Microblading was originally designed to mimic the look of natural hair in eyebrows. However, it can be quite challenging to achieve symmetrical brows if there is no natural hair present. Upon close inspection, you may notice differences in shape and curve, especially in the front part of the brow. This often occurs due to variations in technique caused by right-handed or left-handed angles.
A major downside of microblading is that it can leave scars in the skin, which has led our industry to move away from this technique. Instead, we now use a specialised tattoo machine pen (designed for permanent makeup) that is much gentler on the skin while still achieving equally natural-looking, soft results through new and improved techniques.
Another important point about microblading, as with any cosmetic tattooing method, is that annual colour boosts (commonly called “a retouch” after 12-18mths) are needed to maintain colour intensity. Unfortunately, each time these are done (by slicing the skin open with a blade) it causes more damage and scarring. In many cases, the individual hair strokes blend together over time, resulting in a powdered brow appearance similar to what can be achieved with a machine. Once this blending occurs, it becomes harder to distinguish individual hair strokes.
Another consideration: Often the strokes are too deep in the skin, leaving a blue healed result.
Using machines for ombre brows, powder brows or dusty brows has become increasingly popular because they are gentler on the skin and generally last longer than microblading or feather touch techniques.
I have witnessed some unfortunate cases where inexperienced technicians who only completed short courses were sent out to work on paying clients and ended up creating poorly shaped eyebrows or causing significant scarring (resulting in thickened and calloused tissue).
The only way to “save” these brows is to have then removed by laser for a fresh start. Several sessions of skin needling will improve the scarring.
The moral of the story here is that microblading is not a safe or suitable option. As far as I know, most Australian trainers have stopped teaching this technique due to the limitations mentioned above.
Although there is still considerable interest in microblading due to a lack of awareness and its initially natural-looking results when done correctly, I believe it will gradually lose popularity in favour of more advanced treatments. As of 2023, the industry is embracing Nano Brows, a technique where hair strokes are created with a machine. Technicians are beginning to master this method, and it is expected to replace microblading in the future.