Many people aren’t aware of the regulations that surround the permanent make up industry. With new regulations being introduced in Wales in 2024, the permanent make up industry has tightened up on safety policies.

In order to be able to practice legally in the UK, a permanent make up artist is required to be fully qualified, licensed and insured, most insurance companies require artists to have completed their training in person. Artists are then required to obtain a special procedures licence to carry out their work and for their premises via their local council.

Depending on your practitioners local council, an artist will require the following elements to be in place to carry out their work safely:

• A working sink with hot and cold water within the treatment room, seperate from any sink your client may use.
• Waste collection and a certificate of arrangement for contaminated waste and sharps.
• Clear aftercare advise that the client can take away with them post treatment.
• Proof of your qualifications.
• Your equipment, is it disposable or how do you sterilise parts that are not disposable.
• How you protect your equipment, yourself and furniture within the clinic.
• No soft furnishings, everything must be wipe down.
• Hep B vaccine
• Flooring must be hard flooring
• Client record keeping and consultation process.
• Where supplies are purchased

Recently there have been changes which will come into effect October 2024 in Wales, practitioners are now required to obtain a DBS  and to complete and pass a RSPH Level 2 Award in Infection Prevention and Control.

So what should you be looking for in a PMU practitioner and what are basic requirements?

Despite all the above legal requirements for artists, skill and work standard is not taken into consideration, be thorough looking through existing work, read reviews from previous clients, take advantage of the free consultation if they offer one. There are so many talented artists within the industry and they all have their unique artistic flare, be sure that what they offer is what you are wanting to achieve as your end result.

When arriving to your appointment, does the practitioner offer a clean treatment room? Don’t be afraid to ask your practitioner questions.

Is their equipment wrapped and protected from contamination?

Have they carried out your pre treatment consultation form?

Will they provide you with your aftercare advice and aftercare balms?

How long have they been in the industry?

Are they licensed? Insured? Qualified?

Hand washing and presentation.

Make sure your practitioner carry’s out a thorough design process, make sure you see the shape of the brows, lips, eyeliner etc before proceeding with any permanent cosmetic tattooing.

Apart from my machine everything is single use, products are dispensed prior to me beginning any treatment to prevent cross contamination. Gloves are changed from setting up to beginning the treatment and are removed for taking photos.

I hope this helps you when considering your permanent makeup practitioner and knowing what to look out for.

About Me

Rebecca Louise