South Carolina microblading and permanent makeup rules
Do you need a license to do microblading in South Carolina?
Yes. South Carolina does not let tattoo artists do microblading or permanent makeup: the work may be done only by physicians or other legally authorized healthcare providers, under a physician's direction. Below: the studio license, who licenses the work, local rules and what South Carolina says about microblading itself, each answered from South Carolina's own statutes, rules or agency pages, read on October 24, 2026.
- Artist license
- License needed
- Studio license
- Not stated
- Artist fee
- Not stated
- Local rules
- Not stated
No state agency licenses the work on the pages we read.The state's own words
The artist
Do you need a license to do permanent makeup in South Carolina?
Yes. South Carolina does not let tattoo artists do microblading or permanent makeup: the work may be done only by physicians or other legally authorized healthcare providers, under a physician's direction.
- License needed
- License needed
- License name
- Physician, Other legally authorized healthcare provider
- Training hours
- Not stated
- State fee
- Not stated
The studio
Does a microblading studio need a license in South Carolina?
Not stated. South Carolina names no state license for a studio that offers microblading or permanent makeup, since the work belongs to physicians and the healthcare providers they direct. Ask the state health department.
- License needed
- Not stated
Microblading by name
Is microblading considered tattooing in South Carolina?
Yes, by name. South Carolina's health department FAQ names microblading and says tattoo artists may not do it.
Good to know
What else South Carolina asks of permanent makeup artists
- A tattoo artist may not tattoo any part of the head, face, or neck of another person.
- The State Board of Medical Examiners policy says the physician must directly supervise the person doing the procedure and must be on site when it is performed.
Sources
What South Carolina's official pages say
Each answer above, in the words of South Carolina's own statutes, rules or agency pages, read on October 24, 2026. Rules change, and counties can add their own: confirm with the state health department before you start.
- The artist's license
“procedures shall be provided only by physicians or other legally authorized healthcare providers”
dph.sc.gov “this procedure requires specialized training and can only be performed under the direction of a physician”
llr.sc.gov - Microblading by name
“Can tattoo artists perform microblading, permanent makeup, and/or micropigmentation procedures? No.”
dph.sc.gov - Also good to know
“It is unlawful for a tattoo artist to tattoo any part of the head, face, or neck of another person.”
scstatehouse.gov - Also good to know
“must directly supervise the person performing the procedure, and must be on site when the procedure is performed”
llr.sc.gov
Questions
South Carolina microblading licenses, answered
Do you need a license to do microblading in South Carolina?
Is microblading considered tattooing or permanent makeup in South Carolina?
Does a permanent makeup studio need a license in South Carolina?
Does a cosmetology or esthetician license cover microblading in South Carolina?
Plan the rest
Licensed and ready to book clients
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- Microneedling, peels, laser and Botox: what an esthetician may do in South Carolina
- What South Carolina requires to open a salon or studio
- What South Carolina inspectors check in a salon
- Renting a room or a chair? Start from a booth rental agreement
Microblading rules in other states
Ready when you are
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