Eyebrow Microblading To Be Regulated By County Boards Of Health

ROME, GA — Effective July 1, anyone performing eyebrow microblading, and facilities where this cosmetic procedure is performed, will have to follow Georgia Department of Public Health rules governing body art studios and artists, the Northwest Georgia Health District said.

Previously, the procedure had been included in the prohibition of tattooing within one inch of the eye and was considered a misdemeanor under the law. Those who perform the procedure, as well as the facilities, will be regulated by county environmental health departments.

Senate Bill 461, legislation that defined microblading as a form of cosmetic tattooing and removed prohibitions on tattooing with an inch of a person's eye, was signed into law by Gov. Nathan Deal in May.

“Microblading is somewhat different from traditional tattooing and permanent cosmetic artistry, but we will license and inspect facilities and individuals offering the procedure just as we do for other body art studios,” said Tim Allee, environmental health director for the Georgia Department of Public Health Northwest Health District. “We ask that anyone who plans to offer microblading to the public please contact the environmental health office of their local county health department to discuss the ramifications of the new law.”

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According to Allee, microblading likely will be offered by cosmetology-related businesses, such as nail salons and hair salons, instead of traditional body art studios. Microblading, also known as eyebrow embroidery, is a form of semi-permanent tattooing, using ink to alter the appearance of the eyebrows. A small, hand-held blade made up of multiple needles is used to create small, shallow tattoos that resemble the natural hair of a person’s eyebrow.

You can read up on the Northwest Health District's rules and regulations about tattoos and body art by clicking here. For more information, you can call the environmental health offices in each of the 10 counties representing the Northwest Health District.

Click here to view other health districts across the state.

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