As the beauty industry evolves, new trends take over, and innovations flood the market, finding ways to not only stay relevant but also capitalize on the latest developments is key to your success as a beauty pro.
California is one of the hottest places to be as a beauty pro thanks to its exciting businesses, vibrant culture, and tendency to be at the forefront of beauty trends. It also often sets the tone for the rest of the country in terms of what’s fashionable and what guidelines are required to offer certain beauty services.
Microblading is no exception. As one of the most popular beauty trends in recent memory, microblading has beauty pros and clients alike excited about the possibilities. The question is: do you need a microblading license in California to start offering this service in your own salon?
Key Takeaways
A microblading license in California is a must before you can start offering this service in your own salon. This blog has a list of the need-to-know requirements for your license in the state of California.
How to Start Microblading in California
Microblading is a semi-permanent cosmetic procedure that can transform your client’s brows for the better. The process uses tiny needles to create the appearance of eyebrow hairs in the form of semi-permanent tattoos.
While it is considered very safe, its unique position between cosmetics and tattooing leads to different regulations than most other beauty services. That's why a microblading license is a must.
Why You Should Offer Microblading as a Beauty Pro
What started as a trend is now a firmly established beauty service that is in high demand. More and more people are interested in microblading, so offering it as one of your beauty biz services could help you access a significant new market.
In addition to the new clients you could gain, offering microblading to your loyal customers could prove effective. You already have a reputation, relationship, and sense of trust with them, making it a seamless transition into adding microblading as one of your services.
Embracing microblading and pushing yourself to learn a new skill that is both technical and artistic can keep you engaged in your craft and on the cutting edge of the latest beauty industry developments. In a way, it future-proofs your business.
Microblading License Requirements in California
It may come as a surprise, but you don’t need a license specific to microblading to offer the service in California. You don’t even need to have a cosmetology license or be a certified esthetician.
Instead, you need to be a registered body art practitioner in your county. This is because microblading is technically a form of tattooing, and therefore qualifies as body art.
Practically, this means that you must abide by your county’s specific requirements and you cannot work in a county where you are not registered. You will also need the following:
- Blood-borne pathogens certificate
- Government-issued ID
- 2x2 passport photo
- Pay an annual registration fee
There’s good news for those who want to offer microblading in multiple locations and across multiple counties in California, too. All you have to do is register in each county that you plan to work in.
Becoming a Permanent Makeup Artist in California
If you want to take things a step further, you can get licensed as a permanent makeup artist (PMU). This route is slightly more specialized than becoming a body art practitioner and allows you to perform long-lasting or permanent pigment to the skin, such as eyeliner, in addition to microblading services.
To obtain your PMU license, you will need to complete professional training by enrolling in a program that covers all the pertinent skills, techniques, and products you will use. Much like becoming a body art practitioner, you will also need to complete bloodborne pathogen training.
Once you have completed both of these things, you will need to pass an exam to receive your certification. Included in the exam are sections involving safety and sanitation. Then, you can submit your application and other necessary documents to receive your license.
Tips for Aspiring Microblading Artists in California
If you’re an aspiring microblading artist, you will want to set yourself up for success from the very beginning. Some of the best things you can do to prepare yourself for a bright future in microblading are utilizing resources and study tools to expand your knowledge, learning from an experienced professional who is already in the industry, and paying attention to market trends, products, and innovations.
You should also consider investing in microblading insurance. Microblading insurance protects you and your business from accidents, mistakes, and other unfortunate incidents that could lead to legal issues and financial consequences.
Plus, you don’t need to wait until after you’ve secured your certifications. Microblading liability insurance can protect you and your future during the learning and training phases of your career. It’s never too early to invest in yourself by finding a comprehensive beauty insurance policy.
Microblading is an exciting niche of the beauty industry, and becoming an expert in it can transform your beauty biz for the better.
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