When it comes to Techniques, each style has its pros and cons.  

 

Machined Brows are the oldest standard of Micropigmentation / Permanent Makeup Tattooing.  The earlier artists used standard Tattoo Machines you would find in a Tattoo Shop.  In recent years, Machines designed specifically for working on the face have been made available to artists.  

 

Hairstrokes are achievable with a Machine if the artist is trained in this style.  The hair strokes from a Machine aren't quite as crisp as Microblading, but they will last a lot longer as they are placed slightly deeper in the skin.  

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Being that Microblading is placed more shallowly in the skin, touchups may need to happen more often.  Keep in mind, there is a finite amount of times you can have your brows worked on before the skin is scared to the point of not taking ink.  Some amateur artists may tell you that Microblading causes zero damage to your skin since it's placed at a more shallow level; but this simply is not true.  After 10 years of offering both techniques with return clients, I have witnessed first-hand the shelf-life and fading idiosyncrasies of such procedures.  That being said, you want to get touchups as far and few between as possible.  Artists who insist that a client NEEDS a touchup every 6 to 12 months are either misinformed or are more interested in their own income rather than the health of their clients' skin.  

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Not all skin-types are ideal for Microblading.  Overly oily skin, thin skin, or clients with contraindications such as immune issues, diabetes or thyroid issues may not be the best candidates for this technique.  In this case, Machined Brows are most likely the best option.  

 

Machined Brows are ideal for someone who likes a more intense, filled-in brow.  Microblading typically appears much sparser and lighter.  Some artists, such as myself, offer a hybrid technique of both Machined and Microbladed Brows.  This gives the client a filled-in, yet natural look.

 

With the recent popularity of Microblading, there has been a surge in fly-by-night, weekend trainers hoping to capitalize on the growing industry.  This has created an industry flooded with Microblading Artists.  The problem with someone ONLY trained in Microblading is they can ONLY DO Microblading.  Microblading can only be used on the brows.  There is another traditional method of Micropigmentation called "Soft Tap".  It's not so popular these days as it's not as accurate as Machined or Microbladed brows and doesn't last as long.  Finding an artists trained in both Microblading and Machines is a major plus, as you have the options of also getting Permanent Eyeliner, Lips and other procedures.  

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