Is an esthetician or cosmetologist license required to do microblading?

YES! In our beautiful state of Colorado, in order to perform ANY "semi-permanent" or permanent makeup including microblading, the practitioner/artist is required to be a licensed esthetician/cosmetologist. Additionally, the practitioner/artist needs to complete a 132-hour permanent makeup course.

The rules and regulations are set for by the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) and they updated the language over two years ago to include microblading in Section 9.5 on page 25 of the 30 page document.

The language reads:

PERMANENT OR SEMI-PERMANENT MAKEUP REQUIREMENTS FOR ESTHETICIANS AND COSMETOLOGISTS

A. Definitions.

1. Permanent or Semi-Permanent Makeup: the process of beautifying the face by inserting or implanting facial cosmetic pigment or color under the surface of the human skin or mucosa with a needle, by a micro blade, or other means, to produce a permanent or semi-permanent mark visible through the skin on the client’s face including, but not limited to the application of pigment on the eyebrows, eyeliner, eye shadow, lip color, cheek color, and facials scars. Permanent or Semi-Permanent Makeup is limited to the client’s face does not include services to any area other than the client’s face.

2. Facial cosmetic pigment implantation: another term for permanent makeup.

3. Client’s face: the area above the client’s jaw line and anterior to the ear and frontal hairline.

4. Microblading, Microstroking or Microhairstroking: included in the definition of permanent makeup for the purpose of these rules. B. Permanent makeup does not include pigmentation of areas involving reconstructive surgery or trauma, re-pigmentation of the areola, and/or body art or tattooing.

The performance of such services is beyond the scope of this rule, and beyond the scope of the cosmetologist or esthetician license. This rule is not applicable to services performed by licensees, which services have been properly delegated pursuant to the Medical Practice Act, §12-36-101 et seq., C.R.S., and the Rules as promulgated by the Colorado Medical Board (e.g., Rule 800).

C. Training Requirements for Semi-Permanent or Permanent Makeup

1. Completion of 132 contact hours of training must be completed prior to a licensed cosmetologist or esthetician performing semi-permanent or permanent makeup. The training must include at least the following course topics: cleaning, sterilization, disinfection and safety; skin analysis; equipment and supplies; color theory and effects; client consultation; and application of pigment.

The link to the full document is here: https://www.sos.state.co.us/CCR/GenerateRulePdf.do?ruleVersionId=7468&fileName=4%20CCR%20731-1

We made this breakdown for our students to properly understand the expectations:

We are here to help and specialize in permanent makeup courses. Although we know about manual microblading and techniques, we prefer only machine work to ensure quality, protecting the skin's integrity and natural yet enhanced results.

Our academy and courses are Approved and Regulated by the Colorado Department of Higher Education, Private Occupational School Board.

To enroll in our 132 hour permanent makeup course, this is what is needed: