Micro-blading is a form of tattooing that originated thousands of years ago. Micro-blading is the technique of implanting pigment/ colour superficially into the upper dermis region of the skin. Micro-blading is the creation of fine incisions, or hair strokes with a manual hand tool called a micro-blade.

This tool is not actually a blade but a series of superfine needles held together in a linear grouping like the teeth of a comb. These hand tools come in various configurations and sizes for different widths of strokes and manual shading.

Micro-Blading is known by a variety of names such as eyebrow embroidery, micro-stroking and feather touch and does not involve the use of a pigmentation machine.

Anyone can perform Micro-blading, just as anyone can legally Tattoo. Unfortunately there is no governing body for this treatment in the UK.

You do not need any medical qualifications to perform this technique. You do not need to have qualified in Beauty Therapy at any level.

You just need to complete a basic training course (this can be as little as 2 days) and obviously you need to have insurance. You must legally hold a license from the local council for Tattooing. The premises should have been inspected, the correct protocols regarding Health and safety should be followed (see next section). So please do your research when undertaking this treatment. I specialise in removal of SPMU, Microblading treatments are the most frequent that I see that are poorly carried out unfortunately.

You should always be offered an allergy test. However some clients waive their right to this. Completing an allergy test prior to treatment does not guarantee any reaction on the day of treatment. However reaction to pigment is extremely rare approx. 1 in 500,000.

The highest quality medical/pharmaceutical grade pigments should be used. These pigments should carry the EU registered or USA registered quality control authentication mark and display all contents.

I perform Micro-blading using “aseptic” technique, needles must always be sterile and single use, the handle should be single use and disposable, or sterilised in an “auto clave” machine between clients.

I always disinfect the area of the skin prior to the treatment, wear disposable gloves and use clinical grade single use associated equipment and consumables. These include measuring tools, hand pieces, skin wipes and saline, micro-brushes, cotton wool, pigment containers, dressing packs etc.

Serious complications are uncommon though it is important to stress that like all forms of tattooing risks associated with Micro-blading include the transmission of Blood Borne Pathogenic Organisms (e.g. HIV, AIDS, Hepatitis B and C Virus) as well as infection prevention and short term or long terms reactions to pigment ingredients.

Therefore, it is essential to check that the technician holds appropriate licenses and registrations for the provision of tattoo services.

In addition certificates showing completion of and the standard of training that the technician has attained. Please don’t be embarrassed to ask for this information; This is your health after all?

Every good technician should display their qualifications with pride as well as holding the relevant licenses required by law from the local Environmental Health & Trading Standards officer. I recently Scored 95% at my last inspection.

They should also display the relevant insurance certificates, to safeguard you against poor practice and client dissatisfaction. Rest assured at FeaturePerfect, I practice using the highest standards, the best disposable tools and the highest medical grade pigments. I am insured with BABTAC, the most highly recognised company in the UK.