How do you become a licensed PMU?

Author: Twila Lockman  |  Last update: Thursday, October 9, 2025

While specific licensing and training requirements can vary by state, most states have mandated that permanent makeup artists complete roughly 1,000 hours of classroom or on-the-job esthetician training and pass a written exam to demonstrate proficiency.

How to get your PMU license?

Licenses Required in California
  1. Obtaining a practitioner license.
  2. Completing a Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Training Program.
  3. Providing proof of hepatitis B vaccination.
  4. Undergoing a period of practical training, typically around 6 months.

What is required to do permanent makeup in Texas?

To obtain a license for a permanent makeup business in Texas, the owner must submit an application to the DSHS, along with a fee, and pass a criminal background check. The business must also meet certain requirements for sanitation and sterilization, as well as have a certain level of insurance.

Is being a PMU artist worth it?

While income for PMU artists can vary greatly depending on factors like experience, location, and client base, on average, PMU artists can expect to earn, minimally between $50,000 to $100,000per year. Some experienced PMU artists who have built a strong reputation and clientele can earn significantly more.

Do you have to be an esthetician to be a permanent makeup artist?

From looking up online you wouldn't need an esthetics license but you would need a permanent makeup license which falls in the same department as tattoo artists and body piercers. So technically, no you don't need to be a licensed esthetician to do permanent makeup.

PMU Artist | Questions Answered | Getting Licensed and Certified The EASY Way

Can estheticians do lip blushing?

“It's typically done in numerous sessions until you get the results you want.” Lip blushing is usually performed by a licensed tattoo artist or an esthetician.

How do I become a self employed makeup artist?

How to become a makeup artist
  1. Step 1: Research the industry. ...
  2. Step 2: Enrol in a makeup course. ...
  3. Step 3: Practice, practice, practice. ...
  4. Step 4: Network and build relationships. ...
  5. Step 5: Gain work experience. ...
  6. Step 6: Build up your makeup kit. ...
  7. Step 7: Obtain insurance. ...
  8. Step 8: Set up your business.

How much does PMU apprenticeship cost?

We offer an apprenticeship program where you will be working on additional models under supervision. The cost is $400 per model if you took the fundamentals course with us, or at $550 per model if you took the course elsewhere.

Can PMU do tattoos?

Many PMU artists view tiny tattooing as a way to add to their repertoire rather than a radical shift in their career path. These small, simple designs often complement the primary services they offer, such as microblading or eyeliner tattooing.

Can you learn PMU online?

Golden Brows® Online Academy offers extensive permanent makeup training from the comfort of home. We provide advanced courses for the popular microblading and ombre eyebrows, tinted lips, dusty eyeliner and others. You will learn from master trainers who have over a decade of experience in the PMU industry.

What beauty services can you do without a license in Texas?

The beauty industry provides many services that don't require formal licensing, making it an accessible field for aspiring professionals.
  • Makeup Application. ...
  • Hair Styling (Non-Cutting Services) ...
  • Nail Art (Non-Cutting Services) ...
  • Eyelash Extensions. ...
  • Facial and Body Waxing. ...
  • Spray Tanning. ...
  • Research and Training.

Is it illegal to tattoo at home in Texas?

(b) The "Tattoo and Certain Body Piercing Studio Act," Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 146. (c) No person may cause, suffer or allow the operation, management, or maintenance of a tattoo and certain body piercing studio and temporary location without a license issued in accordance with these sections.

Is permanent makeup in high demand?

Permanent makeup offers numerous benefits for both professionals and clients: Growing Industry Demand: The rising popularity of PMU means there's a constant demand for skilled technicians who can deliver high-quality results.

Can you do PMU from home?

State licensing is a crucial factor to consider when deciding whether to do permanent makeup at home. While some states permit individuals to perform permanent makeup from their homes, others may require that you have a professional license and work from a licensed facility.

How long does it take to learn PMU?

Steps to Becoming a Licensed PMU Artist in California

Professional Training: Enroll in a comprehensive PMU training program that covers the latest techniques and products. Programs typically last 6 months or 300 hours, focusing on essential skills like applying topical anesthetics and permanent cosmetic applications.

Is PMU a good career?

One of the key advantages of being a PMU artist is attractive earnings. Knowing the prices of permanent makeup treatments, it's easy to see that it is a financially viable career path. This profession also offers great flexibility.

What is the difference between PMU and SPMU?

Put simply, there is no difference between permanent makeup and semi-permanent makeup. They are two interchangeable terms to describe the same treatment. PMU or SPMU covers the broad spectrum of treatments carried out via a digital machine or microblading hand tool, for example brows, eyes, lips, areola and scalp.

Do I need a license to pierce my ears?

Most states and studios require body piercers to complete and maintain a series of health certifications because of the nature of their work. Body piercers must follow strict hygiene practices and are responsible for both their client's and their own safety during piercings.

Is PMU a cosmetology?

PMU artists are tattoo artists. Your cosmetology training is a bonus but has no legal/required purpose in this industry.

Are most tattoo apprenticeships paid?

One of the drawbacks about tattoo apprenticeships is that they're usually not paid, which means you're trading months or years of labor for your tattoo education. While this may work for some, those with heavy financial obligations may find it challenging to find the time to apprentice and support themselves.

Do you need a license to do makeup at home?

In general, if you are looking to work in the freelance field, most states will not require a license, due to the non-specific terms for applying only makeup on a professional level, and will allow you to work as a professional (freelance) Makeup Artist in the film, television, entertainment, or private client track as ...

Can I do makeup as a side hustle?

Yes! Congratulations! Being a makeup artist is amazing, scary, fun, daunting, competitive, cut-throat, and oh-so-rewarding. But starting your makeup artist business – even if it's as a side hustle – can be a little challenging, especially if you have never worked with it before.

Do permanent makeup artists make money?

$29,600 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $41,400 is the 75th percentile.

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