Mixed Deck — All PMU Topics Flashcards

When mapping eyebrow shape, the 'golden ratio' most commonly refers to which proportion?

Answer: 1:1.618

The golden ratio of approximately 1:1.618 (phi) is used as the aesthetic standard for harmonious facial proportions including brow mapping.

Which standard of practice is MOST important for ensuring quality in Lip Blush & Liner Techniques?

Answer: Following evidence-based protocols while adapting to specific circumstances

Evidence-based protocols provide a foundation of proven practices, but effective Permanent Makeup professionals must also adapt their approach based on specific circumstances and individual case needs within Lip Blush & Liner Techniques.

What is the PRIMARY purpose of continuing education requirements in Facial Anatomy & Mapping for PMU professionals?

Answer: Maintaining current knowledge and competency as the field evolves

Continuing education in Facial Anatomy & Mapping ensures professionals maintain current knowledge and skills as standards, technologies, and best practices evolve in the Permanent Makeup field.

What is the primary reason for mapping the eyeliner shape before beginning tattooing?

Answer: To ensure symmetry and client approval before permanent work begins

Pre-mapping allows the artist and client to agree on shape and symmetry before any irreversible work is done.

What is one reason a patch test is performed before treatment?

Answer: To test for allergic reactions

A patch test is performed before a PMU procedure primarily to identify any potential allergic reactions to the pigments or numbing agents used. By applying a small amount of product to an inconspicuous area of the skin, the technician can observe for adverse reactions like redness, swelling, or itching over 24-48 hours. This crucial step helps ensure client safety and prevents severe allergic responses during the actual procedure.

When assessing a client with a round face shape, which brow arch adjustment is recommended to create the illusion of length?

Answer: High arch positioned at or beyond the lateral limbus

For round faces, a higher arch placed laterally elongates the face visually and provides an angular contrast to the circular face shape.

How many saline removal sessions are typically required to fully remove PMU pigment?

Answer: 6–10 or more sessions

Full PMU removal with saline typically requires 6–10 or more sessions, depending on pigment density, implantation depth, and individual skin healing response.

Which topical anesthetic ingredient is most commonly used as a secondary numbing agent applied to broken skin during lip PMU procedures?

Answer: Lidocaine 4–5%

Lidocaine at 4–5% concentration is the most commonly used secondary (on broken skin) topical anesthetic during lip PMU procedures.

The frontalis muscle's action is significant for PMU brow placement because it primarily causes which movement?

Answer: Elevating the brows and creating horizontal forehead wrinkles

The frontalis elevates the eyebrows and creates horizontal forehead lines; habitual frontalis use can affect natural brow resting position.

Which facial nerve branch is most at risk during eyebrow PMU procedures due to its proximity to the supraorbital region?

Answer: Temporal branch

The temporal branch of the facial nerve runs through the supraorbital area and can be affected by trauma during eyebrow procedures.

What should a PMU technician do before performing saline removal on a client with existing PMU pigment?

Answer: Perform a patch test and thoroughly review the client's healing history, skin type, and any previous treatment responses

Prior to removal, a patch test is essential and the client's full history — including healing patterns, skin type, sensitivities, and any prior removal attempts — must be reviewed to minimize the risk of adverse reactions.

Why is it important to choose a pigment with a cool undertone when performing eyeliner PMU on clients with warm or olive skin tones?

Answer: Cool-toned blacks retain their true appearance longer without shifting muddy or green on warm skin

On warm or olive skin, a cool-toned black pigment helps counterbalance the skin's natural warmth, maintaining a true black appearance as the pigment ages.

After a saline removal session, what is the single most critical aftercare instruction for the client?

Answer: Do not pick, scratch, or disturb the scab that forms during healing

Clients must not disturb the scab after saline removal because the pigment being expelled is contained within the scab — picking it off prematurely reduces effectiveness and significantly increases scarring risk.

In which situation is a PMU artist required to refer a client to a physician before proceeding?

Answer: When the client presents with undiagnosed skin conditions or significant health contraindications

Clients with undiagnosed skin conditions, active infections, or significant health contraindications must obtain physician clearance before any PMU procedure.

What is the function of the power supply in a PMU machine?

Answer: Controls machine voltage

The power supply is a critical component of a PMU machine system. Its main function is to convert standard electrical current into the appropriate voltage and amperage needed to operate the handpiece. By adjusting the voltage, the technician can control the speed and power of the needle, which is essential for different techniques and skin types.

Which corrective technique is used to neutralize PMU that has shifted to an unwanted warm orange or red tone?

Answer: Applying a green-based neutralizer pigment before re-pigmenting with the desired color

Green is opposite red on the color wheel, making a green-based neutralizer effective at canceling orange and red undertones before corrective re-pigmentation.

Which of the following must be included in a PMU artist's OSHA exposure control plan?

Answer: Methods for reducing exposure to bloodborne pathogens

OSHA's exposure control plan must document procedures, protective equipment, and protocols for minimizing worker exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

What is the PRIMARY purpose of continuing education requirements in Sterilization & Infection Control for PMU professionals?

Answer: Maintaining current knowledge and competency as the field evolves

Continuing education in Sterilization & Infection Control ensures professionals maintain current knowledge and skills as standards, technologies, and best practices evolve in the Permanent Makeup field.

A client has keloid-prone skin and requests eyeliner PMU. The appropriate response is to:

Answer: Decline or strongly advise against the procedure and document the discussion

Keloid-prone clients face significantly elevated risk of abnormal scarring from any tattooing trauma, and most practitioners decline or strongly discourage eyeliner PMU in this population.

How does unprotected sun exposure affect healed PMU pigment between appointments?

Answer: It causes pigment to fade faster due to UV breakdown of pigment molecules

UV radiation breaks down PMU pigment molecules over time, causing accelerated fading and potential color shifting in clients with high sun exposure.