The biggest difference is the technique used as the results look very similar to the naked eye. During a microblading procedure, a handheld tool is used to make small slices into the skin where the pigment is then implanted. As you can imagine, this type of method is dangerous in the wrong hands and can easily cause scar tissue. According to SNHD, slicing of the skin is illegal in Nevada, however, they have yet to stop the microblading industry as the technique is described as a tapping method. However, if you do your own due diligence and watch any microblading video, you will see slicing, not tapping. If you are getting microblading because you have sparse brows, then it is also important to know that this method can permanently damage the hair follicles that you still have left and make your natural hairs even more sparse over time. It turns into a cycle of damage leading to less hair, causing you to continue going back and building up scar tissue to the point where your skin may not even accept pigment. Using the machine allows for the same thin hairstrokes to be implanted at a rapid rate using a pushing in and out needle rather than a slicing motion. Yes, both methods are considered tattoos. Microblading can be compared to an old tap technique and the machine is the modern technique that you are used to seeing over the past 30 years. There is virtually no down time with machine hairstrokes and rarely any scabbing. Also, since the pigment is being pushed into the skin, the pigment retention is better and therefore the time between touchups is much farther apart. One of the things I hear from my clients is that they wish they knew this information before getting the microblading and could have prevented having scar tissue. This is why I will always encourage potential clients to do their own research before deciding what procedure is best suited for you.

I get this one a lot, and it really is on a case-by-case basis. Sometimes the pigment is faded enough and very easy to go over and cover. Also, If the color has changed and become orange or bluish as sometimes seen in older work, there are options to either lighten with pigment removal or color corrected with toner pigments. However, if there is extensive scarring from deep microblading, then it is not recommended to go over damaged skin as the pigment on scarred tissue can either absorb pigment more or less than it is supposed to. Scarred skin usually can be easily determined as when you stretch the area you will see the light shine off or reflect on the scarred tissue. The best way to determine if you are eligible is to set up a free one-on-one consultation to discuss your options.

Scalp Micropigmentation is best described as creating an illusion of hair where there isn’t any or where there is thinning. It is done by creating a series of tiny dots very close together to create a shadowed or pixelated effect. On men, it mimics the look of a shaved hair follicle and on women with longer hair, it creates the look of fuller, more dense hair at the scalp. It is a great option for anyone with thinning or receding hair to fill in or shadow the areas they desire.

Unfortunately, No. There are a few contraindications which make people ineligible for permanent makeup. As I mentioned before, some people have scarring from microblading which is too deep to be covered up or worked on any further. Other things that can make you ineligible for permanent makeup are certain medical conditions such as diabetes controlled by insulin. In addition, certain prescription medications may cause the body to attack the pigment and push it out which causes the pigment retention to vary and may just not be worth going forward with the procedure. These are all discussed more thoroughly on a case-by-case basis during the one on one consultation. One of the reasons I always do an in-person consultation and not a photo submission is because I need to see and feel the texture of the skin as well as any previous scarring before taking you on as a client. A picture does not feel sufficient for me to evaluates your skin. Your safety is my number one priority and taking the time to do a thorough consultation can prevent future complications.