Microblading vs. Eyebrow Tattooing: What’s the Difference, and Why Does it Matter?

If you’ve ever struggled with the form, fullness, and definition of your eyebrows, you’re not alone! Millions of Americans face this challenge regularly. After all, the eyebrows do quite a bit of work to frame and highlight the face. And while some treatment options might work for some but not others, a few select procedures have been shown to provide lasting results. Microblading and eyebrow tattooing are two such treatments that have become increasingly popular in recent years.

If you’re new to these procedures, we understand! Below, we’ll dive deeper into these procedures, their differences, and which might work best for your needs. Depending on your skin type and tone, one may work better for you than others.

What is Microblading?

In our first dive, we’ll tackle the microblading procedure and how it works. If you’re new to permanent makeup procedures, you might not quite understand how the process works or why one treatment type might be better than others. So, let’s knock out the unknowns right now!

Microblading is a permanent makeup procedure that works much like tattooing, except with a few crucial differences. While tattoos use forms of liquid ink, microblading treatments use pigments. The inks used in these procedures tend to fade into a bluish color, while pigments simply fade over time.

The microblading treatment works by drawing numerous individual hair strokes that appear identical to natural hairs. These “hair” strokes only penetrate the higher layers of skin, allowing it to fade and dissipate over time, unlike permanent ink.

What is Eyebrow Tattooing?

Much like the inking techniques used by tattoo artists for years, eyebrow tattooing is a permanent procedure where a tattoo machine places permanent ink where your hair would naturally grow. Unlike microblading, this procedure tends to produce ‘blockier’ results that don’t always quite look like natural eyebrow hair. The tattoo machine penetrates deeper into the skin than microblading techniques, preventing fading and providing longer-lasting results.

Microblading vs. Eyebrow Tattooing: Key Differences and Why They Matter

As we’ve mentioned, there are several distinct differences between these two skin procedures. Let’s dive into their main differences.

1. Timeframe
   Microblading techniques are long-lasting but temporary. In most cases, microblading pigments will disperse over a few years. However, eyebrow tattoos are as permanent as any other type of tattoo and will only slightly fade and change colors over time.
2. Color Changes
   Tattoo ink tends to change hue over time, going from darker colors to a more bluish-green tint. But with microblading, black and brown pigments only fade.
3. Natural Looking
   Microblading procedures are known to look more authentic than tattoos due to the hair-like marks along the skin. Eyebrow tattoos often look blocky, uniform, and unnatural.
4. Blading vs. Needling
   While the two procedures feature similar healing times and a need for follow-up appointments, microblading is far easier to correct than permanent tattoos.
5. Pain
   With most non-cosmetic tattoos, a small amount of pain is to be expected. And depending on the sensitivity of your skin can vary wildly in terms of discomfort. Eyebrow tattoos are much the same.

   This is not the case for microblading. Although discomfort is possible, this treatment typically uses lidocaine injections to numb the procedure site. In most cases, microblading therapies tend to be relatively discomfort-free.

6. Hand-Drawn vs. Machines
   Tattoos are applied using a machine that makes mechanical strokes, which can cause eyebrow tattoos to look unnatural. Microblading procedures, however, are performed by hand, causing results to appear more genuine and realistic.

Healing Times

If you’re worried about the downtime associated with these procedures, you’re not alone! After all, properly researching the right cosmetic procedure, their side effects, and recovery times are significant. As mentioned previously, microblading techniques and permanent eyebrow tattoos share similar healing times. You can expect both to require additional touch-ups for a perfected look, but both treatments will require roughly 4-6 weeks to heal fully.

Which One is Right for You?

The choice between these two procedures invariably will be up to you. You’ll need to determine which treatment works best for your needs and which produces the most desired results. To come to a decision, you’ll want to weigh the following:

• How the procedure works
• The potential pain involved
• The efficacy of results
• The cost of each procedure

In many cases, a microblading service tends to produce better quality results that can be updated, changed, or altered if not up to specifications. Tattoos, however, are permanent.

Winston Salem Dermatology is Your Number One Source for Microblading Procedures!

Are you looking for “microblading near me?” You’re not alone! No matter where in The Tarheel State you call home, Winston Salem Dermatology is your solution for a wide range of cosmetic skincare techniques, procedures, and products. From microdermabrasion to chemical peels and IPL therapies, we’re proud to offer some of the most cutting-edge skincare procedures available.

If you’re unhappy with the shape, consistency, and fullness of your eyebrows, microblading in Winston Salem, NC, might be the right choice for you.

We also provide a wide range of medical treatments for skin issues such as rosacea, acne, dermatitis, eczema, and more!

So, if you’re ready to reclaim the youthful vibrance of your face, skin, and hair, we can help! Give us a call today at (336) 774-8636. Your youthful glow is right around the corner! and let our dermatological experts help you with your next microblading treatment!