The 6 Things You Need To Consider Before Choosing A Permanent Makeup (or Microblading) Artist
When I decided to open Altered Aesthetics, I knew that the foundation of my business had to be offering my clients the highest quality experience, in a clean, safe and friendly environment. This includes high-quality tools and pigments, continuous education for myself and all of the artists that work at the studio, and ensuring all of our clients are properly informed on the different techniques available to best align with their desired outcome. But like any industry, there are many operators who set up shop solely for the purpose of making a quick dollar. It can be difficult sometimes to spot the red flags before you end up in their chair with a sharp object coming towards your face. Anyone that is interested in getting cosmetic tattooing, microblading, or permanent makeup done should conduct some research before choosing an artist.
We’ve put together a list of the top 6 things to consider when choosing your cosmetic tattoo/permanent makeup artist. It is important that you not only find someone who is qualified, but someone you feel comfortable with. Do not choose an artist solely based on price, convenience, or social media follower counts.
#1 | Consultations
Whether you have found your artist via social media or a google search, it is always best practice to book a consultation. More than likely these consultations are free, so you really have nothing to lose, but everything to gain. Booking a consultation prior to your procedure allows you to see the artist’s certifications, portfolio, workspace and get an overall feel for them as a person. Do not rely solely on online reviews, Instagram pics, or how many followers this person has. Rather, you should rely on their qualifications and how you feel after meeting with them. During your consultation, you will be able to gauge their professionalism, and customer service, ask them questions, and speak one on one with the artist so they understand your needs. We also suggest booking multiple consultations (if you have the time) so you can compare artists and choose which one is best for you.
#2 | Safety & Sanitation
Permanent Makeup (Microblading, Powder Brows, Nano Brows, etc…) in many states falls under the same health certification standards as tattooing. As with any procedure that involves blood, gloves are REQUIRED. Not only is it critical that your artist wear gloves, but it is also important that they do not touch areas within the studio with contaminated gloves. You should see your artist change their gloves quite frequently throughout your procedure. At any time, if you see your artist not following this practice, point it out to them or do not continue with the procedure.
Well-educated and professional artists will dispose of all needles, INCLUDING handles, to reduce the risk of transmitting disease or infection. Permanent Makeup isn't cheap, so the tools that your artist uses shouldn't be either. No artist should be re-using handles (unless they have an autoclave on the premises for sterilization), needles, or any other supplies. Your artist should be disposing of everything that may be contaminated during the procedure. Everything we use is disposable and properly disposed of once your procedure is over. You will see me set up the station and break down the station. Please ask any and all questions while this is being done and we will be happy to answer.
One of the most important items is to ensure that all of the needles the artists use are sterilized. This item is non-negotiable and if you feel they are not meeting this requirement, then walk out immediately. Ask to see their sterilized tool packages, and sterilized reports, and ensure that you see your artist take the new needle or blade out of the package prior to starting the procedure. You should also ensure that when the session is over, your artist places the needle/microblade in a red sharps container. Make sure the artist mentions sterilization or educates you on their process for use of sterilized needles and handles.
At Altered Aesthetics, we ONLY use disposable tools. We will show you brand-new packaged needles and ensure that you see us open it and dispose of them in a sharps container when we are done with your session.
#3 | Pricing
While pricing in the permanent makeup field can often seem all over the place, quality work is not cheap and cheap work is not quality. Let’s be honest, you’re basically getting your face tattooed, so you should never choose your artist based solely on price. On the other side of that coin, artists should price their services based on their level of training and experience, quality of products used, and other overhead required.
If an artist is priced much lower than the other artists in your area and the price sounds too good to be true, then it probably is! Lower pricing often indicates an artist is just starting out, so make sure you ask how long the artist has been doing cosmetic tattooing and microblading to ensure you know what you are getting into.
#4 | Experience Level (training & certifications)
Every artist that is performing permanent makeup should have proper training in this field. During your consultation, ask to see their training certificates, if they are not displayed. You should also feel free to ask any questions about the training that your artist received.
Another certification to look for is Blood Borne Pathogen Training. When someone is going to perform any type of blood-related procedure (medical services, tattooing, piercing), it is highly recommended and often required that the person complete a Blood-Borne Pathogen Course. This course is designed for those who risk on-the-job exposure to blood and other bodily fluids, and it teaches how blood-borne pathogens are spread. During blood-borne pathogen courses, we learn how to avoid exposure and what to do if exposed to infectious material.
#5 | Healed Work Portfolio
Pictures taken immediately after a procedure are truly amazing. They look so fresh, crisp, and clean. However, true skill and talent are seen once those brows are healed. Seeing healed work is crucial to choosing your permanent makeup artist. During your consultation, ask your artist to see healed photos, this will really show the quality of the artist you are consulting with and give you a true idea of what to expect.
#6 | Aftercare
Aftercare is one of the most essential things to do after your permanent makeup procedure. Ensuring proper aftercare procedures are followed will accelerate the healing process and outcome of your brows, eyes, or lips. During your consultation make sure to ask your artist about aftercare and how they handle this. They should explain the aftercare, provide you with a product and written instructions, as well as offer to answer any questions via phone, text, or email once you get home. Make sure your artist goes over aftercare with you and gives you all of the necessary aftercare products to heal your permanent makeup properly.
Your artist should also inform you during your consultation and session that permanent makeup is a process. I think of it more like a three-step process. The first step is your consultation, the second step is your initial procedure and the third is your perfecting session. A professional artist always cares about their client’s satisfaction and safety, first and foremost. After your initial session, you should schedule your 6-10 week follow-up in order for your artist to see your retention/results and perform a touch-up.
Above all, always remember that proper research and education are crucial parts of finding the right artist for you. The above is just the bare minimum requirements that you should have when choosing an artist. Whether or not you choose Altered Aesthetics as your studio, you can always reach out and ask us anything! We are here for YOU!