Eyebrow Tattoo vs Microblading: Key Differences
Understand the difference between old, traditional eyebrow tattooing and microblading. Learn how they’re done, what products are used, and why no one does traditional tattooing on eyebrows anymore.
Image source: Instagram @vc_pmu_cosmetics
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Microblading and old-school eyebrow tattooing may seem similar, but they have distinct differences, especially regarding their application and longevity.
Microblading creates natural-looking strokes, while traditional eyebrow tattooing done like body art can result in an unnatural appearance with migration and colors unsuitable for the face.
This can result in poor fading and a duration of 10+ years, during which the situation may worsen due to long-term exposure to the sun.
Keep reading to discover the 2 application methods, longevity, pigment variations, pain levels, and important considerations.
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What Is Microblading?
Microblading is a technique that uses a manual tool to implant pigment into the skin in thin, hair-like strokes, creating the appearance of naturally fuller eyebrows. This can result in a hyper realistic light finish or a bold brow look.
There are different styles of microblading, including microshading, which gives an airbrushed and more dramatic brow look, and microfeathering, which creates an undone, natural feathered brow.
Work by Belura Beauty, Miami
What Is an Eyebrow Tattoo?
Traditional eyebrow tattooing is just regular body art tattooing, where ink is implanted into the skin using a tattoo machine. The highly concentrated ink is permanent, so there is no significant fading and no easy way to reverse it without removal.
Unlike microblading, which imitates natural hair strokes, traditional tattooing creates a shading effect, resulting in a more obvious, block-color look rather than natural volume.
Risks of Eyebrow Tattooing vs Microblading
Studies confirm that permanent makeup procedures for eyebrows are generally safe when performed by certified, trained, and experienced artists. However, if not performed correctly, the procedure has potential physical and aesthetic risks.
Physical risks include:
- Infection
- Allergic reactions
- Scarring
- Keloid formation
- Granulomas
All these apply to traditional eyebrow tattooing too, but this method increases the risk of aesthetic complications, such as:
- Changes in the color (from black to greenish or bluish)
- Changes in the shape
- Bleeding of the ink
Therefore, traditional tattooing is no longer used because of the risks involved.
Image source: Instagram @draclaudiamejia
Lifespan: Tattooed Eyebrows vs Microblading
Microblading gradually fades after 1-2 years, depending on your skin type and lifestyle.
The traditional eyebrow tattoo, on the other hand, stays for a lifetime, with certain color changes that can become really unattractive at some point.
The Difference in Application Process
The depth of application is more or less the same for both techniques. They both deposit the color into the dermis, the 2nd layer of the skin. But, there is a significant difference in tools and supplies.
- Microblading artists use a manual tool that creates micro-cuts with tiny blades.
- Tattoo artists use a traditional tattoo machine to insert the permanent ink in dots or pixels. Machines made for work on the skin of the body are very powerful and can easily go too deep and damage the skin of the face.
The Difference Between Microblading and Tattoo Pigments
While tattoo artists use permanent ink that can last a lifetime, microblading technicians use a permanent makeup pigment that is formulated differently. It has smaller particles that the body can break down more easily, and it’s actually supposed to fade after 1-2 years.
Which Is More Painful?
Microblading involves finer needles and less skin penetration than eyebrow tattooing, resulting in less discomfort for most individuals. However, individual experiences may vary, so it’s helpful to read about others’ microblading experiences.
WHY TRUST THIS GUIDE
This guide is the result of 5+ years of studying and researching the permanent makeup industry. The information presented here is sourced from reputable professionals, including eyebrow technicians, and is supported by a range of credible medical references.
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