If you are thinking of starting out in the permanent makeup business and looking at training courses, it is important to first understand the difference between microblading and machine permanent makeup, as this will help you to choose the method and training course that is the right fit for you and your potential clients.

A lot of clients may not even be aware of there being more than one method within PMU, so having a good knowledge of each treatment type is key to ensuring that your client fully understands the treatment they are having. They might also ask why you offer one method and not the other – so having a list of pros and cons for each technique means you are prepared for any questions that may come your way during a consultation!


What is microblading?


Microblading involves using a microblade (which contains rows of tiny, sharp needles) attached to a manual hand tool to create incisions that deposit pigment into the skin. Microblading aims to mimic the appearance of natural hair strokes in the brows and gives a very natural result.

This treatment is hugely popular and has been around for a long time. It is also probably one of the most well-known permanent makeup procedures on the market, but it is limited to eyebrows only.




What is machine method?


The machine method, also known as micropigmentation, involves depositing pigment into the skin using a digital machine and a needle cartridge. Different to traditional tattoo machines, PMU machines have lower frequencies and higher speeds to meet the demands of permanent makeup.

This technique is newer than microblading but has exploded in popularity in recent years due to its versatility. With micropigmentation you can create shading, hair strokes, lines and much more across multiple treatments such as brows, lips, eyeliner, scalp, and areola. You are also free to create multiple different PMU styles with a digital machine such as ombré, hair stroke or combination brows.




Microblading Pros & Cons


Pros

  • Results are very soft and natural: perfect for clients who want a subtle transformation and favour a fluffy brow look.
  • Enhances the natural brow shape: some clients may just request microblading strokes to fill in any sparse areas in the brow for understated brow results.
  • Very well known: due to the amount of time this treatment has been around, most clients will have heard of this technique and will feel confident having the procedure. Some clients may be wary to undergo a procedure using a newer PMU method which they have not heard of before.

Cons

  • Not suitable for everyone: microblading would not be the best option for clients with oily skin type as pigment may fade a lot quicker and more regular touch-ups could be required to maintain the results.
  • Can be more traumatic for the skin: especially if clients have regular touch ups over a long period of time, the cutting of the skin could lead to a higher risk of scar tissue developing. The procedure can be more painful or uncomfortable for the clients than a digital machine, but that does depend on the individual's pain threshold.

Machine Method Pros & Cons


Pros

  • Versatility: not only is machine work suitable for creating a range of styles, but it can also be used for a range of PMU treatments - not just brows.
  • Suitable for all skin types: healed results are thought to be longer-lasting than microblading, especially on clients with oily skin types.
  • Can replicate cosmetic makeup: the digital machine method is a great choice for clients who want to replicate their day-to-day makeup with powder brows, for example, to create a more polished look.

Cons

  • Clients may be sceptical: if they are only familiar with microblading, they may be reluctant to undergo a treatment using a digital machine. They may also be put off by the bolder brow looks created with this method if they are wanting very natural results (although soft & subtle brow strokes are still possible with machine method).
  • Can be more expensive for a new artist: in comparison to microblades, the cost of a permanent makeup machine can be more expensive – especially when you are opting for a high-quality machine from a trusted, global brand. However, this is an investment into your career and business so it is 100% worthwhile, but it may not be within every beginner’s budget.


Hybrid or Combination Method


As permanent makeup techniques have developed over time, clients now have more choice than ever before. This means that clients do not have to choose between either natural hair stroke brows or bold powder brows – it’s possible to have a combination of both (or combo brows), which combines hair strokes and shading techniques for a happy medium.

PMU artists who are trained in both microblading and machine work can combine these techniques for fluffy hair strokes and soft shading in the combination brow. However, in recent years there has been a surge in popularity of new nano-needles with digital machines – these are 1 round liners (single needles) with very small diameters for creating ultra-fine lines. This allows micropigmentation-trained artists to create realistic hair strokes using their PMU machine, and this can be used to create combination brows without the need for microblading.


Which method is the best option for a beginner?


There are pros and cons to both microblading and machine and you can create a successful permanent makeup business trained in either method, so the technique you opt for usually comes down to personal preference. You may also want to research which treatments are most popular in your area as trends and styles differ from place to place.

Some PMU artists start out with microblading initially as it is a lot easier to focus on one treatment (such as brows), plus it allows you to perfect your skills before considering any other treatments. It can also be more affordable if you are a beginner on a budget.

A lot of reputable academies offer microblading to machine conversion courses for confident microblading technicians who want to learn micropigmentation later in their career. Although you can create combination style brows using just the machine method, some artists do prefer microbladed hair strokes over micropigmentation for an extra-fluffy effect so being trained in both can be a bonus.

The popularity of permanent lip treatments has also skyrocketed in recent years, so artists who opt to focus on these treatments over brows would always go down a machine route – this is something to consider if you are wanting to begin your PMU career. You do not always have to start out as a brow artist as many training academies now offer machine-based lip blush training courses for complete beginners.


When selecting training, it is important to do extensive research before you commit to a course – we cover all the main points to consider in How to Become a Cosmetic Tattooer.

Whichever method you decide is the best option for you – investing in quality products is an absolute must! You can check out our range of microblades and permanent makeup machines from some of the biggest brands in the industry.

If you are considering a career in PMU and have any questions about our products, do not be afraid to reach out as we are happy to answer them!