anoblading and Microblading are the predominant techniques in this segment, with Nanoblading being cataloged as the evolution of Microblading. These treatments are especially valuable for clients with sparse eyebrows or those suffering from alopecia.
CLR Berlin already anticipated this in one of their Trend Webinars; the Tattoo section will be a trend, and this has been proven.
Vanesa Micolucci discovered a new trend that is drastically increasing searches in Brazil, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the United States regarding interest in nano brows. The increase related to nano brows or nanoblading is focused on:
- Hyper-realistic eyebrows
- Nanobrows – microblading
- Combo brows
- Nano brow serum
- Brow lamination
- Eyebrow tattoo near me
Microblading vs. Nanoblading
Application Tools and Devices
The fundamental difference in the application of Microblading and Nanoblading lies in the tools and devices they use to implant the pigment, which determines the technique, precision, and level of trauma to the skin.
Microblading is known for being a manual technique. The application is performed with a small manual tool known as Tebori or inductor. This consists of several very fine needles arranged in the shape of a blade. Generally, the blade has between 10 and 16 needles.
With it, small cuts or superficial incisions are made in the superficial layer of the skin (between the first and second layer) to deposit the pigment. Microblading is a technique of superficial cuts in the skin where ink is rubbed into the incisions.
The Science of Precision Cosmetic Tattooing
Nanoblading is considered a more advanced technique or the evolution of Microblading, and uses mechanical technology for greater precision. It employs a digital machine or a rotary tattoo pen to perform the technique.
Unlike the multiple blade, the application is performed with ultra-fine needles. A single needle and a machine are used to rapidly create small punctures or pricks. Nano brows are created through small punctures or dots with a machine.
The Nanoblading stippling technique is less traumatic and gentler on the skin than Microblading.
There are specific cartridges for Permanent Makeup (PMU), such as POPU cartridge needles (Omni V2, Clover, PINKI, premium), which are used to achieve stable, fine lines. A popular wireless battery machine for Nanoblading is the Diva, which has an adjustable stroke of 2-3.5 mm and a voltage of 4-12V.
Hygiene and General Equipment
Regardless of the technique used, the hygiene of the tools is crucial for patient safety. It is fundamental that the inductor or razor for Microblading, or the needle/cartridge for Nanoblading, be totally disposable, sterilized, and packaged to avoid infection risks.
Needles, heads, tips, and mixing rods are accessories that require asepsis, disinfection, and sterilization methods. Other devices and supplies used in Micropigmentation:
In the general context of micropigmentation, other equipment and accessories are used, such as:
- Apparatus: The dermograph and the mixer. The speed and power of the dermograph, along with the needle length and configuration, are key parameters in the application of micropigmentation.
- Supplies: Pigments and dyes (which must meet legal requirements), ink cups, practice skin, eyebrow pencils for pre-design, cohesive bandages, razors, measurement tools (to define the ideal eyebrow structure), and power supplies.
- Topical Products: An anesthetic cream is applied to reduce sensitivity in the area to be treated before starting the procedure.
General Ink Components
The inks used in Microblading and Nanoblading are, generally speaking, pigments specifically formulated for micropigmentation, a type of semi-permanent tattoo.
According to their nature and composition, pigments can be differentiated into:
- Mineral Pigments: Micropigmentation generally uses mineral pigments that are injected into the epidermis through needles.
- Semi-permanent Formulation: Unlike traditional tattoos, pigments used in Microblading and Nanoblading are formulated to fade over time.
The chemical composition of the pigment is crucial for the long-term result, as it influences how the color fades:
- Inorganic/Mineral Pigments: It is suggested that the best pigments to use are inorganic or mineral ones. These are usually iron oxide-based. The main advantage of these pigments is that they tend to fade completely over time.
- Organic Pigments: The use of organic ink or heavy carbon-based pigments can be problematic. In the experience of some artists, organic ink can fade to an ashy/blue/purple color. If an artist uses heavy carbon-based pigments, removal will likely be needed in the future due to the accumulation of ashy/gray pigment in the skin.
Long-Term Risks Related to Pigment
Although the pigment is designed to fade, there are risks that it will not do so uniformly or that it will change color:
- Color Change (Shift): Over time, pigments can fade or change color. This can result in a grayish/bluish tone or other unwanted colors.
- Migration: There is the possibility of potential pigment migration in the skin. Fine strokes (both microblading and nanoblading) can blur or lines can spread over time, a process that is faster in oily skin.
- Premature Loss: Lack of daily sun protection (SPF 50 or higher) can generate premature loss of the service and color shift.
Post-Treatment Protocols: After Care Market Needs
The success of the treatment depends on a rigorous post-care protocol, which underscores a demand for specialized and safe after-care products for the skin. The best results are obtained with dry care or “doing nothing” during the first 10 days to retain color and detail.
During initial healing (Days 1-10), the use of creams is extremely limited. ONLY Aquaphor can be used if there is extreme tightness. The use of makeup, healing creams, products with petroleum derivatives, acne creams, skin lighteners, or acids (glycolic, retinoic, etc.) is strictly prohibited.
To guarantee the longevity of the service and avoid color shift, the daily application of SPF 50 or higher is indispensable once healing is finished (from day 10).
Opportunities for the Cosmetic Ingredient Industry
R&D companies like CLR specialize in the development of potent, relevant, and safe cosmetic active ingredients. Although sources do not link their products directly to immediate after-care (due to healing phase restrictions), their focus on skin resilience (CefiraProtect CLR™), skin attractiveness (CutiGuard CLR™), and science-based efficacy positions these suppliers to develop:
- Post-30-day maintenance formulas that boost traumatized skin health and improve color retention.
- Specialized sunscreens (SPF 50+) with compatible excipients that do not alter the pigment, addressing the indispensable requirement for long-term sun protection.
Discover how this new ingredient can help strengthen the skin barrier!
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