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Fine Line Tattooing by Permanent Makeup Artists: Pros and Cons, some more Cons and more Cons.

Writer's picture: Alex WilliamsonAlex Williamson

Well, here is another step for the tattoo industry that is going to have artists across the UK verbally pissing fire and lighting up Facebook statuses with anger that could melt your phone like an ice lolly in the Magaluf sun.


Part of me is thinking, 'What the actual f*ck', the other part is thinking, 'I'm going to make more money covering up a tonne of shit linework tattoo messes'.






In the ever-evolving world of tattoos, trends come and go like waves on a shoreline. One of the latest waves to hit the scene is the rise of fine line tattooing performed by permanent makeup artists. While the allure of delicate, intricate designs may be enticing to young, unsuspecting girls, there are significant issues lurking beneath the surface that clients need to be aware of.


First and foremost, let's address the elephant in the room: the training disparity between permanent makeup artists and traditional tattoo artists. While a seasoned tattoo artist may spend months or even years honing their craft, mastering the intricacies of clean fine-line work, many permanent makeup artists are diving headfirst into fine line tattooing after just a few days of training.


Yes, you read that right—two to three days. I couldn’t teach someone to draw or paint in 2 days… and that shit is only done on paper, not someone’s skin. What’s even worse… those training courses don’t have to involve training from an experienced fine line tattoo artist with years of experience and hundreds of tattoos under their belt; they don’t have to involve any tattoo artist of any kind at all. That means someone with little experience, or actual ability, can be training people in something that can be potentially negatively life-changing and self-esteem damaging.






The implications of this training gap are significant. Tattooing is an art form that requires not only technical skill but also a deep understanding of skin anatomy, sterilization techniques, and infection control. Yet, someone with only a weekend crash course under their belt could legally tattoo you, armed with little more than a rudimentary understanding of how to operate a tattoo machine and no real practice in putting in a line cleanly, which isn’t easy at all.


Now, anyone in the tattoo industry knows this is something that has plagued the industry for years... Spanner-Hands McShitprick, with no training or discernible talent opening a tattoo shop and within weeks apprenticing Arse-Hands McFucknut, who has less ability and zero standards. Spanner-Hands then goes on to teach Arse-Hands poor techniques, then they open a shop and a huge downward spiral of awful tattoos ensues. See what quality artists think is the best approach to fine line tattooing here.


This lack of regulation is where things start to get dicey. Unlike traditional tattooing, which is subject to stringent health and safety regulations in many regions, the field of permanent makeup isn’t regulated in the same way as tattooing and these 2 day courses are likely to give a false sense of knowledge and ability to the attendees who then go out and tattoo people immediately after. These tattoos are fully permanent too, not semi-permanent.


Let's paint a picture: you walk into a salon, eager to get that delicate floral design you've been dreaming of for years. The artist assures you they're qualified and experienced, but in reality, they've only had a weekend crash course in fine line tattooing. You close your eyes, hoping for the best, only to open them and find a botched mess staring back at you—a far cry from the Instagram-worthy masterpiece you envisioned. I’m already seeing them online… shockingly bad work on the arms of young, impressionable girls.


The truth is, fine line tattooing requires a level of skill and expertise that simply can't be acquired in a matter of days. It takes time, dedication, and a commitment to ongoing learning and improvement. While there are undoubtedly talented permanent makeup artists out there who have put in the work to master their craft, the lack of regulation in the industry leaves the door wide open for those who are ill-prepared and ill-equipped to be wielding tattoo machines. Even seasoned artists can struggle with fine lines, like on Ink Master... imagine someone with 2 DAYS training.


So, what's the solution? As clients, it's crucial to do your due diligence. Research your artist, ask about their training and experience, and don't be afraid to walk away if something doesn't feel right. As for the people ‘regulating’ the PMU industry and ‘accrediting’ these 2 days courses, I’d suggest a much more responsible approach, making sure the courses properly offer a structure that will provide high-quality training.


So,  while fine line tattooing by permanent makeup artists may be on the rise, it's essential to proceed with caution. The issues surrounding training, regulation, and oversight in the industry are cause for concern, and clients must be vigilant in ensuring they're entrusting their skin to capable hands. After all, a tattoo may be permanent, but the regret of a botched job lasts a lifetime.




Quality line work tattoo by Ellie Pearson Tattoo



Avoiding the Pitfalls: Quality Training and Collaboration


There’s some good news: there exists a potential path toward mitigating the risks and ensuring higher standards of quality. One key solution lies in rethinking the approach to training, both in terms of duration and collaboration.


Instead of condensing training into a mere two to three days, courses for fine line tattooing could be structured to span several sessions spread over the course of several months. This extended timeline would allow for more comprehensive instruction, giving aspiring artists the opportunity to learn and practice essential skills at a more manageable pace. By providing a more thorough and immersive learning experience, artists can better grasp the nuances of tattooing and develop the proficiency necessary to produce high-quality work.


Furthermore, there is immense value in collaboration between permanent makeup artists and experienced tattoo artists. By involving seasoned professionals from the tattooing industry in their courses, permanent makeup artists can benefit from their wealth of knowledge and expertise. These tattoo artists can provide valuable insights, guidance, and mentorship, helping to ensure that aspiring fine line tattooists receive the highest calibre of training possible.






Through this collaborative approach, permanent makeup artists can gain a deeper understanding of tattooing techniques, hygiene practices, and artistic principles, ultimately raising the overall standard of fine line tattooing. By bridging the gap between the worlds of permanent makeup and traditional tattooing, artists can cultivate a more cohesive and skilled community, better equipped to meet the demands and expectations of clients.


In conclusion, while the rise of fine line tattooing by permanent makeup artists presents challenges, there are steps that can be taken to address these issues and elevate the quality of training and practice. By reimagining training programs to be more comprehensive and collaborative, artists can acquire the skills and knowledge needed to produce exceptional work. Through continued dedication to education, innovation, and collaboration, the future of fine line tattooing can be one of excellence and integrity.


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