Browsing for better brows? I’ve got all you need to know and more in this article where I will discuss the purpose of eyebrows and the history of eyebrow beauty trends, the differences between eyebrow tinting vs microblading and exactly what they involve, average costs, and pros and cons of each.
Eyebrow Tinting Vs Microblading
If you want better, sexier eyebrows but you’re on the fence about which technique you want; I promise that by the time you’re done reading this article you’ll be able to make an informed decision on the better option for you. Let’s get started!
Eyebrow Tinting
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Yes, tinting isn’t just for car windows now. You can get your eyebrows tinted to give a more dramatic look to your facial features. Let’s start with answering some basic questions.
What is eyebrow tinting?
It’s a treatment that consists of adding more color to your lovely arches to make them darker. Usually, it is done with cream, just like how you dye your hair.
How long does it take?
On average, it takes about 5-15 minutes.
How long does it last?
On average, eyebrow tinting lasts about 4-6 weeks.
What can affect the color?
Sun, pool, hair growth, and how often you wash your face will all affect how long your color lasts. Always use sunscreen and a hat when you’re outside, and you’ll get more out of your treatment.
Where can I get this done?
You’ll be surprised just how many places you can go to get this done. Lots of beauty spas and salons offer this. You can check out reviews of places online before you go to help aid your decision.
Why is it a good option for me?
For those afraid of commitment (like yours truly), if you don’t love it, it’s an easy fix. If you get tired of it, just wait 4-6 weeks. It’s a lot less permanent than microblading.
Is it for everyone?
Yes! Brow tinting is an excellent option for anyone with any kind of hair color.
Does it hurt?
No. It’s just like getting your hair dyed. It definitely should not hurt!
Is it safe?
Yes! Just like dying your hair, tinting is safe when you don’t overdo it! Keep in mind that your beautician will want to do a 24-hour skin patch test if it’s your first time with tinting. This is to ensure you won’t have an allergic reaction to the dye. Safety first!
How much does it cost?
On average, a tinting treatment will cost $20-25. Any more than that should raise some eyebrows if you catch our drift. 😉
Microblading
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Micro-what? Trust me; the name sounds scarier than the actual process. While it’s very different from tinting, it’s very much worth learning about. You might even wish you had heard of it sooner!
What is microblading?
Microblading is a semi-permanent eyebrow treatment that helps your eyebrows look fuller, naturally. The tool that is used to add the color makes small abrasions to the eyebrow, then fills the skin with a pigment that creates the image of thicker and more filled-in brows. Many people think it’s like getting a tattoo, but this is not the case. A tattoo is made in the dermis (your second layer of skin), while microblading occurs on the very surface of the skin.
How long does it take?
A microblading sesh will take about 1.5-2 hours.
How long does it last?
On average, microblading lasts 1-3 years.
What can affect it?
This depends on skin type, hair growth, sun exposure, and how often you wash your face. Also, you’ll need to stay away from your workouts or any other sweaty activity as you’ll want to avoid getting your eyebrows wet for up to 10 days after your appointment. You’ll also need to avoid wearing make-up for a week, so your brows can heal properly.
Where can I get this done?
This may be a little harder to find than eyebrow tinting, but it’s worth the search. Google can help you find your nearest esthetician but be sure they are certified before you begin!
Why is it a good option for me?
You’ll love having ready-to-go brows round the clock. No more worries about getting caught in the rain and having to rush to the bathroom to fix those eyebrows that washed off.
Is it for everyone?
Unfortunately not. For those who are pregnant or nursing, or those with inflammatory skin disorders or thin or oily skin, microblading is not a good option.
Does it hurt?
No, it should not hurt. Even though small abrasions will be made to your skin, your beautician will apply a numbing agent like lidocaine, so you don’t feel a thing! If it does start to hurt, speak up, and she’ll apply more! But chances are it’ll be completely painless.
Is it safe?
Yes, when you follow all the recommendations! As I previously mentioned, be sure your esthetician is certified in microblading.
How much will it cost?
It can cost anywhere from 350-800 dollars, depending on where you live. The average is about 400 dollars. Yes, it’s pricey, but consider it an investment, especially when you add up all those monthly trips for tinting.
Ok, So Which One Is Better?
This answer is up to you! While microblading involves more maintenance, for me it’s worth it in the long run since it lasts longer.
If you want to spend:
- much less time
- less money
- less commitment
then tinting is your new BFF. You’ll be able to get back to the beach/gym/pool/sun/sauna faster and wear makeup sooner. Just be sure you’re not overdoing it with the tinting trips because your brow hair can become brittle and start falling out, just like your normal hair does when you dye it too much!
If you want:
- a more natural look
- more permanent color
- more brow overall (unlike just dying the hair with tinting, microblading fills in the skin)
then make a beeline to your nearest beautician because microblading will change your life. When we age our brows, naturally get thinner, so this is a great way to create a more youthful look without the use of makeup. Less work + more reward=totally worth the investment!
Other Things to keep in Mind
Microblading will result in a few appointments instead of an all-in-one appointment. You must not drink alcohol 24 hours before your appointment. And if you’ve had a recent botox treatment, you must wait at least a month before microblading. Keep in mind all of these things when you are deciding which procedure is right for you. Though microblading may involve more hoops to jump through, I promise the results will speak for themselves.
Function and History of Eyebrow Trends
So why do we have eyebrows anyway? Sure, they look great, and we look pretty funny when we see someone who accidentally gets one shaved or burned off, but what purpose do they serve? Well, their most important job is to protect your eyes. They keep the sweat, dirt, moisture, and whatever else comes your way, out of your eyes. Clear vision is a survival mechanism, so eyebrows are crucial when it comes to keeping this!
They help us convey nonverbal communication as they help intensify our facial expressions. And if you’re anything like me, sometimes people can read your true feelings even when you’re trying to hide them. Thank your eyebrows for ratting you out.
Did you know eyebrows also serve as a sign language communication tool? Eyebrows movements help to express whatever the speaker is trying to convey.
So when words can’t be spoken, eyebrows can help with the job! Time to give them some credit! But big brows weren’t always such a big hit.
Back when I was in middle school, every girl was plucking her eyebrows down to tiny little lines, then using pencils to “draw” them in. The smaller they made them, the better (or so they thought). The very thought still makes me shudder. Luckily, I never took part in this. I thought it was just a crazy phase that would pass, and sure enough, it did. But I was surprised to learn that this trend was nothing new or crazy.
History
The ancient Egyptians used carbon or black oxide to help define their eyebrows (thanks to you Cleopatra for the trend-setting) while the Greeks and Romans embraced the uni-brow. Then, women began heavily plucking their eyebrows, leaving hardly anything during the Elizabethan-era because that was what was hot.
Clara Bow, a famous actress during the Roaring Twenties, helped keep the thin-look alive as many women desired and copied her super thin eyebrows. Arches become more popular a decade later, but by the ’40s and ’50s bold brows (with arches) made their way back until about the ’90s, when thin was in again. Now, we are back to bold being best. Who knows what the next century will hold for us?
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