How to Become a Licensed Permanent Makeup Artist?

Most states require permanent makeup training as well as licensing to perform the services legally. These requirements differ state by state (also by county) and it is the responsibility of the artist to check the state/county regulations thoroughly and be properly licensed.

In the state of Colorado, you must have an esthetician or cosmetologist license (equaling to 600-1500 hours) before you can take the state-approved 132-hour Permanent Makeup training program. You will also need a bloodborne pathogen certification and body art facility licensing if you are opening up a studio of your own. 

To ensure you are meeting your local department’s requirements, you will need to check your respective county’s public health department laws. We are located in Boulder County, so we follow regulations under the Body Art regulations of BCPH (Boulder County Public Health).

Some states only require a bloodborne pathogen certification before being able to perform on clients. Getting your licensing through a state like Colorado can be beneficial for both the artist and the clients they’re serving because your artist will have a much more thorough understanding of the skin anatomy, contraindications, and how to mitigate risks. 

Having the right type of training is also extremely important. Some programs are accredited and approved by the state, while others may provide a more condensed learning experience or advanced learning for those who already have an established practice. In my experience, the accredited program was by far, more informational as they are required to provide specific learning topics and tie hourly requirements to the necessary information. That said, I loved my experience with a program from a smaller studio that was not accredited. I felt like they had a more hands-on approach and offered industry advice that came from experience.

There are also options for advanced learning opportunities which are extremely valuable as an artist. The permanent makeup industry is constantly evolving and making changes to improve the client experience & results. Having the continued education can ensure you stay on top of trends and elevate your work.