Do You Need Tattoo Experience to Learn Scar & Stretch Mark Camouflage? 2-Day vs 3-Day Training Explained
Updated: 3 days ago
"Do I need to be a tattoo artist first?" It's one of the questions we hear most from people looking into scar camouflage training in Australia, and the answer is no. Nurses, beauty therapists, artists, career-changers and people who simply feel drawn to this work all come to us, and there's a path for each of them at Kin+Sugi Medical Tattoo Academy.
In this post we'll explain how our 2027 Scar & Stretch Mark Camouflage course works, what's different about the 2-day and 3-day options, and how to tell which one suits you. If you're new to the idea, you might like to start with our introduction, What is scar camouflage tattooing?
Image: supplied by Melinda.
The short answer: no tattoo experience needed
As Melinda puts it: "If you've not had any tattoo machine experience that's completely fine, we cater all the content to complete beginners, so you won't feel out of your depth or left behind."
That's why we run the course in two lengths. Both cover the same scar and stretch mark camouflage content. The only difference is where you start.
2-day vs 3-day: which stretch mark camouflage course is right for you?
The 2-day course ($7,999): for people with tattoo machine experience
If you've already used a tattoo machine, for example as a tattoo artist, cosmetic tattooist or PMU artist, the 2-day course is designed for you. You already know your way around a machine, so we go straight into camouflage theory, technique and supervised practical work.
The 3-day course ($8,999): the beginner path
If you've never held a tattoo machine, the 3-day course is your path. Your first day covers the fundamentals of tattooing: tattoo machines, needle cartridges, hand techniques, skin, healing and infection control, followed by practice on synthetic skin until the machine feels comfortable in your hand. From there, you join the same camouflage training as the 2-day group, on solid ground.
Image: training photo, Kin+Sugi gallery.
Not sure which one you are?
Used a tattoo machine before? The 2-day course is likely your fit.
Never used one, or only a little and you'd like a refresher on the basics? The 3-day beginner path gives you that extra day of fundamentals.
Still unsure? When you join the 2027 waitlist, tick whether you have tattoo machine experience and we'll let you know which course length suits you when enrolments open. You can also book a call or browse our FAQs.
Both options include your student kit.
What you'll learn on both courses
Scar and stretch mark camouflage uses carefully matched pigment to reduce the colour contrast between a scar or stretch mark and the surrounding skin. Inkless (serum) techniques can help with marks that are textured or darker than the skin around them. Results vary from person to person, and part of your training is learning to assess honestly what's possible for each client.
Image: client result, Body Toowoomba Scar & Stretch Mark Camouflage page.
Across the course you'll cover:
Needle cartridges, tattoo machines (vaults and stroke) and settings for different skin types
Hand techniques: pendulum, stipple and circular, and when to use each
Safe, hygienic set-up and industry-standard infection control practices
Skin anatomy, wound healing and assessing a client's skin health and suitability
Client consultation and assessment
Precise skin-tone colour matching, colour theory and colour correction across skin tones
Ink vs inkless: when to use each, and the active ingredients in bio-regenerative serums
Needle depth, skin response and healing, including side effects, allergies and irritation
Topical anaesthetics within legal guidelines
Business and legal basics: set-up, insurance, compliance and council regulations, plus supplier and equipment recommendations
The practical days are in studio, where you'll perform multiple techniques under supervision on live models, with personalised feedback throughout. We source the models for you. We usually start with inkless serum work, which gives beginners plenty of room to build confidence.
Image: before/after from the Kin+Sugi gallery.
Small classes and 12 months of support
We keep classes to a maximum of 7 students, so you get real one-on-one time with your trainers.
Learning doesn't stop when you leave the studio. You'll also have:
12 months of WhatsApp support with Melinda, Shelby and your classmates, where you can share photos, talk through cases and ask about pricing
A student manual covering everything taught, including a supplier guide, consent forms, insurance and business set-up guidance, and a price guide
Photos and videos of you treating models, to start your own portfolio and social media
An invitation to a shadow day at Melinda's or Shelby's studio if time has passed and you'd like a refresher
"We never want any of our students to leave feeling uncertain about anything covered in the course." – Melinda & Shelby
Image: training photo, Kin+Sugi gallery.
Learn from two qualified educators
Kin+Sugi was founded by Melinda Rose Kropp and Shelby Brooks, who both hold the TAE40122 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
Melinda is a realism and medical tattoo artist based in Toowoomba, where she offers scar and stretch mark camouflage at Body Toowoomba. The techniques she teaches are ones she uses with her own clients. You can also see the courses Melinda runs through Body Toowoomba.
Shelby is a cosmetic and medical tattoo artist at Restore in Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast. She specialises in natural-looking areola tattooing, facelift and self-harm scar camouflage, and stretch mark tattooing, and she spent 10 years working alongside surgeons, doctors and nurses before opening her studio.
Image: Melinda Rose Kropp, Our Trainers page.
Image: Shelby Brooks, Our Trainers page.
Meet our trainers to read more about them both.
Good to know before you enrol
Certificate: you'll receive a Kin+Sugi Certificate of Completion. Kin+Sugi isn't a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), and this isn't a nationally accredited qualification.
Infection control: we teach correct infection control practice throughout, but the formal infection control certificate (HLTINF005) isn't included. It can be completed online, and we'll point you to the right course.
Licensing: requirements differ by state and local council. We'll guide you on what applies where you plan to work.
2027 cities and dates
In 2027 we're bringing scar camouflage training to seven cities across Australia and New Zealand:
Gold Coast: 1–3 Mar 2027
Sydney: 31 May – 2 Jun 2027
Cairns: 26–28 Jul 2027
Perth: 23–25 Aug 2027
Toowoomba: 8–10 Sep 2027
Auckland (NZ): 25–27 Oct 2027
Melbourne: 22–24 Nov 2027
Dates shown are for the 3-day course. A 2-day option for students with tattoo machine experience is available; ask us. The best way to secure a spot is to join the 2027 waitlist. When enrolments open, a $500 non-refundable deposit secures your place.
Your next step
Whether you've been tattooing for years or you've never picked up a machine, there's a stretch mark camouflage course length that fits where you are now. Read the full details on our Scar & Stretch Mark Camouflage course page, then join the 2027 waitlist to secure your spot.
And if you'd like to grow into areola work later on, our 4-day 3D Areola Tattoo Course ($12,000, maximum 5 students, with our online Areola Drawing Course included free) is a natural next step. You don't need any tattoo machine experience to enrol.
Image: Kin+Sugi home page.