Microblading Explained

Microblading is a tattooing technique which uses a small handheld tool made of several tiny needles to add semi-permanent pigment to the skin.[1] Microblading differs from standard eyebrow tattooing, a form of permanent makeup, as each hair stroke is created by hand with a blade that creates fine slices in the skin, whereas eyebrow tattoos are done with a tattoo machine. Microblading is used on eyebrows to create, enhance, or alter their appearance in shape and color. It deposits pigment into the upper region of the dermis, so it fades more rapidly than traditional tattooing techniques. Microblading is often referred to as eyebrow embroidery, eyebrow feathering, microstroking, 3D eyebrows, nanoblading or hair-like strokes.[2]

History

The technique of implanting pigment following fine incisions in the skin may date back thousands of years,[3] but the trend of using the technique for eyebrows is thought to have emerged in Asia, becoming popular in Singapore and Korea as early as 2005, and in Europe and the United States in 2010.[4] Microblading had become the most popular method of cosmetic eyebrow tattooing in Europe and the United States by 2015. Technique names such as 3D or 6D eyebrows were also popularized.[5]

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,[6] UV exposure, skin type, 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.[7]

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 a misapplication of the pigment, pigment migration, colour change, and in some cases, unintended hyperpigmentation.[8] Serious complications are uncommon. As with all forms of tattooing, the risks associated with microblading include the transmission of blood-borne pathogenic organisms (e.g. HIV, hepatitis C, staphylococcus aureus, herpes simplex), as well as short-term or long-term reactions to pigment ingredients.[9] There is the potential for granulomas 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[10] can minimize the risk of unwanted outcomes and client dissatisfaction.[11]

Notes and References

  1. News: What is microblading? Everything to know about this eyebrow trend. TODAY.com. 2018-09-21. en-US. December 14, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20221214170116/https://www.today.com/style/what-microblading-everything-know-about-eyebrow-trend-t101425. live.
  2. Suleman . Saba . Villegas . Maria . Davis . Thomas . Stevens . Charles S . Castaneda . Patricia . 2023-08-24 . Chronic Granulomatous Reaction to Semi-permanent Eyebrow Tint . Cureus . 15 . 8 . e44070 . en . 10.7759/cureus.44070 . free . 2168-8184 . 10449613 . 37638261.
  3. Web site: MicroBlading - First Things First . Cosmetic Tattoo . February 18, 2016 . Derek . Darby . January 10, 2023 . January 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230129161302/http://cosmetictattoo.org/article/microblading-first-things-first.html . live .
  4. Web site: Microblading: Who Really Started It and Why Did It Become So Popular? . Natalia . Go . November 14, 2019 . MicroBladers Studio + Academy . January 10, 2023 . January 10, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230110164935/https://microbladers.com/history-of-microblading/ . live .
  5. Marwah . Manjot Kaur . Kerure . Amit S. . Marwah . Gurjot S. . February 2021 . Microblading and the Science Behind it . Indian Dermatology Online Journal . en-US . 12 . 1 . 6–11 . 10.4103/idoj.IDOJ_230_20 . free . 2229-5178 . 7982014 . 33768017.
  6. Web site: Understanding Pigments in Permanent Makeup. www.flawless.uk. January 13, 2022. August 13, 2023. April 2, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230402081947/https://www.flawless.uk/blog/understanding-pigments-in-permanent-makeup/. live.
  7. Web site: 2022-12-02 . 11 Things I Wish I Knew Before Eyebrow Microblading . 2023-10-07 . Glamour . en-US.
  8. Goldman. Alberto. Wollina. Uwe. 2014-08-11. Severe unexpected adverse effects after permanent eye makeup and their management by Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. Clinical Interventions in Aging. 9. 1305–1309. 10.2147/CIA.S67167. 1176-9092. 4136952. 25143716 . free .
  9. Web site: Wiginton . Keri . Microblading Health Risks . 2022-05-13 . WebMD . en . June 9, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230609042932/https://www.webmd.com/beauty/microblading-health-risks . live .
  10. Web site: Cosmetic Tattoo Training Standards. www.cosmetictattoo.org. May 18, 2016. May 25, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160525152753/http://www.cosmetictattoo.org/article/cosmetic-tattoo-training-standards.html. live.
  11. Dermatologic Complications with Body Art 2010, pp 53-60 Cosmetic and Medical Applications of Tattooing Christa De Cuyper