A PMU course is well worth the investment… if and only if it’s the right course for you! Consequently, it’s always a fabulous idea to have a screening process in place when browsing for your next — or your very first — online or in-person course. Overall, there are a few key questions you should ask yourself before saying, “yes” to the program.
To help you say, “yes” to the right program, use this guide as your checklist the next time you’re looking for a PMU course. We guarantee it’ll steer you right.
DOES THE COURSE HAVE GLOWING REVIEWS?
A PMU course that has an outstanding reputation is a fabulous sign. After all, a reputable training program not only has a good track record, but usually has a well-respected instructor.
So, we highly recommend researching course reviews before you decide if a program is a “yes” or a “no-go.” Some instructors make it easy for you to access glowing reviews by displaying them on their course’s enrollment page. This is also a great sign, because it demonstrates transparency and instant assurance that the course is worth your while.
However, for some PMU courses, you may have to dig a little deeper. You can find reviews on Google, Facebook, or the instructor’s Instagram page. In fact, Facebook in particular is invaluable when it comes to getting the tea on all the best online PMU courses. You can join Facebook groups like The PMU Circle, where professional group members frequently swap tips, recommendations, and updates regarding stellar courses, supplies, and more.
Oh, and by the way, the course gets bonus points if it has reviews from other well-known industry professionals. If you see a five-star review from a PMU artist you know and admire, it’ll certainly boost your trust in the program before you click “enroll.”
But, aside from other people’s reviews, we also recommend reaching out directly to the instructor if you have any additional questions. A responsive instructor who is transparent and clear with you can also boost your confidence in a program before you sign up.
DOES THE PROGRAM HAVE A QUALITY CURRICULUM?
Sure, the name of a PMU course can tell you a lot about what it offers. For example, a name like “Ultimately Beautiful Brows 101” at the very least tells you what the end game is: crafting ultimately beautiful brows... duh.
But what, exactly, does the curriculum entail? Is the course focused more on brow mapping or crafting the perfect hair stroke? Will you learn anything about color correction? How many modules or lectures can you expect throughout the course versus hands-on practice? Moreover, will you get any direct attention from the instructor?
The answers to all these questions are in the course curriculum itself. Consequently, we highly recommend examining the curriculum before you commit to a class – even if you love the instructor and it has glowing reviews. An outstanding instructor isn’t going to mean very much if you’re not getting any value out of the course in question (and the value you're looking for is all dependent on your individual needs).
This checkpoint is vitally important, especially if you’re just starting out as a PMU artist and you’re looking for a more holistic curriculum. In that case, you’ll want to make sure the online course you’re considering covers all the topics you need to be proficient in PMU. So, you’ll want to keep an eye out for the following topics in a well-rounded curriculum:
- Techniques
- Color Theory
- Health and safety
- Business management
Aside from telling you what the course entails, the curriculum should also specify what materials you’ll need. If a course offers and includes materials like quality textbooks, practice skins, and other resources to help you sharpen your skills, this is both promising and reassuring. It means you’ll have hands-on practice and glean more value than you would from a standard lecture-based series.
However, not all materials are created equally; so be sure to see if the textbooks and materials are high-quality and coming from reputable brands. A PMU course that values the quality of your supplies demonstrates integrity and an interest in your development.
DOES THE COURSE OFFER CERTIFICATION?
Maybe you live in a state that requires certification before you can practice PMU professionally. If that’s the case (and you’re not already certified to practice) you’ll want to make sure the course you’re enrolling in offers certification. Moreover, you’ll want to verify that the certification it offers is recognized in your state. Once you confirm what certifications you need, it’ll narrow down your options for a robust and well-rounded PMU course.
However, if you’re already a licensed and practicing PMU artist, continuing education is still crucial for staying at you’re A-game and slaying the competition. There are plenty of courses that offer specialty certifications in specific fields like microblading, needle theory, color theory, and beyond. Having bonus certifications under your belt only makes you a more reputable PMU artist – and thus, more likely to attract trusting clients… and, ultimately, deliver more stunning results.
uality PMU course. And, in the long term, all those benefits turn into improved skills, more clients, and, consequently, more profits.
DOES THE PROGRAM OFFER ONGOING SUPPORT AND RESOURCES?
You can walk away from a PMU course with so much more than a certification, a textbook full of scribbled notes, and some used practice skins. In fact, many PMU courses offer ongoing support after you’ve completed the curriculum. You can walk away with continued access to your mentor or instructor, as well as a whole community of other professionals (or professionals in the making) that serve as invaluable resources throughout your career.
It's especially easy to build relationships from in-person PMU workshops and classes, where you can interact regularly with other artists and people who are learning. Online PMU courses tend to be more independent, but they can still give you access to your mentor or instructor directly for questions and continuing education. Both online and in-person courses can also give you access to the program’s alumni, who can also support you in your professional development.
IS THE COURSE IN YOUR BUDGET?
We saved it for the bottom of the list in favor of some really important, research-based items to consider… but, of course, your budget is important too. And, incidentally, this is probably the first thing you’ll want to verify before you dive deep into researching reviews, curriculums, and certifications. Because, obviously, you’ll want to make sure you can afford the course.
But even if the course is in your budget, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve found the very best deal. There’s some research involved here as well. We highly recommend cross-comparing any course you find with other similar courses, all to make sure you’re getting the best value for your money. In some instances, the pricier option might be better for you if the curriculum is more robust, the reviews are glowing, and you’ll get a certification you really want (or really need).
Remember: investing money in a high-quality course pays off in the long run. Skills, education, and potentially networking with other artists are all invaluable benefits to a quality course that may cost more money than others.
FIND THE RIGHT PMU COURSE FOR YOU
It’s time to find the best PMU course for you, using these pointers as a handy checklist. Excited yet?
To help you in your search, we’ve also compiled a list of the top 20 online PMU courses you’ll find out there. Each course is divided by category, so no matter what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find something useful.
Even if you’re not ready to enroll in a course just yet, be sure to stay engaged in the PMU community. You can find helpful tips and free education on our Instagram, and reach out to other PMU artists looking to grow and learn. Always stay curious, and always keep your eyes peeled for incredible courses by incredible industry professionals.