Microblading vs. Eyebrow Tattoo: What’s The Difference
Originally published on February 23, 2018. Updated February 23, 2021 with additional information and comments from professional makeup artists
The eyebrows play a significant role in the aesthetics of the face. The shape, fullness, and symmetry of the brows all work together to highlight the eyes and frame the upper face. If you have thin or patchy eyebrows there is a non-invasive treatment that can instantly improve the eyebrow area: microblading.
Microblading is a popular eyebrow enhancement technique that improves the shape, definition, and thickness of the brows. The microblading technique uses a specialized hand-held tool with a unique blade to deposit dye into the second dermal layer of the skin, creating very fine strokes that mimic the appearance of natural eyebrow hair.
People often think microblading is a type of tattoo. While the techniques may sound similar, microblading and eyebrow tattooing are very different. This post will compare the major differences between microblading and eyebrow tattoos.
What is Microblading?
Microblading is a technique performed by an aesthetician which leads to natural looking, fuller eyebrows. After applying a numbing cream, tiny incisions are made in the brow which mimic your natural hairs. These incisions are then filled with pigment.
Microblading is relatively painless, thanks to the numbing cream applied beforehand and the shallow cuts of the microblade. You should experience little to no bleeding. A minimal amount of pigment is used, which allows color to stay put within the incisions, without bleeding outward.
Microblading fades over time, and the results of microblading can last anywhere from 1-2 years. However, patients can opt to extend their results for longer by undergoing periodic “maintenance” treatment sessions.
Before 
After View Microblading Photo Gallery
What is Eyebrow Tattooing?
Eyebrow tattooing is just like any other tattoo. Your tattoo artist uses a tattoo needle which is supplied with ink and hooked up to a power source. The needle repeatedly penetrates your skin with a quick tapping motion to apply ink to the deeper layers of the dermis.
Tattooing is permanent, although colors may fade and lines may blur over time. Once you have an eyebrow tattoo it’s very difficult, if not impossible, to remove.
Microblading vs Eyebrow Tattooing
When considering which is best for you, it’s helpful to understand the differences between these two eyebrow-enhancing techniques.
Permanent vs Impermanent
For most people, the most significant difference between microblading and eyebrow tattoos is the longevity of the results each provides.
Eyebrow tattoos are permanent. Once the ink is tattooed onto the skin it is there for life (although undesirable fading of the ink as mentioned above is possible). Once you have an eyebrow tattoo, it’s forever unless removed via tattoo removal treatments.
This is very different from microblading, where the results typically last about 6 months to a year. Because the pigment doesn’t go as deep, it fades as your skin cells naturally turn over. Simple “touch up” treatments can be done annually if the microblading patient wishes to maintain their enhanced brow. The semi-permanent nature of microblading allows patients the ability to change the appearance of their brow as trends and styles change.
Microblade Pigment vs Tattoo Ink
Microblading pigments come in organic or inorganic varieties, in a range of several colors. As microblading ink slowly fades it does get lighter, but the tone stays the same. Microblading pigment is specifically designed to fade into a lighter version of the color used so the patient retains a natural appearance. Thus, the result maintains a natural appearance until it fully fades away.
Tattoo ink is used for eyebrow tattooing while microblading uses a specialized pigment. Ink differs greatly from pigment in the way it fades over time. As tattoo ink fades, it often develops a blue-green colored tint, especially around the edges of the tattoo. Black tattoo ink is notorious for turning blue or green, as the red pigments that keep it dark fade faster. This can leave people with some oddly colored eyebrows that often look as though they were created with a Sharpie. This can result in very unnatural looking brows.
Blading vs Needling
Microblading is done with a hand tool which cuts only into the uppermost layer of the skin. This is not only far less painful than tattooing, but causes less damage to the skin and results in a quicker recovery process. Also, less pigment is needed, which prevents color from ‘bleeding’ into adjacent skin cells.
Tattooing is done with a machine, which penetrates more deeply into the skin. This makes tattoos generally more painful than microblading. The depth of the punctures encourages the use of more ink than needed, which causes color to ‘bleed’ into the surrounding area. Recovery time is also longer, as your skin will need to heal from the injury caused by the deep needle punctures.
Fine Lines vs Filled Brows
Trained microblading artists are skilled at hand-drawing fine lines which mimic the natural look and shape of each individual eyebrow hair. These lines blend in with your natural eyebrows to create a look that’s often indistinguishable from the real thing.
Even the most well-trained tattoo artists find it difficult to achieve the fine lines of microblading with a tattoo needle. 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.
Natural-looking Outcome
Microblading creates a more natural end result compared to eyebrow tattooing, which results in brows that appear “drawn on” and flat. This is because the microblading technique creates individual hair-like strokes that are identical to hair growth pattern of the surrounding eyebrow hair. A good microblading technician can make treated areas look like a more dense version of the natural brow hair.
Pain
Getting a tattoo can be relatively painful, especially if they are placed in a sensitive area like the face. The microblading technique involves much less discomfort, especially if the brow area is numbed with lidocaine prior to treatment. Most patients describe the feeling of microblading to be similar to tweezing.
Microblading Pros and Cons
✅ Less painful
✅ Quick recovery
✅ Natural looking
✅ Won’t change color
❌ Semi-permanent
❌ Requires touch-ups
❌ Generally more expensive
Eyebrow Tattoo Pros and Cons
✅ Good for mid-brow fullness
✅ Generally less expensive
✅ Permanent result
❌ Looks more like make-up than a natural brow
❌ Requires longer recovery
❌ Ink can bleed or change color over time
Which Should I Choose?
Both microblading and eyebrow tattooing have their pros and cons. A review of each can help you choose which method of eyebrow enhancement is best for you.
Once you’ve made your decision, select an aesthetician that specializes in microblading, or a tattoo artist that focuses specifically on eyebrows and permanent make-up. Ask to see before and after photos of their past clients, and familiarize yourself with their reviews before committing to the procedure.
A united group of skin care specialists from Westlake Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, Austin's leader in Dermatology and Plastic Surgery. Articles posted under WD staff are authored through combined contributions from our entire team, including Plastic Surgeons, Dermatologists, Aestheticians, Physician Assistants, Aesthetic Nurses, and Patient Coordinators.
Is Microblading available at the Central Lamar Westlake Dermatology location? If so, how much is the cost?
Hi Deborah, thanks for reading our post! Unfortunately we don’t offer microblading at Lamar Central but we do have it at our Lakeway, South Austin, and Round Rock locations. We have a current promotion going for $750 (normal price of treatment is $1,000).
Please give us a call if you have any addition questions on the service our would like to schedule.
Thanks again,
WD Staff
I find some of this article to be false. The same exact numbing cream is used in both procedures and the pain is the same. Microblading, while pretty at first, will bleed out as tech is making a cut in the skin, like taking an blade to a tomato and making a cut – it will splay open. Tattooing is putting ink into the skin without making the slice like tattooing an apple, there will be no splaying out, but will remain art on the apple or skin. The ink that is used is also the same. It is up to the tech to use the proper color – all ink will fade some. Do not ever use black, I don’t care what the client wants… those will either be too dark or will fade some to blue like many tattoos do. You always want to balance your ink. The beauticians doing the microblading in many cases have no idea what they are doing and fortunately for the client, much of the blading will fade.
Hi Leslie, thanks for reading our post and submitting your great comment. We agree regarding the overuse of black, that’s a great point! It’s very important that patients select an experienced microblading provider as the splaying out effect you described can be minimized. We have corrected some terrible work done by other less experienced beauticians!
Thanks again,
WD Staff
Thank you for your comment I wish I had read it before I spent 245 for my Microblading not even into 2nd week and you cant even see the lines disappearing as the scabs fall off very disappointed
Microblading fades super fast! I’ve had it done many times. They really need to update this article and provide information that is not misleading.
I agree with you 100%. Way too lucky mis-information going on in this article. When pigment is placed into the dermal layer with any modality, it’s a tattoo. Microblading is much more painful than permanent cosmetics done with a single, hairline needle in a machine. Cutting the skin in microbladed services is much more painful. Most make those cuts too deep as well! I am also an A+Ocean Saline Tattoo Removal specialist and I see a huge amount of poorly done Microblading!
Choose your artist on skill level and color theory knowledge!
Both microblading abd machine done brows are TATTOOING!!!
I’d have to agree, I think microblading does look more natural compared to a tattoo. Also I like the fact that it fades so its not something that is forever. You can decide if you want to do it over again or go back to how it was before
I have my eyebrows tattooed at 1/2 the coat ($325) and they are shaved and look 100% natural. The ink she used is for cosmetic tattooing and will not turn into any other color. My tattoo will last about 8 years, not 6 months or a year. She also used a numbing agent and it didn’t hurt at all. I highly recommend a tattoo as long as you have a good artist!
Hello Erika,
May I ask where did you get your eyebrows done. It’s hard to find someone who can do the tattoo. Seems like everyone only does the microblading.
Thanks
That sounds Awesome can you possibly tell me where you went ? I’m in California in the Bay Area Thanks
Tammy
Where do you get this tattoo done? I had my eyebrows done and it cost me $500 AUD and it didn’t last even 2 months
That’s my issue with Microblading is the cost and the fact it doesn’t last but 6mths – 1yr max!? Like with all services there are bad ones and good ones. You got to do your research! I’m glad so many professionals added to this conversation & ppl like yourself. I understand ppl want to go with trends , but some just want brows. I just turned 44 and my once dark brown full brows are not as noticeable and dark anymore. I thought about dying them lol but I think I’ve possibly lost some volume to my eyebrows, that I once had from when I was younger. It’s really frustrating because I used to only have to pay to get them waxed or threaded, now I can tweeze myself, but wow they’ve changed from aging. Not from over plucking either. I’ve always just cleaned them up. Believe me it’s scary to get something permanent done on your face, but idk if I am willing to fork over 1k plus maintenance and then start over, I’m really considering a cosmetic tattoo artist. I had a surgery on my spine and didn’t do my research and now I’m f**ked for life bc he messed me up bad, now I live in pain the rest of my life ( I had it done in 2007 ) and have been in pain for years. I mean 24/7 chronic pain. So researching , asking questions, asking to see work they done etc … is so important! So do I want to pay a one time fee or pay at least yearly with maintenance!? For now I’m drawing on my eyebrows until I know what I want for sure, but I’m really thinking of getting the tattoo only bc of the cost , but ofc I’d never do without seeing proof of their work and seeing if they specialize in cosmetic tattooing. Thanks for your input & may I ask why 8 yrs? Is it because tattoos fade as well? Thanks
**Sorry my 1st comment was intended for Erika**
Thanks!
Had my eyebrows tattooed around 18 months or so….. would like to try microblading , but not sure to get them tattooed again? any advice. any advice please.
Hi Julia,
Thanks for reading our post and submitting your comment! Microblading can be done post-tattoo, however we would have to see you for a consultation to determine if the treatment would align with your goals. If you are in the Austin area please give us a call at 512.328.3376. We can get you in the office for an assessment to determine which avenue will provide your desired end result.
Thanks,
WD Staff
That’s interesting that microblading uses a specialized pigment instead of tattoo ink so if fades into a lighter version of the color rather than a blue-green tint. This is good to know since I’ve been debating on doing microblading since I have really thin eyebrows but I’ve never liked the way tattoos look with they get older. Knowing that it’s a completely different ink than tattoos makes me think that I’d really like them since it would fade into a more natural color once it gets older.
Hi,
I had my brows tattooed years ago they have faded to a bluish color I would like to microblade over them with strokes a lighter brown and fuller as they are a little thin any feed back appreciated
Great post. The semi-permanent vs permanent distinction is nice and helpful. Thank you for that!
I didn’t realize there was a difference in the pigmentation.
I currently have eyebrow tattoos that have faded to a gray color. Is it true that I have to have eyebrow tattoos removed by lazering before I can get new Microblading?
Hi Cheryl,
Thanks for reading our post and submitting your great question! Microblading can be done over a preexisting tattoo. However the results will only show if the old tattoo is significantly faded. So unfortunately the answer is “it depends”. Your best bet would be to get an in-person consultation with a provider who can determine if any further lightening of the tattoo would be necessary.
We hope that helps!
Thanks,
WD Staff
I used keyword search “microblading Vs tattooing” to try gain some insight.
I found this post to be extremely bias towards Microblading which didn’t really help me.
I have had semi-perm eyebrow tattooing previously and it has now completely vanished, in the same way as microblading. So this is a false statement. Also, tattooing strokes are also completed as fine lines. Perhaps not as fine as microblading (that is true!). And, my eyebrows did not look like they’d been drawn on with a sharpie, this may be the result from a bad job with either of these techniques if using an inexperienced technician. It’s worth noting that just like a tattoo, there was some scabbing initially and it took a few weeks to get the true result. (My MB friends tell me it’s the same with MB).
I have girlfriends who have had both procedures recently, and stood side-by-side both outcomes look great! They used experienced and qualified technicians whom designed their brows based on their full face structure, not what craze is ‘in’ at the moment. There are a lot of bad brows out there, so like me, take some time to research.
I have heard that microblading causes scarring therefore you can only maintain for a couple of years. Hence keyword search “microblading Vs tattooing”.
I will continue to research the potential ‘scarring’ issue as this was not mentioned in this post and I feel it’s an important factor! I’ll then make up my mind. So far though I am veering towards tattooing.
Please do lots of research ladies 🙂 x
Hi Louise,
Thanks for reading our post and submitting your great comment. I think it will be helpful to people who come across this page and we definitely agree with you on the need for perspective patients to do their research.
The post was written from our past experiences with ex-tattoo patients who were unhappy. We regularly correct issues to the point where we see eyebrow tattooing as inferior (which is why we do not offer the service). And because of the permanent nature of a tattoo many patients need to undergo some laser tattoo removal treatments in order to even be able to correct their brow tattoos, which is very disappointing to the patients.
However, I’m sure there are talented eyebrow tattoo artists who disagree and see tattooing as superior. That’s understandable!
All we can say is that an experienced microblading artist will be able to create great result that can last for long periods of time without the potential for scarring (in fact the potential for scarring is greater with a tattoo as it is more invasive). We believe it to be the best option which is the reason behind our post and our offering it.
I hope you find the right treatment that will work best for you. Please let us know if you have any other questions on the microblading front.
Thanks,
WD Staff
Can people with keloiding skin get microblading? I have several tattoos on my body and none of them have keloided. However, I’ve had minor surgeries that required stitches and I have keloided in those areas. My ear piercings have never keloided either.
Hi Monica,
Thanks for reading out post and submitting your great question! Scarring from microblading is very uncommon. However individuals with a high tendency for scarring in the past should definitely consult with a skilled microblading provider before having the treatment done. So even though microblading produces far less trauma to the skin than those ear piercings its still a good idea to talk this out with a provider before getting it done.
We hope that helps!
Thanks,
WD Staff
I disagree and this sounds like a plug for Microblading. I had tatoo many many years ago and after fading the color was never green but a lighter shade of the original. I had tatoo a second time and the same. The only drawback of My tatoo experience was that one eyebrow faded a bit more.
I couldn’t disagree more, I did my brow tattoo a few years ago and it was terrible. Instantly after getting them done I wished I didn’t do it. I’ve had to undergo numerous removal treatments and now I do microblading regularly. I highly recommend going to microblading route, results are good!!!
I had eyebrow tattoos 2 yrs 7 months ago. They are Just beginning to fade away in small areas & tho I thought they were done Very well & were done with individual hair strokes , i’m considering micro blading . My ink did not turn any strange color and did ligbten with time. I am 73 & thinking perhaps microblading will look more subtle from the beginning. Any input on pros & con ? My con of micro blading would be the short time it lasts
Good information about the eyebrows and mircoblading. thank you
Great post! I was hoping to share my recent post on what causes eyebrow loss with your community if you think its worthwhile. Visit https://www.hairphil.com/makeup-tattoo/3-things-you-might-not-expect-could-cause-eyebrow-hair-loss/
I would have to disagree about the pain level in Microblading. Both myself and friends said it was excruciating., and that’s with numbing cream, to compare it with tweezing is ridiculous,
I had MB last year and a follow up this year, I was left with very patchy thick dark brows nearly black, this year she wanted to add warmth but I can’t see this in the result they were still patchy and the strokes were quite thick and sparse, I have just had my first tattoo to remedy the MB and she has managed to soften the whole effect and the strokes are fine just like hair, she used two different inks and the ink will not go pink or blue. So after the experience of both I prefer the tattoo.also much less painful!
very nice article about Microblading vs Eyebrow Tattoo ,very detailed explained thanks for sharing .Very informative
I really wanted to do this but I’m afraid it will be painful /
Hi Rachel,
We completely understand your concern, but we can assure you that the process of microblading is not painful especially when you go to a professional. If you do decide to take the plunge, we advise you to find a reputable provider!
Thanks
WD Staff
Hi, I’m very interested in microblaing. Any locations in the Philadelphia area? If so what is the estimated cost for total procedure for both session?
Hi Christia,
Thanks for reading this post and for your interest! Unfortunately all our locations are in Texas currently, however we hope to get out to Philadelphia and the east cost in the coming years!
Until then we would encourage you to do your research and find a provider in your area that is reputable, properly licensed, and has experience. At the moment we do not have any relationships with providers in Phil, so we don’t really have a recommendation.
But with some research we’re sure you’ll find someone great there!
Thanks,
WD Staff
I recently had my brows microbladed and only because an established “facialist” was opening her salon and the incentive coupon was too good to pass on. While it has only been 4 days I am waiting for the color to soften. Also I am encouraged that if I get tired of the style I can change it eventually. I wish the tails were a bit higher so good to know. I have to say that it wasn’t painful (just about the same as tweezing) and it really looks like hairs! Cancer treatments left me browless so I am thrilled. I’ve spent so much money on pencils, pomades, gels, powders and the new “tat brow” products I should have done it long ago. I considered brow tattoos but have seen way too many that look unnatural and turned purple. So for now, I’m ecstatic with my new brows.
Awesome Donna, thanks so much for sharing your experience with our readers. That’s one of the big benefits of microblading, you can alter the brows until you get them just they way you like them. Most providers can also maintain a template once you find the perfect version to make future treatments easier.
We definitely appreciate all your time in sharing with our community. We are glad to hear you are happy with your new brows!!!
WD Staff
“Microblading is a technique performed by an aesthetician which leads to natural looking, fuller eyebrows. “
This is a false statement or more like a half truth
ANYONE in Texas with a tattoo license can perform Microblading. That means persons with zero esthetic experience can take a three day class and perform on people. It’s very important to find an experienced microblader, look at their work, make sure it IS their own work and decide if that artist is for you. Also, it IS a tattoo because pigment is implanted in the skin.
This article is full of misinformation. I’m passionate about educating the public with facts. I’m a 13 yr Certified Permanent Cosmetics Professional and Trainer. An eyebrow tattoo is an eyebrow tattoo. How the pigment is implanted may differ. Whether you use a hand tool such as a microblade, a soft tap tool, or a machine…it’s all tattooing. Pigment place in the mid/ upper dermis if done correctly will last the exact same amount of time if all other factors are the same. Same color, same skin type, same sun exposure, same skin care regimen, same age, same health factors, same medications. All results depend mainly on the skills and knowledge of the artist. Microblading causes more scaring than a machine implantation if the debth is the same. The cells will turn over and the tattoo will fade greatly if the cut or implantation is too shallow. It will blur, look ashier, and cooler if the cut or implantation is too deep. Choose an experienced artist wisely. Check out their portfolio and reviews. Eyebrow tattoo pigments are formulated differently than they were 15+ years ago. Experienced artists today use pigments specifically made for permanent cosmetics. It’s false to imply someone using a machine vs a hand tool uses traditional tattoo ink. Eyebrows tattooed lighter colors such as blonde will tend to fade faster than brunette colors. That has to do with the molecules in the pigment and how quickly it will fade after exposure to UV light over time. Oily skin is problematic for hairstroke techniques no matter which tool is used to do the tattoo. Skin type and age is also heavily considered when choosing which method of tattoo application to use. The pain experienced is relative to the numbing product used and how it is used not the method used for tattooing. Bottom line, it’s all tattooing. Consider it permanent with a need to refresh it every 2-3 years for most people. Choose a good artist for the best experience. I use several methods and techniques to tattoo eyebrows. Which method or technique is client specific. For example, I won’t use a microblade on an older client with thin skin and wrinkles in their brows. The skin should not be sliced in this case. The depletion of collagen and elastin as we age will affect the bounce back and healing of a microblade application. So, I’d take a gentler approach using a machine to implant a beautiful set of brows on an elderly client. Not all clients are a good canvas for microblading. It’s all relative and client specific. I hope this helps you understand better.
Hi melba, may i know where you work? Do you still do an eyebrow tatoo? You seem more experience, i wonder if i can do my eye brow tatoo with you.
As an experienced Permanent Makeup Educator, I find this article full of inaccurate information.
The statements presented here do not reflect a proper understanding or experience in the topic.
Said with all due respect. I disagree with most of the content.
This article is false and you mentioned an esthetician will do your brows when a microblading Artist can just be certified depending on the state. Actually Microblading hurts way more, I’ve have it done 4 times by three people and the machine Shading twice and one time without the numbing and it didn’t hurt. Obviously the person who wrote this has never had their brows done. The ink is the same for microblading and shading so you obviously have never done machine work. This article was written in 2020 but I see comments from 2018 I really think you need to revise this article.
Hi Everyone,
We greatly appreciate all the comments this post have received. We will look at revising the article as necessary given some of the issues you’ve pointed out. However, we do periodically see patients with issues stemming from eyebrow tattoos in our clinics. The information on how microblading is less painful than eyebrow tattoo is first-hand information we gather from directly from patients as well. We’ve also really witnessed fading tattoo ink that looks grossly discolored. Finally, the semi-permanent nature of microblading is also big benefit.
A number of you who’ve commented on this post are permanent makeup artists, and I understand your disdain for this post. We welcome your opinions. But we truly believe microblading is far superior to eyebrow tattooing, especially when it is performed by an experienced professional. The results are both natural and long-lasting. If we did not believe it was superior, we would not provide to our patients.
We appreciate all the discussion and believe it to be valuable to anyone who reads this post. However, we just wanted to add our experiences on the subject.
Thanks,
WD Staff
As a permanent makeup artist I find this article to be extremely misleading and in many instances completely false. The title alone should speaks for the integrity of the article since we all should know by now that microblading is an eyebrow tattoo… Please fact check your information by speak to a highly trained permanent makeup artist before misleading the general public.
Hi Abigail,
We appreciate your comment and understand where you are coming from. Just to reiterate, we wrote this article from experience treating patients with eyebrow tattoo issues, as well as from feedback from patients. It’s just what we’ve seen first-hand in our clinics.
As you’ve said, microblading is just a specialized form of eyebrow tattoo, one we feel is superior to traditionally tattooing. However, we realize opinions differ especially from permanent makeup artists such as yourself. So we do appreciate your thoughts on the matter and hope all information helps our readers choose the best option.
Thanks,
WD Staff
Thanks for your tip to get microblading if you want to have a more natural end result. Do you think that eyelash tinting would also look more natural than getting eyelash extensions? I’ll start looking for a spa that can help me make these decisions before my wedding.
Hi Sarah,
Great question! Previously we provided both eyelash extensions and last tinting. Feedback from some patients who’ve done both indicated that they preferred tinting, and it did provide more of a natural enhancement. They also preferred it to all the hassles of the glue, especially not having to go through any removal. So I can tell you that many preferred eyelash tinting!
Thanks,
WD Staff
I live in Austin and am looking for a reputable microblading salon. Can you provide me with your location and/or do you have any reputable microblading artist in the Austin area? Thank you.
Hi Vanessa,
Unfortunately our Microblading guru moved to our San Antonio location and we are in the hunt for a new provider here in Austin. We’ve heard good things about The Lash Lounge (https://www.thelashlounge.com/tx-austin-mueller/service/microblading/) though.
As always, we would advised you to do some further research. Maybe ask friends/family if they are familiar with that group. Also look at their reviews and ask if you can see before/after cases before committing to treatment.
Thanks,
WD Staff
Can you tell me how wrinkles and fine lines may affect a micropigmentation treatment?
Hi Lesley,
Another great question! Lines and wrinkles can have a negative effect on microblading as the hair strokes may not lay evenly on this skin. This can cause some symmetry issues. It’s best to see a professional and have them assess your candidacy prior to committing to treatment.
We hope that helps!
WD Staff
WD staff –
Thanks for considering other’s comments and I’ve seen you’ve updated. It is scary to get something permanent especially on your face. My main issue is it only last 6mths-1yr max plus maintenance & how much it cost. I do appreciate the article though.
I do have a question!? If I was to get MB are you saying any wrinkles around the eye like crows feet can affect the Microblading on your eye brows? I’m 44 and have minimal crows feet. Would this affect Microblading? Please clarify if you don’t mind. Thanks so much!
No problem Jessica! We enjoy having this post on our site as it has provides great discussion between the two treatment options. We believe Microblading is the superior treatment, but we totally understand others have a different opinion. The non-permanent nature of microblading can be a drawback for sure.
Regarding wrinkles around the eyes effecting microblading results, its mostly an issue of them hindering the application of the microblading pigment. So if you see a skilled provider, they will assess the area to make sure you are an ideal candidate (i.e. able to achieve the best result). Many providers will offer a free consultation, so it might be good to get an individual assessment.
We hope that helps!
Thanks,
WD Staff
Εxcellent post. I have a question, can I use lidocaine or numbing cream before eyebrow tattooing?
Hi Usha,
Thanks for the great question. I believe its possible but as we do not provide eyebrow tattooing, you may need to talk to a permanent makeup artist to confirm. However, I can confirm that lidocaine can be used to numb the area before microblading.
We hope that helps!
Thanks,
WD Staff
Your eyebrows can totally transform your look. With the right symmetry, shape and style your eyebrows can frame your face in a way that enhances your features and highlights the eye area. Both microblading and eyebrow tattoo are great ways to enhance the brows and the appearance as a whole.
I am just wondering both hurts tattooing and micro-blading, then why the tattoo experts do not numb the area before tattooing.
What are the options for removing microblading? I’ve heard laser, microneedling and saline are all good options. I’m just afraid of losing my eyebrow hair and have heard laser can do that to you. Any treatments you all offer for removal? Thank you!
Hi Nathalie,
Thanks for reading our post and submitting your question. Laser tattoo removal is required to remove an eyebrow tattoo but the pigment used in mircoblading is temporary, so there is no need for laser removal if you decided to change your look. So that is a good benefit of microblading!
We hope that helps!
Thanks,
WD Staff
I would like opinions on choosing between the two when the eyebrows are virtually gone. She would not be “filling in” her brows as there is no hair. Which way would be better??
Hi Jean,
We’d recommend microblading, we just find its the better option for most cases. As the post explains, the downside is its less permanent than tattooing. But we find the results to be far better, and they can be maintained through periodic treatments.
We hope that helps!
Thanks,
WD Staff
I had Microblading done and it was extremely painful so painful that I had a migraine for three days. The slicing is unbareable and that was with numbing cream plus I have a high tolerance for pain. After two weeks it faded and I was back to using brow powder and brow pens to fill them in again. It was painful and expensive and didn’t last I would not recommend! I’m going the tattoo route next time
I’m glad you mention that eyebrow tattoos are permanent! I don’t think I’m ready for that level of commitment 🙂
Thank you for shedding light on the distinction between microblading and eyebrow tattoos. Your insights help clarify the nuances of these cosmetic procedures. Your information is valuable and appreciated.
I cannot locate a tattoo artist who tattoos eyebrows (Delaware). I’ve been doing microblading for past year and a half and have to go back every 6 months, which is frustrating. Also, I have very high threshold for pain and microblading is very discomforting (my person puts the lidocaine on the 2nd part of the session).