Microblading was first introduced in Asia but has now gained popularity worldwide. It becomes a new standard of treating eyebrows and make this feature looks at its best. It’s a technique of implanting pigments into the brows with results that can appear so naturally perfect. No wonder, therefore, that a lot of people, including the celebrities themselves, are going crazy over this beauty treatment.
Choosing a highly specialized career as microblader comes with many benefits. The obvious one is the fact that there is less competition as there are only a few who are good at microblading.
In effect, microbladers can charge more for their services, thus higher income, too. But you have to keep in mind that a number of factors play a significant role in how much you can charge, such as location, experience, and credentials.
Another great reason why you may be so eager to be an expert in this field of permanent cosmetics is the flexibility of becoming your own boss when you’re ready to have your own salon. In fact, the majority of permanent makeup artists are self-employed while others are independent contractors.
Starting and setting up your own practice may take some time to master the same as with other specialized professions. Plus, there are those resources needed but as long as you give all your best and stay committed, great success is very possible.
So, if you have made up your mind to push through with this career path, you might be wondering by now how to become a microblader. Or, more specifically what are the right steps to follow to get enough training and certifications to be recognized as a good microblading artist.
While there is no black and white ruling when it comes to becoming a microblader, there are some steps that would guide you best to be successful in this profession. We are outlining them as follows in three major milestones, each with detailed steps to help you take the right track.
Ever since the microblading industry has become so popular, there are plenty of for-profits training programs that were created. So, be careful in selecting the right microblading classes and avoid those that don’t know about AAM or SPCP, or offering less than 100 hours of training in total. While they can give good enough training about microblading, not all will give you official certifications.
So, beware of those scam courses which provide training classes for less than six days, charge you very cheap, and even charm you with the bonus of a free microblading package.
It’s important that you choose classes which are approved either by the American Academy of Micropigmentation (AAM), or by the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals (SPCP). These two boards are the renowned industry associations that provide microblading certifications to those who are aspiring to be microbladers. Training classes conducted by certified trainers of at least one of them follow the official regulations by the organization which is run by Society-certified and expert instructors. You can check their official websites for the name of instructors.
Once you have found a suitable training course with a good instructor, enroll in and pay the required fees, and you’re all set to attend your first class session. The average cost of full microblading courses ranges from around $4,000 to $5,000.
Again, always remember that you need to dedicate at least 100 hours of your time. So, if you’re currently working, you need to take some leave for a week to attend the full course. It will involve study sessions, assignments or homework, live demonstrations, and some practice, of course. If the certified trainers you have selected or available are not teaching in your area, then prepare to travel.
Of course, attending classes is not enough. You need proof of it by getting official documentation from your instructor showing you had attended the class and passed it. This should have the signature of your microblading instructor and indicate the total number of hours you spent attending the class.
It also helps if you have some photos of any live work or practice you completed with the consent of your model. You will need it later when you take exams with AAM and SPCP, along with the proof of your completed training course.
The process and requirements of getting certifications vary by state. Some states are quite strict when it comes to regulating microblading and may specify certain training to attend an apprenticeship program to acquire. Others are very loose and may not even regulate this practice of permanent cosmetics.
Whether or not your state requires you to get certifications, it’s your primary responsibility to invest in getting certified. If you want to give your future clients the best microblading service possible, then learning from the right professionals to perfect your art with constant practice is a must.
If ever you’re not yet ready to take the exam or perhaps you still have to complete the number of training hours, you can look for an apprenticeship or internship with a local technician. This can be anyone who has been in the microblading industry practicing for some time already. If you don’t know anybody near you, you can look up the list of members of AAM and SPCP who offer internship programs on their directories.
While most of microblading apprenticeships are not usually paid, there are some certified technicians who may charge a fee per procedure for your internship services.
Next thing to do is to pass a Bloodborne Pathogens Standard or BPS certification course, which is very essential in the field of microblading. This is in addition to your previous microblading training to meet OSHA’s BPS standard. This course is very cheap that you can complete in person or via online alternative courses.
Be part of the industry’s leading experts in microblading, either of the two associations mentioned earlier or any other reputable institutions that offer the same level of professional respect. Sign up for their certification test while providing all the necessary requirements, which most likely include your microblading training documentation, successful completion of BPS certification, and proof of work or practice through apprenticeship.
Be prepared for the exam, of course, to pass it and receive your certification at last! You’re almost there but not quite and be ready for the final stage of your quest to become the best microblader.
If you’re not yet ready to open your own practice, you can apply for jobs first. And since you are just starting out, you can begin as an assistant technician if that’s you want. However, when you think you have significant practice in microblading, you can try and set up your own practice to be your own boss and take control of your career. Here are the steps you have to undertake for a successful route.
Think big by making your own practice legal. It means acquiring the required operating license from your Public Health or Department of Health. The license to operate a microblading facility varies by state. So, know what specific license you need by contacting your respective department and satisfy all the application requirements.
Whether you practice microblading with or without a license, there are also some national cosmetic regulation standards that you have to meet. Governing regulatory bodies like FDA are very strict on these to ensure the safety of your clients-to-be. So, make sure that you are aware of those regulations and understand them completely for compliance and prevent major fines or lawsuits get in your way.
In addition to national cosmetic standards, you also have to be knowledgeable of your local area’s specific microblading practice requirements. These also vary by district or county, so know yours by looking up the information on what you need to accomplish or comply with to become a legit practicing microblader in your area.
So, there you go! Achieving those three milestones is a perfect way to become the best microblader that you can be, who will stand out from the competition and win plenty of satisfied clients after having some experience behind you.
When it comes to how great you will become as a microblading technician, it actually depends on how much time and effort you put on it. But following the steps in this guide on how to become a microblader will lead you to the right path. You can start from there and take your microblading practice to the next level.
