What Is Permanent Eyebrow Makeup?
Permanent eyebrow makeup can include many different names such as Microblading, Microshading, Ombre Brows or Powder Brows. It is a cosmetic tattooing procedure used to create the appearance of fuller, more defined eyebrows or even a little more dense. In some cases permanent makeup helps women who have/had cancer or alopecia, to gain back their confidence due to the side effects of the different diseases, or just to give you a feel-good boost. It involves the use of a tattoo machine with a needle/ needlesthat are used to deposit pigment into the skin. This is not as scary as it sounds, the needles only penetrate 1mm of skin to deposit colour.
The process entails a consultation where I assess your face shape, skin tone, and desired brow shape to create a customized design as well as color. This can range anything between 15-30 minutes depending on all the former considerations. Virtual consultations are also available, in some cases I would recommend a virtual permanent makeup consultation in order for you to know what you are getting into, as well as for clients who already have had work done and need a permanent makeup correction, touch up of permanent makeup reshaping. Once the design is approved, I will apply a topical anesthetic to minimize discomfort and begin the process.
How Long Does Eyebrow Tattooing Last?
Your eyebrows will last for 3 – 5 years depending on your skin type and how well you heal.
Regular touch-up sessions are recommended to maintain the shape and color of your eyebrows.
Regular meaning: 1.5 – 2 years after your first session touch-up (4-6 weeks after first session).
Note: This may vary depending on your skin type, lifestyle and healing.
What You Can Expect
Is Eyebrow Tattooing Painful?
The short answer is: It depends on your pain threshold.
For most this will feel like a sting or slight burning sensation.
Mild discomfort can be expected when tattooing your eyebrows. I apply a topical cream to help numb your eyebrows and more can be applied if you are pain-avoidant.
If, however, you find it excruciating, something is wrong and we need to stop immediately. Generally, if you experience excessive pain, this indicates you are not being tattooed by a professional artist.
How Long Does Eyebrow Tattooing Take?
Depending on your eyebrow shape, thickness and colour, a session can take up to 3 hours.
If you are touching up your brows, sessions can take up to 2 hours. The healing time also depends on your skin type and how well you heal, but typically this can take anything from 4 – 6 weeks.
I do provide you with an aftercare ointment to apply while you are healing and do have full details on what to expect during the healing process.
Buyers Beware
You get what you pay for. I have had multiple clients approach me after their eyebrows have been botched by “cheap” makeup services offering microblading or cheap tattooing. I am not always able to correct badly done eyebrows, unless you have them removed via laser treatment, which can be expensive and lead to further scarring (yes, scarring!).
Good makeup artists create soft, natural eyebrow makeup. We will not recommend going in with thick, black eyebrows, unless you have naturally dark hair and naturally thick eyebrows.
It would be unethical and can be considered scarring or deliberately deforming the face. If you would like eyebrows that do not match your face shape or natural colouring, I recommend you search for a different artist.
Be very careful when selecting an artist based on price alone.
