Microblading and permanent makeup have been going getting a lot of increasing popularity lately. One simple question on Google can turn out in millions of results, making finding reliable and accurate information sort of like finding a needle in a haystack. While many current articles discuss what the technique is in detail, very few delve into the most important part of the procedure: the technician.

Why would the technician be the most important?

Quite simply because you are trusting your face and your health to this person. Microblading isn’t like a regular tattoo you can choose to keep covered if you decide you don’t like it. This one goes on your face and as you don’t want to entrust your face to just anybody, throughly vetting an technician is of crucial importance. And, because microblading involves needles, there are risks of communicable diseases. You should go about choosing a technician just as you would a plastic surgeon.

Cosmetic tattoos are not uniformly regulated in the country and, just as in any other industry, there are many unscrupulous people out there looking to make a quick buck at the expense of your health and your appearance. Do not take this lightly. Like we said before, there are risks associated to any cosmetic procedure, but it is your responsibility to make sure you minimize the risks by correctly selecting a technician and following the aftercare recommendations.

So, who are these Microblading Artists?

Regulations vary by state, but generally, the artist that will do your eyebrows should be a licensed cosmetic tattoo artist. Because all cosmetic tattoos involve procedures that break the skin, most states require the technicians who perform these services hold a license, usually provided by the state’s department of health. In order to get this license, most states require that technicians pass a blood-borne pathogens and communicable diseases test which instructs on the different types of communicable diseases and how to prevent transmission in a tattoo setting. There is usually a written examination followed in which the student needs to achieve a certain score, determined by the state, to pass the exam and receive their license.

Please remember you have the right to ask to see your technician’s certifications. If your technician is refusing to do so, move on and find another. A licensed and insured technician will have no problem to display their certifications and training.

How to find a technician that is right for you

Nowadays, social media and the internet have made it too easy for anyone with a tattoo machine to advertise their services, but remember, you have to be selective. When you start looking into a certain technician, there will be many clues about whether or not this person is a professional. Take your time to throughly vet the technician you have selected. Here, we will share with you a few of the ways you can make sure you’re in safe hands. There is nothing more important than trusting your technician.

Word of Mouth

Usually, the most powerful form of vetting is word of mouth. If you know of a technician that many of your friends have been to and recommend, that is a good thing to take into account, but by no means should it be the only factor to consider. The modern equivalent of word of mouth is obviously the internet, where many cosmetic tattoo artists display their work and have people comment, like Instagram or Yelp, for example. Websites like Yelp, where artists can be reviewed publicly, are a great tool for your search. If a technician has done a poor job with one client, you can bet the unsatisfied customer will not stay quiet, and if a client is extremely satisfied, chances are that person will want to tell the whole world about the great job the technician did.

Experience is key

One of the first things you should look at when selecting a technician is his or her experience. It makes sense, doesn’t it? Whenever someone is applying for a job, the first thing the employer will want to know is the employees’ experience. Likewise, you should seek out to see how long the technician has been practicing. Most technician now have websites easily accessible with a quick search, and most of them know the importance of displaying their experience. Many will display their “portfolio,” pictures of before and afters. This is an important part of verifying the technician’s experience and of making sure his or her style suits your needs. Think of like selecting a photographer for your wedding. You’re going to want to see a varied portfolio, same thing with the technician. If the technician you are looking into is not providing photos of his or her work, you should be cautious.

Certifications

There are no uniform regulations for cosmetic tattoo in the United States. Regulating who does cosmetic tattoos is up to each state and each have specific requirements. Now, it is important for you to distinguish between license requirements and certifications. When we say “license requirements” we mean the minimum requirements per the state for someone to hold a cosmetic tattoo license. Any training certifications the technician holds are most likely not required for him or her to have a license. For example: a diploma from a microblading training program is a certification, because it means your technician has completed studies with a certain school, but it is most likely not what allows him or her to hold a practicing license. There are many programs that will teach microblading, usually lasting 2 – 4 days and costing anywhere between $2,000 – $5,000, depending on the instructor and the location.

Your technician might also display accreditations from certain boards, like the the American Association of Micropigmentation or the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals, which are not obligatory but are a stamp of approval that gives the technician more credibility. These societies offer technician memberships if they pass certain requirements like a written exam or a certain number of years practicing. Again, these accreditations are NOT mandatory in most states, so it shouldn’t be an immediate disqualifying factor if the technician you are looking into does not hold any of these accreditations. Put all of the things you like about the technician on a balance, talk to former customers, research and make a final decision based on how comfortable you feel with your choice.

Cost

Being thrifty with the things you buy is never a bad idea, after all, everyone works hard for their money and as such, should be careful with the many possible ways to spend it. However, consider that with procedures such as these, permanent or not, it is NEVER wise to be frugal. Just as you shouldn’t search for the cheapest plastic surgeon, you should not let price be a determining factor in your search for a technician. Sure, we are all attracted to a good bargain, but bargains are bargains for a reason. Something that goes on your face and will alter your appearance shouldn’t be bargain priced, and if it is, you should be cautious.

We have all seen the horror stories of garage plastic surgeries that are performed by unlicensed and inexperienced individuals at the expense of their victim’s health and wellbeing. Do not be a victim of someone who only wants to make a few quick bucks, not with your face or your health. You are getting a procedure that, while it may look superficial, does use needles to break the skin and requires a certain hygienic protocol to be followed. If an unscrupulous individual recycles needles to do his work, it could lead to infectious diseases being passed from person to person.

Do not take these considerations lightly. Microblading is usually not cheap: it can range anywhere between $300 – $1,600. It is an investment that not everyone can afford, but if you have decided to invest in microblading or other permanent cosmetics, make sure price is not the defining factor on choosing an technician to perform your procedure.

Consulation

Just as you can request a sample at the ice cream shop before you make a purchase, so can you request a sort of sample with a microblading specialist. Most specialists will allow you to schedule a consultation with strings attached. Doing this before booking your microblading appointment is definitely advisable, as you can meet the technician and his or her place of work before your procedure. Oftentimes the consultation happens right before the procedure, but you can choose to return another day if you can’t get the procedure right away.

Consultations may have a fee, usually ranging between $30-$60 USD. Paying this is only fair, as you are taking up the technician’s time. It is also common for some technicians or salons to charge you a fee for booking your microblading appointment, but often times if you get the procedure done, they will deduct this from the final price. Salons and technicians do this to avoid having people make appointments and then not show up, which is common in the world of beauty services.

Usually, at the consultation, your technician will introduce herself and talk to you about your options. She may use a pencil to make an initial design of your eyebrows and may even pluck your eyebrows for an enhanced effect. The technician should let you know what colors work best with your skin tone and hair color, what shape suits your face best and answer all of your questions and concerns. Feel free to ask as many questions as you need. You are the client and you are the one who is getting something done on your face. The technician should not rush this part, as it is an important part of the procedure. If you feel you are being rushed or not taken seriously, consider finding another technician who is more understanding and patient with your concerns.

Aside from meeting the technician, you should also inspect their place of work. Beware of technicians who work from their home, as this is most often illegal. Check the spa or salon where your technician works. Does it look clean, bright? Does the technician seem clean and professional? Is it a shady location or is a legitimate looking place?  You may also ask the technician if you can step into a procedure. Sometimes they allow this to satisfy clients’ curiosity, but they don’t have to, and you shouldn’t take it against them if you are denied.

One very important thing you should keep in mind to check is that the technician is using disposable needles and is wearing gloves. This is of utmost importance, because as we discussed earlier, reusing needles is highly dangerous.

Conclusion

We hope you have taken the time to read and analyze these tips, as it is extremely important that you do not rush to have a cosmetic tattoo procedure. Please take all of these things into account when selecting a technician. You are the only person responsible for the outcome of your procedure. Good luck!