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   –NCIPC

I receive numerous calls from prospective clients that want to know what to look for when selecting a Technician for Permanent Makeup procedures. There are many different approaches Technicians take in 'marketing' themselves and those in the industry know what's real and what you should look out for. I'll list my personal recommendations for you to consider.

1. Training - Where and when did they receive their initial training? The 'approved' (see more on this below) classes are usually 5 days and include hands on (actual procedures). There are 2-3 day classes, some are observation only, no work on live models, and are designed to give the 'technician' a certificate (for a fee). Most schools award 'certificates of completion', and if they bestow a 'Certification' title, it is theirs alone - not part or the two organizations mentioned below.
2. Certification - Is the technician 'certified'? There are two organizations that support and guide the Permanent Cosmetics Professionals. The American Academy of Micropigmentation (AAM) offers a 'Board Certification' and the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals (SPCP) has just initiated a 'Certified Permanent Cosmetic Professional' (CPCP) certification.
   
3. Method of applying pigments - What method do they use? There are two methods of applying Permanent Makeup - machine & hand. The machine method uses a rotary pen or traditional 'tattoo' coil machine. The second method is the hand method, where the technician uses a hand technique to tap the pigment into the skin. Both methods are 'approved' by the two leading organizations for Permanent Cosmetics (AAM & SPCP).
   
4. Fees - What are the fees and what does the fee include? Be cautious of low fees, as we all know we usually don't get any more than what we pay for and there are legitimate rates for performing these procedures. Be sure to understand if the fee includes a 'free' follow-up or if this is a one time visit. Touch-up fees are appropriate after the initial procedure has been completed and are usually at a lower rate than the initial procedure. These may occur as soon as 6 months, but if too much time has passed since the original procedure, the visit may be considered a 'new procedure' (and comes with a 'free' follow-up). Many technicians bill at an hourly rate. Reputable technicians use this to ensure they are able to get the work done right and the client pays for just the work they receive (which is to the client's advantage).
   
5. Pigments - What pigments do they use and how many colors will we be choosing from at my procedure? The pigments used in Permanent Cosmetics are FDA approved colorants and they start with the same 'raw materials' that are used in commercial cosmetics. There is NO ink used in Permanent Makeup, though I have consulted with clients that have received Black Ink Makeup from previous technicians.
   
6. Website Photos - Some look great and some are OK - any advice? Websites can be alluring, with photos clipped from industry brochures, models posing for photos and actual procedure photos taken by the technician. The bottom line is don't judge someone's work by their website alone. I've had a few clients comment that they had wished they had come to me 1st, but went somewhere else because someone else's pictures looked better. We've all bought clothes that looked great in the catalog - same deal. Schedule a complimentary consultation and look at their portfolio. Most technicians will be able to show you photos on a TV screen or computer monitor also. If you are ever in doubt, don't jump into the procedure the same day.
   
7. Insurance - Are they insured? Technicians completing approved courses may purchase insurance from two organizations specializing in insuring the Cosmetic Professionals. I do not know why any technician would pursue this work without having insurance - for their own benefit and the benefit of the client.
   
8. Record Keeping - How long do you keep records for? May I get information on my previous procedures in the future, if needed? Insured technicians are required to keep records as part of their insurance requirement. If you ever have work done by a different technician, they may need to know what colors were previously used. Board Certified (AAM) technicians are required to maintain these records as part of their certification. If you are denied your information, you should contact the AAM or SPCP, as appropriate.
   
9. Advanced Training - Has the technician had any advanced training and when was this training done? Some technicians have taken an initial course and went right to work with no further training. Many technicians attend workshops annually to learn new techniques and take advanced (para-medical) training. The more training and experience your technician has completed, the more likely their expertise in Permanent Cosmetics is at the top of the industry.
   
10. Doctor's office or Private Salon - There are very few doctors actually doing Permanent Cosmetic Procedures, but many offices offer these services to expand their client and income base. Usually the technician rents the space and is an independent contractor, using the office image to attract clientele. For the technician, this is advantageous as they often do not need to outfit their workspace, schedule clients and can benefit from advertising (brochures, etc). There are many technicians doing great work out of doctor's offices. The Private Salon setting is set-up to the same health standards and allows the technician to manage their business themselves. All studios and doctors offices receive annual inspection from the Local Board of Health or similar agency. Private studios are often more spacious, due to the lower operating costs versus a doctor's office. Appointments in a private studio may not be as rushed as in a doctor's office, where back to back scheduling is a norm - again due to the higher operating costs.