The perfect, defined eyebrow arch is difficult to achieve naturally if your eyebrow hairs are sparse and light. This is where eyebrow tattoos come in. But, this isn’t your grandma’s permanent makeup. Far from it!
Cosmetic tattooing has come a long way in the recent decade to include a variety of eyebrow options for people who want that defined, full arch without having to apply makeup everyday.
From microblading to powder brows, and what you can do to make the results last as long as possible, let’s dive into what you need to know before booking your eyebrow appointment.
Different Types Of Eyebrow Tattoos
Microblading
This is a semi-permanent tattoo procedure to achieve the look of fuller eyebrows. Forget about single line pencil eyebrows – microblading uses hair-like strokes to gain a natural effect.
Like a tattoo, a bunch of tiny needles are used to apply ink into the skin. However, microblading is semi-permanent as the pigment is only applied just beneath the surface.
Nano Brows
Like microblading, nanoblading utilizes thin, hairstrokes to get fuller, yet still natural looking brows.
Nano brows differ from microblading because the former process uses a digital tattoo machine and a single needle. With a single needle, the aesthetician or permanent makeup artist can tackle problem areas specifically.
Restorative tattoo artist, Shaughnessy Otsuji, explained to Byrdie,
“This process can be beneficial for those who are wanting a natural-looking brow but have thick, textured, or oily skin.”
Powder Brows
Powder brows differ from microblading and nano brows because the final effect is a more ombre, powder makeup look instead of hair-like strokes.
“In order to add density, the artists can layer the pixels repetitively, which will appear as though the brow was filled in with a pencil or brow pomade,”
Microblading LA
Which Eyebrow Option Is Best For You?
The route you should take depends greatly on your skin type.
If you have thick, textured, or oily skin, opting for nano brows or powder brows could be the ideal option for you. Powder brows are also the way to go for people who are looking to color-correct previously tattooed brows.
A consultation is an important part of the eyebrow tattoo process. Your chosen permanent makeup artist will assess your skin and the look you’re going for to come up with the right combination for you if necessary.
Tip: Look at different brow options on Pinterest and Instagram to see which shape and aesthetic you love. Bring these images along to your consultation. The more information your permanent makeup artist has, the better.
How To Prepare For Your Eyebrow Appointment
As Sophia Wyatt Aesthetics points out, aftercare is essential because you will get the best, lasting results when the area of your eyebrows is healthy, strong, non-sensitive and non-irritated.
“Anticoagulants lengthen the time it takes your blood to clot. Antiplatelet drugs, such as aspirin and Ibuprofen prevent your blood from clotting, causing the treatment area to bleed more, the pigment will be pushed out of the skin, causing a risk of overworking the skin and will be less comfortable.”
So, do not:
- Drink coffee or caffeinated beverages before your appointment (this can make you jittery)
- Drink alcohol two days before your appointment (alcohol thins your blood)
- Get botox or a facial peel three to four weeks before your eyebrow appointment
Instead, you can:
- Exfoliate your brows the day before your appointment to remove dead skin
- Get a good night’s rest
- Stay well hydrated leading up to your appointment
- Protect your face from the sun to avoid sunburn (sunburnt skin is very sensitive)
Eyebrow Tattoo Aftercare
As with all tattoos, microblading, nano brows, and powder brows go through a period of healing. During this healing process, your eyebrows will scab and flake. Five to seven days after your appointment,
“…your microbladed eyebrows will begin to flake. This is a natural part of your skin’s healing process and you’ll want to avoid picking or itching. This typically lasts 1-2 days,”
Nicole Mansur
It is important to note that during the healing process, the color of your eyebrows will change slightly – do not worry, this is totally normal. By days 14 to 28, the color should settle to the perfect shade.
Is This For Everyone?
No, there are a few people who should stick to eyebrow pencils and makeup palettes.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or taking Accutane or taking any blood-thinning medication, you shouldn’t get brow tattoos.
Dermatologist, Blair Murphy Rose, told Byrdie,
“They should be avoided by those who tend to develop keloid or hypertrophic scars. Because a tattoo requires injury to the skin, scars can develop from the treated area.”
The Cost
There is no standard cost when it comes to permanent eyebrow makeup. The cost of your appointment depends on:
- Your chosen type of eyebrow tattoo
- The experience of your chosen permanent makeup professional
- The location of the salon
- The time it takes (this is impacted by the state of your natural brows)
According to Glamour,
“Typically, though, microblading and semi permanent makeup can run anywhere between $400 and $800, depending on where you go and whether consultation fees are involved. And there’s a huge upside besides the gorgeous results: The process lasts anywhere from one to three years, all customizable based on your needs.”
It is important to note that this isn’t a one-and-done cost – you’re going to have to get touch ups, usually annually. The touch ups are not as expensive as the initial appointment.
Is getting eyebrow tattoos worth it? Well, only you can make that decision for yourself. If you’re someone who wants perfect brows unhindered by sweat or water, and say “good-bye” to your brow pencil, then this may be perfect for you.