There are two main methods of permanent eyebrow makeup: micropigmentation (typically done with a machine) and microblading (applied with a hand tool and ideal for creating light, wispy hair strokes).
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.
Permanent shaping and designing of eyebrows is possible using a technique called Microblading. Microblading does NOT involve tattooing. Cream based pigments are used, instead of tattoo ink. Specially designed fine medical blades called Microblades are used, instead of needles.
Getting your eyebrows tattooed can seem like a permanent, risky decision, but if you've got the cash to spend on this new tattoo process, I highly recommend it. Permanent makeup such as tattooed eyebrows may seem like a good, timesaving idea.
In total, the entire process can take up to two hours, Kira Tai, owner of Tai Brows, told HuffPost. “The drawing is the most tedious part and the huge majority of the session,” Tai said. “No one thinks about their eyebrows as much as they do when they are about to get them tattooed.
Although the procedure can take upward of 2 hours, most people report only feeling minor pressure or discomfort and less pain than a typical tattoo due to the use of a numbing cream. Of course, this will depend on your own personal tolerance to pain. Some level of pain or discomfort should be expected.
How does permanent makeup work? Permanent makeup, also called a cosmetic tattoo or micropigmentation, is done with the use of a pen containing iron oxide that tattoos the skin and to create the look of makeup. A tattoo can mimic eyeliner or lipstick, or it can darken and create the look of thicker eyebrows.
Microblading ranges in cost from around 350 dollars to as high as 800 dollars. The average microblading cost is around $400. If you don't know what microblading is, it's the practice of placing pigment with tiny strokes of a “microblade” in a semi-permanent fashion over your existing eyebrows.
Tattooing simply doesn't 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.
Are Permanent Cosmetics Really Permanent? Permanent cosmetics procedures are considered permanent because pigment is tattooed into the upper reticular part of the dermal layer of the skin and cannot be washed off.
Will permanent makeup fade completely? Yes. With time, your permanent makeup will fade completely. Most tattoos start fading in less than six months and take two to three years to disappear entirely from the skin.
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. It's a very important factor to know exactly where you are placing the pigment so you retain those crisp hair strokes.
How much does microshading cost? Microshading isn't covered by insurance, so you'll pay for the procedure out of pocket. The cost varies widely depending on location, but it ranges from $750 to $2,000 for both sessions.
So, is microblading worth it? The short answer to this question is yes, eyebrow microblading is definitely worth it. Especially considering the amount of talent and experience semi-permanent makeup artists have today, there's no going wrong when getting eyebrows microbladed. You'll be surprised by the results.
As mentioned above, microblading can last anywhere from 18 to 30 months. In general, it requires touch-ups once or twice a year. Once pigment from the procedure begins to noticeably fade, you'll need to go back to your practitioner for a touch-up application.
Overall, permanent makeup and microblading is a very painless procedure if the right numbing cream is used. There might be some uncomfortable sounds involved, but you will be pleasantly surprised about how little you feel. Some clients of ours even fall asleep when getting permanent makeup done.
Permanent makeup has become incredibly popular in the last five to ten years. In fact it has become so popular, even Vogue magazine has published an article about it. Since it is so convenient to have, busy women in all walks of life are getting permanent makeup, including many famous women.
Also known as nano needling or micropigmentation, nano needle brows are created with one single needle and a permanent makeup device. Similar to a conventional tattoo machine (although nowhere near as intense or painful!), the device is then used to provide controlled movement as it dispenses pigment into the skin.
The CONS of Microblading
Apart from being an expensive method, makeup removal is quite painful and can lead to scarification. Also, in many cases, allergic skin reactions are a possibility; it is the microblading side effects. The numbing cream and the ink used might not be favorable to all skin types.
Microblading could cause: Infection. If your technician uses dirty water or equipment, they can spread bacteria like staphylococcus (staph). They could also spread viruses like HIV, hepatitis, or herpes.
Like Aava says above (in more technical terms), microblading is literally a tiny, tiny, tiny blade digging into your skin so that ink can fill the tiny cut and tattoo you. It sounds scarier than it actually is, and if done correctly, it will look completely natural.
Long-Lasting Results: while eyebrow tattoos are not technically permanent, they can last several years! Some people may view this as a con, but the fact that the colour can fade over time can actually be a benefit as your style and hair colour does change as time passes.
The benefits of eyebrow tattoos
Make up no more: Forget about faffing around gelling, colouring and plucking your brows. Wake up to perfectly shaped eyebrows every day. Natural, beautiful brows: Don't worry about people knowing you've had a procedure.
The actual procedure could cost anywhere from $300 to $500, but it doesn't stop there. Follow-up appointments could cost you a further $100 to $150. You see, even though eyebrow tattoos are considered a form of permanent makeup, the ink fades over time.