Why Freckles Deserve a Spot in the PMU Industry

Jul 25, 2025

Let’s talk about something bold, beautiful, and still stirring up conversation in the PMU world—tattooed freckles.

We’re calling this blog a must-read for any permanent makeup artist who’s ever side-eyed the idea of tattooing freckles or wondered whether there’s even a demand for them. Spoiler alert: there is. A big one. And in Episode #107 of the Tatter-a-Fact Podcast, Teryn sat down with Jessica Ashley of Stunna Beauty—a PMU artist who’s not only mastering freckles but shaking up the industry with her skill, artistry, and unapologetic authenticity.

If you're a PMU artist who's ever felt stuck in your comfort zone, this episode—and this blog—is for you.

Let’s Get One Thing Straight: Freckles Are Not a Fad

Freckles aren't just for your Instagram filters anymore. There’s an entire subculture of clients drawing them on daily, craving that sun-kissed look—and they're ready to pay for the real deal. Jessica shares that many of her clients are long-time freckle fans, often sketching them on for years before deciding to make them semi-permanent.

Tattooed freckles make clients feel sexy, natural, and confident. They’re not going anywhere—and artists who ignore that demand might be missing out on an exciting and profitable niche in PMU.

Breaking the Stigma: Why Freckles Get So Much Hate in PMU

Freckles are still considered controversial in many circles of our industry. Jessica has experienced this firsthand, especially on social media where some of the most critical comments come from fellow artists—not clients.

Let’s be real: we’ve all seen bad brows, botched liners, or over-saturated lips. But we don’t shame those procedures out of existence. So why the double standard when it comes to freckles?

Teryn and Jessica tackle this head-on in the podcast, calling out industry bullying and encouraging PMU artists to embrace critical thinking, open-mindedness, and mutual respect.

Why Freckles Require Serious Skill

Let’s bust another myth while we’re here—freckles are not easy. They’re not just random dots on a face.

Jessica breaks it down:

Placement is everything: Just like contouring with makeup, freckles should enhance the client’s facial features.
Tools & technique matter: From pigment selection to dilution ratios, needle choice, and even smile-mapping—freckle artistry is calculated, intentional, and layered with nuance.
Color theory applies: Understanding undertones, saturation levels, and pigment behavior in different Fitzpatrick types is non-negotiable.

Basically, if you're not approaching freckles with the same attention to detail as you do with brows or lips, you're doing it wrong.

The Filter Effect: Clients Want What They See

Here’s something fascinating—Jessica explains that some clients are so used to using freckle filters on social media, they don’t even recognize their faces without them. This creates a new type of pressure for PMU artists. We’re not just tattooing skin—we’re aligning with the digital identities people have created for themselves.

This is why client education and expectation management are essential when it comes to freckles. As Teryn said in the podcast, “If you use the freckle filter now, you’ll have double freckles!”

A Final Word on Freckles and the Future of PMU

Teryn closed out the episode with this truth bomb: “There's a place for every single one of us—and every procedure—in this industry.”

And that includes freckles.

What Jessica is doing with freckles is more than just beautiful—it’s revolutionary. She's proving that we don't have to box ourselves in as artists, and that with the right education, mindset, and intention, we can redefine what’s possible in PMU.

Catch the Full Episode

Watch the full episode of Tatter-a-Fact #107: Tattooed Freckles with Jessica Ashley and hear this important conversation for yourself. You’ll laugh, you’ll learn, and you might just walk away inspired to shake the table, too.

👉 Watch now on YouTube – Tatter-a-Fact Ep. #107

Want to Learn How to Tattoo Freckles?

Jessica teaches a comprehensive online training that walks you through:

Freckle placement + design
Color theory by Fitzpatrick scale
Tools, machines, and pigments
Multiple demo videos including live models

Whether you're a seasoned PMU pro or a newbie ready to explore beyond brows, this course is your permission slip to add freckles to your service menu—the right way.

FAQ: Freckles in PMU

Q: Can all skin types get tattooed freckles?
A: Yes! Jessica works on all Fitzpatrick types and customizes pigment mixes to suit every client’s skin tone.

Q: Do you use the same pigments as you would for brows?
A: Similar color theory applies, but Jessica teaches a custom color theory method just for freckles—often using multiple dilutions for natural variation.

Q: What if my client wants to remove their freckles?
A: Jessica and Teryn both mention that Li-FT Saline Removal works extremely well for freckle removal due to their shallow depth. It’s safe, non-laser, and effective in as little as 1–3 sessions.

👉 Learn more about Li-FT Removal Training

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re into freckles or not, the bigger lesson here is about being open. Being willing to learn. And being brave enough to take up space in this industry—especially when you’re doing something different.

So go check out Jessica’s work, give the episode a listen, and if you’ve been thinking about adding something a little rebellious to your PMU menu… maybe this is your sign.