The Difference Between Permanent Makeup Eyebrow Styles

Microblading

Method: Manual Hand Tool

Time for Treatment: 2-3 hours 

Pain Level: 3 out of 10

Good For: A natural base brow

for those with normal/ dry skin

Not Good For: Oily skin, mature

skin, dark skin tones, sensitive skin

Lasts For: 1-3 years 

Also known as: nanoblading (hair strokes done with machine), blading, bladed brows, eyebrow embroidery

Price: £289

Microblading is far more

popular in regards to people knowing its name, but as you can see, it's only really suitable for a small amount of people. This technique involves making small, superficial lacerations with a hand tool to mimic hairs. It is more traumatic to the skin than other techniques (so not good for those with sensitive skin).

Microblading creates a very natural look. If you are getting your brows tattooed because you don't want to pencil them in each day, this is most likely going to look too natural. If you tend to not wear makeup and only want a fuller brow, then this may be a good option.

Please note that with microblading, the tiny lines may spread and blur over time. In some cases (especially when

the lines are too close) they will blur together.

It is done best by artists with experience, so if you're thinking of getting microblading, choose your artist carefully.

Powder & Ombre Brows

Method: Gentle Tattoo Machine

Time for Treatment: 1.5-3 hours 

Pain Level: 2 out of 10

Good For: Those who like a defined brow

Not Good For: It's good for everyone

Lasts For: 1-3 years

Also known as: Eyebrow tattoo, powdered brows, Instagram brow

Price: £289

Most people have the wrong idea about this treatment. When they think of an eyebrow tattoo, they think of thick, heavy tattooed brows that look like slugs. This cannot be further from the truth!

The words powder brow and ombre brow can be used interchangeably. The reason for this is that it is the same technique is used to create them but they are different in terms of where the less shaded parts go.

A powder brow is the same saturation (shading) throughout the brow. When healed, it mimics a light powder on the brow. It is usually a bit translucent and defines the brow well. It looks like makeup, but doesn't smudge off.

An ombre brow is normally a bit lighter in the head (fronts) and darker at the tail of the brow. It may also be done so the top of the brow is a bit lighter, making it look very natural. This doesn't mean that the colour is different; it just means that there will be less of the colour in some parts.

Both of these treatments can be customised to each person. If you want it dark and bold, it can be done. If you want it on the lighter side, this is also an option.

Powder and ombre brows are good for everyone! Mature skin, oily skin and even for those who have existing permanent makeup. The technique is gentler on the skin than microblading and so it's less painful too.

Combination Brows

Method: Tattoo Machine & Hand Tool

Time for Treatment: 2-3 hours 

Pain Level: 3 out of 10

Good For: Those who like a defined brow but are missing hair in spots

Not Good For: Oily skin

Lasts For: 1-3 years

Also known as: Blade and shade brows, hybrid brows

Price: £299

Combination brows are exactly what the name suggests. It's a combination of microblading and powder/ ombre brows. It's a popular treatment as it gives you the best of both worlds.

The microblading hair strokes can be placed at the front or throughout the brow and then it is shaded to give a bit more definition. This can also be customised per client.

The look results in a more natural look to a powder/ ombre brow, but a more defined brow than microblading.