Microblading vs Powder Brows which one is best for you? If you’re considering getting permanent makeup, you may be wondering whether microblading or powder brows is the better option. Both treatments have their pros and cons, so it ultimately comes down to what works best for you. In this blog post, we will discuss the differences between microblading and powder brows, as well as who shouldn’t get each treatment. We will also provide tips on how to choose the right artist and what to do before your appointment!
Powder brows and microblading are both semi-permanent eyebrow techniques that are extremely popular. Microblading has been around for years while powder brows or ombre powder brows is the new comer but is gaining in popularity due to their natural and soft results.
These are great eyebrow treatments for anyone who wants to avoid filling in their brows on a daily basis but which one is best for you and your skin type?
Let’s take a look at the difference between microblading and powder brows and learn the techniques that are used, who is it for, aftercare, the healing process, how long they last for and cost.
What Are Powder Brows?
Powder brows, also known as ombre brows, are a form of semi-permanent makeup that uses a machine to deposit pigment into the skin. The result is a soft, powdery look similar to wearing makeup and having an ombre effect. The technique used is inserting pigments into the surface of the skin with a PMU machine with dotting and shading. Powder brows are a great choice for those who have oily skin, dry skin, mature skin, or sensitive skin. They are also a good choice for those who want to add density to their brows or fill in gaps. Powder brows can be done as a standalone treatment or in combination with microblading to create a more polished look.
Powder Brows Treatment
The treatment is a 2-step procedure with the initial treatment and and touch up completed in 6-8 weeks. During the first treatment, the powder brow artist will assess your natural brows and skin type to determine the best color for you. The artist will then map out your brows creating a natural looking shape that works best with you. They will then numb your brow area with a topical anesthetic, if needed, but the procedure is not painful and many even fall asleep during the treatment, and begin tattooing the pigment into your skin. The entire process usually takes about 2 hours to complete.
Powder Brows Aftercare
After your powder brow treatment, the area will be slightly red and swollen. Your artist will give you specific aftercare instructions to follow and send you home with an aftercare kit, which may include:
- Wash the treated area at night with a gentle cleanser and pat them dry the first night after treatment.
- Ointment that will be used once in the AM and once in the PM
- Warm cotton round that is provided to gently dab your brows to remove any lymph fluid (clear fluid) for the first 24 hours. Do not rub roughly. Just a slight dab will do. Do this 2-3 times the day of getting your brows done. Following by applying the ointment provided with lipstick applicator, never use your raw finger.
- Shower visors are used to keep your eyebrows dry.
- Remember this is an open wound and you do not want to touch your brows with your bare hands to minimize the risk of infection.
- The day after your treatment you will take a warm cotton round once in the morning and once in the evening to your brows. Dab them lightly and then apply ointment. The ointment will be applied 2-3 times a day for the next 7 days.
- No water, makeup, soap, lotion or anything on them for 10 days.
- Scabbing is normal. Do not pick them
Powder Brows Healing Process
The healing process for powder brows usually takes about six weeks, however some people may experience a shorter or longer healing period as everyone is different. During this time, you may see some fading of the color as your skin regenerates. This is normal and to be expected. It is also normal for one brow to fade darker than the other. You can expect some minor scabbing and flaking during the healing process, but this is all normal. Just don’t pick it. Let them heal naturally.
Powder Brows Fading
Powder brows will typically last anywhere from one to three years before they start to fade. However, this can vary depending on your skin type, how well you take care of them, and other factors. If you notice that your powder brows are starting to fade, you can always go in for a touch-up.
Powder Brows Touch Up
Once your powder brows are healed, you will need to schedule a touch-up appointment 6-8 weeks after your initial appointment. At this appointment the artist will examine your healing process. They will also make sure the shape and color is the correct color for you. It’s at this time that more pigment may be added to achieve your desired results.
After your touch up appointment your eyebrows are good to go and will last 1-3 years. We do suggest an annual touch up to keep your brows the desired color you like.
Powder Brows Color Correction
Sometimes when you get your powder brows done, the color may not be what you wanted. If this is the case, don’t worry! Powder brows can be fixed. The first thing you should do is contact the artist that did your powder brows and explain the situation. If you don’t like the artist that did your brows you can always find a new artist that have proven work that you like. They will then book an appointment for a color correction. They will examine your brows and talk to you about your desired results . The artist will then choose the perfect color for you and your skin tone.
The powder brows color correction process is usually shorter than the initial microblading or powder brow treatment. This is because the artist already has a base to work with and they are just adding more pigment to achieve the desired look. The healing process is also shorter because the skin is not being broken.
Who Shouldn’t Get Powder Brows?
Powder brows are not recommended for people with very oily skin, as the powder can collect in the pores and cause breakouts. If you have dry skin, powder brows can also be a good option because they will help to absorb any excess oil. If you have any health complications such as diabetes, heart conditions, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should consult with a doctor before getting powder brows.
Powder Brows Cost
The cost of powder brows can range from $300 to $1,200 depending on the area you live in, experience of the artist and promotions the artist is running. Effortless Arches MedSpa currently charges $600 for powder brows and $150 for your touch up appointment.
How to choose the right powder brow artist?
When choosing an artist for your powder brows, it is important to do your research and make sure they are certified and have experience. You should also look at before and after pictures to get an idea of their work. Once you have found an artist, you should schedule a consultation to discuss your goals and expectations.
What to do before your appointment?
Before your powder brows appointment, you should avoid taking Aspirin, Niacin, Vitamin E or fish oil as they can thin your blood and cause excessive bleeding . You should also avoid alcohol as it can increase swelling. If you have any cold sores, you will need to let your artist know before your appointment as it can cause them to flare up.
What is Microblading?
Microblading is a form of permanent makeup that uses a fine blade to deposit pigment into the skin . Unlike a tattoo, microblading is not done with a machine. The artist will use a hand tool to draw individual hairs into the skin to give you natural-looking brows.
Microblading Treatment
Microblading is usually done in two sessions, spaced about six weeks apart. During your first session, your artist will map out your brows and choose the right color for your skin tone. Then, they will use a hand tool to create fine cuts in the skin and deposit pigment into those cuts.
Microblading Aftercare
After microblading, your brows will look darker than they will eventually heal. This is because the pigment is still sitting on top of your skin, and it takes time for it to settle in. You can expect the color to lighten by about 40-60% over the next four weeks.
To care for your microbladed brows, you should:
- Keep them dry for the first 24 hours
- Apply a thin layer of ointment for the first week
- Avoid picking or scratching your brows
- Protect your brows from the sun
Microblading Healing Process
The microblading healing process takes about four weeks. During this time, you may experience some redness, swelling, and itching. These are all normal side effects that will subside as your brows heal. Bleeding and scarring is also normal as this technique makes small cuts into the upper dermis.
Once your brows have healed, you can expect them to last for one to three years before they start to fade.
Microblading Fading
Microblading will start to fade over time. The pigments used in microblading are not as stable as those used in traditional tattooing, so they will slowly break down and dissipate over time. Depending on your skin type, you can expect microblading to last anywhere from one to three years.
Microblading Touch Up
You will need to get a touch up every one to three years to keep your microblading looking fresh. Touch ups are usually less expensive than the original procedure, as only the area that has faded needs to be redone.
Microblading Color Correction
If you are not happy with the color of your microbladed brows, you can get them corrected. This is typically done by adding more pigment to the brows to darken them or by lightening the brows with a bleaching agent.
Microblading Cost
The cost of microblading varies depending on the artist and your location, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $700 for the procedure.
Who Shouldn’t Get Microblading?
Microblading is not recommended for pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding, as the hormones produced during pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause microbladed brows to heal differently than expected. If you have any skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis , you should also avoid microblading, as these conditions can affect the healing process.
What To Do Before Your Microblading Appointment
Before your microblading appointment, you’ll need to take a few precautions to ensure that the procedure goes smoothly. First, you’ll need to avoid any sun exposure or tanning for at least two weeks before your appointment. This is because sun exposure can make the skin more sensitive and increase the risk of complications. You should also avoid any products that contain retinol or glycolic acid, as these can also make the skin more sensitive. Finally, you’ll need to shave the area where you want microblading to be done at least 24 hours before the procedure. This will help the microblading artist to get a more accurate idea of where to place the pigment.
Differences Between Powder Brows & Microblading
- Microblading and Powder Brow styles are different. Microblading is done in tiny strokes to mimic the look of natural hair while powder brows give a more dramatic effect of looking like powdery makeup.
- Powder Brows and Microblading techniques are different. Powder brows are done with a PMU machine that uses tiny dots and shading of pigment inserted into the skin. Microblading is made with micro incisions into the skin. A hand tool is dipped into pigment and applied into the skin as hair stokes.
- Longevity. Powder brows last anywhere to 2-3 years and some even last up to 4 years while Microblading lasts up to 2 years.
- Touch ups. Microblading fades faster and you will need touch ups every 6-12 months. Powder brows only need touch ups every 12-16 months.
Similarities Between Powder Brows and Microblading
- Healing process. The healing process for both powder brows and microblading takes about 4-6 weeks. They both change color, scab and fade during the healing process. The length of your brows is determined by your skin type, skincare routine, if you sweat a lot and are exposed to the sun often.
- Cost. Powder brows and Microblading both cost the same.
- They will both enhance your natural brows without having to apply makeup on a regular basis.
Which Procedure Is Less Painful? Microblading vs Powder Brows
Both powder brows and Microblading isn’t a terribly uncomfortable or painful procedure. Most clients report the procedure as not painful with some even falling asleep during the treatment. However, Microblading is more painful than powder brows. With Microblading there are little cuts and incisions made into the skin with a blade that causes more trauma to the skin. Bleeding and scarring are also normal with Microblading while Powder Brows are just little dots of pigment inserted lightly into the skin and are not painful at all.
If you are someone who has a very low pain tolerance numbing cream can be applied to the area so you feel no pain.
Can You Combine Microblading and Powder Brows?
Yes you can combine both Microblading and Powder Brows as both techniques compliment each other. If you are someone who has thin brows with little hair, using both Microblading to mimic more natural hair, and Powder Brows to look like makeup would be the ideal combination.
How To Choose Between Microblading vs Powder Brows?
If you are trying to decide if you should get a Powder Brows or Microblading treatment consider the following before you decide:
- Style Preference – do you like natural hair or more of a powdery makeup look? If you just want natural hair to fill in your brows Microblading would be your choice. If you like the ombre fading look and cover your brows with makeup everyday Powder Brows would be your choice.
- Current Eyebrows – Take a look at your current eyebrows and if you have thin or patchy eyebrows Microblading might be a good choice. If you have hair but want them fuller and completely filled in like it looks when you do your brows with pencil or brow gel then Powder Brows would be the best for you.
- Skin Type – People who have dry skin are a better match to have Microblading done. People who have oily skin are a better match for Powder Brows but any skin type can get Powder Brows done.
- Lifestyle – If you are someone who likes to wear makeup on a daily basis Powder Brows would be the perfect match for your needs. If you are someone who works out a lot, sweats more, and is exposed to the sun more often your brows tend to fade at a faster rate and Powder Brows is the better option as it lasts longer.
Conclusion
Powder Brows and Microblading are two different types of eyebrow treatments to help you achieve the eyebrows you’ve always wanted. If you are someone with very little hair, microblading is the better choice as it gives the illusion of real hair strokes. If you have some brow hair and want a more filled in look or if your brows fade quickly, powder brows is the way to go as it is a little more durable. Ultimately, the choice is yours and should be based on your individual needs and what you are looking to achieve.
If you’re still not sure which method is right for you, consult with a professional who can help guide you in the right direction. And as always, be sure to do your research before booking an appointment with anyone. Make sure they are licensed and have experience in the method you’re looking to get done.
If you have any questions about either treatment send us a message and our 5-star rated and master PMU trainer will be happy to answer your questions.
Have you had microblading or powder brows done? Let us know in the comments below!
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