an interview with Hapatitis SA
Written by: Sara Mac @ohmybrow.com.au
The cosmetic/beauty tattooing– how long has it been a thing? When did it become more widespread?
Cosmetic tattooing, better known as permanent makeup, has deep historical roots that stretch back centuries. However, the modern form of this practice began to gain traction in the late 1980s. Despite its early adoption, it has only become more mainstream and a socially normalised procedure in the last decade.
Initially, cosmetic tattooing was predominantly performed in traditional tattoo parlours. This environment could be intimidating for some, given the robust equipment and association with biker culture. These factors made permanent makeup a bold statement, often perceived as alternative or edgy.
As the popularity of permanent makeup grew, beauticians started to adopt and refine these techniques, bringing a touch of artistry and finesse to the practice. However, the industry still faces challenges in establishing a consistent market presence. Many procedures are performed at home, which can create a perception of informality. In reality, permanent makeup is a cosmetic procedure that benefits greatly from a clinical setting.
Today, the field of permanent beauty has evolved significantly. We see an incredible standard of work being produced, making cosmetic tattooing more glamorous and sought after. The past few years have brought a surge in industry resources, with a broader selection of high-quality pigments and comprehensive training programs. This has made it more accessible for new professionals to enter the field with proper training, rather than experimental exploration.
What first got you interested in becoming a Permanent Makeup Artist?
After a significant life change and a tough separation, I found myself at a crossroads. I had just sold my event management business and was searching for a new career that would ignite my passion, allow me to be artistic, and offer flexibility as a full-time single mum. My journey into the cosmetic tattoo industry was sparked by some deeply personal experiences.
During my search for a new direction, I encountered the harsh realities of the Permanent Make-Up industry. I had my brows botched not once, but twice, by so-called 'brow artists' who were highly rated but delivered subpar results. These experiences left me with uneven, too-dark brows and irreversible scarring. It was a wake-up call about the industry's lack of regulation and quality control.
These frustrating experiences became the catalyst for OHMYBROW. I recognised a significant gap in the market and saw an opportunity to offer a superior service. Leveraging my business acumen, I set a goal to capture market share within three years. In 2018, I poured my entire savings into mastering the art of permanent makeup. But my vision extended beyond just technical skill; I was committed to providing a first-class service that exceeded the minimal standards in the industry.
Since then, OHMYBROW has serviced over 5000 clients and garnered an impressive 360 five-star reviews on Google. The clinic's success has necessitated three relocations due to growth, and we now operate from a state-of-the-art facility on Hawker Street, Brompton. This journey has not only fulfilled my professional aspirations but also allowed me to create a thriving business that I'm incredibly proud of, as we approach our seventh anniversary.
What got you interested in the safety aspects of this industry, particularly in relation to blood safety and BBVs?
My interest in elevating health and blood safety standards in the cosmetic tattoo industry stems from a series of troubling experiences and observations. Let me explain…
When I had my eyebrows tattooed, it was a traumatising experience. But, what really scared me was the huge gap in professional conduct and health standards that should be given for this kind of treatment. There were numerous red flags. There was no consultation, no service forms, and no treatment guidance. I was lying on a fold-out massage table in the dining room of a family home, with the sound of children screaming and pets interacting with me. The lady treating me sat on a faux fur stool, and I never saw her wash her hands between clients. Asking questions felt like an inconvenience to her, and the entire service lasted a mere 20 minutes. For a $700 treatment that involved skin breakage, the level of unprofessionalism was shocking. My second experience was no better, raising even more red flags and making me wonder why society, including the long line of women waiting their turn, were okay with such low operational standards.
Then, when I decided to start my career as a permanent makeup artist, I was appalled by the lack of regulation and the difficulty in finding clear legal compliance or service guidelines. There were no mandatory qualifications, no infection control requirements, and no need to notify the council. The training I eventually found was only two days long, leaving me more confused than ever. This was when I realised the issue at hand was much more prevalent.
So, I set out on a journey to develop my own training while learning the craft myself. My goal was to create materials that answered all the questions I had during my quest for competency. There were significant gaps to fill, particularly in clinical etiquette. During this time, I took on the responsibility of creating education that would revolutionise and eventually become the backbone of our industry.
Lastly, my passion for advocating higher industry standards, especially in health and blood safety, was solidified when I began teaching at my academy. Despite including Blood Borne Pathogens and Infection Control training in my workshops, I still witnessed alarming behaviour. One student, ready to treat her first real model, had set up her station with a microblading tool she had used on pig skin during practice. She didn’t see an issue with this until I explained the risks, after which she replaced the tool but didn’t think to change the entire station. In addition, I've seen students drop items on the floor and continue using them, touch other students contaminated trolleys, and neglect the essential protective coverings for reusable items. It was incredibly challenging to instil even the most basic hygiene practices into the artists. If they did this in front of me, a trainer, imagine what they might do behind closed doors.
These experiences inspired me to develop comprehensive health guidelines and a specialised bloodborne pathogens course for PMU professionals.
What makes our Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) course different? How much does it cost?
What sets our BBP course apart is its unique focus on the specific needs of the PMU industry. Unlike generic BBP courses, ours is tailored specifically for permanent makeup artists. We address the unique risks and scenarios that PMU professionals encounter, ensuring the training is relevant and immediately applicable.
Our course includes real-world examples and scenarios that PMU artists face in their day-to-day work. This practical approach ensures that the information is not only theoretical but also effective and usable in real-life situations.
Moreover, I firmly believe that information prioritising health and safety should be readily accessible to everyone. To protect your clients and your reputation, as well as to contribute to raising the standards of the entire industry, our BBP course is offered for FREE. This ensures that cost is not a barrier to obtaining the crucial education needed to maintain the highest standards of safety and professionalism.
Offering specialised training for permanent makeup artists is all about forging a prosperous future for the tattoo industry.
What advice would you give other PMU artists looking to make health and safety improvements in their business?
To other PMU artists looking to enhance health and safety in their businesses, my advice is multifaceted:
Educate Yourself Thoroughly: Ensure you have a solid understanding of bloodborne pathogens, infection control, and proper sanitation practices. Continuous education is key; make sure you and your staff complete BBP training annually. Stay connected to local organisations and associations to keep updated with the latest standards and guidelines.
Create and Follow Strict Protocols: Develop comprehensive health and safety protocols for your studio. This includes proper sterilisation of tools, use of disposable materials when possible, and strict hand hygiene. Ensure these protocols are non-negotiable and consistently followed. Additionally, develop an exposure control plan and educate yourself and workers on their obligations around protecting themselves and others.
Set Up a Clinical Environment: PMU procedures require a clean, professional setting. A home environment isn't suitable. Your workspace should emulate a clinical space to instil trust and comfort in your clients. Regularly disinfect all surfaces and create a layout that minimises cross-contamination.
Lead by Example: The lack of regulation does not absolve us from the responsibility of setting and upholding high standards. It is imperative to model the behaviour you expect from others and to be the catalyst for positive change in the industry. Always adhere to and demonstrate best practices in hygiene and safety, even if no one is watching.
Originally Published: https://hepatitissa.asn.au/