How to Become a Permanent Makeup Artist

The path to becoming a permanent makeup artist varies depending on where you live, your education background, and what path you want to follow. You might start by earning an esthetician license, then pursue voluntary certification in cosmetic tattooing. Or, you might dive right into a permanent makeup program at the very beginning. If it’s not included in your program, an apprenticeship or other supervised mentorship can be incredibly helpful. In some states, you might have to pass exams to earn a license.

Permanent Makeup Programs

Applying makeup that your clients can never wash off is a hefty responsibility. You need to become a master of the trade’s tools and techniques before you sit down with your first paying customer. The program you choose, however, will depend on your state, as licensing and professional requirements vary considerably from one place to the next.

Most cosmetology programs don’t include permanent makeup courses, but many training academies offer multi-day sessions, some of which lead to certification in the specialties those programs teach. Some of those schools only accept students who already have esthetician licenses, since estheticians are already trained in traditional makeup application and well-versed in the fundamentals of skincare.

What Are the Requirements for Enrolling in Permanent Makeup School?

The requirements vary by state and occasionally by program, but the following are common prerequisites:

A high school diploma, GED, or equivalent credential

Be at least 18 years of age

A valid Social Security number and driver's license, passport, or other official ID

Some schools only take students who already work in a related field and/or hold a license in their area

How Long Does It Take to Complete a Permanent Makeup Program?

It can take anywhere from a few days to a few years to complete a permanent makeup program. Sessions generally last between one to three days for each training session, but in some cases, short sessions are supplementary and based on the assumption that students are already licensed cosmetologists, estheticians, or other trained professionals.

In other scenarios you’ll start with a foundational program that teaches the basics, then sign up for different training sessions based on your areas of interest. Full programs, which allow you to start from scratch and are designed to meet state licensing requirements, will last much longer.

How Much Does Permanent Makeup School Cost?

Permanent makeup programs generally cost between $3,500–$7,500—“generally” being the key word. Prices vary considerably from school to school, and your desired skill set will determine your cost. A single multi-day training course might cost $500–$900 per day. A full program that includes advanced techniques and certifications, on the other hand, could edge closer to $10,000.

What Will I Learn in Permanent Makeup School?

In permanent makeup school you’ll first learn the basics, like safety, hygiene, and client and station prep. You’ll be introduced to the tools of the trade, which include coil tattoo machines, rotary pen machines, the non-mechanical hand method, and the inks, dyes, and pigments that will make your work a permanent fixture in your clients’ lives.

You’ll likely start out by learning the most common techniques, like eyeliner, lash enhancement, and lip color, followed by more advanced training, including skin needling and microblading. There could also be specialty permanent makeup classes for advanced techniques included in your program, or you could opt to learn advanced skills on a session-by-session basis. These include high-level procedures like melanocyte restoration, burn scar camouflage, and areola repigmentation.

Other courses include, but are not limited to:

Safety, Sterilization, and Sanitization

Procedure Room/Station Setup

Procedure Before and After Photography

Procedure After-Care

Needle Selection and Usage

Makeup Artistry with Symmetry

Technical Application of Permanent Cosmetics

Anatomy and Physiology

Color Theory and Color Mixing

Skin Types, Colors, and Undertones

Client Consultation

Highlighting and Shadowing

It’s important to note that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires all workers who are exposed to blood to receive specialized safety training. This may be part of your program, or you might have to find a separate training course before you apply for your license. Tattooists specifically have to learn the appropriate protocols for handling infectious materials, waste disposal, and preventing the transfer of pathogens.

How Do I Find the Best Permanent Makeup Program Near Me?

Start by visiting the American Academy of Micropigmentation to learn about your state’s requirements. You should also be sure to visit your state’s governing board to verify that the information is accurate and up to date.

Shop around and look into at least three different schools—their instructors, their career services programs, and their online reputation among students and industry professionals. Make sure to check that the schools you’re considering teach the specialties that interest you.

Apprenticeships

Some states require supervised mentorships like apprenticeships as part of your education and training. Some states may accept only an apprenticeship. No matter what your state requires, real-world, hands-on training like this can be an invaluable experience.

The Final Step: Getting Your License

In some states, you’ll have to be licensed as a tattoo artist before you can begin work. Others require you to obtain an esthetician’s license then pursue permanent makeup training on a specialty-by-specialty basis. Yet other states don’t regulate makeup professionals at all.

The requirements for getting a license vary widely from state to state, and the American Academy of Micropigmentation is a good place to start your research. Also refer to our licensing page, which focuses specifically on licensing.