Is it tattooing?
With the sudden popularity and media attention to the term “Microblading” many are lead to believe Microblading is not a tattoo process. Permanent Cosmetics, micropigmentation, dermal implantation, microblading/micro-stroking, eyebrow embroidery and long-time/long-lasting makeup are all different names for the same procedure – cosmetic tattooing. Anytime color 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 as a tattoo can be problematic for those who would for religious or personal reasons, would normally refuse to have a tattoo.
Is a blade being used to perform the microblading tattoo procedure?
No, Microblading is performed with a grouping or configuration of needles affixed to a handle to manually create lines that resemble eyebrow hairs. Manual methods have been used through the ages, and the tools have gone through changes over time through pre-historic sharpened stones to the handtool 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 (i.e., both handle and attached needles) used for microblading should be pre-sterilized and fully disposable.
Is it semi-permanent?
No, some are promoting microblading and eyebrow embroidery as a semi-permanent process; and that the color 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, color 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. 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 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 just for 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, color analysis, color 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 state and county regulating agencies. This would also include verifying the qualifications of any trainers, in addition to checking with regulatory agencies for trainer compliance with local health, safety or permit requirements if the trainer is traveling from another state or country to offer training.
How can I get more information?
You can contact the Society of Permanent Cosmetics Professionals (SPCP) at admin@spcp.org Visit us on our website at www.spcp.org
With the sudden popularity and media attention to the term “Microblading” many are lead to believe Microblading is not a tattoo process. Permanent Cosmetics, micropigmentation, dermal implantation, microblading/micro-stroking, eyebrow embroidery and long-time/long-lasting makeup are all different names for the same procedure – cosmetic tattooing. Anytime color 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 as a tattoo can be problematic for those who would for religious or personal reasons, would normally refuse to have a tattoo.
Is a blade being used to perform the microblading tattoo procedure?
No, Microblading is performed with a grouping or configuration of needles affixed to a handle to manually create lines that resemble eyebrow hairs. Manual methods have been used through the ages, and the tools have gone through changes over time through pre-historic sharpened stones to the handtool 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 (i.e., both handle and attached needles) used for microblading should be pre-sterilized and fully disposable.
Is it semi-permanent?
No, some are promoting microblading and eyebrow embroidery as a semi-permanent process; and that the color 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, color 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. 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 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 just for 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, color analysis, color 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 state and county regulating agencies. This would also include verifying the qualifications of any trainers, in addition to checking with regulatory agencies for trainer compliance with local health, safety or permit requirements if the trainer is traveling from another state or country to offer training.
How can I get more information?
You can contact the Society of Permanent Cosmetics Professionals (SPCP) at admin@spcp.org Visit us on our website at www.spcp.org