It has unfortunately become very clear that inadequate training has led to many treatments being performed with unhappy and sometimes disastrous results. Insurers are alarmed at the growing number of malpractice claims that are now being made. The incorrect colour, pigment migration and scarring have all featured in claims, and all were avoidable had the practitioner received the correct training.
We have no wish to dissuade you from undertaking a training course but we do recognise that this represents a substantial financial investment, and an awareness of possible pitfalls is important in order to avoid disappointment. With a growth rate in the industry of 20% each year there is considerable need for well-trained and experienced practitioners to meet the increasing demand for treatments. The financial benefits claimed in some advertisements can be achieved, but they are for those whose training was thorough and whose personal attributes and subsequent working experience provides the confidence to move to more demanding treatments.
Ultimately to learn removal techniques, clearly it is the practitioner's own abilities together with an excellent training programme that provides the foundation for success. Dawn Cragg conducts her training programme with professionalism and dedication, and her aim is to pass on as much of her own experience as her students can absorb.
Choosing Your Training School
Never enrol for a course without visiting the training school and talking to the Tutor. Glossy brochures may not mean a thing and often don't.
When visiting the school prior to enrolment, take notice of the following points:-
- Do both the room and work stations look clean and tidy?
- Look for clinical waste bags and sharps boxes
- Look for an eyewash station and first aid box
- The machine, which should be part of your kit, should preferably be a totally disposable system, if not there must be a medical autoclave with a vacuum and an ultrasonic cleaning machine. These items are expensive - would you want to have to buy them yourself?
(NB. The pressure cooker type of autoclave, which is common in beauty salons, is neither an approved or efficient method of sterilisation for micropigmentation equipment)
- Daylight bulbs are essential, fluorescent lights take the red out of a colour, and therefore most colours will have a blue or green tinge, making it impossible to mix and choose colours correctly under these lighting conditions
- See that the couches adjust to allow the clients/models to be in a semi-reclining position. The client should NOT be lying flat because the face looks different when in repose and this is where mistakes are commonly made
- Ask to see a copy of the paperwork used during treatments. This should include consultation and treatment records, a procedure report, consent form and 2 aftercare forms (1 copy to be given to the client.) Pre and post procedure photographs should be taken at each appointment
- Look for the trainer's own certificates on the wall, especially certificates of their ongoing training. Can you also see a recognised training certificate?
Checklist of Essential Questions to Ask
- Is the course a minimum of eight days? 3-5 day courses are neither long enough nor acceptable. You will be wasting your money
- For how long has your tutor been teaching?
- How many students have they trained to date?
- Who was her trainer? Do you recognise the name?
- How many students will be in your class? There should be a maximum of 2 per tutor for practise sessions
- Where does she go for her own career development? A good tutor should attend ongoing education classes at least once a year. If a trainer does not keep up to date with new techniques in a rapidly changing industry then your training will be outdated
- Is there a helpline available to you upon completion of your training?
- Can you return for extra tuition (free of charge) if you don't feel confident after your initial training session?
- Are materials used on your course provided by the school, or do you have to use your own materials?
(BE CAREFUL - If using your own pigments and needles etc. you may find that you will need to buy more stock before you can work on your own clients)
- Do you practise on live models? This is essential. A minimum of 12 procedures each of eyeliner, eyebrows and lips should be accomplished during your training
Please note that some schools tell students to go home and practice on models and return later to take a test. You will only be insured when working in the school under the supervision of your tutor - so be very careful.
FINALLY - Check up with your association (BABTAC, The Guild, etc) or whoever insures you. Will they insure you for permanent make-up once you have completed your training?
Not all trainers are accepted by the insurance companies or Associations. If you need any further information
contact Dawn Cragg MBE
