It’s understandable that people get scalp micropigmentation and microblading mixed at first glance. They’re both non-invasive cosmetic procedures, and they both involve using pigment to make hair look fuller. However, apart from these superficial aspects, they’re both very different procedures.
What Is Microblading?
Microblading is usually performed with manual blades and is a procedure that is used to create extremely fine hair-like strokes on the top layers of the skin to make hair (typically eyebrows) look fuller. This is done throughout the brow with a number of microneedles.
What Is Scalp Micropigmentation?
Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP), on the other hand, is performed with an electric tattoo device which is used to create points on the scalp that resemble hair follicles. Because these are layered and extremely fine, they create depth and density.
Microblading vs. Scalp Micropigmentation
The two most obvious differences between the two procedures are technique and equipment. While SMP aims to give the appearance of hair follicles, microblading aims to create strokes that mimic hair. Microblading is performed using blades with microneedles, while SMP requires a tattoo device. This difference in the application directly results in another difference – how long the effect lasts.
Microblading and SMP are both semi-permanent but one fades much faster than the other. Microblading results are guaranteed to last for a year or a year and a half. Some can go longer without touch-ups, but this is generally when fading begins. SMP, however, can last up to 6 years. This is because it goes deeper into the layers of the skin.
Lastly, while microblading is known as a cosmetic procedure for main eyebrows, scalp micropigmentation is a procedure that primarily deals with hair loss and thinning hair. It is used for everything from pattern baldness to scar concealment. To find out more about SMP, contact us here, and we can discuss the various options available.
