Artists Share: A Year in PMU Review + 2025 Predictions

As the year wraps up, it’s the perfect moment to pause, reflect on everything we’ve experienced, and look ahead to what’s next. In the PMU industry, this means identifying key salon trends and popular techniques. This is also the ideal time to define fresh objectives for the coming year. Online betting is changing how punters engage with races and place wagers.

2024: A Year of Advancement

There are two major moments in PMU history:

• In 2016, microblading took off worldwide.
• In 2024, machine hair strokes — also known as nano brows — exploded in popularity, far exceeding expectations.

Mariana Petrov thinks about how and why this occurred. She believes platforms like Instagram and other social media have played a major role in driving this trend. I’d also say it reflects artists’ desire to give clients a softer alternative to traditional microblading.

During the 2024 PhiAcademy Master Meetup, we asked Branko Babić what’s behind the rising popularity of machine hair strokes. He said this method helps artists create something new, unlike microblading. The hair stroke technique gives artists plenty of freedom. They can cross strokes to create different thicknesses. Its appeal lies in its ability to blend subtle shading between strokes.

Whether you’re starting, refining your technique, or already offering machine hair stroke services, it’s clear this treatment is now a key focus across the industry. And if you’re not involved yet, chances are you’re thinking about it.

Techniques are always changing to focus on two main goals: making results look natural and reducing skin damage. Machine hair stroke brows are at the forefront, yet progress is being made in all areas of PMU.

Many artists see this widespread interest as a big hurdle, even if it’s a step forward.

Alice Brunt reflects on 2024. She says the biggest challenge in her permanent makeup business was keeping up with fast-changing techniques.

New tools and techniques keep coming out. So, it was important to stay updated. I also needed to ensure my services were high-quality and consistent. It was a big learning curve, but it also offered a great chance for growth.

A Lesson in Pigmentology

Most brands now focus on pigment innovation in their products and tools. Artists began to focus on pigments for PMU quality and longevity. So, brands worked hard to improve their formulas and create new ones.

The zones of interest?

✔️ Safety and REACH compliance

✔️ The goal is to create hybrid pigment blends with more stable, inorganic parts.

✔️ Improving quality

Mariana and Alice are both excited about the market shift.

We have more high-quality pigments on the market now than in past years, which is great. Mariana is glad to see manufacturers teaming up with artists. They aim to create the best products and improve the ones we already have.

Alice believes this will help artists improve their services. These next-generation pigments promise to enhance safety and streamline the entire procedure process. They will also allow for more personalized and durable results.

She also notes that new machine technology has improved techniques. This change benefits both brands and the users of their products.

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Keeping It Hyper-Realistic

The surge in machine hair stroke techniques stems from a rising demand for a more natural look. Many see this as even less noticeable than microblading. We’ve moved from the Instagram powder brow to a hyper-realistic hair stroke brow.

Mariana knows this well. With her years of experience, she quickly spots changes in the industry.

With more than seven years as a permanent makeup artist, I’ve noticed shifts in trends and what clients expect. I’ve noticed a strong trend for subtle, natural techniques. Nano brows and machine hair strokes are in high demand now. Clients are turning away from harsh, overpowering techniques. They now choose subtle, natural ways to enhance their looks instead of changing them.

Alice agrees. She believes that by 2025, the industry will be shaped by the growing desire for ultra-natural, lifelike results.

Client preferences drive the techniques we use. They are the real trendsetters in PMU.

Clients are wanting enhancements that look natural. I think this trend will drive artists to enhance their skills.

Still, the industry always keeps one foot firmly planted in its foundation.

And despite all the buzz around newer methods, microblading continues to be one of the most requested treatments in my studio, Mariana adds.

We agree. Many successful artists still haven’t switched to machine hair strokes. That’s a good thing! It means clients now have more choices that fit their preferences.

A good PMU artist needs skills in many techniques. This variety helps meet different client expectations.

The Reality of 2024: Client Bookings Became More Infrequent and Unpredictable

In 2024, artists faced a big challenge. Finding clients was harder than ever. This was especially true for artists who stuck to outdated methods. Mariana, yet, was quick to adapt — and now she has key insights to share.

My toughest hurdle in 2024 was figuring out a fresh approach to attract new clients. Running ads used to fill your bookings. Now, building trust is crucial. Clients now focus more on quality. They also know more about permanent makeup. This change comes from social media and talented artists sharing their expertise.

My main strategy is to start a chat with potential clients. I offer consultations before they book. So far, it’s the most effective.

Untapped Potential for 2025

Let’s circle back for a moment to the trend toward ultra-natural results in PMU. It’s easy to create hyper-realistic results on untouched brows. PMU has been a popular beauty solution for over ten years. As a result, more clients are coming in with older treatments that need attention.

That’s why, as Mariana emphasizes, mastering correction and removal techniques is no longer optional — it’s a must. In 2025, more clients will need color correction or removal because of bad past PMU work. Artists should focus on mastering these skills.

PMU is now focusing on enhancing natural features instead of replacing makeup. It aims to restore original looks.