Unless you’ve been chilling under a rock lately, you’ve probably heard of microblading, the new-ish, semi-permanent version of eyebrow tattoos. They’re not your grandma’s stamped-on brows; instead, the delicate, super-fine hair strokes look natural and realistic in a way that the first-gen versions never did. Microblading’s recent popularity has spawned microshading and microfeathering, two techniques that give you a different brow look depending on your preferences. Here’s how they differ—and what that’ll mean for you.
Microblading
Best for: Anyone who wants a natural brow look that lasts.
What is microblading: Microblading is a technique using a super-fine pen (technically, a bundle of 12 to 15 needles) to deposit pigment into skin. The tip is so fine, in fact, that it can create hair strokes that look legit. And the needles reach only into the superficial layers of the skin, which is what makes the method semi-permanent (versus permanent, like traditional cosmetic tattoos). Think of each stroke as a little paper-cut. (We know what you’re wondering: Yes, it hurts, but your brow artist can numb the area first.) Compared to other techniques, “microblading gives a very natural look and better simulates hair.”
What you should know: Prices vary based on location and artist expertise. In the first few days, you might want to plan around your brows. “On the first day after microblading, clean your eyebrows with distilled water on cotton pad gently and apply aftercare cream every four hours,” says Shuki. On the second day, repeat that three times. For the next five days, do this morning and night. Your brow area might be red and scabby, so try not to schedule big things (e.g., a huge job interview or engagement photos) for the first week or two. “Also, avoid going to the gym, any excess sweating around eyebrows will prevent pigment retention and can cause infection,” adds Shuki.
How long microblading lasts: You’ll need a touch-up in about a month (the cost of this is typically budgeted into the fee of the initial service). Then, microblading can last anywhere from 12 months to three years, depending on your lifestyle. A few ways to extend it: Stay out of the sun, since it can fade the pigment, and avoid putting exfoliants (like retinol and glycolic acid) near your brows, because they’ll lift the top layers of your skin with continued use—and the color with it.
Microfeathering
Best for: Anyone who wants to lightly fill out the brows they already have.
What is microfeathering: Microfeathering is a form of microblading, and a technique created (and trademarked) by eyebrow artist-to-the-stars Zara Brows. She’s best known for her feathered brow, a no-needle shaping method that’s all about a natural, fluffy-looking brow. This is similar to that, but with pigment. Like microblading, she uses a fine blade to create tiny incisions. “Pigment is then deposited into the incisions, resulting in an incredible natural-looking ‘eyebrow hair.”
What you should know: Microfeathering is a little more high-maintenance than microblading, only because Streicher is so exact. She requires a consultation to ensure that there’s enough natural hair to help blend the pigment into your brows. It’s also a two-part process “During the first appointment, microfeathered strokes are created in some of the more dense area of the brow,” explains Streicher. “Six to eight weeks later, depending on how your skin heals and responds, additional strokes are then added.” Everyone heals differently, she says, so she can better complete the look once she knows how your skin will recover.
How long microfeathering lasts: It typically doesn’t have the staying power of microblading because “the pigmented stokes are much finer and natural looking,” says Streicher. Depending on certain factors, like your skin type (oily skin won’t hold the pigment as well), age, and skin care routine, microfeathering will usually last 12 to 24 months, max.
Touch-Ups: Why Are They Necessary?
Why Do I Need a Touch-Up After Microblading?
Microblading Sydney takes around 2 weeks to heal. During that period, your eyebrows will go through many changes. At first, they will be too dark and then they will start scabbing. After that, they will lose their color and you might think something went wrong. However, the color comes back at the end of the healing period, but sometimes not evenly. Everybody heals differently and they might notice gaps and irregularities after the brows are healed. Not to worry, this is all normal!
The touch up includes going over the hair-like strokes that didn’t retain pigment properly and to correct any irregularities and redefine your eyebrows. Its purpose is to fix what got messed up during the healing period. This is why the touch-up session is commonly referred to as the “perfecting session”.
When Is The First Touch Up Done?
The touch-up is done between the 4 to 8 week period after the initial session. If you notice that your brows are still crisp and defined with little to no patchiness, it is better to wait to come in for your touch-up during the latter half of the touch-up window. It is also best practice to pre-book your touch-up appointment after your initial session with your artist to ensure that it won’t be forgotten.
How Long Is The Touch Up Healing Period?
The healing period after the touch up is much shorter than after the initial process. It is usually between 5 to 7 days long and less complicated than the first one. There may not be as much scabbing involved and won’t be as much of an emotional rollercoaster because you have been through it before and the results are visible quite soon.
How Long Will Microbladeding Last After The Touch-Up?
Microblading is semi-permanent makeup which means that because the pigment is not inserted as deep as a traditional tattoo, it does not last forever. Microbladed eyebrows last anywhere from 1 to 3 years but we always recommend a yearly color refresh. The factors that affect the longevity of microblading are skin type, skincare routine, lifestyle, and the frequency of touch-ups.
Do I Need More Than One-Touch Up?
Regular touch-ups are critical in making your microblading last as long as possible. The pigment will start to fade away after some time and the speed of fading depends on your skin and lifestyle.
If you have oily skin, the pigment will naturally fade away faster. However, you can prolong your microblading by scheduling a touch-up every six to eight months.
If you have dry skin, the pigment will stay on the skin longer. However, this doesn’t mean that your microblading will last forever. Book a touch up once a year to a year and a half to refresh the color and prolong your microblading.