What is the difference between Microblading and SPMU for eyebrows?
SPMU
First of all, it is important to know what “SPMU” actually stands for Semi-Permanent makeup -the technique that requires a specialist tattoo machine to create certain desired aesthetics in various areas of the body.
When it comes to Eyebrows, the beauty industry often refers to this as a “Powder Brow”. So, now that we have that query cleared up – here’s to answer the main question!
Simply put, the difference between Microblading and SPMU eyebrows is everything; from the technique, the finished look, the shading to even the healed result and the top-up process.
Microblading
Microblading is the method of Eyebrow tattooing that requires a specialist handheld blade that’s been dipped into the pigment the client is matched up with. The blade then gently cuts individual fine hairlines into the skin which gives the closest results to that of a natural-looking brow.
Because it requires a hand-held blade, it is far more accessible to intricately mimic the exact direction of the clients natural hair growth. The pigment is placed by the blade into a higher layer of the skin compared to that of machine tattooing- thus meaning the final result is less permanent.
Once the hair strokes have been etched into the skin, extra pigment is the rubbed over the brows to ensure that the skin is absorbing the colour fully into the hair stroke marks. Once the pigment has had time to sink in, excess ink is wiped away to reveal the initial templated shape.
This process is repeated 2-4 times over the entire brow, filling any exposed gaps each time till the perfect, natural looking eyebrow has been built. With microblading, a second appointment is needed 4-8 weeks after the initial treatment to fill any gaps that can appear during the healing process.
SPMU/ Powder Brow
It is a much bolder, more defined finish to the Brow with a far longer lasting result. This treatment is done using a specialist facial tattooing machine, which works at a much lower frequency than a standard tattoo machine.
The pigment is gently applied to the skin using very fine needles to stencil over and fill a templated shape that is created during the consultation before the procedure begins. The sensation is that of a gentle electric toothbrush being held against the skin.
The process normally takes about one hour, but it varies from person to person depending on the individual requirements. The finish is heavier, bolder and what is known as a “block colour”, contrasting with the softer and far more natural look to Microblading.
Generally speaking, it is a much heavier look, although there are several advanced artistry shading techniques that can be applied to give different finishes (Ombre brows, etc).
A second appointment is usually required between 6-10 weeks after the initial treatment in order to fill any gaps or patches that may have appeared during healing.