Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to penetrate the skin to apply pigments in order to provide cosmetic tattoos on the face or body.
It requires the ability to consult with clients, design the tattoo, select pigments and equipment to tattoo lips, eyebrows, eyelids, face and breast areola. This is a remedial or cosmetic tattoo treatment and can be an individual service, or form part of a series of services.
This unit applies to beauty therapists who work in beauty salons. In this environment they exercise judgment in selecting tattoo designs; demonstrate maturity and confidentiality in their client interactions; and apply knowledge of skin biology and skin penetration infection control procedures.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Establish client requirements. | 1.1 Access and review client treatment plan if available. 1.2 Discuss with client cosmetic tattooing requirements and lifestyle factors to identify their priorities. 1.3 Consult with referral sources to clarify and confirm client request for tattoo service if required. 1.4 Assess skin in area to be tattooed to determine suitability of cosmetic tattooing to meet client requirements. 1.5 Identify contraindications to cosmetic tattooing and refer client to appropriate professional as required. 1.6 Identify skin disorders and diseases and possible adverse reactions and discuss with client. 1.7 Review client medical history, medications and obtain medical approval prior to treatment as required. |
2. Design and recommend cosmetic tattooing. | 2.1 Design tattoo, providing client with visual representation of expected outcomes. 2.2 Explain to client treatment sequence, duration, frequency and cost. 2.3 Modify treatment plan, record updates and obtain signed client consent. 2.4 Obtain informed and signed parent or guardian consent if client is a minor. |
3. Set up and provide safe cosmetic tattooing. | 3.1 Check readiness of treatment area and availability of equipment. 3.2 Prepare client and select pigments and equipment based on agreed treatment plan. 3.3 Position self throughout treatment to minimise fatigue and risk of injury. 3.4 Ensure client comfort and modesty throughout treatment. 3.5 Use energy, water and other resources efficiently during preparation and subsequent treatment process. |
4. Perform patch test. | 4.1 Cleanse and disinfect patch test on area to be tattooed. 4.2 Select sterile needle pack and open in front of client. 4.3 Conduct patch test on an area adjacent to the area to be tattooed. 4.4 Identify skin reaction and advise client of suitability for cosmetic tattooing treatment. 4.5 Record details of patch test. 4.6 Rebook client to assess outcomes of patch test and for further treatments. |
5. Provide cosmetic tattooing. | 5.1 Map out shape and colour of cosmetic tattoo. 5.2 Photograph area to be tattooed prior to and immediately after treatment. 5.3 Cleanse and anaesthetise skin in treatment area. 5.4 Open sterile needle packs in front of client. 5.5 Select, prepare and record needles and pigments to be used. 5.6 Provide cosmetic tattooing treatment. 5.7 Apply aftercare products. |
6. Review treatment and provide post treatment advice. | 6.1 Apply knowledge of skin biology, wound healing, cosmetic chemistry and treatment outcomes and client feedback to evaluate treatment. 6.2 Record treatment parameters and outcomes of treatment on client treatment plan. 6.3 Provide aftercare advice and recommend products and future treatments. 6.4 Manage client expectations of potential outcomes. 6.5 Rebook client as required. 6.6 Advise referral source on treatment progress as required. |
7. Clean treatment area. | 7.1 Remove used linen and clean treatment surfaces and equipment according to organisational policies and procedures. 7.2 Dispose of probes or needles in sharps container. 7.3 Sterilise any instrument that has come into contact with body fluids. 7.4 Restock equipment and products in preparation for next treatment. 7.5 Dispose of general and any hazardous waste to minimise negative environmental impacts and according to organisational policies and procedures. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit in the context of the job role, and:
communicate, follow and modify treatment plans, to provide patch tests and three cosmetic tattooing treatments for clients on three different tattooing sites from the following list:
breast areola
eyelids
eyebrow
lips
design appropriate tattoos for each client
select and mix pigments according to tattoo design
provide patch tests for each client that replicate the treatment plan:
equipment
procedure
treatment
develop, record and maintain treatment plans and records for each client specifying details of:
adverse reactions
aftercare recommendations and advice
anaesthetic used and method of application
changes in client skin condition
contraindications
outcomes of patch test and treatments
needle size and type
pigments and products used
relevant medical history and medications
skin analysis
tattoo design
treatment procedure
photograph treatment site prior to and after treatments ensuring clarity and comparability of image
provide safe treatments demonstrating application of health and hygiene regulations and skin penetration guidelines with a focus on:
disinfection of treatment area
disposal of infectious and non-infectious waste
disposal of needles
equipment sterilisation and disinfection
hand washing
prevention of blood to blood contact
use of equipment:
disposable
personal protection equipment
single use, sterile, disposable needles
treat client demonstrating appropriate selection and use of:
pigment needles:
angle
depth
electric current levels
recognise and manage contraindications to tattoo services
interact with and reassure client throughout the treatment
treat clients causing minimal skin reaction
present self, according to organisational policy
comply with health, hygiene and skin penetration regulations and requirements.
Evidence of Knowledge
Demonstrated knowledge required to complete the tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit:
state, territory or local health and hygiene regulations and requirements as relevant to cosmetic tattooing
skin penetration guidelines
infectious disease transmission routes and prevention of infection transmission:
clients with blood borne diseases
contingency procedures for blood and body fluid contact
prevention of blood to blood contact
safe handling and disposal of sharps
immunity and how it is acquired
infection control procedures and application of standard precautions
definitions and methods of cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation
organisational policies and procedures relevant to cosmetic tattooing:
client record management
equipment use and maintenance
incident reporting
linen use and laundry procedures
personal hygiene and presentation
presentation of treatment area
waste disposal
work health and safety
legal and insurance liabilities and responsibilities regarding treatments
scope of practice:
when to refer clients to other practitioners
importance of not stating a diagnosis of a contraindication
limitations to cosmetic tattooing treatments
effects and benefits of cosmetic tattooing treatments
effects of cosmetic tattooing treatments on the physical structure of the skin
skin anatomy:
gross and microscopic
epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous layers
differences depending on location
function and role of skin
structure, function, and distribution of skin glands
production, composition, functions and control of skin gland secretions
appearance and characteristics of skin types:
dry/alipid/lipid dry
oily/lipid
diffused red
phases of growth, cell renewal, healing of skin and factors affecting epidermal mitosis
normal process of skin ageing and structural change
origin and evolution of hypertrophic, keloid and abnormal scar tissue
skin response to irritation and trauma
wound healing
nervous system and its relationship to skin
sensations and their relationship to cosmetic tattooing
properties and use of electric energy, electrostatics and electrical current for cosmetic tattooing services
factors likely to affect the suitability of treatment
formulation, function and action of cosmetic pigments
colours in pigments:
colour codes
dyes
interaction of colours
lakes
pigments
regulations
ingredients in tattooing products:
effects on the skin
toxic effects
contribution to premature ageing
adverse effects when used in combination with other products or treatments
contraindications that prevent or restrict treatment or require clearance from a medical practitioner to proceed and their relationship to cosmetic tattooing:
acne
bacteria, fungal, parasitic and viral infections
adverse outcomes of previous cosmetic tattooing
type one and two diabetes mellitus
bruises
cancer related treatments
dysfunction of nervous system
medication that cause skin thinning or inflammation
pigmented naevi
rashes
scar tissue
skin trauma
appearance, genetic factors, possible medical treatments and limitations of cosmetic tattooing treatments on skin conditions, diseases and disorders:
acne
benign neoplasm and hyperplasias
closed comedones/milia
couperose
dehydration/ trans epidermal water loss
dermatitis and eczema
erythema
icthyosis
lupus erythematosus
mature
photoaged
pigmentation disorders
open comedones
scleroderma
seborrhoea
sensitive
skin tumours
uticaria
appearance, causes and management of adverse effects of cosmetic tattooing:
bruising
inflammation
torn skin
unsatisfactory appearance
medical treatments, drugs and side effects relevant to cosmetic tattooing
safe practices and management when using electrical currents
post treatment care procedures and advice for specific treatment areas:
special care of treatment area
sun protection
managing the healing process
follow up treatments
ongoing assessment
sustainable operating procedures for the conservation of product, water and power.
Assessment Conditions
Skills must be demonstrated in a cosmetic tattooing environment; this can be:
an industry workplace or
a simulated workplace set up for the purpose of skills assessment, that provides services to paying members of the public.
Assessment must ensure access to:
paying clients, both new and regular, with different cosmetic tattooing requirements, who have the expectation that the services provided reflect those of a commercial business
hand washing facilities:
basin
hot and cold running water
liquid soap
single use towels or hand dryer
relevant workplace documentation:
blank client records
organisational policies and procedures relevant to cosmetic tattooing
manufacturer instructions for equipment
safety data sheets for pigments.
Assessment must ensure use of:
cleaning and disinfection products and equipment
a minimum of ten colour pigments
colour pigment holders
cosmetic tattoo machine and matching transmission shaft
disposable needles of a range of sizes in sterile packs
disposable, single use, sterile skin wipes
individual work station consisting of:
adjustable treatment table with safe working access to both sides and ends
individual electricity supply
magnifying lamp
operator chair
trolley for products, bowls and equipment
mouthguards
personal protective equipment:
disposable gloves
apron
sharps container
sterilised small tools and equipment or all equipment to be single use and disposable
tissues
topical anaesthetic creams
treatment towels or linen, or disposable linen
tweezers.
Assessment activities that allow the individuals to:
complete cosmetic tattooing within commercially realistic speed, timing and productivity
demonstrate competency in an environment reflective of real work situations
manage tasks and contingencies in the context of the job role.
Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisation’s requirements for assessors and:
hold a qualification as a beauty therapist
have worked as a beauty therapist for at least three years where they have applied the skills and knowledge of this unit of competency.
Foundation Skills
Foundation skills essential to performance in this unit, but not explicit in the performance criteria are listed here, along with a brief context statement. | |
Skill | Description |
Reading skills to: | interpret, and follow manufacturer instructions and safety data sheets for safe use of cleaning and treatment products, pigments, needles and equipment source and interpret credible information on skin structure and biology. |
Oral communication skills to: | use effective questioning and active listening techniques to consult client, confirm requirements and monitor treatment outcomes. |
Numeracy skills to: | calculate treatment timing, pigment quantities and needle size and pricing. |
Problem-solving skills to: | identify issues and modify technique or products to minimize skin damage and client discomfort. |
Planning and organising skills to: | sequence series of treatments to maximise outcomes for client. |
Technology skills to: | safely use and maintain cosmetic tattoo machine and tools use client software to update client notes, record stock data and product purchases. |
Sectors
Beauty
Competency Field
Skin Services