What qualifications do you need to do cosmetic tattooing?

Q: Do I need to be a qualified beauty therapist to do cosmetic tattooing?

No, you don’t need to be a qualified beauty therapist . However, having a background in beauty therapy or makeup can help you understand skin types and client care.

Q: Can I practice cosmetic tattooing from home?

Yes, you can, but your space must meet local council requirements for a registered skin penetration business . This includes proper hygiene facilities , separate sterilisation areas , and council inspections .

Q: How do I find a reputable training provider?

We provide full permanent makeup course for the last 5 years. You can check online reviews , talk to past students, and visit the training facility if possible in Melbourne & Brisbane.

Q: Is cosmetic tattooing covered by Medicare?

No, cosmetic tattooing is not covered by Medicare as it’s considered a cosmetic procedure , not a medical one.

Q: How long does a cosmetic tattoo last?

Typically, brow tattoos last 1–3 years, lip blush lasts 2–4 years, and eyeliner can last up to 5 years. The longevity depends on your skin type, aftercare, and sun exposure.

Whether you’ve been sketching designs since childhood or recently discovered the art of lip blush, you’ve probably asked yourself, What qualifications do you actually need to do cosmetic tattooing in Australia? It’s a common question — and for good reason. Let’s walk you through it, minus the fluff, with a bit of salon banter and some pro tips to kickstart your journey as a cosmetic tattoo artist. So, you’re thinking about diving into the world of cosmetic tattooing? Good on you!

Understanding the Basics: Licensing and Regulations

Before you can whip out your digital pen and start creating those tattoo for lips, eyebrow tattoo, ombre brows, or even tattoo for eyes, you need to know that in Australia, cosmetic tattooing (also known as permanent makeup, cosmetic tattoo artistry, or micropigmentation) is considered a form of skin penetration. That means it’s regulated by each state and territory. In Victoria, where I’m based at Face Figurati, it’s governed by the Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2009 (as updated).
Here’s the catch: You need to register your business as a prescribed accommodation or prescribed business with your local council. This registration ensures your workspace meets infection control standards. You also need to comply with strict infection control unit guidelines — trust me, the council inspectors take this seriously.

What’s the Minimum Qualification?

While there’s no one-size-fits-all national certification, the industry standard in Australia is the SHBBSKS003 — Design and Provide Cosmetic Tattooing unit from the SHB50216 Diploma of Cosmetic Tattooing or the updated SHB50321 Diploma of Cosmetic Tattooing (where applicable). These diplomas are considered part of the cosmetic tattoo training program, which provides comprehensive training in both theory and practice, laying a strong foundation for your cosmetic tattooing career.

These cosmetic tattoo courses cover essential topics like:

Skin anatomy and physiology (structure of skin, skin conditions)
Colour theory (because no one wants green brows) and pigment selection
Machine operation, needle configurations, and correct depth consultation
Client consultations and design mapping, including design principles and design tools
Infection prevention and hygiene (infection control unit)
Safe practice of lip tattooing, eyebrow tattoos, and eyeliner tattooing (Cosmetic Tattoo Lip, Cosmetic Tattoo Eyebrow, Cosmetic Tattoo Eyeliner)

Most reputable training providers offer nationally recognised courses that align with the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Check that the provider is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) — that’s your guarantee of professional standards and employment outcome.

Experience Matters: The Practical Side of Cosmetic Tattooing

Here’s the truth: a piece of paper is just the beginning. In my studio, Face Figurati, we’ve seen plenty of well-intentioned cosmetic tattoo artists with a diploma who still need months — even years — to perfect their artistic skills and technical skill. That’s because cosmetic tattooing isn’t just about drawing on a face; it’s about understanding different facial structures, artistic flair, and the nuances of healing.
When I trained, I completed practical training on artificial skin and live models, plus an apprenticeship-style mentorship with a senior artist. That’s where you really learn to troubleshoot things like:

Oily skin vs. dry skin (oily skin holds less pigment)
Managing client expectations and client satisfaction
Touch-ups, colour corrections, and 3D nipple areola
Different face shapes and ethnic skin tones

This hands-on practice is gold and builds your confidence in dealing with real-life clients who (spoiler alert) don’t all have perfect skin or symmetrical features!

The Importance of Infection Control Certification

If you’re serious about cosmetic tattooing, infection control training is non-negotiable. At Face Figurati, we hold an Infection Control Certificate (HLTINF005 — Maintain Infection Prevention for Skin Penetration Treatments). This is often required by councils during your registration process and is essential for protecting both you and your clients from potential nasties like bloodborne viruses.
Make sure your course covers:

Hand hygiene and PPE (personal protective equipment)
Sterilisation and equipment cleaning
Safe disposal of sharps and clinical waste
Preventing cross-contamination with a solid infection control unit

Business Registration and Insurance

Once you’ve sorted your qualifications, you’ll need to register your business name and get appropriate insurance. This typically includes:

Public liability insurance (protects you if a client injures themselves at your premises)
Professional indemnity insurance (protects you if a client sues for unsatisfactory results or complications)

Prices can vary depending on the provider, but expect to budget anywhere from $800 to $2,000 annually for comprehensive cover. This is an important part of your Cosmetic Tattooing Business plan and ensures you’re operating within the cosmetic tattooing industry standards.

Table: At-a-Glance Qualifications and Requirements

Requirement	What It Means
Council Registration	Register as a skin penetration business with your local council.
SHBBSKS003 Certificate	Design and Provide Cosmetic Tattooing — minimum industry standard.
Infection Control Certificate	Legally required to demonstrate safe hygiene practices.
Hands-on Experience	Live model practice, apprenticeships, mentorships, practice packs, and ample hands-on practice.
Insurance	Public liability and professional indemnity.

Beauty Trends and Market Data 2025

According to the Australian Beauty Industry Council, the demand for cosmetic tattooing services has grown by 28% from 2024 to 2025, particularly in metropolitan areas like Melbourne. Lip blush, powder brows, and ombre brows are the top requested services, while eyeliner tattooing remains steady among mature clients seeking subtle enhancement.
Additionally, a 2025 survey by the National Aesthetic Beauty Association revealed that 74% of clients prefer artists with both a formal qualification and a portfolio of healed work, highlighting the importance of practical experience, advanced skills, and correct depth knowledge.

What About Additional Skills?

While not mandatory, it’s a smart move to expand your skills with:

Advanced colour theory (to master corrections and neutralisations)
Skin science for different ethnicities (because one approach doesn’t suit all)
Business skills (client consultations, marketing, appointment management, business plans)
Tattoo for scalp micropigmentation, nipple areola complex tattooing, or bespoke brows as part of elective cosmetic tattoo units

At Face Figurati, I also invest time in learning about the latest pigment innovations, machine upgrades, and treatment electives to ensure our clients get the safest and most effective results, and to maintain our competitive edge in the beauty services sector.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Cosmetic Tattooist?

Most diploma-level courses take between 3 to 12 months part-time, depending on the provider and your own availability. After that, plan on at least 6 to 12 months of practice on 2-4 models or more — under supervision or as part of an apprenticeship. Some courses also include online theory and practical assessments.

Remember: the learning never stops. Even after nine years in the industry, I still update my skills with masterclasses, comprehensive program modules, and dynamic content from the cosmetic tattoo training courses I attend, because skin and beauty trends evolve.

How Much Does It Cost?

Training costs vary wildly, from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the provider, equipment, and inclusions (like starter kits and cosmetic tattoo kit). Infection control courses usually cost around $300 to $600, and council registration fees can be anywhere from $200 to $1,000, depending on your local regulations and salon services.

Let’s Wrap It Up

Becoming a cosmetic tattooist is a journey, not just a weekend course. It takes dedication, the right comprehensive training, and a genuine passion for working with people’s faces. At Face Figurati, we pride ourselves on delivering natural, face-flattering results — but that only happens because we take qualifications, hygiene, and practical experience seriously.
If you’re in Melbourne and thinking of starting your own cosmetic tattooing career, don’t be shy — reach out! I’m always happy to chat about study options, licensing, or even share a war story or two from the studio.