Cosmetic Tattoo Course in Australia (SHB50321)
Cosmetic tattooing — also called permanent makeup or PMU — is one of the fastest-growing, highest-earning beauty specialties. From ombre brows to lip blush and eyeliner, clients pay a premium for semi-permanent results that save them time every day. If you want in, a cosmetic tattoo course is the essential first step. Here is what the training involves, the accredited pathway, and the rules you must follow.
What is a cosmetic tattoo course?
A cosmetic tattoo course trains you to implant pigment into the skin to enhance the brows, lips or eyes. It is precise, artistic and clinical work, so training combines theory (skin, colour and pigment science, safety) with extensive supervised practice on model clients until your results are consistent and safe.
Is cosmetic tattooing nationally recognised?
Yes. The accredited qualification is the SHB50321 Diploma of Cosmetic Tattooing, listed on training.gov.au. It is built from core units, an infection-control unit, and treatment electives — you can specialise in areas such as brows, lips, eyeliner and scalp micropigmentation, completing multiple model clients in each. Business electives round out the training so you can actually run your services.
What you’ll learn
- Skin, colour and pigment theory, and how the skin heals
- Machine and needle technique for even, natural results
- Brow techniques (including ombre/powder and microblading), lip blush and eyeliner
- Client consultation, patch testing and contraindications
- Aftercare, colour boosts and correction work
- Strict hygiene, sanitation and safe sharps handling
Infection control and regulation — you can’t skip this
Cosmetic tattooing breaks the skin, so it is a skin-penetration procedure. Accredited training includes an infection-control unit — commonly HLTINF005, which is a legal requirement in Queensland and preferred across other states. You will also need to register your premises with your local council and comply with state skin-penetration rules. Always check the requirements where you plan to work.
Careers and earning potential
Cosmetic tattooing is largely self-employed and premium-priced, which is why it is so lucrative — see our full breakdown of the cosmetic tattoo artist salary in Australia. To understand the career pathway, read how to become a cosmetic tattoo artist and, for the brow-focused technique, how to become a microblading artist.
Budgeting for training? See the full breakdown of permanent makeup course costs in Australia.
Cosmetic tattoo course FAQs
Do I need experience to start a cosmetic tattoo course?
A beauty background helps, but the Diploma is designed to train you from the fundamentals through to safe, client-ready work.
Is microblading the same as cosmetic tattooing?
Microblading is one brow technique within cosmetic tattooing; a full course covers multiple areas and methods.
Do I need an infection-control certificate?
Yes — an approved infection-control unit such as HLTINF005 is part of accredited training and required to work legally.
Ready to move into this high-earning field? Get in touch with our team to plan your cosmetic tattoo training pathway.