Beginning your journey to becoming a Permanent Makeup Artist?
The Brow Code Co. is here to help!
Although permanent makeup is a branch of the beauty industry that opens up countless possibilities, there is a lot of planning and preparation involved in being successful.
Whether you are switching from an unrelated job or you are in the beauty industry already, there are three major requirements to be a permanent makeup artist:
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a certificate from a licensed permanent makeup course
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health and safety training
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a state-issued license
Acquiring each of these is a process that takes time and effort, but it will pay off. Here we give you a detailed guide on how to become a permanent makeup artist.
1. Training and Education
To become a permanent makeup artist, you must complete a course at a licensed school and receive a certificate. This is the most important part of your journey. Your skill will set you apart from other artists, so perfecting your craft is priority.
Here are some guidelines to what to look for when researching on your training course and instructor.
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Blood borne pathogen training
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Years of experience
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Continued education as an educator
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Class occupancy
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Length of training
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Previous student work
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Hands on training with models
Key Topics that should be covered
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Client Consultation
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Technique ( Brows, Eyeliner, Lips)
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Skin Anatomy
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Health and Safety
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Sterilization and Sanitation
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Color Theory & Mixing
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Previous work and Correction Techniques
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Eyebrow Design with different facial structures
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Equipment selection and assembling.
In choosing a training course, consider which permanent makeup procedure you’d like to learn and do thorough research on the courses available near you. Some academies offer a training course that covers eyebrows, eyeliner, and lips. While others offer training specialized in Microblading, Ombre, Nanoshading, etc.
There are courses for Beginners (learning fundamentals and basics), Advanced Artists (perfecting training or techniques), and Online training. Both live and online courses have their advantages. Live trainings provide hands-on experience. While an online course is more affordable and a great option for anyone with a busy schedule, it may be difficult to get hands-on experience while under supervision.
Please take your training, and especially the health and safety of your clients, very seriously.
2. Health and Safety Training
Permanent makeup artists are similar to tattoo artists, as they inject pigments to the skin. To become a permanent makeup artist, you must get training in bloodborne pathogens to learn how to avoid infections. Although a quality course will give you an extensive introduction on health and safety, most states require anyone applying for a state license to go through additional health and safety training.
These trainings also deal with proper workplace hygiene. You must learn how to keep the environment you work in sterile and avoid any possible contamination.
Although acquiring this certificate is an extra expense, bloodborne pathogens training is usually under $25, and can be tax-deductible from your business!
You should try and get these certificates as soon as you can after finishing the training course so you’re prepared for the next step in becoming a professional, which is licensing.
3. Licensing
It's important to research what your state or country requires to become a Permanent Makeup Artist. Licensing regulations vary significantly from state to state.
Some states require you to be a licensed tattoo artist. Regulations are quite strict in some states, while others do not regulate permanent makeup. If the state you work in has limitations on permanent makeup, we still strongly advise you to finish your education at an accredited school.
Additional Requirements
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All states require you to be over 18 in order to practice permanent makeup.
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Most states require you do get tested for hepatitis.
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If you’re looking to start your own business, additional you need additional approvals. You need to be insured and your workspace must meet all the requirements
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If you want to work in more than one state, you have to obtain the license for each individual state.
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Some states require an annual license renewal through a fee. Others demand taking some type of course at certain time periods.
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To check other state requirements
http://tattooeyebrowshq.com/tattoo-regulation
What to do next?
Congratulations you're a certified Permanent Makeup Artist! While your initial training is complete, you should consider joining an accredited group of Permanent Makeup as they provide ongoing support and educational resources.
There are two prominent associations whose purpose is to support, educate, inform and inspire aestheticians: AAM and SPCP.
1. American Academy of Micropigmentation
https://www.micropigmentation.org
2. Society of Permanent Cosmetic Profession
I hope this gives you a clear explanation of what you need to become a Permanent Makeup Artist! We wish you the best of luck in your PMU journey!
xx The Brow Code Co.