Texas microblading and permanent makeup rules
Do you need a license to do microblading in Texas?
No state license for the artist. Texas does not license individual permanent makeup or microblading artists; DSHS licenses the studio, and the state's rules define tattooing and the artist to include permanent cosmetics. Below: the studio license, the agency that issues them, local rules and what Texas says about microblading itself, each answered from Texas's own statutes, rules or agency pages, read on October 24, 2026.
- Artist license
- No state license
- Studio license
- License needed
- Studio fee
- $900
- Local rules
- Not stated
Licensed by Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), Tattoo and Body Piercing Studios licensing program.The agency's page The state's own words
The artist
Do you need a license to do permanent makeup in Texas?
No state license for the artist. Texas does not license individual permanent makeup or microblading artists; DSHS licenses the studio, and the state's rules define tattooing and the artist to include permanent cosmetics.
- License needed
- No state license
The studio
Does a microblading studio need a license in Texas?
Yes. A studio that does permanent cosmetics must hold a current DSHS license; the rules set a $900 fee for a tattoo-only studio's two-year license.
- License needed
- License needed
- License name
- tattoo and body piercing studio license
- State fee
- $900
Microblading by name
Is microblading considered tattooing in Texas?
Not by name. Texas's official pages we read do not use the word microblading.
Good to know
What else Texas asks of permanent makeup artists
- Clients must be at least 18 unless the rules' minor exceptions are met.
- Each artist must have the education, training and experience to practice aseptic technique and prevent bloodborne pathogen transmission; the rules give no number of hours.
- A studio must be in a location that meets local zoning codes, so check zoning before signing a lease.
Sources
What Texas's official pages say
Each answer above, in the words of Texas's own statutes, rules or agency pages, read on October 24, 2026. Rules change, and counties can add their own: confirm with DSHS before you start.
- The artist's license
“In Texas we license the studio only.”
dshs.texas.gov “The term includes the application of permanent cosmetics.”
dshs.state.tx.us - The studio's license
“Yes. A tattoo or body piercing studio must have a current license issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to operate the studio.”
dshs.texas.gov “This includes studios that perform traditional tattooing, permanent cosmetics and scarification.”
dshs.texas.gov “All applicants for a tattoo and body piercing studio license or a renewal license shall pay a nonrefundable license fee”
dshs.state.tx.us “(4) $900 for a tattoo only studio for a two-year license;”
dshs.state.tx.us - Also good to know
“a client must be a minimum of 18 years of age and shall present at the time of tattooing or body piercing”
dshs.state.tx.us - Also good to know
“shall have the education, training and experience, or any combination thereof, to practice aseptic technique”
dshs.state.tx.us - Also good to know
“A studio must be in a permanent, nondwelling building or portion of a building which must be in a location which is permissible under local zoning codes, if any.”
dshs.state.tx.us
Questions
Texas microblading licenses, answered
Do you need a license to do microblading in Texas?
Is microblading considered tattooing or permanent makeup in Texas?
Does a permanent makeup studio need a license in Texas?
Who licenses permanent makeup artists in Texas?
Does a cosmetology or esthetician license cover microblading in Texas?
Plan the rest
Licensed and ready to book clients
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- What Texas requires to open a salon or studio
- What Texas 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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