The Different Types of Semi-Permanent Eyebrow Techniques
On 25th December 2016 by Rabab KelaniThe world of eyebrows is full of different names and different semi-permanent eyebrow techniques. The majority of those treatments are commonly known as semi-permanent makeup (SPMU). So what is a semi-permanent eyebrow? Why it is so popular?
What is the Semi-Permanent Eyebrow Technique?
Technically, semi-permanent procedures are considered skin-friendly and the best treatment because the color is implanted into the dermal layer of the skin, unlike the old technique of traditional tattoos. This technique provides eyebrow hair strokes that last for a certain period and will start fading.
A Lot of Names and Two Techniques
You might have heard of the following names: “microblading”, “eyebrow embroidery”, “eyebrow micro-pigmentation” “microstroking”, “hairstorkes tattoo”, “pigment embroidery” or “3D eyebrow embroidery”, it’s undeniable that all those names are only two techniques.
Microblading (Embroidery) vs Micropigemnation
| Technique | Semi Permanent Eyebrow | |
| Treatment | Microblading (Embroidery) | Micro-pigmentation |
| Commercial names and Popularity | – Eyebrow Microblading (Europe, USA, Middle East, South America, Australia) – Eyebrow Embroidery (Singapore, Hong Kong, China, SEA) – Eyebrow Microstroking (Some artists in the USA) |
– Eyebrow Micro-pigmentation (Europe, USA, Latin America) – Eyebrow Tattooage (Russian way of saying it) – Commonly known also as (Permanent Makeup) – Digital Eyebrow Embroidery |
| Description | Techinque is done by hand; simulated hair strokes are created mainly by slicing the skin. The pigment is scratched into the skin; each scratch looks more like real hair immediately after the procedure. However, the results might be very different after it is fully healed; most require three sessions if done alone without the added shading technique. | Micropigmentation is done with a digital machine. The color is implanted into the dermal layer of the skin using ultra-thin needle. It lasts longer than manual Eyebrow Embroidery method. The appointment time for this procedure is approximately 2 hours. This procedure lasts longer and costs more. |
| Method | Manually using a group of needles gathered in a blade form and attached to a pen. | Working superficially to implant micro-pigment into the superficial layer of the skin with an ultra-thin needle attached to a digital machine. |
| Treatment longevity | Around 8 months (The color will fade gradually after 8 months) |
12-18 months (The color will fade gradually after a year) |
| How does it look after the right treatment? | – First 3 days it looks the best – After peeling strokes will be thicker and more blurred |
– The first 3 days look ( 30-40%) darker than the final result. – After peeling strokes become lighter and softer |
| Color healing | Color always heals cooler/ ashier (with a bit of grey tone) | Color heals to a more natural brow hair color ( less ashy color). |
| Skin Healing | Skin healing takes up to 4-6 weeks | Skin healing takes up to 4-6 weeks |
| Natural look | Semi-natural: Thicker hair-strokes with blurred edges and grey shade in between them | Natural: Thin and crisp hairstorkes similar to natural eyebrow look |
| Needle size | Approximability (0.50mm to 0.70mm) | 0.25mm, 0.35mm and 0.45mm |
| Strokes details | Straight strokes with slight curves The strokes have the same thickness |
More similar to natural brow hair: Curvy hair-strokes drawn thicker at the roots and thiner towards the ends. |
| Strokes volume | 20-30 | 18-28 |
| Type of pigment | The pigments have a glycerine base formulation which provides thicker consistency. | The micro- pigments for digital treatment are chromophores that are insoluble in water which give color to a substrate they are added to. |
| Type of Needle | A group of needles arranged in a blade form and attached to a manual pen.
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Ultra-fine needle comes in a cartridge that prevents backflow and cross-contamination. The needle gets attached to the grip of the digital machine.
|
| Depth in the skin | superficial | superficial |
| Effect on the skin | Harsh on the skin | Tender on the skin |
| Skin type candidates | Suitable for dry to normal skin types (not applicable for oily skin and thin skin) |
Suitable for all skin types |
| Skin traumatizing | Mid to high traumatizing as the technique rely on skin cuts/slicing. | Less traumatizing than traditional embroidery as the fine needle penetrates skin smoothly without cutting nor slicing the skin |
| Bleeding | Mild | None to mild |
| Pain | Painful treatment | Discomfort and less painful |
| Origin | Chinese treatment (not Japanese as some tend to name it) | Started in Germany and is widely famous in Europe and USA |
| Brow Style | Ideal for those who are looking for Korean style, straight eyebrows. | Ideal for those who are looking for natural-looking, defined and symmetrical brows, |
Note: Some of the description provides the average and the most common features of the technique. Some highly skilled eyebrow embroidery artists provide better results than mid-level artists due to their long experience. For micro pigmentation, some inexperienced artists can provide inappropriate results. The experience is a very important factor.
Understanding the eyebrows techniques and terminology
With all those terms used for the methods, there are also some terms involved when it comes to designing, building, and shaping eyebrows. Some would like to use the term permanent makeup or permanent cosmetics due to longevity compared to traditional makeup. Yet, the right terms for those techniques would still be Semi-Permanent. Techniques vary depending on the eyebrow artist doing the work, the pigment used, and the individual needs and desires of the client. While eyebrow embroidery/microblading and micro-pigmentation are semi-permanent techniques, there are differences as you can see from the table above.
What Is My Favorite Technique?
Now we come to the question that matters the most. How do I make up my mind?
When I first started working with the semi-permanent makeup, I had my doze of working with both techniques. Over the years and after hundreds of clients, I made up my mind and became certain that micropigmentation provides the best and most natural results. The maneuverability provided by the ultra-thin needle and the accuracy of the digital machine provide crisp, lush, and symmetrical brows. The plenty of eyebrows over the years made me prefer micro-pigmentation (digital embroidery) over other techniques.
