For any complete beginner, the idea of using a microblade or PMU machine on an actual person can be scary and overwhelming. In all training courses, it is key that the student has lots of practice using their hand tools or machine before they work on a live model and implant pigment into actual human skin.

That is where practice skins come in! They are absolutely essential for all PMU artists – from complete newbies to experienced artists learning a new technique or trying a new needle cartridge/pigment.

In this blog, we will cover all the versatile options available at Killer Beauty and provide all the relevant information to help you to identify which practice skins or pads are the best option for you and your treatments.



What treatment are you training in?


What type of practice skin you opt for can depend on what treatment you are training in or want to practice and we have lots of options available.

For SMP artists, the brand Reelskin offers products specifically for scalp micropigmentation treatments – the Reelscalp practice scalps. This includes a scalp ‘base’ and practice scalp skins which are placed over the top to give the most realistic feel for implanting pigment in SMP. Each scalp is reversible and additional scalps can be purchased separately.

An option for multiple treatments is the Reelskin Synthetic Practice face – this can be used to practice lips, machine brows, microblading, eyeliner and even freckles or beauty spots. This practice face is life-size (18cm x 13cm) for a client-like and like all Reelskin products, can be wiped clean with no pigment residue or stains left behind.

We also stock an Eyes and Lips contour pad which includes 3 lips and 3 sets of eyes for 3D lips, brows, and eyeliner practice. This pad also includes multiple eye and lip shapes to allow artists to try out different techniques and assess how they will look on different clients.

These products offer a hyper-realistic experience for students and artists, but more traditional practice pads are also paramount to any training or practice. Flat practice pads are probably some of the most popular items in the industry and below are some of our top picks.



Tina Davies Angie Microblading Practice Pad


A must-have for microblading artists is this pad from Tina Davies Professional. The Angie Pad sheets are double sided to allow artists to get the maximum use out of them, with each pad including 25 sheets.

One side of the pad features a full face and the other includes 4 brows – 2 with a brow outline and 2 without, to practice multiple techniques and styles. The unique black and gold design also means no pigment is required so no product is wasted. All you need are your microblades and you’re ready to go!


Reelskin Synthetic Practice sheet


A firm favourite amongst artists, the Reelskin synthetic practice sheets offer a hyper-realistic experience that is as close to the real thing as possible. The material feels, looks, and stretches just like real skin making it the perfect canvas.

It is thick enough to be used on both sides and pigment won’t smudge or leave stains – the excess can simply be wiped away to continue your practice. Available in A3, A4 or A5 sizes, you even have the option of Darker Tone practice sheets for colour theory practice and testing out new shades for darker skinned clients.



What about medical tattoo treatments?


For artists training in or practicing medical treatments such as areola reconstruction or scar camouflage, the Reelskin Medical training discs are a must-have. Combined with the Reelpad, the two products mimic the softness of the human body and replicate not just the skin but the tissue underneath, giving the artist the most realistic training experience possible.

This is key in helping an artist grow their confidence, something which is important in any PMU treatment, but especially important when working with medical tattoo clients. They may already be nervous prior to treatment so having an artist who is confident in their skills (even if they are starting out) will really help to put them at ease.


Can’t I just practice on fruit?


You may have seen PMU artists online practicing on fruit such as bananas, grapes or even melons. But can you use fruit as a complete alternative to fake skins? Unfortunately, we don’t think so!

It is no secret fruit can go bad pretty quickly, so you only have a small window of opportunity to use it for practice before you need to throw it out. As it ripens, the fruit will vary in softness so it can be difficult to perfect your technique on an ever-changing canvas. Practice skins on the other hand can be purchased and used whenever you need them! And the texture, thickness and durability of a practice skin will never change over time.

The benefit of using practice skins is that these items have been specifically designed for PMU and have undergone rigorous testing to ensure the most skin-like product possible. It stretches and feels just like the real thing and has been created to work with your pigments and needle cartridges to realistically replicate how the pigment will appear in the skin. It has also been created to replicate natural skin tones, which is key for practicing colour theory and pigment selection.



Investing in high-quality, realistic practice skins means that you are starting your PMU career on the right foot. Using products that truly replicate the feel, resistance and appearance of real skin ensures that you can build confidence with your techniques and feel capable when you move on to a live model.

Similarly, using these products to perfect new techniques provides a seamless transition from practice pad to client when you feel ready. We cannot recommend them enough!