Spa+Clinic Team With the sudden popularity and media attention to the term microblading [notably for permanently contouring thinning, patchy or missing eyebrows], many are led to believe microblading is not a cosmetic tattoo process.
The Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals* sets the record straight (and thanks to Val Glover-Hovan for sharing it with us!):
Permanent cosmetics, micropigmentation, dermal implantation, microblading/micro-stroking, eyebrow embroidery, and long-time/long-lasting makeup …
These are are all different names for the same procedure – cosmetic tattooing.
Any time colour is placed into the skin with any device, it is a tattoo process as defined by many well-informed regulators, the medical community, and dictionary sources.
Denying this process is a tattoo can be problematic for those who would, for religious or other personal reasons, normally refuse to have a tattoo.
Is a blade being used to perform the microblading tattoo procedure?
Microblading is performed with a grouping or configuration of needles affixed to a handle to manually create lines that resemble eyebrow hairs.
Manual methods of tattooing have been used through the ages, and the tools have gone through changes over time from pre-historic sharpened stones to the hand tool devices currently being used.
An actual scalpel or cutting-type blade should not be used under any circumstances as these are considered medical devices and cannot legitimately be used for this process.
Any hand tool device (ie. both handle and attached needles) used for microblading should be pre-sterilised and fully disposable.
Is it semi-permanent?
Some are promoting microblading or eyebrow embroidery as a semi-permanent process; and that the colour only reaches the epidermal (outer) layer of the skin.
A careful review of basic skin anatomy and physiology would reveal this is not true.
By definition and tattoo industry standards, colour is tattooed/implanted into the dermis of the skin.
If pigment particles do not reach the dermis, they will disappear during the healing phase of the skin, during normal regeneration of cells at the epidermal level.
Pigments do fade in the skin over time, but that does not make the process semi-permanent. It is impossible to predict how much pigment will fade away and how long it will take to do so with any measure of consistency or reliability.
Why does microblading not last as long as other eyebrow tattooing techniques?
This is simply because a much smaller amount of pigment is inserted (tattooed) into the skin as compared to fully or solidly filled eyebrow tattoos.
Is there less training needed to learn microblading as compared to learning permanent cosmetics?
No; if someone is new to the industry and does not already have a minimum of 100 hours of training in permanent cosmetics, they need to have a similar amount of training in microblading, even if it is for just that one type of procedure.
There are many areas of study when learning these techniques, which include facial morphology and bone structure, brow shaping and design, colour analysis, colour theory, proper handling of equipment, prevention of cross-contamination, as well as practice work and the opportunity to observe procedures before actually performing them under supervision.
Anyone interested in pursuing training in cosmetic tattooing, including microblading, should first check with regulating agencies.
This would also include verifying the qualifications of any trainer, in addition to checking with regulatory agencies for trainer compliance with local health, safety, or permit requirements if the trainer is travelling from another state to offer training.
*The Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals membership represents professionals in the industry who are dedicated to promoting the ideals and standards of the SPCP, offering cosmetic tattooing that is conducted in accordance with safety standards specific to the permanent cosmetic process, and those who stay abreast of and participate in industry activities.
