Ink4Girls PERMANENT MAKEUP
because only the best will do

Safety in Permanent Makeup: What Clients Need to Know

A beautiful, long-lasting result is the goal of every permanent makeup client. You want your brows, eyeliner, or lips to look stunning and to stand the test of time — and that’s absolutely the goal.
But there’s another crucial factor that should always come first: safety.
As an instructor and trainer in the permanent makeup industry for many years, I’ve learned to view safety from every possible angle — because I teach it. Many clients don’t realize how much goes into proper hygiene, infection control, and pigment safety during a PMU procedure. And unfortunately, not every technician has the proper training or licensing background to understand these details.
This is why infection control, cross-contamination prevention, and understanding pigment ingredients and manufacturing standards are essential. After all, these pigments are being implanted into your skin — your largest organ.

Infection Control and Bloodborne Pathogen Training
Let’s start with one of the most critical topics: infection control.
Not every state requires Bloodborne Pathogen Certification, but it should be mandatory everywhere. I personally developed a Bloodborne Pathogen and Infection Control Certification Program approved by the Southern Nevada Health District.
This program is required to obtain an apprentice card to begin permanent makeup training in Clark County, Nevada (Las Vegas). It must also be renewed each time a PMU artist renews their license. I offer this certification free of charge to all artists — even those I haven’t personally trained — as a public service to raise the standard of safety in our industry.
The course follows OSHA and CDC guidelines specifically for permanent makeup safety, covering everything from sanitation procedures to contamination prevention.

Common Safety Mistakes in Permanent Makeup
Social media makes PMU look glamorous, but not every video demonstrates good hygiene. Here are a few red flags and common mistakes:

• Hair must always be pulled back. Long, loose hair can easily contaminate your workspace. Once you touch your hair with gloved hands, your gloves are no longer sterile.

• No long artificial or acrylic nails. Studies from Johns Hopkins, SHEA/IDSA/APIC Practice Recommendations  as well as NIH published reports show that long or acrylic nails harbor bacteria even under gloves. Also, the long nails can puncture a glove.  That’s why hospitals ban them for nurses and staff. 

• Dress appropriately. I require all my students to wear scrubs or lab coats — street clothes don’t belong in a sterile environment.

• Masks matter. Masks aren’t just for sickness; they help maintain professionalism and prevent odors from distracting the client. But remember — if you or your client are sick, reschedule.
  
   

My Personal Safety and Infection Control Process
At my studio, safety is never an afterthought. Every procedure follows strict medical-grade standards to protect both artist and client. Here’s what that looks like:

• All needles and cartridges are single-use. I only use pre-sterilized, individually packaged tools with clear expiration dates.

• Pigments from trusted manufacturers. I only use brands with traceable manufacturing standards and proper labeling.

• Sanitized surfaces. Treatment tables are always covered with disposable medical paper, changed and disinfected between each client.

• Proper glove protocol. I wash hands before gloving, and if I need to step away, I remove and replace gloves every time.

• Sharps disposal. Used needles go directly into a medical-grade sharps container, which is safely picked up and incinerated by a medical waste company.

I even glove up for the brow design and mapping stage — long before a needle touches the skin — because infection control begins the moment the appointment starts.

Aftercare: The Final Step of Safety
Safety doesn’t stop when the procedure ends. After each appointment, clients receive detailed aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing and long-term results. Following these directions prevents complications and keeps your new permanent makeup looking its best.
Final Thoughts
The best permanent makeup results come from more than artistry — they come from a commitment to safety, sanitation, and science. A true professional prioritizes your health every step of the way.
When choosing your permanent makeup artist, don’t just look at their photos. Ask about their training, certifications, and infection control practices.
Because while beauty matters, safety matters most.

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