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Wednesday, 29 January 2014 09:02

A Beginner’s Guide to Permanent Makeup

Written by   Irene Kennerley, research scientist for SofTap® Permanent Cosmetics

Permanent makeup is a tattoo that can be applied to the eyebrows, lips, or even used as eyeliner in order to achieve a more cosmetic look. It can be applied with specialized hand tools, a traditional tattoo gun, or a permanent makeup machine. It is a great option for clients whose eyebrows or eyelashes are sparse, too light, or do not exist. Permanent lips are fantastic for clients with uneven shapes, pale lips, receding lips, or simply under-defined lips.

When performed by a well-trained professional, permanent cosmetics can be made to look very natural and realistic. This is a big bonus for men, who can benefit from a subtle enhancement. Eyeliner can also be tailored to meet a client’s specifications. Applying permanent makeup to the lips may add a blush of beauty that enhances the client’s face, providing a more youthful appearance.
Permanent makeup is considered permanent because the pigment deposited under the skin will always be there. However, that does not mean that it will always appear the same way it did after the first treatment was performed. The client should touch up their permanent cosmetics every few years in order to prevent fading and to keep their tattoo fresh and beautiful.

Becoming a Permanent Cosmetic Professional

Skilled professionals typically charge an average of $500 to $600 per procedure, depending on their location. Permanent cosmetics can stand alone or can easily be part of a larger business, such as a medical spa. The monetary benefits are wonderful but the real reward is the beautiful work that the professional can provide for their clientele. There is nothing more satisfying than changing a client’s life for the better – and natural looking permanent makeup can do just that. Although a career in makeup tattooing can be rewarding, the startup costs for permanent cosmetic professionals can be high. Permanent cosmetic professionals need to be professionally trained ($2,000 to $5,000 average cost), they need to buy their supplies, and establish a location. In addition, the laws governing tattoos and permanent cosmetics are different in every state; they may have to pay for an annual permit or other fees.

Educational Resources

As with all professional services, the quality of the work you get depends on the skill of the professional you choose. A permanent cosmetic professional’s work is likely to follow the example of their trainer. Therefore, it is important that they research schools and trainers, look at their before and after photographs, and get a feel for the kind of personality with which they want to work. Do they have professional experience and a good reputation in the industry? What type of training is included in the class? How many hours are needed for certification? These are all great things to keep in mind when looking for an instructor. It is also a good idea to speak with past students, clients, other permanent cosmetic professionals, and the instructors themselves. A great teacher makes all the difference in the world by taking the time to find the perfect fit.

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