July 20, 2025

Microblading vs. Tattooing: The Essential Differences and Hidden Truths

Discover the real differences between microblading and tattooing, and the risks behind so-called "semi-permanent" inks.

Microblading vs. Tattooing: The Essential Differences and Hidden Truths
Vintage-style swallow tattoo sketch with intricate wing details

While many clients trying to get Tattoos in Cairo and Tattoos in Amman have had many questions about this subject and many lies have been spread so here at Riders Studios Tattoos we have decided to give you this valuable information online for your free use...

1. Technique & Tools

Tattooing

  • Utilizes a machine (tattoo gun) that rapidly injects ink into the skin with needles.
  • Adaptable for a vast array of designs, including letters, images, shading, and intricate artwork.

Microblading

  • A manual technique using a handheld tool with a blade of ultra-fine needles.
  • Mimics individual hair strokes in brows, creating a soft, feathered appearance.

2. Depth of Pigment Placement

Tattooing

  • Pigment is inserted deep into the dermis, the inner layer beneath the skin’s surface.
  • This depth explains why tattoos generally last a lifetime—pigment molecules are embedded too deeply for the body to remove naturally.

Microblading

  • Pigment is placed in the upper layer of the dermis, just below the epidermis.
  • Though shallower than tattooing, it’s still a permanent implantation below the skin's surface.

3. Results & Longevity

Tattooing

  • Considered permanent: the artwork can remain visible for decades, with some fading or blurring over time.
  • Removal requires professional laser treatment or, in some cases, surgical excision.

Microblading

  • Also permanent, but fades more quickly. Results typically look defined for 1 to 3 years, yet residual pigment often persists much longer.
  • Removal is often challenging, as ghost lines and color shifts can linger.

Note: "Semi-permanent" is primarily a marketing term; most microbladed pigments remain in the skin for years, making full removal difficult.

4. Ink and Pigment Used

Tattooing

  • Employs traditional inks created for durability and stability within the dermis.

Microblading

  • Uses specialized brow pigments with finer particles and softer color blends, intended to fade naturally.
  • However, these pigments do not fully disappear with natural skin turnover, especially after repeated applications.

The Truth About Permanence

Both microblading and tattooing are types of permanent makeup because pigment is implanted beneath the surface of the skin. Claims that microblading is not permanent are misleading—over time, pigment can blur, change color, or leave residual markings, similarly to traditional tattoos.

The Risks of "Semi-Permanent" Inks

Unregulated & Untested Products

  • Many “semi-permanent” inks lack thorough long-term safety testing.
  • There is limited scientific understanding of how these molecules interact with human skin or respond to laser removal.

Unknown Ingredients

  • Manufacturers may include new dyes or undisclosed additives, raising risks of allergic reactions, granulomas, or other adverse effects.

Myths About Removal

  • "Semi-permanent" does not ensure complete fading.
  • Pigments may leave behind stubborn discoloration or react unpredictably to removal attempts, sometimes becoming darker or more persistent.

Conclusion

While both microblading and tattooing involve inserting pigment into the skin, their techniques, results, and risks differ considerably. Both should be considered permanent procedures requiring careful research and expert execution. Be skeptical of “semi-permanent” claims—your long-term results and safety depend on making fully informed choices.

Intricate Japanese demon mask drawing with sharp features and stylized details
Delicate line drawing of a stylized mermaid sitting on a curved leaf