CHECKOUT OUR PODCAST EPISODE: CLIENT HORROR STORIES

As a permanent makeup artist, you probably got into this industry because you love making people feel beautiful, confident, and empowered—and that’s an amazing thing.

But here’s something no one really talks about…

• Not every client is a good client.
• Not every procedure should be done.
• And YES, you are allowed to say NO.

The reality? Knowing when to say no is just as important as knowing how to tattoo.

Let’s talk about the biggest client red flags and when it’s time to protect your reputation, your sanity, and your business by politely declining a service.

1. The ‘Unrealistic Expectations’ Client

🗣 “I want my brows to look exactly like this filtered Instagram photo.”
🗣 “I want my lips to be BRIGHT pink but super natural-looking.”
🗣 “Can you make my brows look like my favorite celebrity, even though our faces are completely different?”

🚨 Red flag alert! Some clients walk in with Pinterest boards full of edited photos or expect results that are simply impossible.

How to handle it:

• Educate them on realistic expectations (PMU enhances, but it’s not a filter).
• Show healed results—not just fresh work.
• If they seem unwilling to listen or compromise, it’s best to say no.

2. The ‘Can You Go Darker? Deeper? Blacker?’ Client

🗣 “I want my brows to be SUPER dark.”
🗣 “Can you just use black ink for my brows?”
🗣 “I don’t care about fading—I want it to last FOREVER.”

Here’s the truth:

• Over-saturating brows can lead to long-term pigment migration.
• Using black pigment on brows can heal into an unnatural blue/gray.
• Going too deep turns PMU into a tattoo that’s nearly impossible to correct later.

How to handle it:

• Explain color theory and why you can’t use straight black.
• Show examples of what happens when brows are too saturated.
• If they push back and demand something you know won’t heal well? Pass on the service.

3. The ‘One Foot Out the Door’ Client (Indecisive & Hesitant)

🗣 “I want permanent makeup, but I don’t know… what if I hate it?”
🗣 “Can we do something super, super light, but also make it last for years?”
🗣 “I don’t know if my husband will like it… maybe I should wait?”

Clients like this often aren’t fully committed—which means they’re the most likely to complain, regret their decision, or request early removals.

How to handle it:

• Give them a consultation first to discuss their concerns.
• If they still seem unsure, nervous, or hesitant—kindly suggest they take more time to decide.

4. The ‘Can You Fix This?’ Client (Bad Previous Work)

🗣 “I got my brows done years ago, and now they’re blue… can you fix them?”
🗣 “I had my lips tattooed, but the shape is uneven. Can you fix it?”
🗣 “Another artist did my eyeliner, and it’s too thick—can you make it thinner?”

We love a good transformation story, but here’s the catch:

• Not all PMU can be fixed with more PMU.
• Some old tattoos need saline or laser removal before correction.
• Trying to “fix” a bad tattoo with more pigment can make it worse.

How to handle it:

• Offer a full consultation before agreeing to any correction work.
• If the pigment is too saturated, too dark, or too scarred, suggest removal first.
• If you aren’t confident in correcting it? Refer them to someone else or suggest removal.

5. The ‘Discount Hunter’ Client

🗣 “Can you do it cheaper?”
🗣 “I saw someone on Instagram offering brows for $100—why are yours so expensive?”
🗣 “If I bring a friend, can we both get a discount?”

🚨 Major red flag. Clients who haggle on price often:

• Don’t respect your skill and expertise.
• Are the first to complain about healed results.
• Don’t follow aftercare properly—then blame you.

How to handle it:

• Stand firm on your pricing—no discounts, no exceptions.
• Explain why quality work costs more.
• If they don’t see the value in your work? They’re not your ideal client.

6. The ‘Medical Mystery’ Client (Undisclosed Health Issues)

🗣 “I take blood thinners, but it’s fine, right?”
🗣 “I have diabetes, but I heal pretty fast.”
🗣 “I didn’t mention that I have keloid scarring—will that be a problem?”

Permanent makeup is a cosmetic tattoo, which means health issues matter.

Some clients are NOT good candidates for PMU:

• Those on blood thinners (excessive bleeding prevents pigment retention). High doses ask your doctor.
• Those with autoimmune conditions (healing may be unpredictable). Doin able but with caution.
• Those prone to keloid scarring (PMU can cause raised scars).

How to handle it:

• Always have clients fill out a health questionnaire.
• Ask for a doctor’s note if they have a medical condition that might interfere.
• If there’s a high risk of complications, decline the service.

7. The ‘Bad Energy’ Client (Trust Your Gut!)

Sometimes, the red flag isn’t something they say—it’s just a feeling.

🚨 Signs you should say no:

• They seem rude, aggressive, or overly demanding.
• They complain about every artist they’ve ever seen.
• They don’t respect your time, policies, or boundaries.

How to handle it:

• Trust your instincts! If a client gives you a bad vibe, you don’t have to book them.
• Politely let them know you’re not the right artist for them.

Final Thoughts: Protect Yourself & Your Business

At the end of the day, your skills, time, and energy are valuable. Saying NO to the wrong client doesn’t mean you’re being rude—it means you’re protecting your business, your peace of mind, and your reputation.

✅ Not every person who wants PMU is a good candidate.
✅ Not every request is worth saying yes to.
✅ And YES, you are allowed to turn people away!

As a PMU artist, your goal isn’t just to do more procedures—it’s to do the right procedures on the right clients.

Have You Ever Had a Client You Had to Say No To?

Drop a comment below and tell us your wildest PMU client story! Let’s talk about it. 👇