3D Areola Tattooing
Make a Life-Changing Impact
There is a growing need for paramedical tattoo artists. If helping others feel more confident or if working in a healthcare setting appeals to you, paramedical tattooing is a fantastic choice.
“After adding paramedical tattooing to my cosmetic tattooing services, I watched as my business grew exponentially. Now, I’m a respected paramedical tattoo artist who receives referrals from the top plastic surgeons in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. I average approximately four 3D areola tattoo patients per week! My decision to become a paramedical tattoo artist has been life changing to say the least!
Helping hundreds of women feel better about their bodies after cancer is incredibly rewarding. That’s why I decided to share this powerful skill and train others to become paramedical tattoo artists in order to help as many women in North America and beyond.”
-Shannon Housley
Fundamentals of 3D Areola Tattooing 6-day In-person Certification
What will you learn?
- Tattoo machine fundamentals — machine settings and speeds
- In-depth needle cartridge review
- Consultations, charting, and understanding patient needs
- Proper tattoo techniques for maximum color retention
- Color theory and custom color mixing
- HIPAA Awareness training & certification
- Infection prevention and control
- Creating a realistic 3D nipple tattoo
- Types of breast reconstructions and mastectomies and how they impact tattooing
- Working in radiated skin and scar tissue
- Color matching and tattooing native areola tissue
- Reconstructed nipples vs flat surface
- Re-pigmenting post-necrotic areolas
- Administrative aspects of client billing & insurance
- Aftercare procedures and instruction
- Marketing: Networking with plastic surgeons and hospitals
- Secrets to winning with social media: The Dos & Donts with areola and nipple posts
Training Investment
Tuition Pricing
Option 1: $4,997 without machine (Does not include a machine. You must provide your own and bring it to training.)
Option 2: $5,697 with machine (Includes a Microbeau Flux Mini wireless machine for you to take home)
Option 3: $5,095 with machine rental (Includes use of the machine all week.)
A $500 deposit is all that’s needed to reserve your seat. The remaining balance is due 14 days prior to course start date.
Reserve Your Seat
Today!
What our students are saying
This course was designed very efficiently, and I enjoyed every second of training! We spent just the right amount of time on each detail that makes up the areola. THANK YOU again for being such an amazing Instructor throughout this process! I am a huge believer that coaches can make or break a player, and how passionate teaching can inspire students. You are the perfect example of that. Makenzie G.—Overland Park, Kansas
“I’m so happy that I chose your class, it was well worth the trip all the way from California. I know I will have to continue working on my technique and practice . . . but everyone is so amazed by my work so far!” Ashley H. — Salinas, California
The 3D Areola Training Program is well worth the money! Shannon is a phenomenal instructor, and you can see her passion for the work she does and for teaching others. I am so grateful that I found Housley Institute for training! Saraya S. — Denver, Colorado
I couldn’t be more grateful for the experience. It was one of the best weeks of my life! Shannon was incredibly kind, knowledgeable, and an absolute joy to be around. Her passion for what she does shines through in every lesson, and she made sure I felt supported and confident throughout the entire training. I’m so excited to apply what I’ve learned, and I highly recommend Shannon to anyone looking for top-notch training!
Jill G.— Portland, Maine
I thoroughly enjoyed the training session. I feel as if the flow of everything was perfect and I appreciated being able to work on actual patients during the training process. I would recommend your course to anyone. Future students should know that they will leave with a new level of care for those who have gone through the process of needing our help and that your program will give them everything they need to get started. Latoya W.— Saginaw, Michigan
The class and instruction were fantastic. Everything was incredibly organized. You covered all aspects of the technique–hand positioning, color formula, case studies, marketing, supplies, etc. The course really allowed for building knowledge and reinforcement of information from day-to-day such that by the time we worked with our models, it all felt very smooth and relaxed. Kelly P. — Flagstaff, Arizona
I loved this class! I couldn’t be happier with my choice in courses! The experience for me was excellent. I appreciate you taking the time the first day to really get to know us and help us get to know each other. Covering every aspect of the business and techniques in tattooing was so helpful. I loved clinical! I’m so excited to begin this new journey. Having this knowledge is going to change so many lives! Bailey S. — Salem, Ohio
Training Dates
Upcoming 3D Areola Courses
2026 Training Dates:
January 26-31, 2026 (FULL)
February 23-38, 2026 (FULL)
April 13-18, 2026 (Only 1 seat remains!)
June 15-20, 2026
August 17-22, 2026
September 14-19, 2026
October 12-17, 2026
November 16-21, 2026
Duration: 6 Days: Monday through Saturday, from 9am to 5pm
Deposit: $500. This non-refundable/non-transferable deposit is required to hold your seat. The remaining balance is due 14 days prior to the course start date.
Location: Our beautiful training facility is located in the heart of downtown Sharonville at: 11096 Reading Road, Cincinnati, OH 45241.
Space is limited to a maximum of 4 students.
I’m Interested!
Get More Information
What’s Included
Everything You Need
YOUR 3D AREOLA FUNDAMENTALS TRAINING INCLUDES:
- 6 days of instruction: 4 days in classroom and 2 days clinical with live, hands-on models
- 100 total hours of pre-classroom and in-classroom education
- Your own LIVE MODEL to complete a 3D areola tattoo on from start to finish
- A 104-page, full-color comprehensive training manual to take home
- All in-class training supplies
- HIPAA training via an online HIPAA certification course
- Your own tattoo machine & power supply: After registration, you can add on our recommended machine: the Microbeau Flux Mini wireless with battery
- Take home kit with areola tattoo supplies
- Certificate of Completion (Please note that we do not guarantee a certificate at the academy. Your training provides education. You’ll receive a certificate only if you demonstrate proficiency and meet our standards of care and competency.)
- Refreshments and light snacks, and lunch on two Clinical Days
Duration: 6 Days: Monday through Saturday, from 9am to 5pm
Deposit: $500. This non-refundable/non-transferable deposit is required to hold your seat. The remaining balance is due 14 days prior to course start date.
Location: Housley Institute for Restorative Ink, 11096 Reading Road, Cincinnati, OH 45241
Reserve Your Seat
Today!
Avery traveled from Colorado to Ohio to attend our 3D Areola Training.
She hit the ground running once back in Colorado and has been featured on radio broadcasts for her lifechanging 3D areola tattoo services.
You’re Covered!
Training Guarantee
If for any reason during the first 24 months after you completed your course you need a little extra support, you may re-attend the same course free of charge*.
It’s easy. Simply schedule a seat in training during the first 24 months after your initial training and audit the entire class session at no cost.
You won’t find any other training academies offering this kind of support at no charge, but at Housley Institute, we truly want you to succeed!
*Refresher guarantee does not include meals, supplies, take-home kits, or working on live models.
Your Instructor
Shannon Housley
Shannon Housley is the founder of Housley Institute : Restorative Beauty and a respected cosmetic/paramedical tattoo artist and instructor in Cincinnati, Ohio.
She launched Housley Institute in 2019 as a way to help women and men feel more confident every day. Shannon has obtained certification in 3D areola tattooing , scar camouflage, scar revision, advanced burns/skin graft scar camouflage, hyper-realistic 3D nipples, microblading, powder brows, lip blush, permanent eyeliner, Li-FT tattoo removal, and nano brows.
Her patients and students travel from all over the U.S. to receive services and gain knowledge and she helps approximately four areola patients every week.
She collaborates with over 20 of the top plastic/breast surgeons and oncologists throughout Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana; putting the finishing touches on their amazing breast reconstructions.
Giving others the opportunity to learn such life-changing and transformative tattooing techniques is what motivates Shannon to share her knowledge and artistry with new students.
Additional Information
All the details
IS ANY EXPERIENCE OR LICENSING REQUIRED TO ATTEND?
This course is for anyone looking to start their career as a paramedical tattoo artist.
Fundamentals of 3D Areola Tattoo is taught as a beginner training class. Students will learn the fundamentals needed to perform medical tattooing; however, they should not expect to become a master artist after just 6 days of training. We consider areola tattooing a fine art and true mastery will require time, dedication and practice.
There is no prerequisite licensing or training required to attend this course. You do NOT have to be a licensed cosmetologist, esthetician, or tattoo artist to receive your certification.