Does microblading count as a tattoo?
Microblading counts as a form of tattooing because it puts pigment into the skin with a sharp tool and leaves color behind after the skin heals. Many people call it semi-permanent makeup, and that name describes how long the color stays.
The same applies to powder brows and other cosmetic tattoos. Health rules for body art often cover these services too, though the details vary by state and city, so ask your provider what applies where you live.
Where does the pigment go in each method?
Microblading places pigment at a shallow level, just below the surface layer of the skin. A traditional tattoo needle goes deeper into the dermis, which is one reason body tattoos hold their color for so many years.
Depth depends on the artist, the tool and your skin, so the line between the two is rarely exact. Strokes placed too deep can blur and spread, and strokes placed too shallow may fade quickly or heal patchy.
Why does microblading fade sooner than a body tattoo?
Microblading fades sooner because the pigment sits closer to the surface, where skin renews itself and slowly clears small amounts of color. Softer brow shades also lose strength more visibly than dense black ink. Sun, oily skin and exfoliating skincare can speed this up.
Fading is usually gradual, and the pigment may never disappear completely. Some people see a faint gray or warm tone years later, which an artist can assess before any new work.
How do you choose between microblading and a brow tattoo?
Start with the look you want and how much upkeep you will accept. Microblading suits people who want fine, hair-like strokes and are comfortable with a touch-up and later color refreshes. A traditional tattooed brow looks more solid, lasts longer and is harder to change.
Brow trends and faces both change over time, so many people prefer a result that can fade. Read how a session works on our microblading page, or see every brow and lip option on our permanent makeup page.