For Megan Hyde and her clients, permanent makeup represents far more than just enhancing appearance.
After losing her eyebrow due to radiation treatments for blue nevus-like melanoma, a rare skin cancer, Samantha Smit visited Hyde’s studio in Alberta, Canada, seeking “a way to feel like myself again.”
“Permanent makeup seemed like the perfect solution to regain some confidence without the daily effort of applying makeup,” Smit shared with PEOPLE.
“I was actually recommended to Megan by my best friend, but after reviewing Megan’s work, I was drawn to her because of her incredible attention to detail and natural-looking results,” she recalled. “Her before-and-after transformations really stood out to me — they didn’t look overly ‘done’ or artificial, which was important.”
Hyde works to dispel the notion that permanent makeup must be bold or harsh. Instead, she explains, it’s “about enhancing your features in a subtle, beautiful way.”
“There’s still a big misconception that it always looks heavy, but with modern techniques, it can be incredibly soft and natural,” she said.
“I also want people to know that permanent makeup isn’t just about convenience (though that’s a huge bonus!),” Hyde added. “It can be incredibly empowering, especially for those who’ve lost hair due to illness, aging, or other reasons. It’s not just about beauty — it’s about confidence.”
Confidence was exactly what Smit sought. Together, they discussed her preferred shape, color, and style to ensure complete satisfaction with the outcome. Hyde used a blend of fine, hair-like strokes and shading to achieve the final look.
To say Smit was pleased would be an understatement. In an Instagram Reel Hyde shared on May 25, Smit sees her results for the first time — and is moved to tears.
“The moment she looked in the mirror and cried from joy… that’s the moment I live for,” Hyde wrote in the caption.
“Samantha’s reaction was incredibly moving,” Hyde told PEOPLE. “When she looked in the mirror, her eyes welled up with tears — and mine did too. It was such a powerful reminder of why I do what I do.”
Hyde reflected, “Seeing her light up like that made all the training, hard work, and long days worth it. As a mom and a woman myself, I understand how vital it is to feel confident in your own skin.”
The post has received over 24,000 likes, which surprised Hyde.
“I’m so bad with technology and have no idea what I’m doing on there!” she admitted.
Since her first treatment, Smit says the “impact has been incredible.”
“I wake up with brows that frame my face, and I no longer feel the need to hide behind hats or makeup,” she said. “It’s such a relief to feel like I recognize myself in the mirror again. This small change has made a big difference in my confidence and how I carry myself daily.”
She has returned to Hyde for touch-ups and strongly recommends the procedure.
“For anyone experiencing hair loss from illness, treatment, or aging, permanent makeup can be a powerful tool for restoring not just features, but a sense of self,” she reflected. “It’s more than cosmetic — it’s emotional healing, too. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to others seeking that boost.”
