When Michelle and I were interviewing estheticians to join our team, we met one lady who referred to herself as a “Master”, which in our industry is a term usually reserved for those with the most advanced level of skill and experience. Alas when we studied her portfolio, she turned out to have done only 30 brow treatments in her entire “career”, yikes!
In New York City, all one needs is a tattoo license to practice permanent makeup. The license can be acquired after a 3-hour infection control seminar, a test, and a $100 fee. With such low barriers to entry, it’s no wonder that there are results that are a little cringe-worthy.
Here’s are some really good suggestions on How to Choose a Technician, from the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals: https://www.spcp.org/thinking-of-getting-a-cosmetic-tattoo/choosing-a-permanent-cosmetics-technician/
For our specialists, when we interview we look for three things: a steady hand, an eye for symmetry and color, a pleasant personality. Then we start training… two months of training just for our Bespoke Brow!
First our trainees draw brows, hundreds of them, stroke-by-stroke. They draw them for eight hours a day, five days a week, for three weeks; using a pencil then a blade, on paper and then on various surfaces: leather, mannequin heads, and yes, even bananas! We critique each stroke, each pair of brows.
When they are ready, they start to see training models, two or three a day, for another month. We give them a variety of model clients: skin and hair color, skin elasticity and tone, brow shapes.
And even after they graduate, Michelle and I review their work daily, providing on-the-job feedback and additional training when necessary. Working together keeps our standards high!
There are a good number of semi-permanent makeup practitioners in NYC whose work we respect. They freely share samples of their work with potential clients, and operate with high levels of professionalism.
So, do your research, ask questions, come in for consults. And then, do the treatment! With the right practitioner, you will love the results.
(That being said, Pick us! LOL)
— Ramon Padilla