How To Become a Permanent Makeup Artist in 2023

If you ever wanted to become a permanent makeup artist, but just didn't know how? Then you just came to the right blog!

Here you will get invaluable insight into how to become a permanent makeup artist, and if you are in New Jersey than we have a special section for you. Before explaining how to become a permanent makeup artist, let’s explain a little about what permanent makeup is. 

WHAT IS PERMANENT MAKEUP?

Permanent makeup, also known as micropigmentation, is a type of cosmetic tattoo. Using modern techniques and pigment to create beautiful eyebrows, eyeliner, and lip tint that enhance your natural beauty.

Permanent makeup is typically done on the face, but it can also be done on other parts of the body such as the scalp or areola. Many clients who has gotten it done often feel more confident and may look more youthful!

WHAT'S IT LIKE BEING A PERMANENT MAKEUP ARTIST?

Starting this career like any other will take dedication, motivation and hours of practice. Always remember you are tattooing someone's face, so it will last years. It's important to hone your skills and understand the responsibility. Fear not, with enough practice you will be able to help many people with ease.

That may sound difficult, no one likes to practice all the time. But the good news - after all your dedication it will pay off in the end.  Imagine being able to control your time, your day, your money, and your life. Depending on your current job, one client can be a week of work! Imagine how much happier you can be working less and making more?

Personally, being a permanent makeup artist has given me the flexibility and freedom to raise a family, pick the hours I work, and still live a lifestyle I love. I highly recommend it to anyone who is willing to put in a little effort to start something new. 

HOW TO EDUCATE YOURSELF AND GET CERTIFIED IN PERMANENT MAKEUP

Becoming certified as a Permanent Makeup Artist is not as hard as you think, but it still does require dedication, hard work, and plenty of patience in the beginning. The first thing you need to do is take a training course. There are many academies that offer great training programs in Permanent Makeup, so make sure you do your research pick the right one.. 

Remember, not all trainers are the same. Make sure you check the reviews, the trainers' history, and the trainers work. Just because they are an amazing artist, does not quite mean they are qualified educators. 

If you have the ability to call, I recommend it. Also think about visiting the academy, and make sure to bring lots of questions! Don't be afraid, ask as many questions as you want. Remember starting a new career is a big change, and not exactly cheap. Asking questions is completely normal.

If you catch the trainer getting annoyed as you ask questions, or notice they have temper, or can be short, this may be a huge red flag. A good permanent makeup trainer should be supportive and make you feel comfortable. 

You want to pick a trainer that will help give you the best foundation. For example, our 100 Hour Fundamental course here at Hudson Beauty Academy give you all the skills, practice, and knowledge you need to be a certified artist in any state, even New Jersey.  Click here for more information 

TOOLS AND SUPPLIES FOR A PERMANENT MAKEUP ARTIST

As an artist, you want to have the best tools, so you can get the most realistic results.

Here are some essential items:

• Pigments: Pigments are probably one of the most important things. After all, you will deposit it into your clients skin. This is why you want to make sure the pigments are of the highest quality. Always look up the manufacturer and make sure it is designed for permanent makeup, not tattoos. Some common pmu pigments are Permablend, LI Pigments, and Beauty Angels.
  
  
• Machines & Tools: In permanent makeup you will be using various devices like a digital machine or pen tool for manual or machine shading. It is important you use tools designed for permanent makeup, as tattoo machines are different. The needles for the tools also play a big role in your artistry (taper, needle diameter, company). You will need to learn which needles are best to use for your designs.
  
  
• Disinfecting Tools: your artistry is important, but hygiene is more! Ensure that you are utilizing hospital-grade wipes (Cavi Wipes, Sani Wipes) to disinfect your work station, machine, bed and other surfaces that have come into contact with you. It is very likely that you will be handling different things during your services, if it is something you know will be touched frequently use barrier film to cover it.  Make sure to properly dispose of gloves and materials afterwards.
  
  
• Designing Materials: There are some very useful tools that can help you design eyebrows, eyeliner, and lips. Some of these include: calipers, ruler sticker, string, and high quality pencils, pens or markers!
  
  
• Clean Studio: please make sure your area is welcoming by tidying up! You don't want to give off the impression of sloppiness or carelessness in your studio, no matter how professional and established you are. Also it's important that you maintain a professional and legal work environment; as a pmu artist you may not perform permanent makeup at home or renting out a booth/chair at a barshop, hair salon etc in New Jersey. Don't worry, it is easier to find a studio for yourself than you may think.

PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE YOUR PERMANENT MAKEUP SKILLS

The key to success like anything else in life is practice! Practice makes perfect and in permanent makeup it's no different. Some people might think this is easy money but it will only come to you if you can master your craft. There are no shortcuts when it comes to permanent makeup!

What I’m trying to say is don't be surprised if you find yourself sitting for hours drawing hundreds of eyebrows! The more time you invest, the better your results will be. Hard work ALWAYS pays off and the more you practice, you will shorten your actual service time which means you can take another client!

MARKET YOURSELF AS A PERMANENT MAKEUP ARTIST

After becoming a certified artist, it is now time to do one of the most important but also the hardest steps... its time to market yourself! Now this may sound challenging, but it is easier than you think!

To kickstart your marketing plan, it is vital to come up with a name. When you have a business name, you can establish your social media profiles along with websites and setting up advertisements. It's very important you get some client photos online, so maybe offer a few clients for free to start. Then, when you do an amazing job, ask them to give you a referral. 

When I started out, I needed photos for my online portfolio so shared a post on my Facebook stating that I would do 10 free eyebrow models.  After those 10, I started gradually increasing my prices. (Free -> $100 -> $250 -> $350)

In today's world, social media is essential. You will find most of your future clients on those platforms. If done right, you can find new clients for free! It will take longer than paid ads, but you can grow organically by posting as frequently as possible.

At some point it is a good idea to get a website going. It not only makes you look more professional, but it is essential to start showing up on search engines. Also, some people like to visit websites so they can find more information about your business and services.

After everything is said and done, it is always a great idea to run online ads.It is the best way to grow in a predictable manner. Once you can figure out an ad system that works, you can turn $1 into $10.

HOW TO BECOME A PERMANENT MAKEUP ARTIST IN NEW JERSEY

New Jersey may be one of the strictest places to work legally as a permanent makeup artist.

Here in New Jersey, you must complete the 100 Hour Fundamentals Course that is approved by the American Academy of Micropigmentation (AAM) or Society of Professional Cosmetics Practitioners (SPCP) by an accredited trainer or an academy. It is very important you do you research before you register for a course.  

When you take a course, you will learn all about permanent makeup. This includes:

• Skin anatomy
• Muscles
• Color theory
• Fitzpatrick scale
• Undertones
• Machines & Needles
• History of PMU
• Contraindications
• Bloodborne pathogens
• Topical anesthetics
• Much more

When you take the course, you will also be working hands-on to learn your new skills. You will need to practice on 6 models: 2 eyebows, 2 eyeliner, and 2 lip tints.

After you are finished with the course, you will also be required to take an Apprenticeship Course which will require you to work on 9 additional procedures (3 eyebrows, 3 eyeliners and 3 lip tattoos) all performed directly under a supervisor. 

Here at Hudson Beauty Bar, we are a Platinum Trainer with the AAM, and also a Trainer Member with the SPCP! If you are looking for an upbeat, energetic, fun but yet knowledge packed academy in New Jersey, look no further. Visit our training page for more information

Becoming a permanent makeup artist can be a very lucrative and exciting career choice! With hard work and dedication, you can live the life you have always wanted. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is willing to take the leap of faith!