Permanent freckles are the latest beauty trend to blow up on TikTok, and we’re here for this stunning, youthful look!

If you’ve been sleeping on permanent freckles, they’re simply faux freckles made from permanent makeup pigments which have been implanted into the face - and sometimes the collarbone and shoulders - to replicate the look of natural freckles.

So who would want permanent freckles, and how is it done?



Why get permanent freckles?

There are lots of reasons why someone might get permanent freckles, and they may or may not have been influenced by Instagram filters!

Freckles are something we have when we’re younger, and fade as we get older, so for some they make you look more youthful. Being a reaction to UV, they’re also like a tan in the sense that they’re a sign of a relaxed, beach vibes lifestyle! Some skin tones are more likely to have them than others, but they typically look cute on all skin tones and types.

Applying faux freckle makeup isn’t new, and is definitely safer than sun damage, but it can take up a lot of time and have inconsistent results. Permanently implanting freckles with PMU pigments allows for a longer-lasting look that isn’t dependent on a steady hand - plus these freckles are waterproof and sweatproof!

Who can get permanent freckles?

Absolutely anyone can add freckles to their face, regardless of their skin tone, although different skin types will be affected in different ways, as you’ll know if you work on brow treatments! You might find your healed freckles are a little blurrier on clients who have oily skin types.

Freckles should always be planned out and executed individually for each client, using their skin and hair tones to replicate a natural-looking spread of freckles. Colour theory is key to achieve a natural, neutral result that replicates the appearance of real freckles. As always, taking the client’s skin tone and undertones into account is crucial when selecting a pigment or pigments.



Preparing for the appointment

Before your client gets their freckles, they’ll need to follow a few standard permanent makeup rules!

First of all, and most importantly: no alcohol, drugs, caffeine or aspirin, and they’ll need a solid night’s sleep beforehand. Being hydrated will help create a better canvas and the body’s ability to heal is dependent on nourishment, hydration and rest!

Your client should arrive at their appointment in good time, with a clear, clean face - that means no makeup the morning of their permanent freckles appointment. You may start the session by drawing out a rough area of where the freckles will sit, which is usually on the cheekbones and nose but may also extend to the forehead, shoulders and collarbones. Some people like to use their naked eye to carry out a pre-draw or use apps to map out the most flattering result.

How are permanent freckles implanted?

There are two ways to give your clients permanent freckles: with a standard PMU machine and needle cartridge, or by hand poking.

We filmed a tutorial with Tori Tattoo where she showed how she uses pointillism to create a single freckle out of multiple small points made in a rough circle. She uses a 3RL KWADRON and keeps the needle nice and short, especially on the thin skin on the bridge of the nose and around the eyes, and opts for multiple passes rather than overworking the area.



The process is very similar when hand poking, but likely to take longer as every press of the needle has to be done manually - you’ll also need to be slightly more careful not to go too deep in the skin, as you can’t just adjust to a small needle hang.

Freckles aren’t uniform, and neither should your permanent freckles be! Most artists choose 1-3 tones of pigment to use, and make sure to create a variety of shapes and sizes to keep them looking natural. Finally, make sure not to go overboard - less is more, and it’s easier to add more at the top-up appointment than to remove them.

After the appointment

As with all permanent makeup, the biggest risk to your client’s long-term results is poor aftercare.

When the freckles first go in, the skin around them may experience some redness or swelling - the worst of this usually goes away within a few hours. For the first 24 hours, they’ll want to avoid touching their face, and keep it as dry as possible.

From then on, the freckles should be cleaned or left to dry-heal in accordance with your specific aftercare guidance. Your client shouldn’t wear makeup on the treatment site, swim, or do anything to cause sweating - including exercise, steam rooms and sauna - for up to two weeks after the appointment.

After a few days, the freckles will start to scab. It’s important that your client doesn’t touch them or exfoliate the area, as the end result will suffer and there will be a higher chance of infection. Picking at flakes can pull pigment out of the skin, creating patchy results or poor retention.

Once they’re completely healed, between 4 and 12 weeks after the appointment, your client can go back to their normal routines - but do make them aware that their freckles will last longer if they moisturise daily, wear sunscreen, and stay away from sunbeds or strong sun exposure.

How do I get the right pigment for freckles?

For natural-looking freckles, you’ll want to pick between 1-3 pigments or inks that complement the undertones present in your client’s skin, backed by a solid understanding of how the pigments heal and how they will fade over time.

In our video with Tori, she showed how she mixes a dark brow pigment with an orange to add some warmth and ensure it heals just right in her client! As always, education around colour theory will help you achieve those neutral, hyper-realistic healed results on your clients.



Alternative freckles

Most clients who go for permanent freckles will want a subtle, natural look that no one will be able to tell is fake.

But we know that there’s always someone who wants to go a bit extra! A subtle way to make permanent freckles a bit more noticeable is to include the occasional heart- or star-shaped freckle - the whole face can be covered in shaped freckles, but the larger they are, the more they’ll look like standard face tattoos.

Some people get constellations, especially their own star signs, and the bright and boldest people may even get rainbow-coloured freckles! In our video, Tori even created the cutest love heart freckle to accompany the realistic, natural PMU freckles – as per the clients request. Like Tori, you can use a tattoo stencil for these unique freckles or beauty spots.

Can permanent freckles be removed?

Technically, yes - realistically, it’s not a great idea. Laser removal can be intensive, much more painful than the original treatment, and may not even work particularly, depending on the ingredients within the pigments or inks used.

Laser removal can also result in permanent scarring, which is particularly troublesome on the face area!

Luckily, while the pigment never disappears entirely, it does tend to fade over the next few years, so if your client is unhappy with their freckles, patience may be the best answer. There is also the option of saline tattoo removal, for a less invasive tattoo removal process – however this still has an initial healing phase which can be uncomfortable.

Hopefully this has answered your questions on this gorgeous treatment - we can’t wait to see how you transform your clients!

Head to our Instagram, TikTok and Facebook pages to see the gorgeous permanent freckles our sponsored artists are creating, and get everything you need to offer freckles in your clinic or studio on the Killer Beauty store.