Microblading vs. Powder Brows Q&A

Both microblading and powder brows are beautiful, long-lasting permanent makeup options that provide the look of fuller, more defined brows. One technique isn’t necessarily better than the other as they simply provide slightly different final results, so the procedure that is better for each client will depend on what exactly they are looking for out of permanent makeup for the eyebrows.

Microblading is typically a better option for those who want a less dramatic final makeup look and for those who have fair skin and finer eyebrow hairs. It provides the appearance of more hairs along the natural brow shape and is a great option for filling in areas that may be sparser or where the hairs are lighter and difficult to see.

Microblading is used to enhance the already present shape of the brows by just adding the appearance of more hairs along the natural eyebrows.

To compare, powder brows offer a more defined final look, offering a more ombre appearance to the eyebrows rather than individual strokes that mimic the existing hair. They are often the better option for those who have fuller eyebrows but prefer how their eyebrows look when they are filled in, and are often preferred for clients with more oily or mature skin or those who want a “softer” look for their eyebrows.

Both techniques have fairly similar lifespans (2 to 3 years), with powder brows sometimes lasting a bit longer (sometimes closer to 4 years), making it a long-lasting option for those who are worried about the permanent makeup fading too quickly.

There is a fair bit of debate and back and forth in determining which type of permanent makeup for eyebrows technique results in a more natural appearance, with microblading using small strokes to mimic the already existing natural hairs, resulting in a soft, fluffy, natural look. Powder brows will typically result in more definition of the brows, but also have more of an ombre look, so they can appear to be very natural as well. Either way, both procedure options can be customized a bit depending on the intensity or subtlety that each client is looking for, ensuring that whichever option is chosen will be best suited for everyone. Both techniques will continue to fade as time passes and can start with more intensity in shape and pigmentation if that is the desired look that the client wants, so touch-ups will be the determining factor for intensity as the pigment starts to fade.

That being said, for clients who want to start with a very subtle, natural look for their eyebrows, microblading will likely be the better option as it can be customized to provide very subtle results by choosing a pigmentation that very closely matches the natural eyebrow hairs and by only filling in where the hairs are sparse.

Typically, powder brows are considered to be the less painful option for permanent makeup of the eyebrows, with most people experiencing very little to no pain throughout the entire procedure. Microblading is known for causing a bit more discomfort due to the nature of the tattooing technique that is required to provide the appearance of individual hairs, but it is typically considered to be far less painful than getting a traditional tattoo. In both cases, a topical numbing cream can be applied to the area that is going to be treated to increase comfort and decrease experienced pain as much as possible for all clients. Both procedures will likely lead to some discomfort but neither will be that painful and if significant pain is being experienced during the procedure, the client must mention it to the permanent makeup specialist so that they can make the entire process as comfortable as possible.

Microblading and powder brows are available at Jaudon Sunde Permanent Makeup Clinic which assists in providing the appearance of larger, more prominent brows, framing your face for a more physically attractive appearance. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We are located at 18820 E. Bagley Rd.#1 Middleburg Heights, OH 44130. We serve clients from Cleveland OH, Middleburg Heights OH, Strongsville OH, Parma OH, Lakewood OH, Brooklyn OH, Akron OH, North Royalton OH, North Olmsted OH, Sandusky OH, Mansfield OH, and Maple Heights OH.