What does it take to formalize a permanent makeup business?

The rules for formalizing establishments of this kind can vary greatly.

There are a lot of questions about what is needed to work safely, responsibly and legalized with dermopigmentation, micropigmentation, microblading, or other analogous procedures, which we usually just call permanent makeup procedures.

Because of that, I decided to write a short article on the topic, considering what I know about the North American reality and its particularities.

This is because, although I am Brazilian and have worked in my home country for a long time, I had to adapt my modus operandi when I decided to embark on the possibilities that another homeland offered me.

In Brazil, things are a bit different. If your goal is to open a business in this country, I urge you to seek information from the competent bodies and thus ensure the welfare not only of your client, but of all your staff.

If you already work with permanent makeup procedures in Brazil and want to come to the United States to work, you need to know that it is not enough just to “get a license”.

There are several rules that must be obeyed to be able to work formally. I suggest you contact the U.S. embassy and offices specializing in immigration processes and then start planning.

On my YouTube channel, I talked about how I got the green card and what it means for you who want to leave your country, start entrepreneurship, and create a life in the United States. If you want, click here to watch the video.

Having said that, let's go:

What are the requirements tô acquire a permanent makeup license

In the United States, the requirements vary depending on the state in which the person is located - and, of course, where they want to open their establishment. Because of this, there may be a difference between documents and rules for opening a permanent makeup business.

Since microblading, dermopigmentation and micropigmentation are what we call cosmetic tattoos, it is quite common that, to work in a formal way with these specialties, it is necessary to adapt to the norms that also apply to artistic tattoos.

In Alabama, for example, it is necessary for the dermopigmentation professional to be associated or work in a space that has a license to do what we call body art. If the idea is to open your own space, you will need to secure this license yourself.

The parameters for managing spaces for this kind of procedure, in Alabama, are established in the Structural Guidelines for Body Art Facilities, which is available for consultation on the official website of the Alabama Department of Public Health.

As I have already mentioned, each state has its own rules. So, I suggest you check what the public health department of the place where you live has to say.

Relevant information for students of my dermopigmentation course in Florida:

where I have my clinic and my teaching center, there is also a set of rules to be obeyed.

According to the Florida Department of Health, to be able to do procedures related to permanent makeup - even if you are a student - you need:

• Take a preparatory course on specific pathologies, such as hepatitis B and C, syphilis, malaria, HIV and brucellosis, and pass a written exam where you must obtain at least 70% pass rate;

• Be at least 18 years old;

• Pay a fee, after filling out the mandatory registration form;

• List the spaces where dermopigmentation techniques will be applied. If the establishment does not have a license, it will be necessary to organize to apply for it and prepare for a formal inspection;

• Regardless of where you want to work, you need to apply for a dermopigmentators license (usually placed under the nickname "tattoo license") in the city and state where you have a permanent residence.

In one of my videos on my YouTube channel, I give you details about the procedures required for those who wish to become my student in Florida - and I calm the hearts of those who do not understand why it is necessary to take a license “only” to study. Click here to watch!

Do you have questions about anything and think I can help? Leave a comment - and let me know what you thought of this content.

Best regards,

Priscila Iwama