November 27, 2018
Is microblading safe and legal?
Dear Consumer Ed:
I am seeing advertisements for microblading. I’d love to have thicker-looking brows, but I am wondering if this procedure is legal and safe?
Consumer Ed says:
For the answer to this column, we consulted the Georgia Department of Public Health.
Microblading is a semi-permanent tattoo that gives the appearance of fuller eyebrows by drawing on tiny lines that look like individual hairs. On July 1, 2018, microblading of the eyebrow became a legal tattoo in the state of Georgia.
As with all tattooing, there are a variety of health risks involved with microblading. The Food and Drug administration offers some good tips on its website (www.fda.gov) and advises consumers to “Think Before You Ink.”
Georgia’s tattoo industry is regulated at the county level. For your safety, it’s a good idea to contact the health department in your county to find out whether a facility is permitted and inspected by the Environmental Health Division. It is also advisable to check out the credentials of the person who will perform the procedure. Someone with accreditation from either the American Association of Micropigmentation or the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals may be more trained and skilled in microblading. In addition, you should do your own research about the procedure and make sure you follow all recommendations and instructions for what to do and not do immediately before and after the procedure.
Submit your own question to Consumer Ed. Remember…we do not give legal advice. Always consult a lawyer about legal issues.