Whilst microblading (in a very basic form) has been around for many thousands of years, it is only recently that it has become popular in creating permanent make up brows. The Microblading technique allows for a very delicate line of pigment to be implanted into the skin which, if done correctly, can be used to create lines that mimic real hairs. Microblading involves a static row of needles attached to a pen-like handpiece to be gently sliced through the very upper layers of the skin into which pigment is placed.
The down side to microblading is if it is not done correctly it can cause damage to the skin and ultimately lead to scarring. It’s an art to get the pigment placed at the correct depth in the skin- too shallow and the colour fades quickly, too deep and the colour blurs and turns grey.
Not all skins are suitable for microblading- it’s not ideal for thickened skins (smokers/sun worshippers) or anyone with an oily skin. On a perfect canvas, done correctly, the results are beautiful. The results, however, don’t last as long as a brow created using the convential technique with a machine.
The machine technique uses a handpiece into which a needle cartridge is attached. When the machine is operated, the needles in the cartridge are forced in and out up to 160 times a second. The needles are gently dragged across the skin and pigment is implanted every time the needle enters the skins surface.
A good technician can create equally good hairstroke looking brows using a machine and this method offers more versatility in brow shape and design. Personally, I think this method allows for the results to last slightly longer too.