Featured on A Current Affair
Melbourne Designer Brows Shares Expert Opinion on A Current Affair
Recently, Melbourne Designer Brows' founder Anne Nguyen was asked to provide professional commentary on A Current Affair regarding important considerations when choosing a microblading practitioner. The segment highlighted the growing demand for semi-permanent eyebrow treatments and the need for consumers to make informed decisions about their safety.
The Segment
Watch the segment on A Current Affair's official YouTube channel or visit Channel 9's A Current Affair website for more consumer protection stories.
We were asked to share our professional perspective based on our experience in the microblading industry in Melbourne. The segment explored the differences between qualified and unqualified practitioners, and what consumers should look for when booking their appointment.
What Was Discussed in the ACA Segment
The A Current Affair feature covered several crucial topics that anyone considering microblading should understand:
The Rise of Microblading in Australia
The segment explored how microblading has become one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in Australia, with thousands of Australians seeking semi-permanent eyebrow enhancement each year. This growing demand has unfortunately attracted practitioners with varying levels of training and expertise.
Consumer Protection Concerns
A Current Affair highlighted cases where clients experienced unsatisfactory or even harmful results from underqualified practitioners. Anne discussed how consumers can protect themselves by understanding what to look for in a professional studio.
The Difference Between Qualified and Unqualified Practitioners
During the interview, Anne explained the significant difference between practitioners who have invested in proper training, certification, and ongoing education versus those who have learned through short online courses or informal training.
Key Points Discussed
During the segment, Anne Nguyen emphasized several crucial factors that clients should consider when choosing a microblading practitioner:
1. Qualifications and Training
Not all microblading artists are created equal. Anne highlighted the importance of choosing practitioners with:
- Proper certification and training from accredited academies
- Ongoing professional development and advanced courses
- Understanding of facial anatomy and symmetry
- Expertise in color theory and skin types
- Knowledge of contraindications and when to decline a client
Learn more about what qualifications to look for in our guide to finding the best microblading in Melbourne.
2. Safety and Hygiene Standards
The segment underscored the critical importance of:
- Sterile, single-use equipment for every client
- Proper sanitation protocols between appointments
- Clean, professional studio environments
- Adherence to health department regulations
- Bloodborne pathogen certification
- Proper disposal of used materials
3. Experience and Portfolio
Anne stressed that clients should always:
- Review before and after photos, especially healed results
- Read genuine client reviews across multiple platforms
- Ask about the artist's years of experience
- Understand the brow correction process if needed
- View the artist's work in person if possible
See real examples of our work in our before and after gallery.
Microblading Safety Standards in Australia
Australia has specific regulations governing cosmetic tattooing and semi-permanent makeup, though standards can vary by state. Understanding these regulations helps consumers make safer choices.
Victorian Regulations
In Victoria, cosmetic tattooing (including microblading) falls under public health regulations. Practitioners must:
- Operate from registered premises
- Follow infection control guidelines
- Use sterile, single-use equipment
- Maintain proper documentation
- Meet local council requirements
What Certification Should Include
Proper microblading training should cover:
- Infection control: Understanding how bloodborne pathogens spread and how to prevent contamination
- Skin anatomy: Knowledge of skin layers and how pigment implantation affects healing
- Color theory: How to match pigment to skin tone and undertone
- Technique mastery: Proper blade handling, stroke direction, and pressure control
- Aftercare protocols: How to guide clients through proper healing
- Contraindications: When to decline or postpone treatment
Melbourne Designer Brows' Safety Protocols
At Melbourne Designer Brows, we take safety seriously. Our comprehensive safety protocols exceed industry standards:
Strict Hygiene Practices
- Single-use tools: Every blade, needle, and applicator is brand new and disposed of after each client
- Sterile environment: Treatment areas are thoroughly sanitized between appointments
- Proper PPE: Gloves are changed frequently throughout each procedure
- Medical-grade equipment: All tools meet professional cosmetic tattooing standards
- Sealed packaging: Clients see tools opened from sterile packaging
Comprehensive Health Screening
Before any treatment, we conduct thorough health assessments:
- Medical history review to identify contraindications
- Skin condition evaluation
- Discussion of medications and supplements (some affect bleeding and healing)
- Allergy testing when necessary
- Honest assessment of suitability for treatment
Professional Environment
Our studios in Richmond and Springvale feature:
- Clean, private treatment rooms
- Professional-grade furniture and equipment
- Proper lighting for precision work
- Comfortable, relaxing atmosphere
- Visible licensing and certifications
Why Choosing an Experienced Practitioner Matters
Your eyebrows are one of the most prominent features on your face. Poor microblading can:
Aesthetic Consequences
- Create unnatural, blocky shapes
- Result in wrong color that turns gray, blue, or orange
- Leave asymmetrical brows
- Produce strokes that blur or migrate over time
- Create scarring from improper technique
Health Risks from Unqualified Practitioners
- Infections from non-sterile equipment
- Allergic reactions from low-quality pigments
- Scarring from too-deep pigment implantation
- Transmission of bloodborne diseases
- Long-lasting damage requiring tattoo removal
The Cost of Correction
Fixing poor microblading often costs more than getting it right the first time:
- Multiple correction sessions may be needed
- Some damage cannot be fully corrected
- Removal treatments are time-consuming
- Emotional impact of living with bad results
Read about what to expect from quality work in our microblading before and after guide.
Red Flags to Watch for When Choosing a Microblading Artist
Protect yourself by recognizing these warning signs:
Concerning Signs About the Studio
- No physical studio address (home-based without proper setup)
- Unclean or cluttered environment
- No visible certifications or licenses
- Reluctance to show the studio before booking
- Basement, garage, or inappropriate locations
Concerning Signs About the Practitioner
- Cannot provide proof of training or certification
- Only learned from online videos or short courses
- No portfolio or only shows fresh (not healed) results
- Unwilling to answer questions about hygiene
- Offers suspiciously low prices ($200-300)
- Pressure to book immediately without consultation
Concerning Signs About the Process
- No consultation offered before treatment
- No health history or medical questions
- Rushing through the appointment
- No numbing or inadequate pain management
- No aftercare instructions provided
- No perfecting session included or offered
Concerning Signs Online
- No or very few reviews
- All reviews posted on the same day (fake reviews)
- Heavily filtered or edited photos only
- No healed results shown
- Defensive responses to criticism
For a complete checklist, read our comprehensive FAQ guide.
Our Contribution to the Discussion
We were pleased to share our professional perspective on this important topic. With years of experience in the industry, we understand the concerns many people have about choosing the right practitioner for microblading and other cosmetic tattooing services.
The segment highlighted important considerations that we believe every client should be aware of when selecting a microblading studio. These are principles we've always followed at Melbourne Designer Brows, and we were happy to contribute to this public discussion about industry standards and client safety.
Our goal is to educate consumers so they can make informed decisions--whether they choose us or another qualified practitioner.
About Melbourne Designer Brows
At Melbourne Designer Brows, we focus on:
- Professional training and continuous education
- Strict health and safety protocols
- Comprehensive consultation process
- Dedicated aftercare support
- Multiple techniques including microblading, ombre, nano brows, and combination brows
We operate from two Melbourne locations:
- Richmond: Level 1, 382A Bridge Rd, Richmond VIC 3121
- Springvale: Shop 4, 218 Springvale Rd, Springvale VIC 3171
We offer both new treatments and corrections for previous work.
Book Your Consultation
If you're considering microblading, we encourage you to:
- Research your chosen practitioner thoroughly
- Ask about qualifications and experience
- Review before and after photos (especially healed results)
- Ensure proper safety protocols are followed
- Book a consultation to see the studio in person
- Trust your instincts--if something feels wrong, walk away
A free consultation allows you to:
- Meet your artist and assess their professionalism
- See the studio environment
- View portfolio of healed work
- Ask all your questions
- Get a personalized brow design recommendation
- Make an informed decision with no pressure
Read our complete guide on preparing for your microblading appointment.
Contact Us
Microblading from $600 A perfecting session is recommended 6-8 weeks after the initial appointment ($250).
- Richmond: Level 1, 382A Bridge Rd, Richmond VIC 3121
- Springvale: Shop 4, 218 Springvale Rd, Springvale VIC 3171
- Call Anne directly: 0418 188 277
- Email: info@mdbrows.com.au
- Website: www.mdbrows.com.au
Check our pricing page for all service costs, or read client reviews to see what others say about their experience.
Results may vary. Consult with your practitioner for personalized advice.
Media Inquiries
For media inquiries, please contact:
Anne Nguyen Melbourne Designer Brows Phone: 0418 188 277 Email: info@mdbrows.com.au
We're happy to provide expert commentary on topics related to microblading safety, semi-permanent makeup trends, and cosmetic tattooing industry standards.