Eye brow tattooing has become all the rage at the moment with many celebrities sporting a thicker brow. But exactly how does it work and is it worth all the pain and expense?
Tattooing or microblading has become an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure thanks to its more subtle and natural look. You can achieve bolder brows with fine strokes of pigment delivered via microneedles, which resemble the look a texture of actual hair.
How long do eyebrow tattoos last?
Unlike tattoos, microblading gives you semi permanent eyebrows and can last anywhere from six to 36 months before they become faded. After the first treatment, another touch up is required four to six weeks later. Celebrity tattoo artist Amy Jean says “Depending on your skin type you will enjoy the results for roughly one year before requiring a refreshment of the pigment. You can certainly get out the door more efficiently and enjoy more symmetrical and defined brows without the hassle of designing them daily.”
How much do eyebrow tattoo cost?
Depending on the artist microblading can cost roughly $1,000 with one of Amy Jean’s internationally qualified technicians. Amy Jean personally charges a price of $1500 upwards but she is extremely popular and has a long waiting list, so there’s plenty of people willing to splash out on perfecting their brows.
Is it painful?
Depending on your pain threshold, the sensation can be likened to the end of pointed tweezers being dragged along the skin or “etched”. You hear a scratchy sound but the anaesthetic will numb the area for added comfort during the procedure tiny prick to a more discomforting jab. It really does depend on the individual and if you feel you have a low pain threshold, take some painkillers an hour beforehand. Numbing cream will be applied to the eyebrow area, so it should be relatively painless for most people. Amy Jean says, “Most people are relieved how minimal the pain factor is. The results are definitely worth the commitment.”
What to expect during the process
When you first get your eyebrows tattooed the look is rich in colour and severe. You may look a bit overdone, but fear not, this fades over time and the final look should be very natural and subtle. Amy Jean says: “Allow two days for the deeper colour to heal and begin to fade. They will fade by 30-70 per cent in the first week and shrink in size. This is why the retouch is of upmost importance. The artist can address any imperfections and reassess the colour depth and symmetry.”
Eyebrow tattoo aftercare
Depending on your skin type, you may need to apply a protective and soothing balm across the brows when dry or itchy. If you have oily skin, the wound will “self-heal” and not require any further nourishment. It’s best to avoid vigorous sports or exposure to moisture, which means protection in the shower is vital for roughly 5-7 days. You should also stay out of direct sunlight. Amy Jean suggest avoiding creamy moisturisers, serums with active ingredients and oils near the brow line as the more dry the skin is kept, the better the retention of the pigment in the skin. Anything oily will “blur” the crisp lines created during the procedure.
Are there any risks?
The success of the procedure will depend on who is performing it. You will need to ensure you have a recommended and experienced artist or you could be left with eyebrow tattoos gone wrong. You also may get an allergic reaction or infection if you do not follow the aftercare instructions properly. Amy Jean says “There are many “overnight brow artists” so be very mindful of your choice and beware of “specials” It’s a highly skilled art form that takes many years to learn and perfect. Always ask the clinic if they have their Infection and Hygiene Control Certification and ask to see your disposables opened in front of you (for example the Microblading needle).
Mist Brow vs Microblading
There are two types of popular treatments on the market at the moment. Microblading and Mist Brow Tattoo.
Microblading uses a bundle of 12-15 needles to “etch” fine lines into the skin. It only reaches the superficial layers of the skin so is semi-permanent. The lines mimic hairs and the results can be suitably conservative or more dense to create extra definition.
Mist tattooing on the other hand is better suited for those who want to create a background “shading” to look similar to a powdered brow. It will also thicken or fill in brows. Amy Jean says, “We have seen a surge in popularity for our in-house “Misting” technique. It’s a very topical procedure where fine dots are airbrushed across the skin to look like a soft powdery brow. It’s also very popular now as we are correcting a lot of poorly performed Microblading treatments and misting can sometime camouflage or conceal a previous brow tattoo that you are unhappy with.
Eyebrow tattoo before and after pictures
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