Permanent Makeup Schools in Maryland

Browse our directory of permanent makeup schools in Maryland, or skip ahead to learn about the state's permanent makeup licensing requirements and job outlook.

How to Become a Permanent Makeup Artist in Maryland

A fast-growing segment of the beauty industry is the professional application of permanent makeup. This is an option selected by some people for a number of different reasons. Perhaps most often, it is chosen because people are seeking an alternative to the application of cosmetic products such as eyeliner, eyebrow pencil, and lip liner, at least once a day. Also, replenishing these cosmetics regularly gets costly over time, so why not find a permanent solution that saves you both time and money and makes you look great? People also turn to permanent makeup for cosmetic reconstruction reasons.

Perhaps they have had surgery, or medical treatment that has negatively impacted their appearance. Permanent makeup may be able to restore a look of normalcy in some of these instances, such as constructing an aereola after surgery to the breast. Permanent makeup application is a process that involves injecting pigments under the skin in selected areas to tone the skin area permanently. It is also known as tattooing, micropigmentation, or dermapigmentation.

State License Requirements

Permanent makeup is not part of cosmetology licensure in Maryland. As a result, no formal education is required for those wanting to work as permanent makeup artists. Each county and city is allowed to set its own requirements for tattoo parlors and tattoo artists, so you may need training in bloodborne pathogens and sterilization to work in certain parts of Maryland.

Education Details

People coming from different backgrounds choose to enter programs in permanent makeup. It is often taught at schools of cosmetology, hair dressing, and hair styling and generally takes from three to six months. Practitioners of tattoo artistry may wish to add permanent makeup to their repertoire, their training may take less time, and it may consist largely of an apprencticeship. And some medical professionals such as doctors and nurses may add this skill to their portfolio in order to be able to offer more services to their patients. In these programs you will learn about skin anatomy and physiology, and how to use the tools to apply permanent makeup. You will also find out how to sterilize and sanitize your equipment. You will need to complete training in bloodborne pathogens as well as safety and first aid training. You will need to be licensed by the state according to the regulations that govern the practice of tattoo artistry.

License Renewal

Since Maryland does not require permanent makeup artists to obtain any form of licensure you won't have to go through a renewal process. However, you will need to set up your business with the state. Regardless of the lack of state requirements, you are responsible for ensuring you find the best training. Your clients will have high expectations for your quality of work, and assume that you have been trained, and understand the health hazards. Be sure you're ready. Your next step is finding a permanent makeup artist training course.

Maryland Permanent Makeup Careers

Cosmetologists, hair dressers, and hair stylists in Maryland earned an average yearly income of $25,400 in 2013. As a permanent makeup artist, you will be practicing a specialty skill that not everyone possess and thus may be in a position to command a higher fee. Your years of experience and reputation, as well as where you work will all affect the income you can earn. The demand for cosmetologists is expected to grow between 8% and 14% from 2010 to 2020, meaning there should be an adequate number of jobs for people graduating from programs in permanent makeup.

Most permanent makeup artists start out working at a spa or salon, or sometimes at a tattoo salon. You will need a private room or area where you can see clients and work with concentration, without being disturbed, as applying permanent makeup is exacting work that requires a steady hand and focused attention. Some permanent makeup artists may work in medical facilities such as clinics or doctor's offices, where they offer their services to patients of the medical practice. These are usually cosmetic restoration services where flaws are camouflaged or missing parts reconstructed to enhance appearance and self-esteem. Most of your work will be by appointment, which means you will have some control over your schedule and should have some flexibility to work your schedule around your private life. It is likely that you will need to work some evening and weekend hours as that may be when your clients are available. Still, you should be able to work either full or part time.

For beauticians in Maryland, makeup presents a new world of expression. To that end, stylists are now working with more progressive techniques that include permanent makeup to rave reviews. Future professionals aim to learn more about that through these institutions.

Maryland Board of Cosmetologists
Professional Beauty Association
National Interstate Council of Board of Cosmetology