
See the results for yourself!

Get in touch
To book an appointment at Snowberry Lane Clinic you can get in touch with us via our contact page.