Permanent Makeup Artist flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Stratum basale

Deepest epidermal layer where keratinocytes divide; melanocytes reside here and produce melanin, influencing pigment retention and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation risk.

Dermal papillae

Finger-like projections of papillary dermis into epidermis; rich in capillaries and nerve endings, making this layer sensitive and important for pigment placement.

Fitzpatrick scale

Classification of skin phototype from I (always burns, never tans) to VI (never burns, deeply pigmented); guides pigment selection and predicts healing risk.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

Darkening of skin after trauma or inflammation due to excess melanin production; more common in Fitzpatrick IV–VI and can be minimized by gentle technique.

Hemostasis phase

First healing phase occurring minutes to hours after injury; platelets aggregate and clot forms, sealing the wound and releasing growth factors.

Autoclave biological indicator

Spore test used to verify sterilization efficacy; must be run with each load and incubated per manufacturer instructions to confirm no surviving spores.

Standard precautions

Infection control practices treating all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious; includes hand hygiene, gloves, eye protection, and safe sharps handling.

HBV survival on surfaces

Hepatitis B virus can remain infectious on dried environmental surfaces for at least seven days, requiring hospital-grade disinfectants with proper contact time.

Sharps container

Puncture-resistant, leak-proof, labeled container for immediate disposal of used needles and cartridges; never overfill and close securely for pickup.

Informed consent

Documented discussion of procedure risks, benefits, alternatives, aftercare, and no guarantee of result; client signs and dates before service.

Isotretinoin waiting period

Clients must wait at least six months after discontinuing isotretinoin (Accutane) before permanent makeup due to impaired healing and scarring risk.

Absolute contraindication

Condition that prohibits procedure regardless of circumstances, such as active skin infection at site or known allergy to pigment or lidocaine.

Tyndall effect

Optical scattering that makes implanted pigment appear cooler and lighter in skin than in the bottle; important for predicting healed color.

Complementary color neutralization

Using opposite colors on the color wheel to cancel unwanted undertones; for example, cool modifiers neutralize warm orange brows.

Iron oxide pigments

Inorganic pigments known for stability and safety in permanent makeup; less likely to cause allergic reaction than organic dyes.

Titanium dioxide

Opaque white pigment used to lighten or correct; can migrate and may heal ashy in dark skin, so use cautiously in Fitzpatrick IV–VI.

Brow mapping

Technique using facial landmarks to determine brow start, arch, and tail; start at ala of nose, arch at lateral limbus, tail at outer canthus.

Hair-stroke technique

Creating individual brow hairs with fine single needles at a shallow angle; requires precise depth control to avoid blurring.

Needle depth for brows

Optimal insertion is 0.5–1.0 mm into papillary dermis; deeper placement causes pigment migration and blurring.

Eyeliner safety margin

Pigment must be placed outside the orbital rim and away from the ocular surface; only ophthalmologist-tested pigments should be used.

Herpes prophylaxis for lips

Clients with history of cold sores may need antiviral medication prescribed by a physician before and after lip procedures to prevent outbreak.

Lip vermilion border

Junction between lip and skin; mapping this border is essential for natural lip shape and avoiding pigment outside the natural line.

Machine stroke length

Distance the needle moves per cycle; typically 2.0–3.5 mm for permanent makeup, with shorter strokes for eyeliner and longer for brows and lips.

Cartridge seating

Ensuring the needle cartridge is fully locked into the machine before use; test run and inspect for damage or clogging.

GFCI outlet

Ground-fault circuit interrupter that shuts off power if current leaks; recommended for electrical equipment near water to prevent shock.

Lidocaine toxicity signs

Tinnitus, metallic taste, perioral numbness, seizures, and arrhythmia; stop application and seek emergency care immediately.

Epinephrine in anesthetic

Vasoconstrictor that prolongs numbness and reduces bleeding; use caution in clients with cardiac disease or hypertension.

Anaphylaxis response

Emergency reaction with airway swelling and hypotension; call emergency services, administer epinephrine if trained, and monitor airway.

Aftercare washing

Gently cleanse treated area twice daily with mild soap and water, pat dry, and apply thin layer of approved ointment to support healing.

Touch-up timing

Schedule 4–6 weeks after initial session to assess pigment retention, color, and shape before adding more pigment.

Scope of practice

Legal boundaries of permanent makeup artist; does not include diagnosing or treating skin conditions, which requires medical license.

Record retention

Keep consent forms, medical history, procedure notes, and photos for the period required by local law, often five to seven years.