PMU Training in the Netherlands: How to Choose the Right Course

Permanent makeup (PMU) is one of the most rewarding skills you can add to a beauty career. A well-done set of powder brows can save a client twenty minutes every morning, and a good PMU artist is often booked weeks in advance.

But choosing a PMU training course in the Netherlands is not easy. Prices range from a few hundred euros for an online class to more than €4,000 for a private course, and most course pages look the same. This guide walks you through the eight things worth checking before you pay a deposit — whether you are completely new to beauty or already work as a lash or brow technician.

First: what a PMU course can and cannot give you

Before comparing courses, it helps to know how PMU is regulated here.

In the Netherlands, applying permanent makeup falls under the same rules as tattooing. To work legally, you need a GGD permit (vergunning) for the location where you work — including if you work from home. The GGD inspects the location against the RIVM hygiene guidelines for permanent makeup before the permit is issued, and permit holders are listed in a public RIVM register.

This means:

• A course certificate is not a licence. It shows you completed a training; it does not allow you to start treating clients on its own.

• A good course prepares you for the permit, not just for the technique. Hygiene, sterilisation or single-use materials, and setting up your workspace should be part of the programme.

If a course promises that you can "start working the day after", ask how they cover the GGD requirements.

8 things to check before you book a PMU course

1. Who is the trainer — and are they still working?

The most important factor is the person teaching you. Look for a trainer who:

• still treats clients every week (techniques and pigments change quickly)

• shows healed results, not only fresh results straight after the treatment

• has a background in skin, hygiene or medical care

• can explain why something works, not just how

Healed photos matter. Fresh work almost always looks good; healed work shows whether the trainer really understands depth, pigment and skin types.

2. How much hands-on practice do you get?

Theory is essential, but PMU is a hand skill. Ask:

• How many hours are spent on practice skin (latex)?

• Will I work on a live model during the course?

• Who arranges the models — me or the academy?

A course without live model practice leaves you to make your first real mistakes alone, without anyone to correct you.

3. How big is the group?

In a group of eight to ten, the trainer cannot watch every student's hand angle, pressure and speed. In a small group, small habits get corrected before they become problems. Ask for the maximum number of students per trainer.

4. Does the course teach safety and skin, not only design?

A strong PMU training should cover:

• skin structure and how pigment heals

• contraindications (when you should not treat a client)

• hygiene, sterilisation and workspace set-up

• pigment choice and how colours change over the years

These topics are less exciting than drawing brows — but they are what keeps your clients safe and your reputation intact.

5. What happens after the course?

Most beginners have their biggest questions in the weeks after the training, when they start practising alone. Check whether the academy offers:

• a period of follow-up support (questions by message or e-mail)

• feedback on photos of your practice work

• a refresher or masterclass later on

6. Is the course in a language you fully understand?

Many PMU courses in the Netherlands are taught only in Dutch (search "PMU opleiding" and you will see this). If Dutch is not your first language, you may miss important details about safety and depth. If you are an international resident, look specifically for permanent makeup training in English — and confirm that the course materials are in English too.

7. Do you learn how to work with clients, not just on them?

Technique is only part of the job. The artists who build a full agenda also know how to:

• run a consultation and set realistic expectations

• take honest, consistent before-and-after photos

• handle a client who is unhappy with the result

• price their treatments and plan touch-ups

Ask whether the course includes these salon skills.

8. What exactly is included in the price — and what are the cancellation terms?

When comparing prices, check whether they include:

• a starter kit (machine, needles, pigments) or only the training

• VAT

• the live model fee

• the certificate and follow-up support

Read the cancellation and rescheduling terms before you pay a deposit. Many academies require a deposit of several hundred euros and have strict deadlines for changes.

Which treatment should you learn first?

If you are new to PMU, most trainers recommend starting with powder brows. Brows are the most requested treatment, and the shading technique builds a solid foundation for other areas. Once you are confident, you can add:

• Lip blush — soft, natural colour; requires a good understanding of colour theory and undertones

• Lash enhancement (lash line) — a fine line along the lash line; demands precision and a steady hand

Already work as a lash technician? A course in lash lifting can be a good first step into the industry before you invest in PMU.

A PMU course in The Hague: SG Academy

At SG Academy by Studio Gezellig, PMU training is taught by Asae Shirai — a former nurse with 11 years of medical experience, 6 years as a PMU artist and more than 2,000 treatments. In 2026 she won the areola category at WULOP JAPAN and represented Japan at the world championship.

What our courses look like:

• 2-day courses in powder brows, lip blush, lash enhancement and Japanese lash lift

• Small groups with direct feedback on design and hand technique

• Live model practice on day two, under the trainer's supervision

• Safety first: skin, hygiene, contraindications and healing from a nurse's perspective

• Salon skills: consultation, photography and client care

• 3 months of follow-up — questions and feedback on your work

• Taught in English or Japanese

Our studio is in The Hague, easy to reach from Rotterdam, Leiden, Delft and Zoetermeer.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take a PMU course with no beauty experience?

Yes. A good beginner course starts from the basics: skin, hygiene, design and machine handling. You will need plenty of practice afterwards, so choose a course with follow-up support.

How long does it take to learn permanent makeup?

The course itself usually takes two to five days. Becoming confident takes much longer — most new artists practise for several months on practice skin and models before working with paying clients.

Do I need a licence to do permanent makeup in the Netherlands?

Yes. You need a GGD permit for the location where you work. The permit is linked to the location, not to your certificate. Check the current requirements with your regional GGD.

How much does PMU training cost in the Netherlands?

Brow courses are usually in the range of about €2,000 to €4,000, depending on the length, group size and whether a kit is included. Always compare what is included, not only the price.

Can I learn PMU in English in the Netherlands?

Yes, although English-language options are limited. SG Academy in The Hague teaches all courses in English or Japanese.