Microblading vs. Powder

Often microblading is used as a catch-all term. People end up using the word to mean all sorts of procedures. Technically microblading is traditionally done with a hand held, manual tool, made of several tiny needles, which are used to add semi-permanent pigment to the skin. The needles scratch the surface of the brow opening a channel into which the pigment is deposited, which creates fine, hair-like strokes. Very few skin types are suitable for this type of procedure.

Powder brows, also known as shading or ombre, is a semi-permanent cosmetic procedure that deposits pigment into the superficial layer of the skin using a tattoo machine. The result resembles makeup application or a fresh eyebrow tint. This advance technique is used to create a solid, bolder, more defined brow look. The pigment is darker starting from the tail, and it gradually gets lighter towards the front of the brow, hence the name "Ombré Brows". Every skin type is suitable for this procedure and the results can last up to 2 years.

There are several reasons why I much prefer using a tattoo machine vs a microblading tool. With tattoo machines the pigment is deposited superficially, moving so quickly in and out of the skin that it subsequently traumatizes the skin much less. Instead of opening an entire channel to deposit the ink, the machine efficiently does what we cannot do with a simple hand held tool. Using a machine opens up a much wider variety of skin that we can work on. With microblading we cannot work on skin that is oily or too dry. Only about 10% of people are candidates for microblading, while most people are able to receive powder brows.