9. Understanding Inorganic pigments
More stable to UV light, safer option for many skin types
Inorganic pigments are renowned for their durability, stability, and UV resistance. Unlike their organic counterparts, these pigments possess larger particle sizes, reducing the skin's likelihood of pigment migration. Their inherent properties make them less prone to sensitization, making them a safer option for a broader range of skin types.
Less brightness, more matte in colors
The colors offered by inorganic pigments are often subdued, matte, and less saturated than organic pigments' vibrant hues. They are particularly useful for clients seeking a more natural, understated effect, and their colors tend to be more earthy. These pigments are versatile and suitable for normal, combination, dry, and mature skin types.
Larger particle size, more challenging to implant
However, inorganic pigments do have their challenges. Because of their larger particle sizes, they are harder to implant into the skin, often requiring more passes and heavier hand pressure. It usually takes a more layered approach to get the pigment to set effectively and last longer. This layering technique can be advantageous, especially for newer artists or those looking to correct or adjust the PMU later. After healing, inorganic pigments can sometimes manifest cool tones, but these often give way to warmer, brown hues over time.
More touch-ups are needed, and a larger needle should be used
Since inorganic pigments are less permanent and fade more readily, they offer clients a lower level of commitment but at the cost of requiring more frequent touch-ups. This also allows for greater flexibility in adjusting the shape and color of PMU features, like brows, as the client ages or as beauty trends evolve. Regarding professional tips, using a larger needle configuration such as 3RL/RS, 5RS, or even a 7CM can facilitate quicker and more effective pigment saturation, mainly when working on clients with thicker skin. However, many artists stress that many needle types are unsuitable for pixelated powdering. Choosing the needle type the artist loves to work with is essential for implanting inorganic pigments. Often, a larger diameter is needed, and many professional artists in Europe gravitate towards 1RL 0.35, given that inorganic pigments are generally more difficult to implant into the skin.
Overall, inorganic pigments provide a different set of advantages and limitations compared to organic pigments. Their unique characteristics make them ideal for specific client needs and preferences while also being more forgiving for artists who are still honing their techniques.