The eyebrows play a significant role in facial aesthetics. The fullness, shape and symmetry of your brows work together to highlight your eyes and frame your face. If you have patchy or thin eyebrows, do not fret — an eyebrow tattoo might be the answer to your eyebrow prayers.
“Isn’t that the same as microblading?” you might ask.
Many people believe that an eyebrow tattoo is the same as microblading, if not interchangeable terms. After all, the technique and outcome are quite similar. But in reality, the ink used and duration of the results are different.
If you want a more permanent option, an eyebrow tattoo may be the better option for you. But before you Google “eyebrow tattoo place near me,” determine whether an eyebrow tattoo is for you or if you should consider a semi-permanent alternative.
Eyebrow Tattooing Basics
Eyebrow tattooing is similar to other tattoo procedures. The artist uses a machine that inserts the ink into your skin. The tapping motion made by the machine enables the ink to penetrate deeper into your skin. This way, the ink is permanent so going back is not an option.
The ink for eyebrow tattooing fades differently compared to the pigment used for microblading. As the ink fades, it develops into a blue-green-colored tint. Black eyebrow tattoo ink, specifically, is known for turning green or blue since the red pigments that keep its dark color fade faster. As a result, some people have oddly colored eyebrows that look misshapen or faded.
Second, since the procedure uses a machine, eyebrow tattooing can be painful. The needle’s deep puncture uses more ink than needed, causing the color to ‘bleed’ into your skin. Most tattoo artists do use numbing creams to numb the area before the procedure. To make sure you go through the procedure with minimal pain, ask your tattoo artist about the procedure first.
In terms of recovery, your skin will need a longer time to heal from the punctures caused by the tattooing needle. Like normal wounds, eyebrow tattoos may also cause scarring (similar to eyebrow slits). Your tattoo artist may recommend rubbing coconut oil every now and then to moisturize your healing brows.
Who Should Get an Eyebrow Tattoo?
Eyebrow tattoos are perfect for people suffering from permanent hair loss. It is also ideal for people who want to make their brows thicker in the middle part or get a fuller brow look. If you want to define your arches or a more natural-looking brow look, however, tattooed eyebrows may not be for you. Microblading may complete your makeup look.
Microblading: The Semi-Permanent Alternative to Eyebrow Tattoos
If you’re uncomfortable with the idea of permanent eyebrows, microblading is another option. This cosmetic treatment reshapes your eyebrows, giving them a newer and fuller look. Instead of using an eyebrow tattoo gun or pen, microblading uses tiny, fine-point needles with small disposable blades that scratch the skin to deposit the pigment under your skin.
The result is a realistic-looking eyebrow look that doesn’t easily wash off.
Many ask if microblading is a form of eyebrow tattoo. Technically, it’s both a yes and a no. Unlike permanent eyebrow tattoos, microblading is a semi-permanent tattoo. The pigment used in microblading is also different because the dye particles are less concentrated compared to traditional tattoo ink.
Unlike permanent eyebrow tattoos, microblading requires bi-yearly or yearly touchups. Since microblading uses degradable ink, your immune system will digest the ink and easily fade out the pigment. So, if you want to retain your Kardashian-like brows, retouch is the key!
The Basics of Microblading
Most people require more than one microblading session to get their dream brow look. The average person needs two sessions. On their second session, the person must come back for a touch-up. The second session is often scheduled four weeks after, depending on the person’s skin type since the skin can push out the ink in some places that are unsaturated. The aesthetician will correct any minor imperfections from the first session.
With microblading, some skin types retain the ink better than others. Oily skin types are difficult to work with since they can reject the pigment. Oily skin is also more prone to pigment hydration, which causes the pigment to fan into each other, resulting in a powder-filled brow instead of a more defined one.
But one of the best pros of microblading is its precise and natural-looking results. Unlike traditional eyebrow tattoos, the pigment used for microblading does not turn brown or blue. Even if the color fades, the color stays true to its hue.
Plus, microbladed brows are hand-drawn. You can be sure that the fine lines will stimulate your natural hair, not bleed it out.
Since it’s a semi-permanent cosmetic treatment, however, the results of microblading will fade after a year or two. Regular touch-ups can help you maintain your brows.
How to Choose Between Eyebrow Tattoo and Microblading
So should you stick with your eyebrow tattoo plan or is it better to microblade?
Don’t stress yourself. It all boils down to your personal desire and preferences. There is no wrong or right option, only what you need and want.
If you overplucked your eyebrows and want to restore their full look, go for microblading. On the other hand, if you are after a more permanent solution, go for eyebrow tattoos! Whatever makes you feel beautiful, fun and festive.
