Struggling with Lip Tattooing? What You Need to Know!

💄 Are you struggling with pigment retention when tattooing lips? Do you want to improve your technique and boost your confidence in lip PMU? Then you’re in for a treat!

In this episode of the Tatter-a-Fact PMU Podcast, I sit down with Kerry Welstead, a leading PMU artist known for her MAGnificent Lips technique. We break down the most common struggles artists face with lip tattooing and how to overcome them for flawless, long-lasting results.

Whether you’re new to permanent makeup or looking to refine your skills, this episode is packed with game-changing insights!

🎙️ Watch the Full Podcast Episode Below!

Why Is Lip Tattooing So Challenging?

Lips are one of the trickiest areas to tattoo because of their unique texture, elasticity, and vascularity. Unlike brows, which are on a firmer skin surface, lips are delicate, prone to swelling, and can vary in pigment retention.

Some of the most common issues PMU artists face with lips include:
✔️ Uneven saturation and patchiness
✔️ Poor pigment retention after healing
✔️ Excessive swelling or trauma
✔️ Bleeding during the procedure

So how do you avoid these pitfalls and create stunning, healed results? Kerry and I break it all down in this episode!

💡 Top Takeaways from Our Conversation with Kerry Welstead

1. The Right Needle Choice Can Change Everything

Many artists default to small needles (like a 3RL or 5RL) for lip tattooing. However, Kerry swears by Magnum needles for a softer, more efficient pigment application.

💬 “When I started using Mags, my results completely changed. Better retention, smoother blends, and way less trauma to the skin.” – Kerry Welstead

Magnum needles cover more surface area, reducing overworking of the skin and allowing for a smoother, more even color application.

2. Understanding Lip Anatomy Is Key

Lips aren’t like brow skin—they’re more fragile and highly vascular (AKA: full of blood flow). Some clients barely bleed, while others seem to bleed the entire time.

While some PMU artists claim “lips should never bleed”, Kerry and I disagree. Some clients will naturally experience more capillary response, and it doesn’t mean you’re tattooing incorrectly.

👉 Pro Tip: Keep a close eye on your pressure. If you’re working too deep, you’ll see more than just pinpoint bleeding—you may see excessive swelling, bruising, or pooling.

3. Why Prepping Your Client Matters More Than You Think

Lips that are dry or chapped before a procedure won’t hold pigment as well. Client prep is key!

✅ Before the procedure, tell your client to:

• Hydrate lips daily for at least two weeks using a nourishing balm
• Exfoliate gently a few times before their appointment
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and blood thinners 24 hours before

Well-prepped lips = better healed results!

4. The Biggest Mistake Artists Make with Lips

Many new artists press too hard, thinking they need to go deeper to implant pigment. The truth? More pressure = more trauma = worse healed results.

A light, controlled hand movement will get the best results. Kerry recommends a gentle whip shading or pendulum technique, allowing the needle to deposit pigment without excessive trauma.

👩‍💻 Want to Learn More? Take Your Lip PMU to the Next Level!

If you’re serious about perfecting your lip tattoo technique, Kerry’s online course, MAGnificent Lips, is a must-have.

💡 What You’ll Learn in MAGnificent Lips:
✔️ Step-by-step video tutorials with close-up camera angles
✔️ Kerry’s exact technique for better pigment retention
✔️ How to work with different skin tones and lip types
✔️ Needle selection & movement strategies
✔️ Tips to avoid trauma, swelling, and uneven healing

🎓 Ready to elevate your lip PMU skills?
👉 Sign up for Kerry’s online course today at girlzinktraining.com!

💰 Bonus: Because you’re a podcast listener, we’ve got a little surprise for you inside the episode! 😉

🔥 Final Thoughts: Are Lips the Future of PMU?

With 80% of the PMU industry focused on brows, many artists are now expanding into eyeliner and lips to increase their income and stand out in the market.

Lip blush, full lip tattooing, and even classic lip liner are making a huge comeback. If you want to stay ahead in the PMU industry, learning lip techniques is a smart investment in your career.

🎥 Watch, Learn & Level Up!

Don’t miss out on this insight-packed conversation with Kerry Welstead! 🎙️
👉 Watch the full podcast episode here!

And if you found this blog helpful, drop a comment below! What’s been your biggest struggle with lip tattooing? We’d love to hear from you! 👇

📢 Don’t forget to subscribe to the Tatter-a-Fact PMU Podcast for more expert interviews and industry tips!

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