Microblading hair is one cosmetic procedure that is getting a lot of buzz these days. Find out the answers to common questions about microblading, including:

• What’s microblading? What is microblading eyebrows?
• Is microblading safe?
• What are some safer alternatives to microblading?

You may have heard of microblading, a cosmetic procedure that reportedly makes eyebrows look fuller and receding hairlines from hair thinning and hair loss look less sparse. However, is microblading safe? Before you consider this semi-permanent procedure, learn about the risks of microblading your face from board-certified dermatologist and LovelySkin CEO, Dr. Joel Schlessinger.

What Is Microblading? What is Microblading Eyebrows?

Microblading is often described as being similar to tattooing, but they’re technically different. To create a tattoo, a tattoo artist uses needles to deposit ink below the endodermis (your top layer of skin) into the dermis.

During a microblading face procedure, a technician uses needles to deposit pigment in the endodermis. The result is tiny tattoo-like lines that resemble hairs. Microblading results are semi-permanent, lasting a few months to a year.

What Body Parts Are Popular for Microblading?

Microblading on the face is popular to make sparse eyebrows look fuller. Microblading the scalp has also become recently popular to help disguise hair loss, such as bald spots or a receding hairline.

Is Microblading Safe?

Dr. Schlessinger recommends against microblading, stating, “Microblading can lead to infections, scarring and potentially permanent hair loss and is extremely fraught with danger if the operator isn't an expert. Even if the operator is an expert, there can still be issues.”

A negative skin reaction to the microblading pigment is one possible risk, he says. “In the area of the eye, this can be dramatic, especially since infections in this area are in such close proximity to vital structures.”

“In my clinic, I have personally seen multiple individuals who came to me for tattoo laser removal after a microblading experience that went bad. Suffice to say, I never recommend this to my patients,” Dr. Schlessinger says.

Microblading Alternatives

“There are other ways to enhance your eyebrows that lead to significantly fewer issues than microblading, including the use of Latisse for fuller brows,” Dr. Schlessinger says.

Latisse is a topical liquid eyelash treatment available by prescription only. “Though Latisse is only FDA-cleared to improve eyelash growth at this time, studies have shown that it’s also safe and effective to use on eyebrows,” he says.

Are you looking for an alternative to microblading on the scalp to help camouflage hair loss? There are a number of products that can help. Learn more about how to boost hair growth from Dr. Schlessinger and the LovelySkin experts.