How to Choose a Microblading or PMU Course in the UK
Posted by Studio 17 Ltd on
Here’s the thing. Most people choose a course based on photos and hype. The smart way is to choose based on healed results, safe technique, and the support you get after you leave.
Quick answer
Pick training that includes hygiene + contraindications, proper consultation, live model work, and real post-course feedback. If you can’t see healed results or the trainer won’t explain the course structure, move on.
Microblading PMU brows Aesthetics education UK by cityOn this page
1) Decide what you actually need
Beginner?
Choose a course that teaches consultation, skin theory, contraindications, hygiene, mapping, and live models. You need foundations and feedback, not speed.
Already working?
Look for advanced technique, problem-solving, colour correction, retention troubleshooting, and the option for a refresher or mentorship.
2) What a reputable UK course should include
Green flags
- Skin theory, contraindications, and client suitability
- Hygiene, infection control, safe setup
- Consultation, consent, patch testing, aftercare, record keeping
- Mapping and design for different face shapes
- Live model work (not only practice skins)
- Assessment or sign-off (not a certificate handed out automatically)
- Clear post-course support (photo feedback, troubleshooting)
3) Questions to ask before you pay
- Class size: How many students, and how much 1:1 time do I get?
- Models: Do we work on live models, and who provides them?
- Healed work: Can I see healed results from students on different skin types?
- Support: Can I send photos after training for feedback? For how long?
- Course structure: What exactly happens each day, and what is assessed?
- Safety: Do you cover contraindications, patch testing, consent, aftercare?
4) Red flags
Walk away if you see this
- No healed results, only fresh photos
- Pressure to pay quickly or “limited spots” tactics
- Vague syllabus or refusal to explain what’s included
- Skipping hygiene, consent, contraindications, patch testing
- Rushing beginners into advanced techniques
- Promises of guaranteed earnings
5) Microblading vs machine brows (PMU): what to learn first
Microblading can be beautiful, but it’s not suitable for every skin type. Machine brows are often more versatile long-term.
- Microblading: best on suitable skin types, needs excellent depth control and clean stroke work.
- Machine brows (PMU): more adaptable across clients and styles (powder, ombré, combo, nano).
A good academy will be honest about suitability and will show healed results, not just fresh work.
6) Checklist you can use today
Tick these off before you book
- I’ve seen healed results (not only fresh photos).
- I know the class size and how much 1:1 time I get.
- The course includes hygiene, contraindications, consent, patch testing, aftercare.
- There is live model work, and I understand how models are arranged.
- I know what post-course support looks like (and for how long).
- I’ve read the syllabus and understand the day-by-day structure.
7) Academy scorecard (compare options fast)
| Criteria | Score 0–2 | What good looks like |
|---|---|---|
| Healed results | 0 / 1 / 2 | Multiple healed examples across skin types and ages |
| Safety + consultation | 0 / 1 / 2 | Contraindications, consent, patch testing, aftercare, records |
| Live model experience | 0 / 1 / 2 | Real model work with supervised feedback |
| Class size | 0 / 1 / 2 | Small groups or clear 1:1 time allocation |
| Support after training | 0 / 1 / 2 | Photo feedback, troubleshooting, refresher pathway |
Tip: any academy scoring under 7/10 usually leads to expensive retraining later.
8) FAQs
How long should a beginner course be?
Long enough to cover theory, mapping, practice, and live models properly. If it’s rushed, you pay later in corrections and confidence.
Do I need patch testing and consent taught in the course?
Yes. This is part of working safely and professionally in the UK.
Where can I compare training options by city?
Use the Colourtouch directory here: UK training directory by city.
If you offer training
If you run an academy or teach microblading, PMU or aesthetics, you can be listed in our UK education directory free of charge while we build it. Message us with your city, what you teach, and your website or Instagram. We’ll confirm when your listing is live.