topic Re: Permanent Brows - Microblading vs Tattooing in Community Chat

Permanent Brows - Microblading vs Tattooing

Moonchilde — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 01:26:27 GMT

I'm choosing to put this in CC because it isn't really "Wellness", nor is it "Beauty" as in beauty products; but a more general topic more people will see here.

Most people are aware of the tattooing process type of filling in/creating eyebrows, eyeliner and lip color. Been around quite a few years, has Pros and Cons.

Now there is a new kid on the block - microblading. It differs from tattooing in that it doesn't go as deep into the skin, and is more the result of ink going into teeny slashes on your skin. It's supposed to be less painful, faster, simpler. More expensive than tattooing but not lasting quite as long...or does it?

"Permanent makeup" (tattooing) result depends on the artistic quality of the technician, her skill, and the materials (dyes) and techniques she uses. At the cheap end of the scale you may come out looking like someone drew purple eyebrows on you with a magic marker; at the expensive end you'll probably be happy - but $750 or so poorer. Depending on the individual, they can last 3-4 years max.

Microblading has less to go wrong in terms of dye and instrument but only lasts on average 18 months and costs around $900+ for a skilled person doing it.

Clearly, one needs to do their homework re: the skill level, licensing, cleanliness and reputation of the technician.

Has anyone had their eyebrows tattoed years ago, and since then had microblading? What do you feel is different in the look? Which were you happier with? What did it cost you?

I had not heard of microblading until today. It seems expensive compared to tattooing yet won't last as long. It does seem to look more natural. I just wonder why you would pay more $$ for less lasting results. People who know about microblading, talk to me.

I'm not necessarily looking to do this (esp not at $900+) but am curious.

Re: Permanent Brows - Microblading vs Tattooing

KaySD — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 01:38:27 GMT

Six or seven years ago, I decided to have permanent eyebrows done. My brows are so pale you can't see them and I thought it would be a great convenience. It looked fine...while it lasted. Within a little over a year, the color had completely--really, completely--disappeared and my brows were noticeably sparser.

I know people pay a lot of money to have tattoos removed, but for me, the "permanent" makeup just, well, wasn't. Now, this may or may not be true for you or anybody else. But it may be worth considering how you would feel if you paid that price for a year or two of results.

Re: Permanent Brows - Microblading vs Tattooing

Moonchilde — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 01:45:43 GMT

I agree, @KaySD.

It depends a lot on the pigment in your own skin and the quality of the dye used. I think most tattooing lasts maybe 3 years max before a re-do is needed. I love to get henna tattoos, but I'm very fair complexioned and they last maybe 3-4 days max. I don't think that bodes well for me and tattoo ink. But I could probably get a decent tattoo for $600-$650 while the procedure that lasts half as long (microblading) costs half again as much. I just wonder if it's only "hot" just because it's new.

Re: Permanent Brows - Microblading vs Tattooing

Sunshine Kate — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 01:53:08 GMT

I have been considering having my brows microbladed. I went to a person that does this to investigate. She charges $550 and said it lasts up to 3 years, provided you go back during a certain time frame for a touch-up.

After thinking about it, I'm not going through with it. I can do a lot of temporary brow dyes myself that looks quite good and it's quick and easy.

It's so much less expensive to dye my brows. Just not going to pay a minimum $550 for something that really doesn't last very long. Then have to pay it again for another microblading job.

Re: Permanent Brows - Microblading vs Tattooing

Bri36 — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 02:01:11 GMT

A friend of mine had microblading done to her brows. They look fantastic. Her daughter is going to have them done too

I really want to get mine done. I have horrible brows. It wasn't a result of over tweezing That's the brows I was born with. I've always wanted nice brows.

My friend's brows cost $550. The color is good and the shape is beautiful. She said the hardest thing was sitting there for a few hours. Lol

Re: Permanent Brows - Microblading vs Tattooing

mstyrion 1 — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 02:02:20 GMT

My nail tech is also certified in microblading. I've seen her work and the results are remarkably different than tatts,ooing. Much more natural-looking. As with regular brow tattoos, they do start to fade. You get a touch up which costs less than the original full price. I believe she charges $450.

Re: Permanent Brows - Microblading vs Tattooing

Nancy Drew — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 02:04:03 GMT

Just really research. There are the ones that you definitely can see the line marks.

Re: Permanent Brows - Microblading vs Tattooing

Moonchilde — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 02:11:46 GMT

@Sunshine Kate wrote:
I have been considering having my brows microbladed. I went to a person that does this to investigate. She charges $550 and said it lasts up to 3 years, provided you go back during a certain time frame for a touch-up.

After thinking about it, I'm not going through with it. I can do a lot of temporary brow dyes myself that looks quite good and it's quick and easy.

It's so much less expensive to dye my brows. Just not going to pay a minimum $550 for something that really doesn't last very long. Then have to pay it again for another microblading job.

I have pretty sparse brows, half of what I do have is white, and there is no arch in them at all. So, doing anything myself (also can't see without glasses) with any confidence is out. It's easy to get my brows dyed, but they still look like measly kwap afterwards ;-(

IF I could get it for $550 and IF they guaranteed it for 3 years (which they won't), I'd seriously consider it. If money was no object I'd do it. But more than $500 for a procedure that probably isn't going to last as long as they say it will...I doubt it.

Thanks for your input.

Re: Permanent Brows - Microblading vs Tattooing

Bri36 — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 02:15:13 GMT

microblading definitely looks better than tattooing

Re: Permanent Brows - Microblading vs Tattooing

Moonchilde — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 02:15:43 GMT

@Jackaranda wrote:
Just really research. There are the ones that you definitely can see the line marks.

At one time a few years ago I researched tattooed brows very extensively. I elected not to do it because skill levels were all over the map, even in LA, and if I chose wrongly I would have ended up looking like a g**g b*nger's granny with purple brows. The microblading seems simpler, but ... yeah.

Re: Permanent Brows - Microblading vs Tattooing

Moonchilde — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 02:19:40 GMT

@mstyrion 1 And @Bri36 that was the impression I had from looking at photos - the microblading did look much more natural to me. That's what caught my attention and got me curious. The photos look fabulous, whereas so much tattooing looks not so great, stroke-wise.

Re: Permanent Brows - Microblading vs Tattooing

tansy — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 02:20:34 GMT

I'm intrigued by the process but I would want to see several people that the technician worked on. I'd probably rather have my howdy-doody lines filled in again. I did that for my son's wedding six years ago.

And then there's my neck...lol...I am researching Kyabella. 😂😏

Re: Permanent Brows - Microblading vs Tattooing

Nancy Drew — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 02:27:06 GMT

@Moonchilde wrote:
@Jackaranda wrote:
Just really research. There are the ones that you definitely can see the line marks.

At one time a few years ago I researched tattooed brows very extensively. I elected not to do it because skill levels were all over the map, even in LA, and if I chose wrongly I would have ended up looking like a g**g b*nger's granny with purple brows. The microblading seems simpler, but ... yeah.

I do have tattoo eyebrows. I am a blue eyed blonde with blonde eyebrows. At the hair salon I go to they got a new lady who did them. The thing is in her look book it was all Asian women. They were perfect but I was worried about the color being too dark. She told me it would be a very faint taupe and if they were too light she would do it again. I took the bullet and got them done for 75.00 as she was new. They came out perfect. She brought them up on my face and the length, width and arch are perfect. The only thing is after living in So. Cal and going to Hawaii they have faded so I am planning to get them done again. She said she will do the for free as I became the first white women in her look book and her business took off.

Re: Permanent Brows - Microblading vs Tattooing

Moonchilde — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 02:35:27 GMT

@Jackaranda wrote:

@Moonchilde wrote:
@Jackaranda wrote:
Just really research. There are the ones that you definitely can see the line marks.

At one time a few years ago I researched tattooed brows very extensively. I elected not to do it because skill levels were all over the map, even in LA, and if I chose wrongly I would have ended up looking like a g**g b*nger's granny with purple brows. The microblading seems simpler, but ... yeah.
I do have tattoo eyebrows. I am a blue eyed blonde with blonde eyebrows. At the hair salon I go to they got a new lady who did them. The thing is in her look book it was all Asian women. They were perfect but I was worried about the color being too dark. She told me it would be a very faint taupe and if they were too light she would do it again. I took the bullet and got them done for 75.00 as she was new. They came out perfect. She brought them up on my face and the length, width and arch are perfect. The only thing is after living in So. Cal and going to Hawaii they have faded so I am planning to get them done again. She said she will do the for free as I became the first white women in her look book and her business took off.

I have blue eyes and white hair. My brows would have to be a medium light taupe, I think. Interesting story. You were brave, not knowing if she'd have the skill to work successfully on different skin than she was used to. Glad it turned out so well for you.

I just googled and found a bunch of pics of microbladed blondes at a salon in the UK. A few I didn't like but several of them I'd be happy with, so that was a bit reassuring.

Re: Permanent Brows - Microblading vs Tattooing

silentgirl — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 00:43:25 GMT

@Moonchilde

Remembered reading this in Elle, thought it might be beneficial if you haven't seen it- (hope its okay to post the link)

http://www.elle.com/beauty/a37438/semi-permanent-eyebrow-microblading/

Actually a very beautiful result on this individual-At least to my eye-

Yes, you would want someone who was familiar with anatomy, understood movement, and used more than one color as our eyebrows are not normally one color-I like that it can be done as well in two appointments-Gives a bit of time to accept something that is a change-

The only question I might have for myself, is when it does fade, would there be the potential for any type of scaring? For instance, someone with a potential for keyloids might wish to be careful-Although you state you are fair complected so I doubt that is an issue for you-

If it's important to you, I'd totally go for it!

Re: Permanent Brows - Microblading vs Tattooing

SilleeMee — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 01:01:28 GMT

Check this out...microbladed brows:

Re: Permanent Brows - Microblading vs Tattooing

Moonchilde — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 01:35:21 GMT

@silentgirl wrote:
@Moonchilde

Remembered reading this in Elle, thought it might be beneficial if you haven't seen it- (hope its okay to post the link)

http://www.elle.com/beauty/a37438/semi-permanent-eyebrow-microblading/

Actually a very beautiful result on this individual-At least to my eye-

Yes, you would want someone who was familiar with anatomy, understood movement, and used more than one color as our eyebrows are not normally one color-I like that it can be done as well in two appointments-Gives a bit of time to accept something that is a change-

The only question I might have for myself, is when it does fade, would there be the potential for any type of scaring? For instance, someone with a potential for keyloids might wish to be careful-Although you state you are fair complected so I doubt that is an issue for you-

If it's important to you, I'd totally go for it!

@silentgirl, like many things, much depends on finances ;-( and of course, trying to judge someone's skill. If they have a website with tons of photos to look at, they're also going to cost more than someone who learned how and is just naturally good at it, but does it at her house or a small salon spa. It's part your instincts, part luck.

Thanks - I had read that article and that's what got me investigating. I wasn't excited about the photos in that article (my brows were never, ever that color or look), but I've seen other photos that let me know that I can get much closer to a natural look for me.

I don't like the "hairs far apart" look at all, but I've seen pics that looked more filled-in. I suppose that means more cuts, more discomfort ;-(

They do scab, they say, but no one's said anything about scarring.

Re: Permanent Brows - Microblading vs Tattooing

silentgirl — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 01:36:34 GMT

Wow! Nice work-

Re: Permanent Brows - Microblading vs Tattooing

Moonchilde — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 01:39:47 GMT

@SilleeMee, I honestly don't love the look of those, but it does show you what can be done starting from zero! And I know they look different at different stages - fresh, healing, healed. I've never had much noticeable brow (but not bare either) so full and dark is always going to look "no" to me, on my face.

Re: Permanent Brows - Microblading vs Tattooing

Irshgrl31201 — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 02:13:14 GMT

I know many people who have had microblading as one of my friends who also works in the beauty industry is a microblader. I have only seen about 4-5 people who have had their brows tattooed on (along with eye liner and lips) and they are all clients and all had it done well over 10 yrs ago.

From what I have seen the microblading looks so much more natural and it is painstaking as every little hair is tattooed on. That is not at all what I have seen results wise from brows being tattooed on. Now, I have no idea the credentials of their cosmetic tattoo artist or if they are more detailed now or if they just happened to be not so talented.

From what I am seeing it looks like cosmetic tattooing of the eyebrows is more unnatural looking and maybe more for filling in while microblading is can be done and look natural on someone who has no eyebrows. I know my friend does many cancer patients who had chemo and just never had brows grow back. They look flawless, she does an unbelievable job.

http://usamicroblading.com/microblading-versus-eyebrow-tattooing/