PMU Pricing UK 2025: How Much Should You Charge for Permanent Makeup?
If you're wondering "how much should I charge for microblading?" or "what are the going rates for permanent makeup in the UK?", you're not alone. Pricing is one of the most anxiety-inducing aspects of starting or growing a PMU business—yet it's also one of the most critical factors in your success.
UK PMU Price Guide 2025
Here's what PMU artists across the UK are charging for various treatments in 2025:
Standard UK PMU Price Ranges
| Treatment | London/South East | Midlands/North | Scotland/Wales |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microblading | £350-450 | £250-350 | £200-300 |
| Powder/Ombre Brows | £350-500 | £280-400 | £250-350 |
| Lip Blush | £400-500 | £300-400 | £250-350 |
| Eyeliner (Top) | £300-400 | £250-350 | £200-300 |
| Eyeliner (Top + Bottom) | £450-550 | £350-450 | £300-400 |
Touch-Up Pricing
Touch-ups are typically priced at 50-70% of the initial treatment:
- 6-8 Week Touch-Up: Often included or £100-150
- Annual Touch-Up: £150-250
- Colour Boost (1-2 years): £180-300
How to Calculate Your True Cost Per Treatment
Before you can set profitable prices, you must understand what each treatment actually costs you.
The Four Cost Categories
1. Consumables (£15-30 per treatment)
- Needles and cartridges
- Pigments
- Numbing cream
- Pre-draw pencils
- Cotton pads and microbrushes
2. Disposables & PPE (£5-10 per treatment)
- Gloves (multiple pairs per treatment)
- Aprons and bed covers
- Machine covers and barriers
- Sharps disposal
3. Room/Chair Cost (£10-25 per treatment)
Calculate: Monthly rent ÷ available hours × treatment time
4. Overheads (£5-15 per treatment)
- Insurance
- Software subscriptions
- Licensing and compliance
- Marketing
- Professional development
Total Cost Per Treatment: £35-80
The Psychology of PMU Pricing
Price Signals Quality
In PMU, clients often equate price with safety and skill. If you're significantly cheaper than competitors, potential clients may wonder what corners you're cutting.
Premium Positioning Attracts Better Clients
Higher prices often attract:
- Clients who value quality over bargains
- People less likely to haggle or complain
- Those who follow aftercare instructions properly
- Clients who refer others like themselves
When to Raise Your Prices
Consider increasing your rates when:
- You're consistently booked 2+ weeks ahead
- Your portfolio has significantly improved
- You've completed advanced training
- Your costs have increased
- You've been at the same price for 12+ months
- Demand exceeds your capacity
Regional Pricing Strategy
London and the South East command premium prices due to higher overheads. However, premium positioning works everywhere—you don't need to be in London to charge premium rates if you deliver exceptional value.
Last updated: January 2025