Written by: Michelle Rukny (October 17th, 2025)
Permanent makeup isn’t just an art—it’s also a profession. And as a client, you deserve more than a good pigment match or a symmetrical brow. You deserve professionalism in every part of the experience.
Unfortunately, many consumers don’t realize that in the world of PMU, professionalism is not guaranteed. The industry is growing fast, but it’s also filled with artists who may be talented with a machine but lacking in training, hygiene, ethics, or communication.
Here’s why professionalism should be non-negotiable when choosing your permanent makeup artist—and how to spot it from the moment you book.
👩⚕️ What Does “Professionalism” Look Like in PMU?
It’s more than just a clean studio or a logo on Instagram. True professionalism includes:
- Proper licensing & certification
- Clear communication before and after your procedure
- A professional studio environment (not a kitchen table or friend’s living room)
- On-time appointments, clear policies, and consent forms
- Up-to-date training and continuing education
- Ethical marketing with no photoshopped results or false claims
- Transparency about healing, side effects, and expectations
When an artist treats their work like a real business, you feel it—from your first message to your final follow-up appointment.
🚩 Signs You May Be Dealing With an Unprofessional PMU Artist
If you’re seeing any of the following, it’s a good idea to hit pause:
- Vague answers or dodging questions about training
- No visible certifications, licensing, or insurance
- Lack of pre-care or aftercare instructions
- No written consent or consultation
- Promoting “healed” work that’s actually fresh
- Offering deep discounts with pressure to book quickly
- Inconsistent communication or no-show behavior
Remember: it’s your face. Don’t settle for anything less than professional.
🏆 Why AAM-Certified Artists Are Held to a Higher Standard
At the American Academy of Micropigmentation (AAM), we believe that permanent makeup should be beautiful and responsible. That’s why we hold our certified members to strict professional standards that protect both clients and the industry as a whole.
Every AAM-Certified Artist has:
- Completed 100+ hours of in-depth training
- Passed a hands-on and written exam
- Agreed to follow a code of ethics and professional conduct
- Participated in ongoing education and industry updates
- Demonstrated a commitment to client safety, integrity, and results
When you book with an AAM artist, you’re choosing someone who treats PMU like the serious, specialized field that it is.
💬 The Bottom Line: Your Artist Should Be a Pro—Not Just an Artist
Yes, technique matters. But so does how your artist runs their business. Professionalism isn’t about being fancy—it’s about respecting you as a client, being prepared, and taking every step of your procedure seriously.
Want to find someone you can trust?
✨ Choose an AAM-Certified Artist—where professionalism is the standard, not the exception.
🔍 Search for a certified PMU artist near you at www.micropigmentation.org