What’s the difference between Microblading & Semi Permanent Makeup

Basically microblading is still a tattoo but uses a manual hand held tool rather than a digital machine. Both methods use pigments and can create fine hair stroke effects it is the application method that is different. The hand held tool has a long straight row of very fine needles attached and is dipped into pigment and dragged across the skin, cutting open a shallow groove in the shape of a hair and is reliant on the technician’s hand pressure to create this superficial cut. Too much pressure and the cut will be too deep and will cause a scar and the pigment may heal with an ashy grey hue. Too little pressure and the pigment will not hold. It is incredibly important to ensure that you research well and view treatment portfolios and qualifications of your chosen technician as treatments conducted by poorly trained or inadequately skilled technicians can lead to severe scarring in the skin.

​Generally the negatives for Microblading are that it causes more trauma to the skin than cosmetic tattooing and can cause scarring if done badly, it does not last as long as only a small amount of pigment is implanted into the skin, it is not suitable for all skin types – if you have oily, thicker skin with large pores then it is not suitable for you but cosmetic tattooing would be.

​Cosmetic tattooing uses a digital machine that moves a needle or group of needles up and down into the skin creating tiny punctures into which the pigment is pushed by the needle. A variety of needles can be used depending upon the type of treatment that is being carried out. A nano needle is the finest needle available which creates very fine hair strokes, almost identical to those made when Microblading. Yet the machines used are so advanced that they create precise perfectly spaced punctures in the skin, with no tearing. So minimal trauma is caused to the skin, unless wielded by a poorly skilled technician. Different needle configurations are used for different techniques including shading and lining to ensure the best results and a good technician will always use the best quality equipment.

There is also a plastic cap surrounding the needle to support it which creates a small well of pigment so that a large amount is pushed out of the cap and down the needle into the skin therefore implanting more pigment per stroke then you would achieve with a Micro blade giving a longer lasting result.

Whilst both techniques can achieve a stunning result, it’s very much an individual choice as to what method you personally prefer and also down to the skill and experience level of technician you choose.
Recently I have found that a lot of people are asking for Microblading as they are actually specifically looking for hair strokes. But whether they are looking for a soft fluffy look, or a dense more structured look, they do not realise that both methods can achieve their desired result. 

With both procedures, a top up will be always required 4-8 weeks later to ensure longevity, this also gives you a chance to get used to your new makeup, some people like to go a little darker or change the shape slightly at the topup so at least you have the opportunity to do this if need be. After that both require annual maintenance, however Micro blading will fade sooner. Both methods cost the same and take about the same amount of time to do but whichever you decide on it’s important to carry out thorough research and to select a highly experienced permanent makeup technician with a good solid portfolio of current work.
Due to the increased popularity of permanent make up over the last decade, the market place has become saturated by offers of appealing low cost treatments. However as with anything in life, experience, training and skill costs.

Don’t be tempted to opt for the lower priced offers to save money, as these are normally the people that contact me for removal and correction, so as the saying goes ‘buy cheap, buy twice’!! This is your FACE and one treatment where experience, knowledge and skill should be valued or that cheap treatment could end up costing you far more to put it right.