Tattoo vs Microblading

Microblading is a tattooing technique where a cosmetic professional manually adds pigment to your skin. They use a handheld tool made up of several needles. The needles on the handheld tools deposit pigment on your skin to mimic the stroke of your natural eyebrow hair. This semi-permanent pigment will last between 12 months to 3 years and the color will fade by 30% – 70%, thus requiring a touch-up. You may think that as the color fades, it will turn to horrendous blue or dull green. Don’t freak-out just yet! No, it will not give you the horror of having blue eyebrows! Since this is not a permanent cosmetic procedure, micro-blading tattoo uses a different kind of pigment than that of a regular tattoo. So even if the color fades, it will keep its original hues. This is the perfect solution for balding eyebrows and those women that over-pluck their brows. With microblading, you can choose the perfect eyebrow color for your skin and the eyebrow shape for your face.

Microblading vs Eyebrow Tattoo: What is the difference?

Microblading is a tattoo technique but do not confuse this with the traditional eyebrow tattooing. Whilst eyebrow tattoo is a permanent, microblading tattoo uses semi-permanent pigment. This pigment will last between 1 year up to 3 years. You may need to touch-up every now and then. Compared to traditional tattooing, the ink does not sit deep into the skin. The pigment will start to fade as skin goes through its natural cycle, thus requiring a touch-up. Eyebrow tattooing color fades into blue and brown color. But microblading does not as it uses degradable ink, some even go for organic ink.

Traditional eyebrow tattooing uses a tattoo machine while microblading uses handheld tool. Both comprising of several needles. But since Microblading tattoos are done by cosmetic professionals manually, each stroke is done to mimic your natural eyebrow strands. This makes the final look not too fake and not too solid. And since this is done manually, you can specify your preferred thickness and shape.

Everything you need to know (almost!)

Let us start by reminding everyone that no two eyebrows are the same. As the saying goes, they are sisters and not twins. This will also apply to both microblading and eyebrow tattooing. Most of us do not even have identically shaped eyes so be easy on the eyebrows. So let us get it out there before you raise your eyebrow to your brow artist for not giving you those perfectly matching eyebrows. Both procedures takes time and patience and lots of love afterward. A microblading session may take hours depending on how thick or how bushy the client wants their brows to be.

Do not be surprised if the pigment of your brows gets lighter by 50% – 70% compared to day one and if your brows get thinner by 30%-70% from the first week. This is just natural as the pigment settles into the skin. Make sure to follow the aftercare that your brow artist gives you to make sure that it will last longer.

In case you are not satisfied with the result, you can always go back to your brow artist. Remember that your brow artist are human and they make mistakes. Maybe a stoke longer or thicker, but they will always give you a retouch. But it is best to let it heal properly before going back to your brow artist for a touch-up.

Most importantly, you need to consider if either of these 2 procedures is for you. With the many makeup brands upping their game in the brow world, there are many different options for you to choose from. So be sure that this is really what you want. And once decided, talk to your artist. Make sure that she understands what you want.

If you want a specific thickness or bushyness, let your artist know. She will give the best advice for you and your brows.

Which is more painful?

Eyebrow tattoo and microblading procedures are very similar. And yes,, they both can hurt. Technically, you are getting a tattoo on your face so definitely you will feel the sting. Though microblading will hurt less than the traditional tattoo due to lesser needles on the equipment used. You can also opt for numbing cream before getting the procedure. But remember, both carry the same amount of risk by opening your skin making it prone to infection. There are horror stories of botched eyebrows and getting keloids or allergic reactions. Be sure to be open and honest with your brow artist to make sure that these will not happen. And go to a trusted microblading professional. Strictly follow the aftercare guideline that your brow artist will give you to make sure a smooth healing.

Does Microblading hurt?

Yes, the micro-blading procedure hurts. Remember that this procedure is tattooing on your face so definitely, you will feel the sting. You can opt for a numbing cream before the session to make it less painful. You may also feel scratch like sensations, but hold your horses! Do not touch those newly inked brows or you might get them damaged and irritated. You might also want to avoid the water until your brows heal. This procedure has created lesions and openings on your skin which is prone to bacteria.

How long does microblading last?

Each microblading session may take about a few hours depending on how thick or how bushy you want your brows. Sometimes, it even takes 2 sessions to complete. The micro-blading tattoo itself will last about 12 months to 3 years and you will need to get a retouch. It will start to fade after a week by 50% – 70% as the pigment settles in your skin. Make sure to follow the proper aftercare procedures that the cosmetic professional will give you. This will ensure the longer-lasting beauty of your brows!

How much does microblading cost?

Well, beauty does not come cheap and so is micro-blading! Microblading will cost between $500-$2000 depending on the brow house that you want to go to. Of course, the more expensive the brow studio is, the better the service. This pricing will include consultation, microblading sessions and touch-up. Some may include aftercare ointment and creams in the package. But make sure to find the brow studio and brow artist that you will feel comfortable. Remember that this is your face so you need to make the right choices.

Conclusion:

Microblading is a serious cosmetic procedure and you have to think if this treatment is for you. Though it seems like a simple procedure, this should be done by professionals. Before deciding on getting microblading tattoo, consider other options that the makeup industry has. Nowadays there are a gazillion makeup options for your brows – eyebrow pencil, eyebrow gel, eyebrow pomade – name it, they have it! So it is best to look up at these non-invasive options.

But if you are decided, make sure to find that eyebrow house that will make you feel comfortable. This procedure does not come cheap so make sure you are also prepared to spend your dollars. Do not go cheapskate by going to second class shops. Again let me tell you, this is on your face, the curtains to the windows of the soul, the defining feature of your forehead! Eyebrows always on fleek, right?

Microblading procedure is generally safe, if not, it would not gain its popularity. More and more women are turning to this procedure to save on makeup time (though not on money). Not saying that this is a better procedure than traditional eyebrow tattooing but this is a good, if not a better alternative.