Rabbi Rules Permanent Makeup Permissible, Unlike Tattooing

Modern cosmetic procedures, such as permanent makeup, are raising questions within Jewish law, specifically regarding the prohibition of tattooing. Women seeking to simplify their beauty routines are inquiring whether permanent makeup, which involves injecting pigment into the skin for eyebrows, eyeliner, or lip definition, violates the Torah's prohibition against 'כתובת קעקע' (ketovet kake'a, tattooed inscription).

Rabbi Yuval Cherlow addressed this question, noting that the issue is subject to ongoing debate among contemporary rabbinic authorities. Some rabbis view the injection of pigment under the skin as akin to a forbidden tattoo, while others distinguish between the two practices.

Rabbi Cherlow leans towards the more lenient opinion, citing several reasons. Unlike traditional tattoos that are permanent, permanent makeup fades and disappears within a few years. Furthermore, he emphasizes that permanent makeup is a cosmetic technique aimed at enhancing facial features, not inscribing letters, symbols, or images. The intent behind permanent makeup is purely for aesthetic enhancement and grooming, whereas traditional tattooing carries different connotations.

Additionally, Rabbi Cherlow points out that modern permanent makeup techniques deposit pigment in relatively superficial skin layers compared to conventional tattoos. Therefore, despite some rabbis maintaining a stricter stance, Rabbi Cherlow concludes that permanent makeup is permissible and does not fall under the prohibition of tattooing.