Do They Shave Eyebrows Before Microblading
Eyebrow microblading means you have to shave them off A professional technician would never even dream of shaving your brows off. At your appointment, it is likely that using a combination of waxing, threading, tweezing and trimming your brows will be tidied up, but that is as far as the removal goes.
Microblading Vs Eyebrow Tattoo: Whats The Difference
Originally published on February 23, 2018. Updated February 23, 2021 with additional information and comments from professional makeup artists
The eyebrows play a significant role in the aesthetics of the face. The shape, fullness, and symmetry of the brows all work together to highlight the eyes and frame the upper face. If you have thin or patchy eyebrows there is a non-invasive treatment that can instantly improve the eyebrow area: microblading.
Microblading is a popular eyebrow enhancement technique that improves the shape, definition, and thickness of the brows. The microblading technique uses a specialized hand-held tool with a unique blade to deposit dye into the second dermal layer of the skin, creating very fine strokes that mimic the appearance of natural eyebrow hair.
People often think microblading is a type of tattoo. While the techniques may sound similar, microblading and eyebrow tattooing are very different. This post will compare the major differences between microblading and eyebrow tattoos.
Who Should Avoid Microblading
People who are pregnant, prone to keloids, have an allergic reaction to numbing agents, taking blood thinners, undergoing chemotherapy, has transmittable blood diseases, or have skin conditions near the eyebrows should avoid microblading and eyebrow tattooing as well. Those who have diabetes, heart conditions, and other medical issues should first have medical clearance before undergoing such procedures.
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What Is The Newest Technique For Eyebrows
While microblading was arguably one of the most popular beauty trends of 2018, a new brow technique is ready to replace it. But what is nanoblading? Just like microblading, nanoblading is a semi-permanent brow treatment that uses a combination of fine needles and pigment to create realistic-looking hair strokes.
What To Expect When Getting Eyebrows Tattooed
Your artist will have you wipe your eyebrows every 15 minutes to 1 hour after your appointment. Youll do this for 1 to 3 days depending on your artists preference and your skin type. Youll also use a healing gel to keep your skin hydrated. PROS: You wont have scabbing and your color will heal more evenly.
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Microblading Vs Eyebrow Tattoo
The old-school way of achieving your dream eyebrows was eyebrow tattoos. Microblading is the new technique that mimics natural eyebrows with semi-permanent results.
Because eyebrow tattoos are typically implanted to a deeper layer of skin, the ink tends to expand and appear unnatural. With microblading, pigments are just below the surface of the epidermis, where expansion is less likely.
Microblading involves the use of small, hair-like strokes to apply pigments. These pigments resemble your natural eyebrows, making them ideal for a realistic appearance. Over time, microbladed eyebrows fade. But since they are touched up every few years, they can consistently look natural and fresh.
If you are unhappy with your aging eyebrow tattoos, microblading could be your best bet for an improved appearance. Whether its about the tattoos shape or color, microblading professionals at Tiffany Nicole Beauty can help.
How Long Does Microblading Last
When done correctly by a trained professional, microblading should last up to a year, as Diana Menendez, the owner of threading and microblading studio Accentuated in Scottsdale, Arizona, explains. After a year you will most likely need regular, yearly touch-ups to maintain the original results. Without these touch-ups, Menendez says you would see the microbladed brows fade and will eventually disappear completely after about three years.
However, this timeline could be even shorter if you use tretinoin, a synthetic vitamin A medication that’s used to treat acne, or do frequent chemical peels. “Glycolic acid, microdermabrasion, and chemical face peel products should be kept away from the tattooed area even after they are healed as continued use could lighten the pigment,” Otsuji explains.
New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD, agrees that nixing these types of products is beneficial for best results: “Avoiding exfoliation is prudent for extending the life of the microblading,” she says.
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What Is Microshading And How Is It Different To Microblading
Yes the names might sound confusingly similar but microblading and microshading are totally different, we promise.
Both forms of semi-permanent make-up for your eyebrows, they have a few subtle but important differences. Compared to microblading’s super precise, individual hair look, microshading has a much softer finish. Think of it like using a brow pencil compared to a brow powder or pomade.
Where microblading tattoos hair-like strokes in your existing brows, microshading tattoos tiny dots along your brows for a less defined finish.
Not sure which technique is for you? Fear not, because often technicians combine both methods to create the most realistic and natural finish.
Is Eyebrow Tattooing And Microblading The Same Thing
Is Eyebrow Tattooing And Microblading The Same Thing?Tattoo ink is used for eyebrow tattooing, while microblading uses a specialized pigment. Ink differs greatly from pigment in the way it fades over time. As tattoo ink fades, it often develops a blue-green coloured tint, especially around the edges of the tattoo.
Is Microblading Better Than Tattooing? Tattooing simply doesnt lend itself to the same precise technique. Tattooed brows tend to have more of a solid look, and appear as brow filler more so than your natural brow. Microblading creates a more natural end result compared to eyebrow tattooing, which results in brows that appear drawn on and flat.
What Lasts Longer Microblading Or Tattoo? 1. Microblading eyebrows lasts 1 to 2 years. Eyebrow tattoos last forever. Regular eyebrow tattoos last a lifetime, but with microblading, ink is not placed as deep underneath the skin.
What Is Better Permanent Eyebrows Or Microblading?Permanent makeup using a machine will produce longer lasting results than microblading. The pigment is deposited in the dermal layer of the skin about the depth of a dime. Its a very important factor to know exactly where you are placing the pigment so you retain those crisp hair strokes.
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Why Is My Microblading Turning Grey
The skins natural healing process is to react to tattooing in general as if there has been an invasion. The skin responds with healing over the implanted pigment creating a temporary haze over the pigment. In rare cases, a touch up sooner than planned may be required to achieve the ideal results.
What Are The Risks Of Eyebrow Tattooing
The main risks associated with eyebrow tattooing are allergic reaction, scarring and infection.
“Anything that breaks the skin can predispose to infection, but reputable tattooists will ensure complete sterile technique and good hygiene as is required by the Department of Health regulations for skin penetration,” says Dr Eisman.
To reduce the risk of allergic reaction, she recommends finding out what type of pigment is being used.
“Organic is more likely to cause allergic reaction and fade faster. Inorganic is synthetic, and made from iron and zinc oxide with less chance of allergy,” she says.
If you have known allergies you can request a patch test, but some reactions can be delayed.
Swelling and granulomas are other associated risks.
Dr Eisman recommends avoiding anti-inflammatory medication one week prior to treatment.
Eyebrow tattooing is not advised while pregnant or breastfeeding, Dr Eisman warns, due to the infection risk, as well as others including skin being more susceptible to pigment darkening during this time.
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Is Eyebrow Tattoo Painful
An eyebrow tattoo is painful. On a scale of one to ten, it was about a five, Parkes asserts. It felt like a bunch of little paper cuts and was an uncomfortable feeling. However, clients are often given the option of using a numbing agent during the process.
How Painful Is Eyebrow Microblading
Eyebrow Tattoo Pain Vs. Microblading isnt permanent. The pigment is inserted into the upper layers of the skin. Microblading will most likely feel different and hurt less than a traditional tattoo because of the numbing cream applied prior to the procedure, and because there are fewer needles involved.
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What Can I Expect During The Eyebrow Treatment
An in depth consultation where expectations are discussed, facial measurements are taken, colors are determined, and a removable drawing of what your brows will look like is performed for your approval before the tattooing procedure. The procedure can be performed the same day of the consultation. We allow enough time to complete paperwork, take before/after photos, 15-20 minutes of topical numbing, the procedure, and finally a review of aftercare.
Can Microbladed Eyebrows Be Undone/removed
‘Yes the pigment used leaves no scarring or discolouration, and I can use a salt/saline solution to remove microbladed brows.
‘It is very important to know and understand that brows will be up to 40% darker in shade for the first 7-10 days during the healing process where scabs can form and flake off.
‘Ladies can sometimes leave the studio, and two days later be terrified that their brows are too dark, but please be patient as this is totally normal! After 7-10 days, you will begin to see the final colouring.’
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Appearance Of Final Result
Tattoed eyebrows result in full brows because the entire eyebrow is tattooed. The ends can be tapered or pointed as desired, but the results would be more obvious with a tattoo. On the contrary, with microblading, youd see hair-like strokes. This is made possible through the manual drawing of the hair strokes with the use of tiny needles. Microbloading results in a more natural eyebrow appearance.
Which Should I Choose
Both microblading and eyebrow tattooing have their pros and cons. A review of each can help you choose which method of eyebrow enhancement is best for you.
Once youve made your decision, select an aesthetician that specializes in microblading, or a tattoo artist that focuses specifically on eyebrows and permanent make-up. Ask to see before and after photos of their past clients, and familiarize yourself with their reviews before committing to the procedure.
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Microblading Pigment Stays Put
Your microbladed wyebrows will fade over time, but the delicate hand-drawn hairlines look so much more natural than tattooed brows. Microblading uses a lot less pigment than traditional tattoo ink. Eyebrow tattooing may last longer than microblading, but your tattooed brows will degrade as the ink spreads over time. This results in a look that is frankly ridiculous.
Can You Fix Poor Microblading Results
That being said, fixing poorly microbladed brows comes at a cost. “Immediate removal is impossible and requires expensive laser sessions,” says San Francisco-based board-certified dermatologist Caren Campbell, MD. “Picosecond lasers provide the best removal results.”
Picosecond lasers are the same pigment-seeking lasers used to remove traditional tattoos, and a session usually costs between $300 and $1,000. Dr. Campbell says she actually doesn’t recommend microblading cosmetically, due to the maintenance required and the fact that, as Dr. King points out, changing the brows immediately is simply not feasible.
Makeup can help improve the appearance of microblading even when the treatment is performed correctly. Healy mentions that his clients with microbladed brows often have to use brow products afterward: “We find that we’re giving clients a lot of brow powder to mask discoloration and to even out some wacky things that happen,” he says.
Though it’s clear that many people who get their brows microbladed are happy with the experience Healy says his number-one concern about the long-term effects of microblading is that the procedure doesn’t account for the fact that trends don’t last forever.
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How Is Microblading Eyebrows Different To Having Your Brows Tattooed
‘Microblading, unlike tattooing, is not in the deep layer of skin, but more on the surface. This is also not permanent, and the colour fades within 18 months.
‘The hair strokes are far more natural and finer than any tattoo, as a handheld needle/blade is used there is no electrical gadget that permeates deep in this technique. There is therefore more of a scratching noise, rather than a buzz of a tattoo gun which pierces the skin so deeply.’
Is Microblading For You When You Are Over 40
There is no denying that brows make the face. I am being asked about microbladed browsa LOT. Lauren, what do you think of microblading? or better yet Should I do it? Thats really a loaded question. Yet I do have some microblading tips and advice for women over 40.
Anyone who knows me knows I am completely OCD about my own brows. They were big and bushy in the 80s when the Brooke Shields look was in. Then I waxed and plucked the hell out of them in the 90s. Im fortunate that all but a little patch on my left brow grew back! I also realize I am in the minority for my age. Im lucky I still have pretty good brows and I know it. Many women my age now have unfortunate brows thanks to age, over-plucking, chemo or a poor diet.
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What Happens In The Mean Time
‘You’ll need to follow the after care instructions and avoid any picking or scratching. Your eyebrows will start to heal over, much like a tattoo, which might cause irritation but is totally normal.
‘In the next ten days or so your eyebrows will change colour, might become flaky and look like they’ve faded but this is totally normal. They’ll reveal their final colour and shape after around 30 days. This can then be topped up at the second session.’
Can Tattooed Eyebrows Look Natural
If your permanent eyebrows are red, but they are the right shape, you might just be okay. You should be able to use a color corrector of green to turn back to brown. If you wound up with purple permanent eyebrows, there is a solution. You can usually apply a yellow to turn them back to brown.
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What Actually Happens When You Get Your Eyebrows Microbladed
1. ‘I shape the brow area by threading the hairs, cleaning up the area and preparing it for the treatment.’
2. ‘Numbing this takes 40mins using a topical ointment. While this is working its numbing magic, I’ll show the client colour swatches and discuss together the best shade for their desired look.’
3. ’10 minutes before the numbing cream has got to a stage of working, I’ll use my tools to begin measuring the area around the brows, taking into account face shape, symmetry, facial features etc.’
4. ‘Then I begin the needling process – gently implanting the pigment via featherweight strokes. Each stroke is a superficial line in the skin where the colour pigment seeps in and settles then. If there is any discomfort at this stage we add another quick layer of numbing cream to the area which will become effective after 5 minutes.’
5. ‘I add on a final layer of pigment that stays on for 5mins, clean the area and et voila beautiful brows!’
6. ‘In 6-8 weeks there’s a top-up session to fill in any gaps where the pigment hasn’t taken or healed properly.’
Microbladed Eyebrows Look More Natural
The microblading vs tattoo battle has another category in its sleeve which one looks more natural? Microblading eyebrows definitely win in this one, as this procedure creates a more natural result, giving them a certain amount of depth. On the contrary, tattooed eyebrows look drawn on and flat. Why is this? The microblading technique creates individual hair-like strokes that penetrate your skin, and they are made to look identical to the hair growth pattern that you have. Any good microblading technician, such as ones that carry PhiBrows certificate can tackle with your eyebrow look and making different spots of your eyebrows denser which definitely gives your brows a more natural look. This can ultimately save the shape and look of your natural eyebrows.
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What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Microblading
In addition to the risk of walking out with brows that just don’t look like your inspiration photos, there’s the more serious short-term possibility of infection. As Boca Raton, Florida,-based board-certified dermatologist Jeffrey Fromowitz, MD, explains, if you experience prolonged swelling, redness, crusting, or oozing after microblading, this is a sign that things are not as they should be and you should see your doctor as soon as possible.
It’s also important to note that the impressive before-and-after photos you’ve seen on social media don’t depict the long-term effects of microblading. Though the process is increasingly common, Dr. King tells Allure that there are always going to be risks and the possibility of long-term complications or allergic reactions because the process involves piercing the skin barrier.
“It’s also important to note that the FDA does not regulate the color-additive substances of the pigments used in microblading. Allergic reactions and contamination are possible,” Dr. King says. “Because the results are semi-permanent, it is particularly important to make sure that the procedure is done correctly. It cannot be easily covered up if it is done incorrectly.”
So while it is true that the microblading pigment will fade over time, it’s not possible to correct overnight if a mistake is made.