Having adored her growing up, welcoming Katie into the clinic was a genuine pleasure. Katie has always been known for her bold style, fearless personality, and ability to reinvent herself again and again. So when she entrusted me with removing the “world’s most talked-about eyebrows,” it felt both iconic and incredibly special.
Katie was warm, kind, and full of energy — and being part of her fresh-start journey was a privilege.
Her visit and all the newspapers covering her story have sparked an unbelievable wave of interest, with hundreds of messages and enquiries. So, I thought I’d write a blog to help everyone understand the process a little better. I’ve put together this simple, honest PMU Laser Removal Q&A.
PMU LASER REMOVAL Q&A: EVERYTHING YOU WANT TO KNOW
How does laser remove permanent makeup ink?
Laser sends quick, targeted pulses of light into the pigment. The ink absorbs this light and breaks into tiny particles, which your body then naturally flushes out over time. Each session gradually lightens the pigment.
How many sessions do you need?
Most people need 1–6 sessions, depending on:
- depth of the pigment
- ink colour
- saturation
- how old they are
- skin type
- how many times they have been gone over
- how many artists have touched them over the years
- technique used
- your body’s response
- how well the aftercare is followed
Some lighten very quickly, others take a little longer – both are completely normal.
Does it hurt?
It can be uncomfortable, yes! Some people describe it as a quick “elastic band snap.” I describe it as “if you are frying an egg and you get the splashback on your skin”. The treatments are fast (often under 5 minutes) and we do have a Cryo Cooler to help cool down the skin before, during and after.
Will the pigment change colour?
It can — sometimes shifting to orange, grey, red, or peach tones. This is caused oxidisation and something that is discussed during consultation. We can still remove oxidised ink, it will just take a little longer. It doesn’t mean anything has gone wrong, it simply means the pigment is reacting and without knowing what pigment has been used we take this process very seriously and why patch testing is a huge part of the process.
What’s the downtime?
Minimal. You may see:
- slight redness
- mild swelling
Most of our clients get treated within their lunch breaks and go back to work without any one noticing.
How long between sessions?
Typically 6–8 weeks, this gives your skin and lymphatic system time to flush out broken-down pigment. Bigger the gaps between each treatment the better.
Can laser remove the brows completely?
In many cases, yes. Some clients achieve full removal, while others choose to stop once the brows are light enough to cover with new permanent make up. If you would like my personal recommendations for new permanent make up artists, please ask.
Is it safe?
Yes — when carried out with the correct laser, proper training, patch testing, and a practitioner who understands cosmetic pigment behaviour.
Does it cause scarring?
In normal circumstances, no! Laser should not cause scarring. Similar to above, when it is done correctly, with the right laser, and at the right setting laser should not cause damage to the skin. It is also incredibly important to follow the pre-care advice and aftercare and make sure medical history is discussed during the consultation.
Can you loose brow hair during laser removal?
In most cases, no! Laser for PMU removal does not permanently remove or damage your hair. It is a different wavelength to hair removal. The wavelengths used for PMU are designed to target ink / pigment, not the melanin in the hairs. The beam passes through the hair without affecting it. Rest assured the laser is attracted to the pigment, not hair.
Does laser turn your hair white / grey?
Very rarely, yes – but this is a temporary reaction. Some people may notice that their brow hair looks lighter, this is usually mild and very short lived. The laser can sometimes effect the outer surface of the hair shaft. It doesn’t change the root or the natural colour growing underneath. Your normal hair colour should re-pigment after a day or 2 and if for some reason it doesn’t you are welcome to tint them.
How long do you need to leave it before getting them done again?
Most clients can have new PMU done around 8-12 weeks after their final laser session. Laser breaks down pigment inside the skin, and tissue needs time to settle, rebuild and strengthen before new pigment is implanted. Even after the last laser session, the lymphatic system continues clearing pigment for several weeks. Doing PMU too early can trap fading pigment under new work – and after all what you have been through so far you want to avoid this!
A NOTE ABOUT THE SURGE IN ENQUIRIES
Katie’s visit has brought a huge wave of interest, and I’m incredibly grateful for all the lovely support. While I’ll always respect every client’s privacy, I can say this: her treatment has inspired so many people to take control of their own PMU journeys, and I’m honoured to help each of you do the same.
READY TO START YOUR OWN PMU REMOVAL JOURNEY?
If you’re considering removing or lightening your brows:
Message the clinic for personalised advice – amy@amyjaesthetics.com
Book your consultation here – https://amyjayneaesthetics.book.app/
Call us – 07508044711
Follow us on socials: Facebook, Instagram and You Tube
To find out about our other treatments take a look here: – www.amyjaesthetics.com
Free consultations and patch tests are available with honest guidance and absolutely no pressure to book.
Every face is unique. Every brow story is different and I’m here to help you achieve a clean, confident, fresh start — safely and professionally.
Removing Katie’s brows marked the start of a fresh clean canvas for her, and being part of this transformation was incredibly rewarding. Whether you love beauty, aesthetics, or simply follow Katie’s ever-evolving look, you’ll understand why this moment felt so iconic.
I am grateful for her trust, grateful for the experience (even if I was recorded throughout the entire process by her You Tube and Snap Chat friend – Ben!) and I am excited to see what new chapter she creates.
Thank you for reading.
Lots of love
Amy x