Why the PMU Industry Needs Stronger Standards – And How The NABP Is Helping

The permanent makeup (PMU) industry has grown rapidly over recent years. With that growth has come incredible innovation, opportunity, and creativity — but also serious challenges. Inconsistent training, poor hygiene practices, and a lack of accountability have left both practitioners and clients exposed to unnecessary risk.

At The NABP, we believe that permanent makeup is not just a beauty treatment. It is a procedure that requires skill, responsibility, and robust standards. Stronger regulation and professional accountability are essential for the future of the industry — and that is exactly what we are working to support.

The Problem: An Industry with Uneven Standards

One of the biggest issues facing the PMU industry is inconsistency. Training quality can vary dramatically, with some practitioners entering the industry after minimal education or inadequate health and safety instruction. In some cases, artists are operating without fully understanding infection control, cross-contamination risks, or legal responsibilities.

This lack of standardisation doesn’t just damage individual reputations — it undermines trust in the industry as a whole. Clients struggle to distinguish between qualified professionals and unsafe operators, while responsible practitioners find themselves competing with those cutting corners.

Without stronger standards, everyone loses.

Why Higher Standards Matter.

Permanent makeup involves breaking the skin. That alone places it firmly in a category where hygiene, safety, and competence are non-negotiable. High standards protect:

• Clients, from infection, injury, and long-term complications
• Practitioners, from legal issues, complaints, and reputational damage
• The industry, by building public trust and professional credibility

Raising standards is not about creating barriers — it’s about ensuring that PMU is practiced safely, ethically, and professionally.

How NABP Is Helping Raise the Bar

At The NABP, we don’t believe standards should exist only on paper. They must be actively supported, assessed, and maintained. That’s why our approach goes beyond certification alone.

Annual In-Person Assessments

We carry out annual, in-person assessments to ensure that standards are not just met once, but upheld consistently. These assessments help confirm that practitioners are working safely, following correct hygiene protocols, and continuing to develop professionally.

This hands-on approach provides accountability, reassurance, and real-world validation — something the industry has long been missing.

An Online Portal Designed to Support Practitioners

Our members have access to a dedicated online portal filled with practical tools and resources designed to support best practice. This includes:

• Educational videos covering health, safety, and hygiene
• Clear guidance on standards and expectations
• Ongoing learning materials to support professional development

Rather than leaving practitioners to navigate complex requirements alone, we provide accessible support that fits into real working life.

 A Supportive Community, Not Just a Membership

 Raising standards doesn’t happen in isolation. That’s why NABP members also benefit from a community chat, where practitioners can ask questions, share experiences, and learn from others who are committed to doing things the right way.

This sense of professional community encourages accountability, confidence, and continuous improvement — all essential for a safer industry.

Supporting Practitioners While Protecting the Public

Our goal at The NABP is not to penalise practitioners, but to support them. By offering clear standards, regular assessments, education, and community support, we help professionals work with confidence — knowing they are meeting expectations and protecting their clients.

At the same time, we help consumers identify practitioners who are committed to safety, professionalism, and ethical practice.

The Future of PMU Depends on Standards

As the PMU industry continues to grow, the need for stronger, more consistent standards has never been greater. Without them, trust erodes, risks increase, and the industry’s reputation suffers.

At The NABP, we are proud to be part of the solution — helping to professionalise permanent makeup, protect the public, and support practitioners who care about doing things properly.

Because higher standards don’t hold the industry back — they move it forward.