Microblading, micropigmentation, microshading and eyebrow embroidery are all forms of semi-permanent eyebrow tattoos. The semi-permanent solutions to thin or sparse eyebrows are popular, and there are many forms in the market place that can be confusing.

How deep the ink is injected into the skin determines how long it stays visible on the skin. Traditional tattoos use electromagnetic coil machines to implant the ink deep into the dermis – they are permanent. Eyebrow tattoos use a digital pen or microblading tool to implant ink more superficially into the skin – they are semi-permanent.

Microblading / Eyebrow embroidery

Microblading uses a super fine pen to deposit pigment into the skin. The typical point of the pen consists of a row of very fine needles arranged in the shape of a sloped blade. The hair strokes mimic fine hairs and give a more natural look. The surface incisions are like little paper cuts. This process usually requires 2 sessions for the brows and typically last for one to two years, depending on skin type. A good artist/technician is important for this procedure.

Different tools, applications and techniques gives rise to different names, such as microfeathering, 3D, 4D and 6D microblading / eyebrow embroidery.  

Microfeathering – is created by Beverly Hills eyebrow Kristie Streicher. It uses the microblading technique to fill in the sparse areas of the brow without defining a new shape.

3D microblading/eyebrow embroidery utilizes thinner needles and varied technique to add a more 3D effect to your eyebrows. The subsequent ones are improvements to this technique with even finer needles for more realistic hair replication.

Microshading / micro pigmentation

Microshading or micro pigmentation employs a hand tool performing a stippling method to deposit pigment. The repetitive doses of pigments resemble eyebrow powders on your brows, filling in for a thicker denser look. This type of eyebrow tattoo gives rise to a more made-up look, like having eyebrow applied with makeup. This method lasts about the same period as microblading.

Combination – Microblading + Microshading

Another option is by combining both microblading and microshading techniques for both a more realistic looking and denser brows.