Microblading is a

tattooing A tattoo is a form of body modification made by inserting tattoo ink, dyes, and/or pigments, either indelible or temporary, into the dermis layer of the skin to form a design. Tattoo artists create these designs using several Process of tatt ...

technique and form of

permanent makeup Permanent makeup is a cosmetic technique which employs tattoos (permanent pigmentation of the dermis) as a means of producing designs that resemble makeup, such as eye-lining and other permanent enhancing colors to the skin of the face, lips, an ...

in which a small handheld tool made of several tiny needles is used to add semi-permanent

pigment A pigment is a colored material that is completely or nearly insoluble in water. In contrast, dyes are typically soluble, at least at some stage in their use. Generally dyes are often organic compounds whereas pigments are often inorganic compo ...

to the skin. Microblading differs from standard eyebrow tattooing, as each hairstroke is created by hand using a blade which creates fine slices in the skin, whereas eyebrow tattoos are done with a machine and single needle bundle. Microblading is typically used on eyebrows to create, enhance, or reshape their appearance in terms of both shape and color. It deposits pigment into the upper region of the

dermis The dermis or corium is a layer of skin between the epidermis (with which it makes up the cutis) and subcutaneous tissues, that primarily consists of dense irregular connective tissue and cushions the body from stress and strain. It is divided i ...

, so it fades more rapidly than traditional tattooing techniques, which deposit pigment deeper into the skin. Microblading is also sometimes called embroidery, feather touch, microstroking, 3D eyebrow embroidery, or hair-like strokes.

History

The technique of implanting pigment following fine incisions in the skin may date back thousands of years, but the trend of using the technique for eyebrows is thought to have emerged in Asia within the last 25 years. Microblading had become the most popular method of cosmetic eyebrow tattooing in Europe and the United States by 2015, and new techniques such as 1D, 3D, and even 6D have emerged since.

Placement and design

Microblading artists begin each appointment by discussing their client's desired look and needs before measuring and sketching out the placement of the eyebrows. Measuring brow placement is a multi-step process, that begins by determining the center of the face and the set of the client's eyes. The starting point, arch, and ending point are determined by the spacing of the eyes, such as close-set or wide-set. The artist sketches out the full brow with the appropriate thickness and arch height, to give the client a visual of what the finished brows will look like, and to set the outline for the microblading. Manual smooth shading (microshading) can also be added to go over and between the hair strokes to visually give the dimension of natural eyebrow thickness without any sharp contours on the eyebrows.

Durability

The microblading procedure is a semi-permanent tattoo. Like all tattoos, microblading can fade, depending on multiple factors, including the quality of pigment/ink used,

UV exposure Ultraviolet (UV) is a form of electromagnetic radiation with wavelength from 10 nm (with a corresponding frequency around 30 PHz) to 400 nm (750 THz), shorter than that of visible light, but longer than X-rays. UV radiation i ...

, elements found in skincare products, and/or medications. The treatment lasts from 18 to 30 months, although it can sometimes last for up to 3 years. A touch-up session is encouraged 6 weeks after the first microblading procedure, and every 12-18 months thereafter.

Safety

Safety precautions for microblading are similar to those for any other tattooing technique. The most common complications and client dissatisfaction that result from any form of tattooing are misapplication of the pigment, pigment

migration Migration, migratory, or migrate may refer to: Human migration * Human migration, physical movement by humans from one region to another ** International migration, when peoples cross state boundaries and stay in the host state for some minimum le ...

, colour change, and in some cases, unintended

hyperpigmentation Hyperpigmentation is the darkening of an area of skin or nails caused by increased melanin. Causes Hyperpigmentation can be caused by sun damage, inflammation, or other skin injuries, including those related to acne vulgaris.James, William; Ber ...

. Serious complications are uncommon. As with all forms of tattooing, the risks associated with microblading include the transmission of blood-borne

pathogenic In biology, a pathogen ( el, πάθος, "suffering", "passion" and , "producer of") in the oldest and broadest sense, is any organism or agent that can produce disease. A pathogen may also be referred to as an infectious agent, or simply a germ ...

organisms (e.g.,

HIV The human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) are two species of ''Lentivirus'' (a subgroup of retrovirus) that infect humans. Over time, they cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), a condition in which progressive failure of the immune ...

hepatitis C Hepatitis C is an infectious disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) that primarily affects the liver; it is a type of viral hepatitis. During the initial infection people often have mild or no symptoms. Occasionally a fever, dark urine, a ...

staphylococcus aureus ''Staphylococcus aureus'' is a Gram-positive spherically shaped bacterium, a member of the Bacillota, and is a usual member of the microbiota of the body, frequently found in the upper respiratory tract and on the skin. It is often positive ...

herpes simplex Herpes simplex is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. Infections are categorized based on the part of the body infected. Oral herpes involves the face or mouth. It may result in small blisters in groups often called cold ...

), as well as short-term or long-term reactions to pigment ingredients. There is the potential for

granulomas A granuloma is an aggregation of macrophages that forms in response to chronic inflammation. This occurs when the immune system attempts to isolate foreign substances that it is otherwise unable to eliminate. Such substances include infectious ...

to form on the tattooed areas, as a result of the pigment, a foreign substance, being injected into the skin. Therefore, it is essential to verify that the technician holds the appropriate licenses and registrations for the provision of tattoo services, as well as inquire about the technician's standard of training. Procedures performed by technicians who have completed a comprehensive course of instruction can minimize the risk of unwanted outcomes and client dissatisfaction.Dermatologic Complications with Body Art 2010, pp 53-60 Cosmetic and Medical Applications of Tattooing Christa De Cuyper

References

{{Commonscat Tattooing Facial hair