• Needle cartridges: the types, how to read them, how to use them, and the technique for each

• Tattoo machines: understanding vaults and stroke, and choosing settings for different skin types and services

• Hand techniques: pendulum, stipple and circular, and when to use each

• Safe, hygienic tattoo set-up and industry-standard infection control practices

• Skin anatomy and wound healing, plus how to assess a client's skin health and suitability

• Client consultation and assessment

• Precise skin-tone colour matching: ink proportions and mixing

• Colour theory: pigment selection, colour correction and blending across skin tones

• Ink vs inkless: when to use each, and the active ingredients in bio-regenerative (inkless) serums

• Needle depth, skin response and healing, including side effects, allergies and irritation

• Topical anaesthetics within legal guidelines

• Business and legal: business set-up, insurance, compliance and council regulations

• Supplier and equipment recommendations

How the course runs

• Beginner day (3-day course only): tattoo machines, needles, skin, healing and infection control, then practice on synthetic skin

• Theory and technique: ink and inkless techniques, colour matching, and practice on synthetic skin

• Practical work in studio: multiple techniques under supervision on real models, with personalised feedback throughout. We usually start with inkless serum work, which gives beginners plenty of room to build confidence.

 

What's included

• In-person, hands-on training on real models

• Your 'Ready to Go' student kit (below)

• Student manual covering everything taught, including a supplier guide, consent forms, insurance and business set-up guidance, and a price guide

• Certificate of Completion

• Photos and videos of you treating models, for your own social media and marketing

• 12 months of WhatsApp support with your trainers and classmates, where you can share photos, discuss cases and ask about pricing

• An invitation to a shadow day at Melinda's or Shelby's studio if you'd like a refresher

 

Your Scar & Stretch Mark student kit

1 x Mast wireless tattoo machine · 1 x large Kin+Sugi Academy case · 1 x student manual · editable consent forms · aftercare information · an aftercare bag · 40 x needle cartridges (variety) · white body pencil · 1 x set of camouflage inks · 1 x set of camouflage serums · gloves · face masks · ink cups · grip tape · Vaseline · alcohol wipes · ink mixer · cotton tips

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No experience? Completely fine.

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.

 

Good to know

• 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 at every step, 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, territory and country. We'll guide you on what applies where you plan to work.

• Models: we source the models for the course.

 

Investment and booking

• 3 days (beginner): $8,999 (AUD), including your student kit

• 2 days (machine experience): $7,999 (AUD), including your student kit

• A $500 non-refundable deposit secures your place

• The rest of your course fee is due before your course starts (see our Terms & Conditions)

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2027 locations

Scar & Stretch Mark Camouflage Course – Gold Coast

Train where Kin+Sugi started, on the Gold Coast, home of Shelby's Burleigh Heads studio, Restore. Learn ink and inkless camouflage techniques on real models in a small group of no more than 7.

Dates (3-day course): 1–3 Mar 2027

A 2-day option for students with tattoo machine experience is available; ask us.