Differences of Microblading & Eyebrow Feathering

Eyebrow tattooing procedures have risen in popularity over the past few years. Recently, there has been abuzz over microblading and eyebrow feathering meant to transform your natural brows into stronger, more impressive features to more flatteringly frame your face.

What is Microblading?

Microblading is a semi-permanent, eyebrow tattoo procedure. Eyebrow hairs are physically drawn on, giving the appearance of naturally full brows.

Who is Suitable for Microblading?

Microblading is most suitable for individuals who lack eyebrow hair. It provides relief to people who unfortunately must draw in their eyebrows. Therefore, if your eyebrows are sparse, overplucked, or have been lost due to conditions such as alopecia, microblading might be the solution to your woes. There are several disqualifications for microblading, however. If you have a heart condition, diabetes, or a skin disease or irritation, microblading might not be right for you. Clients who have had Botox in the past two weeks or have recently acquired a deep or chemical tan should not seek out microblading.

What Are the Risks Associated with Microblading?

Microblading comes with its own risks. After every session, take the time to perform the aftercare prescribed by your therapist. Since you are getting tattoos done on your eyebrows, this is necessary to ensure you do not get an infection. Follow-up sessions could increase your risk of scarring. Microblading creates wounds on your skin. Do not pick at the scabs that form. If you are pregnant, make sure to get your doctor's approval before undergoing this procedure. Research the credentials of your potential therapist, including their previous work. Our Believe in Beautiful professionals are all licenced. Other risks include redness, swelling, itching, and bruising. If you are concerned about the risks associated with microblading, consult a doctor.

What Happens During a Microblading Session?

During your first microblading session, your practitioner will shape and style your eyebrows to your preference. Once you have given your approval, you will select the pigment colour that will be deposited into your brows. Using a pen composed of 12-15 needles, the therapist will begin to fill in your eyebrows, taking care to create realistic, natural-looking eyebrows. This session in totality typically lasts from one and a half to three hours. In four to six weeks, a follow-up is recommended as a necessary precaution to gauge healing, fading, and to provide touch-ups. If there are gaps or noticeable issues with your brows, your practitioner will fix them. Follow-ups usually take one to two hours.

How Much Does It Hurt?

This varies from person to person. If you wish for a topical analgesic to be applied before you get microblading done, you must supply it yourself. It is illegal for a professional to apply anesthetic onto your skin that is not prescribed to you. In general, pain is minimal. For some, it can be severe.

How Long Does Microblading Last?

Microblading usually lasts one to three years, depending on your skin type, age, environment, lifestyle, and exposure to the elements. When microblading is first performed, the pigmentation is strong and dark. You should see the colour fade as the weeks go by. Touch-ups are highly recommended every 12-18 months.

What is Eyebrow Feathering?

Eyebrow feathering, or microfeathering, is a type of microblading considered to be less permanent and invasive. Eyebrow feathering uses a precise blade to minutely cut and insert pigment into each incision. This creates the appearance of individual hairs where gaps and sparsity previously existed in your brow.

Who is Suitable for Eyebrow Feathering?

Eyebrow feathering is more suitable for people who have naturally full eyebrows, but who have gaps and areas where there are very little hairs. If you have oily skin, you might not want to get eyebrow feathering done. Oily skin can prevent the pigment from absorbing correctly, causing discolouration or pigmentation loss. Other disqualifications from eyebrow feathering are the same as for microblading.

Where Are the Risks Associated with Eyebrow Feathering?

There is a risk of infection, just as there is with microblading. Microfeathering uses a blade to fill your brows, which creates tiny wounds in your skin. Your tattooist will provide you with instructions on proper care. Other risks include redness, swelling, itching, and bruising. Consult a doctor before you undergo microfeathering.

What Happens During an Eyebrow Feathering Session?

An initial consultation is necessary before an eyebrow feathering session. This is when your therapist will examine your brows to make sure there's enough natural hair to work from. A consultation generally takes an hour. You will typically need to grow your brows beforehand. That is because microfeathering uses your brows as a base for tattooing. This is unlike microblading, which creates brows from scratch. During your first official feathering session, your brow technician will use a blade to form precise, hair-like incisions that deposit dye into the uppermost layer of your skin. This will take place in the gaps in your brow's dense areas. A second session is scheduled for about six to eight weeks in the future. Anywhere the pigmentation has faded or not taken will be filled in with additional strokes. Each session takes about two hours.

How Much Does It Hurt?

This is largely dependent on you. If you wish to limit the discomfort and pain experienced during eyebrow feathering, be sure to visit the chemist to purchase a topical anesthetic prior to your first session. Typically, though, the pain is minimal.

How Long Does Eyebrow Feathering Last?

Eyebrow feathering is less permanent than microblading. It generally lasts for about nine to 18 months. For more information, please visit our FAQ. Interested in achieving a semi-permanent, natural brow look? Schedule an appointment for your local Believe in Beautiful today!