What Do You Need to Know About Microblading and Insurance?
Are you thinking of offering microblading as a service? If so, do you have the right type of insurance in place, just in case? Discover more about this premium solution while understanding some specific risks. What do you need to do to offer this service?
What’s Involved in Microblading?
As a business owner in charge of a growing salon, you may be thinking about adding additional services. In this situation, you may have considered microblading before but have never really given it a lot of thought.
Microblading involves intricate work to reshape the client’s eyebrows using a range of very specific tools. It’s a highly individualised approach with the aim of creating the best result for the client based on the unique architecture or shape of their face.
Salon technicians will use a pen-like device incorporating a sloping blade with several needles at the sharp end. These needles will not penetrate the skin as such but just work on the surface using very light strokes. The needles will introduce a pigment to the epidermis layer of the skin, creating strokes through the hair that are realistic and appealing.
Microblading is sometimes compared to a brow tattoo, but this is a much more subtle approach and is also not intended to be permanent. The colour that is introduced will eventually fade, so the client could return for another session at that time.
You may also decide to offer micro shading as a service. This process is slightly different, even though it will also produce a semi-permanent form of makeup for the eyebrows. With micro shading, the technician will introduce small dots across each brow rather than a defined stroke. In some cases, it is possible to offer both services at the same time.
How Does Microblading Work?
Both microblading and micro shading are very involved and can take quite a lot of time to apply. To begin with, the technician will need to work with the existing brow area to prepare it for treatment and to separate individual hairs. They will need to apply a numbing agent, usually a topical ointment, which may take some time to do its work. As this progresses in the background, the technician may discuss the preferred look with the customer and share some ideas from colour swatches or previous photographs.
At this stage, the technician will need to show their skill as they decide how to proceed. They will need to measure the area carefully and come up with the best solution while taking into account the shape of the face, the customer’s features and so on.
The needling process is very delicate, as it seeks to implant pigment into the top layer of skin. As the technician uses the pen, the needles will create a superficial cut in the skin, allowing the colour pigment to penetrate. If the numbing agent is working as it should, the client will not feel any discomfort, but the technician can always add another layer and wait a few minutes before proceeding.
Once the process is complete, the technician can clean the area, and the client will be able to go on their way. Some recovery time is to be expected until the eyebrows heal, revealing their final shape and colour. The client may be advised to come back in a few weeks so the technician can look at the outcome and see if they need to top up any areas where the pigment may not have taken hold.
How Do You Make a Profit?
As this is a labour-intensive process, salon owners may be able to charge a premium price for the service. If you’re thinking about this, compare prices in your area first to understand what your market looks like, and make your calculations from there. Remember, the client may need to come back for a check-up and microblading is never meant to be permanent. This means that you may get a lifelong client if you offer this service and the customer is very happy with the result.
What Qualifications Are Required?
While the Australian government may not have any specific qualification requirement when it comes to microblading, technicians will still need to have an infection control certificate issued by the RTO. Many trained beauty therapists will already have this in place. It may be advantageous for those who wish to practice this technique to sign up for a course at one of the universities that offer it.
What Are the Specific Risks Associated with Microblading?
As a salon owner, you need to understand the risks associated with microblading treatment. Certainly, you should have general levels of insurance in place, but ask your provider about microblading insurance for this type of activity.
Remember, you could face risks linked to microblading, such as:
• Infections that may be caused by unsterile equipment
• Allergic reactions based on the products used during treatment
• The ink failing to 'take' in certain areas, which the technician is unable to rectify
• Patches or other inconsistencies
• The ever-present risk of inflammation or swelling
• A rare but nevertheless present risk of paralysis if the technician inadvertently damages a nerve in that area
Don’t forget the risks of accidental injury either. Remember, the technician will be holding sharp equipment that could cause an injury if their hand happens to slip for some reason. Some of the other 'usual' risks associated with public liability and professional indemnity will also apply here.
How Do You Get the Best Microblading Insurance?
So, as you weigh up your options and look at microblading or micro shading as an additional service, ensure that you have the correct level of insurance at all times. Get in touch with the experts at Salonsure today and tell us what you are considering. We’ll help to outline the risks and advise you of the various coverage options, together with microblading insurance costs. You'll be be able to make the appropriate decisions and continue to grow your successful company.