Safety in Permanent Makeup: What Every Client Should Know

When clients seek permanent makeup in Las Vegas, they’re often focused on the final result—perfectly shaped brows, defined eyes, or softly tinted lips that enhance their natural beauty. But behind every stunning transformation lies a critical, non-negotiable foundation: safety.

As a licensed instructor, trainer, and practitioner in the permanent makeup industry, I’ve spent years educating artists on the protocols that protect both client and technician. True artistry is only possible when it’s grounded in science, sanitation, and ethical responsibility. Unfortunately, not all technicians are trained to the same standard—and many clients don’t know what to look for when evaluating a provider.

This article outlines the essential safety practices every client should expect from their artist, and why these protocols are the hallmark of the best permanent makeup artist.

Why Safety Comes First in Permanent Makeup

Permanent makeup is a form of tattooing. It involves implanting pigment into the dermal layer of the skin using needles or microblades. Because the skin is your body’s largest organ—and your first line of defense against infection—every procedure must be approached with the same level of care and sterility as a minor medical treatment.

The risks of improper hygiene or poor technique include infection, allergic reactions, pigment migration, scarring, and long-term skin damage. These risks are preventable when proper protocols are followed.

Infection Control and Bloodborne Pathogen Training

One of the most critical components of safety in permanent makeup is infection control. While not all states require Bloodborne Pathogen Certification, it should be a baseline requirement for every practicing artist.

In Clark County, Nevada—where I operate and train artists—I developed a Bloodborne Pathogen and Infection Control Certification Program approved by the Southern Nevada Health District. This program is mandatory for anyone seeking an apprentice card to begin training in permanent makeup in Las Vegas, and it must be renewed with each license cycle.

This course, which I offer free of charge to all artists (regardless of where they trained), is designed to raise the industry standard. It adheres to OSHA and CDC guidelines and is tailored specifically to the unique needs of permanent makeup professionals. Topics include:

• Proper sanitation and disinfection procedures

• Cross-contamination prevention

• Safe handling and disposal of sharps

• Understanding bloodborne pathogens and how they spread

• Personal protective equipment (PPE) protocols

• Client safety and emergency response

Common Safety Mistakes in the PMU Industry

Social media has glamorized permanent makeup, but many of the videos circulating online fail to show proper hygiene practices. Here are some of the most common—and concerning—mistakes I see:

1. Hair Not Secured

Hair must always be tied back and away from the face. Loose hair can easily contaminate sterile fields. If a technician touches their hair while wearing gloves, those gloves are no longer sterile and must be replaced immediately.

2. Long or Artificial Nails

Acrylic and long natural nails are not appropriate for sterile procedures. Studies from Johns Hopkins, the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA), and the NIH have shown that long nails harbor bacteria even under gloves. They can also puncture gloves, compromising the barrier between technician and client. Hospitals prohibit them for this reason—and so should PMU studios.

3. Inappropriate Attire

Street clothes have no place in a sterile workspace. I require all students and staff to wear scrubs or lab coats during procedures. This minimizes the risk of bringing outside contaminants into the treatment area.

4. Improper Mask Use

Masks are not just for illness—they help maintain a clean environment and prevent distractions caused by odors or breath. However, if either the technician or client is sick, the appointment should be rescheduled. Health always comes first.

My Studio’s Safety Protocols: A Gold Standard

At my studio, safety is not an afterthought—it is the foundation of every service. Here’s what clients can expect from a procedure performed by a licensed, trained, and certified professional:

Single-Use, Sterile Equipment

All needles and cartridges are pre-sterilized, individually packaged, and clearly labeled with expiration dates. They are opened in front of the client and disposed of immediately after use.

Quality Pigments

I use only pigments from reputable manufacturers with transparent ingredient lists and traceable production standards. These pigments are tested for safety and stability and are compliant with industry regulations.

Sanitized Treatment Areas

Treatment tables are covered with disposable medical paper and thoroughly disinfected between each client. All surfaces are wiped down with hospital-grade disinfectants.

Proper Glove Protocol

Hands are washed thoroughly before gloving. If I need to step away from the procedure for any reason, gloves are removed and replaced upon return. I also wear gloves during the design and mapping phase—long before the needle touches the skin—because infection control begins the moment the appointment starts.

Sharps Disposal

Used needles are placed directly into a medical-grade sharps container. These containers are collected and incinerated by a licensed medical waste disposal company.

Aftercare: The Final Step in Client Safety

Safety doesn’t end when the procedure is complete. Proper aftercare is essential to prevent infection, support healing, and ensure long-term pigment retention. Every client receives detailed, written aftercare instructions tailored to their procedure. These guidelines cover:

• How to clean and moisturize the area

• What to avoid (e.g., sun exposure, sweating, makeup)

• When to resume normal skincare routines

• Signs of complications and when to seek help

Following these after care instructions is just as important as the procedure itself. It protects your investment and your health.

Choosing the Right Artist: What to Ask

When selecting a permanent makeup artist in Las Vegas, don’t rely solely on before-and-after photos. Ask the following questions:

• Are you licensed and also are you certified in bloodborne pathogen safety?

• What pigments and tools do you SPCP board certified and licensed?

• Are you

• How do you sterilize and sanitize your workspace?

• Do you provide written aftercare instructions?

A true professional will welcome these questions and answer them with confidence and transparency.

Final Thoughts

The best permanent makeup artist is not just a skilled technician—they are a safety advocate, an educator, and a guardian of your health. Beautiful results are only possible when built on a foundation of trust, hygiene, and professional integrity.

Whether you’re new to permanent makeup or considering a touch-up, prioritize safety above all else. Your skin deserves nothing less.