Is Microblading considered tattooing?
Any time pigment is placed into the skin with any device or hand tool, 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.
What tool is used for the tattoo procedure?
Microblading is done using a pre-sterilized and fully disposable hand tool, that has a grouping or configuration of needles affixed to a handle to manually create lines that resemble eyebrow hairs. An actual scalpel or cutting-type blade should never be used under any circumstances as these are considered medical devices and cannot legitimately be used for this process.
Is it semi-permanent?
By definition and tattoo industry standards, color is tattooed/implanted into the upper dermal layer of the skin. If pigment particles do not reach the dermal layer, 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 fade faster than eyebrow tattooing techniques done with a device?
This is simply because a much smaller amount of pigment is inserted (tattooed) into the skin as compared to tattoos done with a device.
Are all people candidates for Microblading?
No! Listed below are reasons why people would not be good candidates for Microblading, as their skin may be compromised by many of these. But, some may be a candidate only for procedures done with a device.
-Skin conditions – Eczema, Psoriasis, Keratosis Pilaris and Dermatitis, Chronic acne and Rosacea
-Is pregnant or nursing.
-Has Skin Type 1, 5 or 6 – There are Skin Types, leveled 1- 6. Type 1, which is very fair, translucent skin, will not be able to tolerate microblading well or retain color. Type 5 or 6, darker skin, would require more pigment in the skin, therefore having it done with a device would be better.
-Has oily skin, loose skin, large pores or acne on forehead.
-Has previous permanent cosmetics – Because of the lack of contrast due to previous tattooing, microbladed stroked may not show. In addition, if the previous tattoo has faded to undesirable undertones, these tones would show through between the new strokes. A shading technique or possibly even removal may be necessary.
-On medications for Chronic Acne, Blood-pressure, Cancer. Brow/Lash growth serums such as Latisse can also be a problem.
Is Microblading a good technique for people with no brow hair?
It will look more natural if there’s some brow hair. Microblading, along with some shading done with a device will give someone with no hair a more natural look.
Do you need a license or certificate to practice Microblading?
Yes! It depends on the State or Country in which you practice. For example, in Virginia USA, only a Permanent Cosmetic LICENSE is required.
What is the average price range for a QUALITY Microblading procedure?
It ranges from $400 – $1,500.00, due to demographics and the experience of the technician.
Other than basic Microblading techniques, what other subjects should a good Microblading Technician be educated in?
Sanitation, sterilization, bloodborne pathogens, proper after-care, color theory, skin types, skin diseases and the skin healing process.
Is an Esthetician’s or a Cosmetologist’s license sufficient enough to practice Microblading?
No. Although Estheticians are highly educated in the skin layers and types, they do not typically break the skin during procedures and Color Theory is not a huge part of their education. The opposite is true for Cosmetologist’s. They are educated in Color Theory, but do not have much, if any any background in skin.
Is there a procedure done with a tattoo device that mimics the same fine hair strokes that you see in Microblading?
Yes! The newest digital devices, and some rotary machines, now have very fine needles available to do fine, detailed hair-strokes that heal to look like Microblading. An experienced technician, together with a fine Nano needle, can do a hair stroke procedure and give you that Microblading look you want. And…..it lasts longer, as there is more color inserted into the skin. Be sure to find an experienced technician….if too much pigment is implanted or if the pigment is implanted too deep, the hair strokes will blur.
Are the Microblading hand-tool needles safer than the needles used on a digital or rotary tattoo device?
They are BOTH safe if used properly. Most technicians use pre-sterile, disposable hand tools and needles. There are some technicians that sterilize their own equipment, just be sure they have the proper autoclave equipment. If it is a reputable facility or technician, they will be happy to prove to you that their equipment is sterile and the autoclave equipment is in proper working order. An autoclave is a machine that uses high-pressure steam to kill any bacteria or micro-organisms on the equipment’s surface.
Why should a Microblading technician be completely certified in Permanent Cosmetics?
There is so much more to a procedure than dragging a Microblading hand tool through skin! Skills in color theory and choice, appropriate skin type, skin conditions and diseases, healing procedures and complications are all part of the process. If a technician is not certified in Permanent Cosmetics, you take a chance that they were not trained in any of the skills listed above. Also, not everyone is a candidate for Microblading, so having the Permanent Cosmetics certification allows them to offer a procedure with a tattoo device instead. There are many procedures that can be done with a tattoo device, such as Eyeliner and Lips. It is NOT recommended to have these procedures done with a Microblading hand tool.
