Microblading and permanent makeup treatments of eyebrows and full color lip are becoming mainstream.  Hence, there is a larger influx of permanent makeup artists in the field. So how can you choose the best one for you?  There are many different criteria to consider such as training and credentials, experience and knowledge, friendliness and comfort level you have with the practitioner, and last but not least, licensing of artist and operating facility.  Below is what you should know and highly consider.

Training and Credentials

• Artist should be certified by an accredited training institution.  Artist could very well received training from anyone, or any facility and have a printed certificate.  You should consider artists that are board certified by the American Academy of Micropigmentation (AAM), which is a national board certification of practitioners and trainers “through rigorous due diligence and testing certifies permanent makeup professionals.”  You can find a listing of qualified artist on its website: https://www.micropigmentation.org/find-practitioner-#/
• Another designation is the The Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals (SPCP). Its “membership represents professionals in the industry who are dedicated to promoting the ideals and standards of the SPCP, offering permanent cosmetics that are conducted in accordance with safety standards specific to the permanent cosmetic process, and those who stay abreast of and participate in industry activities.”  For indication of the artist’s membership, look for the SPCP logo on the artist’s website, or certificate at the artist’s facility.
• There are several other credible credentials in the field such as PhiBrows, PhiContour, BioTouch or Deluxe Brows for example.  However, certificates of attendance is not sufficient as it merely indicates the artists have only attended but may not have achieved the passing of all requirements, such as apprenticeship hours and submitted assignments, for actual completed certifications.
• Choose artists that have multiple credentials as it indicates their qualification and dedication in the field, as well as continuing education.
• Places that specializes in the service that you are seeking is highly recommended.  For example, would you have burger at a taco place?  With the same idea, would you rather have microblading done at a hair, nail, spa salon, or at a specialized microblading studio?  The answer, obviously, is you would want eyebrows done at a microblading studio because it dedicated and specialized in a particular service and there is more focus, distinction, attention to detail, generally more knowledge or expertise and, hence, a greater chance of getting the result you are looking for.

Experience and Knowledge

• Choose artist with a minimum of 3 years of experience.  Don’t be afraid to ask the artist about him or herself, background info, how they started in the profession, what inspired them, etc.  Get a consultation appointment to know about the artist and ensure you feel comfortable with the artist and the facility.
• Choose an artist with a work website, which could provide substantial information to the client about the artist and about the place of practice. 
• Ensure that the place of practice is a credible establishment.  Take time to view the business licenses, permits, and credentials when you visit the facility.
• Examine the artist’s portfolio of work.  Look closely at the photo details.  Are the lines smooth, soft, crisp, etc.?  Be aware of photoshopped and filtered images, especially in today’s age of photo apps!  Also, ensure the gallery of work is large, as opposed to just minimal number of images.  Some artists have only a small portfolio of work, so they add in non-relevant photos, also known as “fill-in” images, or the use of stock images to make it appear like a bigger gallery than it really is.
• Be aware that some practitioners may have many years of experience, or have great credentials, such as someone who used to be a nurse, or even a doctor, but their style of work may not suite your taste.  Just because someone has a seemingly qualified background, or have done the work for many years, does not mean that they are good at what they do.  

• It is best if you were referred by a friend.  Otherwise, find an artist with many reviews on Google, Yelp, Facebook, etc.  Read closely into what each review indicates about the artist and examine their work closely.

Comfort Level

• Have a comfort level with your artist.  After all, you are putting your beauty at risk in the hands of the practitioner.  See how courteous, friendly, caring, and attention to detail the artist is because their action(s), which could be a reflection of who they are and how their work is.

Licensing and Insurance

•  Ensure that the artist is licensed, which usually is called tattoo license or body art license.  In addition to the artist having a license, the facility must also to be licensed as well.  Many facilities appears to be permitted, but they are not.  Many states do not permit nail or hair salons to provide microblading and permanent makeup service in the same facility due to health and hygiene reasons, unless the two spaces are distinctly separated, such as facility divider wall.  Check with the local health department in your state.
• Hair and nail salons may have insurance coverage for hair and nails but may not have for microblading and permanent makeup unless salon owners are conscientiousness to obtain the needed additional insurance.  Specialized studios of microblading and permanent makeup are more assured of having the necessary insurance coverage.  Generally speaking, specialized places have better quality of work than establishments that only provide permanent makeup treatment as an “add-on”, or as a side service.