Microblading, also known as micro needling or eyebrow embroidery, is a semi-permanent tattoo that creates hair-like strokes with the use of a manual pen containing very small needles. These needles implant pigment into the basal layer (bottom layer) of the epidermis.

One of the questions I’m asked most frequently is what is the difference between microblading vs powder brows? Both services are a form of cosmetic tattooing and have a lot in common, but there are distinct differences. Skin type plays a large role for candidates considering microblading and powdered brows, as well as the look you’re trying to achieve.

Microblading uses a hand tool to create realistic looking hair strokes in the browline. Powdered brows help clients achieve more of a powdered or ombre look instead of individual hair strokes. Powdered brows have a soft makeup look and work great for clients with oily or mature skin. Many clients opt for this look even if they don’t have oily skin, as it provides a filled-in look that works perfectly for their skin type and personal preferences. Both brow styles can be adjusted to look soft or intense depending on your style and desired look.

Microblading

During the microblading process, I apply hand-drawn hair strokes meticulously into the epidermal layer of the skin using a hand tool and pigment. For microblading, I dip the hand tool into pigment and then delicately apply it to the skin as individual hair strokes. Microblading mimics realistic hair-like strokes, which are designed to flow like a natural eyebrow. The microblading look works great for clients who want to fill in gaps in the brow line or create brows where hair has been lost. I often recommend microblading for fair-skinned, fair-haired clients hoping to achieve a natural look.

For clients with oily skin, microblading strokes may fade faster, need more touchups or expand a little. If you have oily skin, we recommend powdered brows or a combination brow.

Powder Brows

Powdered brows can be done with a machine or hand tool in order to create an ombre look instead of individual hair strokes. I recommend powdered brows for individuals with oily skin, mature skin, and for those wanting a soft makeup look. The soft makeup look means that the tails of the brows are darker and fade to a lighter at the start of the brows, giving them a subtle look. The ideal candidates for powdered brows are those who have hair, but fill in with makeup. If you have thinner brows, we can add in hair strokes after for additional texture. Powdered brows traditionally last for 2-4 years while microblading usually lasts 2-3 years.

Combination Brows

For clients wanting both the look of microblading hair strokes and shaded, powdered brows, I’m happy to offer combination brows to achieve the look you’ve been dreaming of. For combination brows, I use some strokes to create a natural hair look and then add in soft shading through the rest of the brow. Strokes are usually drawn around the edges where they’ll be the most visible and then powered shading is added to the body of the brow to give it a full look that retains a beautiful shape every day.

Microblading, powder brows and combination brows are all great ways to get the eyebrows you’ve worked so hard to create with makeup. Choosing one of these cosmetic tattooing styles results in maintenance-free, beautiful brows. Wake up and go without having to fill in your brows each morning.