Micropigmentation vs. Microblading: What’s the Difference?

Tattooing is an ancient art form that has been practiced for thousands of years. With changing beauty standards, the principle of applying pigment to the skin has been borrowed for cosmetological applications.

After using permanent tattooing to enhance facial features for a while, the semi-permanent alternative appeared on the scene, and it is prevalentArticleArticleow enhancement.

Because the pigments were not delivered as deeply into the skin this time, the results were not as long-lasting, making for a low-risk, high-reward treatment. Despite its bold appearance and inky colors, the eyebrow pencil remained a popular choice for many women.

The use of semi-permanent makeup has evolved. Beautifully refined brows are more easily accessible using innovative techniques and tools, rather than resorting to drastic, harsh, and outdated practices under Microblading and Micropigmentation NYC.

What is the Difference and Similarities between Micropigmentation and Microblading?

Many of us have heard of microblading. This brow-enhancing treatment, like other brow-enhancing techniques like micropigmentation, is a type of semi-permanent makeup.

A semi-permanent tattooing procedure occurs whenever pigment is delivered to and remains in the layers of the skin for an extended period of time.

That’s because most of us associate semi-permanent hair and brows with the solid blocky shapes that resulted from poorly executed previous techniques. However, newer techniques have emerged that are helping to dispel the previously held negative stigma.

Faith in semi-permanent brows restored makes it simple to see the advantages of pursuing this type of treatment.

 

Micropigmentation

Micropigmentation, which is gaining traction in 2019, is the breakout eyebrow treatment posing a serious challenge to the previously reigning microblading. This semi-permanent technique is commonly referred to as ombré brows, and it is quickly becoming a must-have treatment for beauty aficionados.

This approach, which mimics popular makeup techniques, is more suitable for modern-day women. With results that offer a shaded gradient to the brow, it’s easy to see where the name “ombré brows” comes from.

Micropigmentation, as opposed to microblading, uses dots of pigments, which is more akin to traditional tattooing. These tiny dots allow the color to be gradually built up, creating a more desirable ombre effect.

Microblading

Microblading, arguably the most well-known of the techniques, gained popularity in 2017 through social media networks. Taking even the most sparse brows and transforming them into natural beauty, this technique quickly converted semi-permanent skeptics into believers.

The procedure involves making small paper-cut-like incisions in the skin with a scalpel-like instrument. Each of these resembles a hair stroke and helps to restore a naturally shapely brow. These small incisions are then filled with pigment close to your natural hair color to blend in with your existing brow hairs.

How Long Do Micropigmentation and Microblading Last?

  • Micropigmentation- Most MUAs aspire to have full, beautifully diffused brows like this. The healing time is comparable to that of microbladed brows, but the results last 2-3 times longer!
  • Microblading- The entire procedure takes a few hours, including numbing time, and recovery can take up to two weeks. However, it is essential to note that the color tends to settle in more naturally after a month, with a 6-8 week top-up completing the results.
    In general, microbladed brows will last for 1-1.5 years before fading.

What are the Benefits and Risks of Micropigmentation and Microblading?

Pros

Micropigmentation

    • Despite the use of microdots of pigment, the results of micropigmentation are much fuller than those of microblading. It’s not blocky or unnatural, but it’s perfectly defined and filled.
  • Ombre brows have a gradient appearance that mimics modern makeup techniques, so no additional penciling or pomade is required. The natural gradient is ideal for everyday looks, while the more defined tail works well for glam makeovers, making it the more versatile technique of the two.
  • Micropigmentation is a semi-permanent technique that delivers pigment more profoundly into the skin than microblading, so the results last much longer. The average lifespan of ombre brows is three years, compared to one and a half years for microblading, and top-ups are also less frequent! The time between micropigmentation top-ups is as long as the entire microblading life cycle.
  • Because the technique used to deliver pigment during an ombré brows treatment is appropriate for all brow and skin types, including oily complexions! Furthermore, the microdot method is less traumatic to the skin than microblading, resulting in minor skin damage.
  • Machine-led micropigmentation, as opposed to manual microblading, provides more excellent uniformity when it comes to customizing brows for each individual client—the ability to change pressure and speed results in a more precise treatment with flawless results.

Microblading

  • This skilled treatment employs microfine blades to create hair-like strokes that are incredibly realistic. You can expect unbelievable realistic results if you work with an experienced technician who can create a flawless shape and select suitable pigments.
  • Microblading’s ability to mimic hair makes it an excellent treatment for filling in sparse brows. Because the technique essentially ‘builds’ brows, it’s ideal to enhance what is already there and add more shape and definition.
  • Because of the very fine strokes used in microblading, this treatment is also suitable for those with fine hairs, though scabbing during the healing process may make the strokes appear thicker at first.

Cons

Micropigmentation

  • Micropigmentation is completely tailored to each client, which means it is a treatment that truly works for everyone and can be tailored to give you the results you desire. However, if you prefer a more natural look for your brows, this may not be the treatment for you – but a quick look at some results photos may change your mind.

Microblading

  • Those with oily skin, on the other hand, will not get the best results from microblading. If your t-zone is known to shine during the day, this is a sign that microblading may not provide the long-term results you desire.
  • The incredibly natural results of this treatment frequently necessitate the use of makeup to further enhance the results in order for them to blend in with everyday cosmetics applications.
  • Because of the shallow pigment penetration, microblading necessitates more frequent top-ups, typically every 8-12 weeks, to maintain excellent results.
  • Regular top-ups are required to keep the microblading in place, which necessitates numerous incisions. This causes trauma to the skin over time, potentially damaging it.

Conclusion

After weighing the benefits and drawbacks of each treatment, it is clear that, while both techniques have value, micropigmentation comes out on top. The flawless gradient, created by microdots of pigment, is more akin to today’s popular brow styles, providing a more personal and customizable approach.

 

Ombre brows lead the way in semi-permanent makeup because they require less maintenance, produce better results, and are gentler on the skin.