Microblading is a tattooing technique which uses a small handheld tool made of several tiny needles to add semi-permanent

pigment A pigment is a powder used to add or alter color or change visual appearance. Pigments are completely or nearly solubility, insoluble and reactivity (chemistry), chemically unreactive in water or another medium; in contrast, dyes are colored sub ...

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

, 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.

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 Asia ( , ) is the largest continent in the world by both land area and population. It covers an area of more than 44 million square kilometres, about 30% of Earth's total land area and 8% of Earth's total surface area. The continent, which ...

, becoming popular in Singapore and Korea as early as 2005, and in Europe and the United States in 2010. 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.

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, 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.

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

pathogen In biology, a pathogen (, "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 theory of d ...

ic organisms (e.g. HIV,

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 period, people often have mild or no symptoms. Early symptoms can include ...

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 posi ...

herpes simplex Herpes simplex, often known simply as herpes, is a viral disease, viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. Herpes infections are categorized by the area of the body that is infected. The two major types of herpes are Cold sore, ora ...

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

granuloma A granuloma is an aggregation of macrophages (along with other cells) 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 sub ...

s 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

{{Commons category Tattooing Facial hair