PMU Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield PMU facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. In Eyebrow Design & Microblading, what is the FIRST step a PMU professional should take when encountering a new case or situation? → Conduct a comprehensive assessment and gather all relevant information
2. When mapping eyebrow shape, the 'golden ratio' most commonly refers to which proportion? → 1:1.618
3. What must a client disclose before undergoing a PMU procedure? → Medical history and allergies
4. During eyeliner PMU, which area requires the most caution to avoid puncturing the orbital septum? → The inner canthus tear duct region
5. Why is stretching the skin important during application? → To allow precision and depth control
6. What is the PRIMARY purpose of continuing education requirements in Skin Types & Pigment Behavior for PMU professionals? → Maintaining current knowledge and competency as the field evolves
7. What is the primary purpose of a client consultation before a PMU procedure? → To manage expectations and assess suitability
8. When a conflict arises between standard procedures and a unique situation in Eyeliner Procedures & Safety, what should a PMU professional prioritize? → Safety and ethical obligations while seeking expert consultation
9. Which of the following scenarios represents a HIPAA concern in a PMU studio? → Discussing a client's medical history in the waiting room where others can hear
10. A client discloses she is pregnant during a PMU consultation. What is the correct course of action? → Decline the procedure until after delivery and breastfeeding
11. Which pigment base is best for clients with cool skin undertones? → Warm golden brown
12. The mentolabial sulcus is the groove between which two facial structures? → The lower lip and the chin
13. What is the primary purpose of a PMU touch-up appointment? → To assess healed results and fill in areas where pigment did not retain well
14. What should an artist assess at a touch-up consultation before adding more pigment? → The healed color tone, retention quality, and shape accuracy
15. In classic brow mapping, where should the brow ARCH ideally be positioned relative to the iris? → Above the lateral limbus of the iris
16. Which consent document element is specifically important for eyeliner PMU due to its proximity to the eye? → Disclosure of risks including potential vision complications and infection
17. Which condition in a healed PMU area would require the artist to postpone a touch-up appointment? → Active acne breakouts or infection in the treated area
18. Why should an artist avoid over-working the same eyeliner area during one session? → It causes trauma, swelling, and poor pigment retention in that area
19. What anatomical reason makes the inner corners of the lips (commissures) challenging locations for PMU pigment retention? → High muscle movement and moisture cause rapid pigment breakdown and fading
20. For non-emergency saline removal, what is the minimum recommended wait time after the original PMU procedure? → 30 days or until the skin is fully healed
21. When correcting a previously done eyeliner PMU that has spread or blurred, the first step should be: → Assess the degree of migration and consult on realistic correction expectations
22. When a conflict arises between standard procedures and a unique situation in Needle Configuration & Machines, what should a PMU professional prioritize? → Safety and ethical obligations while seeking expert consultation
23. What does the Fitzpatrick scale help determine when planning PMU removal? → Skin phototype to assess risk of post-treatment hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation
24. Which eyeliner PMU technique deposits pigment directly into the lash line to create a subtle, natural-looking definition? → Tightline tattooing
25. In Facial Anatomy & Mapping, what is the FIRST step a PMU professional should take when encountering a new case or situation? → Conduct a comprehensive assessment and gather all relevant information
26. In Lip Blush & Liner Techniques, what is the FIRST step a PMU professional should take when encountering a new case or situation? → Conduct a comprehensive assessment and gather all relevant information
27. Which needle configuration is most commonly used for precise PMU eyeliner application? → Single-point Round Liner (1RL)
28. Which characteristic of eyelid skin makes pigment retention inherently lower compared to other PMU sites? → Constant movement, oiliness, and very thin dermis
29. What type of insurance is specifically designed to cover claims from clients who experience adverse reactions to PMU procedures? → Professional liability (malpractice) insurance
30. What is the best way to prevent cross-contamination during a PMU procedure? → Wearing gloves and using disposables