As humans, we do what we can to feel good, look good, and maintain the good. Self-care can look very different from one person to another, and for some, it’s in the form of getting necessary eyebrow treatments.
Now, if taking precious time out of your day to thoroughly fill in your eyebrows using a combination of multiple products is therapeutic to you - then by all means, proceed. However, if you have a desire to wake up and go about your morning routine sans eyebrow rituals, then we have a treatment or two to discuss with you.
Eyebrows can bring your look together and really help accentuate the best features of your face, which is why getting the right treatment can really give a boost of confidence.
Below, we talk about the two most commonly used eyebrow procedures today - micro blading vs tattoo eyebrows.
What is Microblading?
If you have ever experienced eyebrow hair loss or brow thinning, chances are you have already come across this term in your research for possible fixes.
Microblading is a commonly used semi-permanent form of cosmetic tattoo. It uses a blade-shaped tool with a row of very small needles that are barely visible to the naked eye. These needles are what deposit pigment in your skin, thus creating strokes that mimic natural eyebrow hair.
The result is often very realistic and can last you at least a year with proper maintenance. Since the pigment is not injected too deep, it will eventually rise to the surface of your skin and lighten over time. Because of this, regular touch-ups every 1 to 2 years are necessary, and are even the perfect time to try new arch styles and shapes!
What is Eyebrow Tattooing?
While microblading is a type of brow tattoo, it is only semi-permanent and is quite different from the everyday permanent tattoo in terms of materials used, procedure, and expected results.
The kind of brow treatment that lasts a lifetime is known as permanent brow tattooing. This is very similar to traditional tattooing wherein ink (not pigment) is deposited deep underneath your skin with the use of a machine. This may need touch-ups over time to enhance the boldness and color, but even when left on its own, the outline will be there permanently.
Pigment vs Ink
One of the biggest differences between microblading and permanent eyebrow tattoos is that the former uses pigments while the latter uses tattoo ink.
Both materials tend to fade over time as the skin goes through its natural cycle. However, the depth at which the materials are applied can determine whether or not it fades away completely or just turns more subtle. Since microblading does not insert the pigments too deeply, it can completely fade in about two years, while permanently tattooed eyebrows have traditional tattoo ink inserted deeper, making them last on the skin.
Another factor that sets the two materials apart is that when pigments fade, they eventually become a lighter version of the color applied until it is all gone. When inks fade, they tend to morph into a blue-green color and become less detailed as the years progress.
Lastly, another important factor to consider is that when pigments are applied, they are in the form of smaller particles suspended in a diluter. This process results in a softer, more natural color that can be layered to create a more realistic finish. Cosmetic tattooing on the other hand uses concentrated inks that come out very bold, very deep, and quite bright.
What is the most natural-looking eyebrow treatment to opt for?
Between the two treatments, microblading is definitely the most natural-looking option. The microblading technique uses a series of individual strokes to mimic fine hair strands, whereas permanent eyebrow tattoos end up looking like two very solid brows.
However, there is one more eyebrow treatment that we feel trumps them both - Temporary Eyebrow Tattoos. This option does not involve any needles or administering products underneath your skin. The magic happens right on top of your dermis and can last you a few days.
What are Temporary Eyebrow tattoos? Why are they Better?
Temporary eyebrow tattoos offer a lot more benefits compared to microblading or permanent eyebrow tattoos. For one, the level of commitment needed is very low. Even with microblading, you will have to commit to your brows for around 1 to 2 years. Temporary eyebrow tattoos can be changed on the same day if you really want to and can last up to 3 days if you prefer not to change out as often.
Moreover, they are currently available in 5 different styles, 5 different sizes, and up to 11 colors. This makes the product highly versatile and allows you to try different things while finding the right pair for you. Microblading allows for touch-ups and slight changes but if you want a bigger impact or more noticeable changes, temporary eyebrow tattoos are your best bet.
Lastly, temporary eyebrow tattoos are a breeze to put on and take off, you can do it yourself! You simply take the brows, align it on your face, gently dab a wet cloth, and then slowly peel off the transfer paper. Voila! You have eyebrows!
If you want to learn more about this amazing DIY eyebrow product, check out this video from the founder of My Two Brows: https://youtu.be/UOFU6K1QT28
Key Differences Between Eyebrow Tattooing, Microblading & Temporary Eyebrow Tattoos
To get a good overview of the three options, check out a summary of their pros and cons below:
Temporary Eyebrow Tattoo
Pros:
- Low commitment level
- Can last up to 3 days
- Comes in 5 different brow styles
- Comes in 5 different brow shapes
- Comes in 11 different colors
- 100% waterproof
- Can easily be applied and removed in seconds
- Ultra realistic and natural brow hair look
- Very affordable
- Safe even for children and elderly
- Option to have a subscription method wherein your brows automatically get sent to you however often you like
- Free shipping over USD $75
Cons:
- International shipping can be expensive if you purchase below YSD $75 ($75 and above is free shipping)
- It can take 5 days to 2 weeks to arrive
Microbladed brows
Pros:
- Results look like natural hair
- Takes away the need to apply your eyebrows every morning or every few days - saves time!
- It will not fade with sweat or water
- Saves you money in the long run from needing to purchase brow products
- The results can last up to 2 years with proper maintenance
Cons:
- It can be painful
- It is expensive
- The treatment can take an average of 2 hours to complete
- Skin reactions or allergies are possible
- Requires aftercare such as no makeup or sweating is allowed near brows for the first few days.
- Can take 4 to 8 weeks to completely heal.
- The color eventually fades out
Permanent Eyebrow Tattoo
Pros:
- Saves you time from filling in your brows every morning
- Saves you money from having to buy brow products
- 100% waterproof and sweatproof
- They last forever
Cons:
- It can be painful
- It is expensive
- If you don’t like how it is shaped or styled, it can be difficult to remove
- It can be very red for a few weeks while healing
- It requires aftercare
- It can be itchy while healing
- Allergic reactions or infections are possible
- The color can fade to a blue-green
- Results do not look very natural
- It can bleed out and distort the shape
Which One Is More Painful?
Since temporary eyebrow tattoos only require you to transfer the product by means of a transfer paper and water, it is 100% pain-free!
When it comes to microblading and permanent eyebrow tattoos, however, there is definitely the risk of pain - but the intensity all depends on your personal tolerance level.
Most of the people who have tried microblading said it is similar to getting scratched by a cat, which means it can be uncomfortable but mostly tolerable.
Permanent eyebrow tattoos can be even more painful for most. This is because it utilizes a machine to insert ink deeper into the skin.
Reasons to avoid getting permanent eyebrow tattoo & microblading
From the list of pros and cons above, it is clear that both microblading and permanent eyebrow tattoos may not be the best options on the market for those looking to have natural eyebrow hair back.
Permanent eyebrow tattoos may have been popular back in the day, but with research, technology, and manufacturers putting the needs of users first, there are so many other solutions to look into now.
Not only are permanent eyebrow tattoos costly and painful, but they are a HUGE commitment that may not sit well with you in a few years' time - especially when it starts to distort or change in color. Temporary eyebrow tattoos, on the other hand, are affordable, pain-free, and only require zero commitment as you can remove it in seconds!
Microblading is definitely the safer and more conservative option against permanent eyebrow tattoos. However, the after care, expenses, risk of allergies, and pain endured may not be worth it for some people. If you are looking for an option without the need for aftercare or the risk of allergies, temporary eyebrow tattoos win this one, too.
Products you can try out instead of microbladed brows or permanent eyebrow tattoos
Looking for the best eyebrow replacement options can be a long and difficult task. Microblading and permanent eyebrow tattoos may be too much of a commitment for most, and while temporary eyebrow tattoos work great, there are still many more solutions you can consider before deciding.
Some of the most common products you can try include:
Eyebrow Pencils - best for those with sparse brows that need filling in
Eyebrow Makeup - best for those with thinning, sparse, or no brows
Rogaine (also known as Minoxidil) - best for those with patchy or no brows
Natural oils, such as castor oil - best for those with sparse or thinning brows
Vaseline, and other hydrating products - best for those with thinning, sparse, or patchy brows
Quick Reasons for Losing Eyebrow Hair
There could be many reasons for eyebrow hair loss.
Whether one is experiencing a common thinning of the brows, or even worse, their eyebrows falling out and noticeable bold spots, the reasons often fall under the following categories:
- Aging
- Hormones or body stress
- Physical trauma to the area
- Health conditions
- Medication
- Lack of nutrients
- Unhealthy lifestyle
- Over plucking or over waxing
There could be more causes of sparse brows, and seeing a medical professional in order to get an accurate diagnosis can greatly help narrow down your treatment options. With better and higher quality solutions, the more chances you can have of getting your eyebrows to grow back naturally.
FAQs
Does microblading require aftercare?
Yes, microblading does require aftercare. This could include not getting the area wet for the first few days, including in the shower. It could also mean no makeup, no scratching, no swimming, no sweating, keeping your hair away, and applying medicated cream.
Can microblading ruin your eyebrows?
Microblading is a technique that involves inserting pigments into the first few layers of your skin. It is not too deep nor should it damage any hair follicles. For as long as you seek the services of a professional, microblading should be safe.
How long do microbladed brows take to heal?
Microbladed brows can take anywhere between 4 to 8 weeks to completely heal, depending on your body’s natural reaction to the treatment and how well it can regenerate on its own.
You’re All Set!
Getting the right treatment for you and your brows can make a world of difference in terms of your confidence, your day-to-day routine, how naturally your brows look, and overall how happy you are - which should definitely be a priority!
Now that you know the key differences between microblading vs tattoo eyebrows, and the superstar solution of temporary eyebrow tattoos, we hope that you can have an easier time weighing out which fix is best for you and your needs.