When they found the mummy Otzi, scientists discovered that on her body she had 64 tattoo: this shows that tattoos have been part of human culture since prehistoric times.
Obviously, at the beginning, techniques were manual and it is precisely from this prehistory that we can trace the technique of Microblading: in ancient times, flint and quartz splinters were used to tattoo; now, of course, the small blades are different and the various techniques also differ.
In fact, in recent years, Microblading has risen to the fore especially because, unlike the dermograph, the purchase of small blades to start tattooing involves a small financial outlay.
This has given rise to multiple courses claiming to turn you into a microblading expert in a few days but which, instead, give life to a lot of individuals who do not know how to use the technique precisely.
Because the real difference between the use of the dermograph and microblading lies precisely in the dexterity of the latter: with microblading you can obtain hyper-realistic and admirable effects but what is needed is an outstanding ability to use blades.
The dermograph is actually an electrical device, born with the advent of the industrial revolution which created the first rotary presses; indeed, the dermograph itself began life as a machine for printed paper, then transferred to use in tattooing.
Please understand, however, that an electric device can be very expensive while microblading blades are within reach of every budget: the results obtained using a dermograph and via microblading are similar if both techniques are mastered, even though – it’s worth repeating – tattooing using microblading requires much more manual skills and experience.
The goal for a good tattoo is always the same: to get the color to the level of the papillary dermis. Whether this happens with a manual or electric means doesn’t change anything, the issue is having the skills and ability to do it even using small microblading blades, a skill that must be practised exponentially.
In addition, Microblading involves differences in the type of skin: old skin that is thin or with a thick presence of blood vessels make the job much more difficult, while the dermograph allows you to work on multiple skin categories without any difficulty.
Therefore, the two methods are different but they can also be used in a complementary way: the same tattoo can first be created with microblading and then, shaded or strengthened with the dermograph. The important thing is to always evaluate who is in front of you, what type of skin they have and their desires and goals to then decide how to proceed.
If you have good dexterity and a precise hand you can alternatively use both techniques: for example, for the eyes and lips you can use the dermograph (it is also possible to perform this treatment using the manual technique, but this requires a very high level of expertise and precision and the result is simpler and more gratifying using the electric tool) and for the eyebrows the manual Tebori technique, depending on what is needed.
What we recommend to every professional is the knowledge of both methods which, at times, are also used simultaneously: with microblading and, specifically, with the Tebori technique, not only hair can be created but also lines, shades, color fills; what remains key is practising manual skills and sensitivity to understand how far you can go with the specific skin being treated.
For both of the techniques we have talked about, the training and practice that can only be obtained by practising often and without ever neglecting one technique or the other is important.
In addition to this, a rigorous hygiene approach is crucial, allowing you to work safely for both the tattoo artist and the client.
