Eyebrows have become one of many beauty obsessions for women worldwide—however, attempting to draw a perfect arch every time can be frustrating, not to mention, time-consuming. Females have increasingly begun to tattoo their brows as a result, an easy, effortless solution to beauty maintenance. “Microblading is a semi-permanent eyebrow technique where natural pigments are used to create hair-like strokes for naturally fuller brows,” explains NY/NJ-based makeup artist Nina Ramirez. “Not only does this reduce the hassle of having to apply makeup every day, but it has also benefited women who have experienced hair loss due to any diseases.”

Celebrity makeup artist Danielle Parkes, who lost her eyebrows from trichotillomania (anxiety-induced hair pulling), found solace in microblading. “The second I found out about microblading, I knew I had to make an appointment,” she declares. “I used to draw on my brows every day, but eyebrow tattooing instantly changed that. I had no eyebrow hair, so being able to alter what I felt insecure about for so many years was something I’ll forever be thankful for. It boosted my self-confidence and made me feel like the best possible version of myself.”

Before racing to book your appointment, here are a few things to review. 

Be prepared. 

Preparation is everything, which is why scouring the internet for information is always a smart choice. “Look for an artist whose technique you’re obsessed with and has received proper training,” Ramirez recommends. “In the hands of a microblading professional, the process is virtually painless and minimally invasive while giving you long-lasting results.“ It’s important to consider your allergies as well; if you still feel uncomfortable after reading up on the tattoo, take it as a signal that you’re not quite ready to receive one. 

If you do feel comfortable with microblading, the next step is to compose your queries; make a list and bring it to your pre-procedure consultation. Writing down your questions and concerns will help you tackle everything during the meeting without leaving any discussion points behind.

Book a consultation beforehand. 

It‘s best to speak with your artist before taking the dive; indeed, most estheticians require consulting their clients before the procedure about their suitability, as well as to test-draw the new brow shape. By sketching the arch, you’re able to ‘see into the future’ and tweak anything if you wish.

A conference will also give you the chance to ask as many questions as you like, whether regarding the price, the procedure itself or the aftermath. “I inquired specifically about what the healing process would be like,” Parkes explains. “I also made sure that it was suitable for my oily complexion and if that would affect how long the tattoo would last. I found out that it stays put for six months on my skin type before it begins to fade.”

Eyebrow tattoos are not permanent.

There are two types of eyebrow tattoos to choose from: permanent and semi-permanent. For a permanent eyebrow tattoo, the artist uses ink and inserts it deeply into the skin. A semi-permanent tattoo, however, uses pigment instead of ink and isn’t injected as deeply as a normal tattoo.

Additionally, ink fades differently than pigment, developing an artificial-looking, blue-green hue as it vanishes. The pigment for microblading is designed to fade nicely into a lighter hue, providing a more natural look. That being said, pigment has the potential to transform into a ‘fugitive’ color (pink, purple, orange, green or blue) based on several factors, including the artist selecting the wrong color or implanting the hue too deeply into the skin. It’s best to find a practitioner with extensive color theory and experience to minimize this risk; asking to see pictures of his/her healed tattoos (not just fresh ones) will give you a better idea of the quality of work.

Regardless of which type of tattoo you choose, taking precautions and following a solid facial skin routine (cleanser and moisturizer are key) will help the imprint last longer; factors that affect its longevity include sun exposure, skin type and application technique. 

An eyebrow tattoo is painful. 

Imagine needles piercing your skin repeatedly, then consider how painful it is when you pluck your eyebrows. Skin in the brow area is very sensitive, which makes the pain more pronounced. “On a scale of one to ten, it was about a five,” Parkes asserts. “It felt like a bunch of little paper cuts and was an uncomfortable feeling.”

However, clients are often given the option of using a numbing agent during the process. This application renders the experience more comfortable and painless, but it may also make the skin ‘buttery,’ therefore challenging to work on.

Aside from being painful, an eyebrow tattoo takes time to heal. Artists recommend the client to treat the area as a wound. Like a typical injury, your tattoo should not be rubbed, picked or exposed to makeup or sweat while healing. Ask your esthetician about additional care specific to your needs to follow afterward.

Eyebrows won’t be identical. 

Eyebrow tattoos are expected to be slightly different from each other—even natural eyebrows don’t look the same. Remember to be realistic in your expectations: arches will not be 100% identical. “Eyebrows are not always sisters,” says Parkes. “After microblading, my left arch is still higher than my right arch.”

Feeling uncomfortable towards your newly tatted-up brows is a normal post-microblading reaction. It may take time getting used to: your hairs are darker, bolder and sharper immediately after the procedure, but they will soften as they heal over several weeks. Patience is crucial in adapting to your new appearance. 

Scarring is possible.

Like normal wounds, tattooed brows have the potential to scar, especially if you’re in it for the long run. Your first time may not produce permanent marks, but subsequent appointments might leave imprints over. 

Due to this possibility, the touch-up work should be approached by the artist differently (perhaps more gently) than the first time. Stick to one esthetician only, if possible, so that he/she is familiar with your specific skin type and needs. 

Note that most people require two microblading sessions, as the skin tends to push out some ink; an average person goes back to their practitioner four weeks after the first session for touch-ups. Procedures are often redone one to three years later as well to refresh the color and shape. Regardless, the artist’s knowledge about your eyebrow history is important for a proper approach.

The Takeaway

Eyebrow tattoos are a popular trend among women, but before moving forward, you must know what to expect, both during and after the procedure; pondering over whether the pain and spending are worth it will be a game-changer. And remember: whatever you decide, any and all brow shapes are beautiful, unique and always on-fleek.

Additional reporting by Lexi Harper.