What to Avoid Before Your PMU Appointment — Honest Checklist (Orange County, CA)
If you’re searching for what to avoid before a PMU appointment, you’ve probably seen the same list everywhere — no coffee, no alcohol, no aspirin.
But here’s the honest truth:
👉 Not all permanent makeup techniques require the same restrictions.
As a permanent makeup artist working in Orange County, California, I focus on a superficial, controlled technique, which allows for a more flexible and realistic preparation process.
The Biggest Myth About PMU Preparation
❌ “You must avoid coffee, alcohol, or aspirin before PMU.”
These substances can slightly thin the blood — but this only becomes an issue when the artist works too deep and causes unnecessary trauma.
With a controlled, superficial PMU technique:
• one cup of coffee is not a problem
• a glass of wine the night before is not a disaster
• aspirin does not automatically cancel your appointment
Technique matters more than fear-based rules.
Let’s go through the healing stages together.
What Actually Matters Before Your PMU Appointment
1. Avoid Active Skin Treatments (7–14 Days Before PMU)
This is important.
Avoid:
• retinol / retinoids
• chemical peels
• laser treatments
• microneedling
• aggressive exfoliation
These treatments thin and sensitize the skin, making results less predictable.
2. Avoid Sunburn or Damaged Skin
PMU should never be performed on compromised skin.
Healthy skin = better healing and pigment retention.
3. Don’t Come in Sick or Exhausted
Healing depends on your body’s condition — not on skipping coffee.
⸻
Why PMU Preparation Rules Differ Between Artists
Preparation guidelines depend on:
• technique
• depth of implantation
• skin control
Artists who work superficially can safely adapt.
Artists who work deep often require strict rules.
Experience makes the difference.
Permanent Makeup in Orange County — A Realistic Approach
Whether you’re booking lip blush, eyebrow PMU, or eyeliner in Costa Mesa, Irvine, Newport Beach, or Laguna Beach, preparation should feel clear and realistic, not stressful.
Final Thoughts
Permanent makeup is not about restrictions.
It’s about understanding skin and using the right technique.
If you have questions about your PMU appointment — ask.
Education is always better than fear.
Book Free Consultation
Before the permanent makeup procedure, you can make an appointment and come for a free consultation.
During the consultation, we will create a sketch of your eyebrows, lips, or freckles in several different shapes, discuss the color, and I will answer all your questions. This consultation does not obligate you in any way.
or use button "Book Now" below:
