While the sale of most types of makeup has been on the decline in recent years, eyebrow products have seen a surge in popularity, with sales reaching $50 million in just the last four years.
In fact, #browsonfleek, #browsonpoint, and other eyebrow-related hashtags are some of the top trending topics of all time on Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, and other social media channels.
Clearly, eyebrows are a hot topic – and for good reason.
Beautiful, well-groomed eyebrows can enhance your appearance and make you look more youthful.
But achieving the perfect brows can be difficult, especially if you’re dealing with sparse, light-colored, or misshapen brows.
This is where eyebrow tinting and microblading come in. These two popular treatments can help you achieve the brows of your dreams.
But what’s the difference between them? And which is right for you?
Keep reading because we're breaking down everything you need to know about eyebrow tinting vs microblading. Let’s get started!
What is eyebrow tinting?
Eyebrow tinting (Photocredit)
Eyebrow tinting involves dyeing the eyebrows to enhance their color and shape. The semi permanent dye can last anywhere from four to six weeks, although it will gradually fade over time.
During the procedure, a small amount of dye is applied to the eyebrows with a cotton swab or brush. The dye is left on for a few minutes before being removed.
You can have your brows tinted at a salon or spa, or at home with a kit from the drugstore.
What is microblading?
Microblading treatment is a semi-permanent tattoo procedure to enhance eyebrows.
It involves using multiple needles to deposit pigment into the brow area. The pigment is left in the skin for a few minutes before being removed. The needles are usually thinner than those used in traditional tattooing, which results in hair-like strokes that mimic natural hair growth.
Microblading can last anywhere from 1 to 3 years, although the pigment will gradually fade over time.
You can buy DIY microblading kits from beauty stores, but it’s best to have the procedure done by a professional because it’s easy to make mistakes that can ruin the results.
Considering Eyebrow Tinting?
Before going in for an eyebrow tinting session, it's important to know as much as you can about the procedure. After all, even though eyebrow tinting is a relatively simple and low-risk procedure, it's still a semi-permanent change to your appearance.
Pros of Eyebrow Tinting
Enhances the color of your eyebrows
If you want darker brows, tinting can make them look more pronounced. Tinting can also help to cover up gray hairs and make the eyebrows look fuller.
Gives your eyebrows a more uniform color
If you have multiple colors in your eyebrows – for example, if they are light at the roots and dark at the tips – eyebrow tinting can help to give them a more uniform color.
Quick and easy
The entire process takes less than 20 minutes. You can even DIY tinted eyebrows using a kit.
Requires no downtime
After the eyebrow hair color has been applied, you can go about your day as usual. There is no need to avoid sun exposure or refrain from washing your face. You also don't have to worry about the tinting affecting your daily activities, such as exercise or swimming.
Low-risk brow hair procedure
Eyebrow tinting is a relatively low-risk procedure. There's no breaking the skin, so there's little risk of infection. The risks are even lower if you have the procedure done by a professional in a clean and sterile environment.
Cons of Eyebrow Tinting
On the other hand, there are some downsides you need to be aware of before you dye your brows:
May not be suitable for people with sensitive skin type
Some people may experience an allergic reaction to the dye, such as redness, swelling, or irritation. Around 5% of people are allergic to hair dye, so make sure your service provider does a patch test beforehand to be sure.
The results are temporary
Because eyebrow tinting is basically just coloring your eyebrows, the results will only last for a few weeks to a month or so. The
Can fade unevenly
There's no way to guarantee even fading, so you may end up with slightly darker or lighter eyebrows than you started with. Some unavoidable factors can also speed up fading, such as when you wash face frequently, sun exposure, swimming, and using a lot of hair products.
May not be suitable for people with light eyebrows
If you have very light natural hairs, tinting may not be the best option for you. The semi permanent treatment can deposit unevenly on light shades like blonde hair, resulting in patchy or spotty eyebrows.
In addition, lighter brow hairs may not be able to hold onto the dye for as long as darker eyebrows.
Why Microblading
Now, let's talk about microblading. While it’s an excellent way to achieve stunning eyebrows, there are some things to keep in mind:
Pros of Microblading
Creates incredibly natural brows
When done correctly, microblading can give you defined looking brows. It is a semi permanent tattoo that look completely realistic with hair like strokes. Gone are the days when thin brows are in. If you think about it, thin brows make you look older.
Fuller looking brows define your face and what better way next to real brows than brow treatment with hair like strokes.
The pigments used in a microblading are matched to the color of your hair follicles, so they will blend in seamlessly. So if you naturally have light brown hair, it’s easier to match that color. The strokes also mimic the original direction of your brow hairs.
Gives you greater control over your desired look
Unlike eyebrow tinting, microblading offers more customization and control over the shape of your natural brow. You can choose the thickness and shape of the strokes, as well as how arched or angled you want your brows to be.
For instance, if you have very sparse eyebrows, microblading can help to create the illusion of thicker and fuller looking brows.
On the other hand, if your brows have thick natural hair, microblading can help to create a more polished look by making them appear more structured.
Enjoy gorgeous eyebrows for years
One of the best things about microblading is that it lasts a long time. The pigment is implanted deep into the skin, so it won't fade as quickly as eyebrow tinting. You can expect your eyebrows to look great for 1 to 3 years before they start to fade.
More value for your money
As far as beauty procedures go, microblading has terrific ROI. Your eyebrows will always be ready to go, whether you’re attending a formal affair or going out with friends.
You'll also save money on eyebrow products, since you won't need to use as many (or any) once you have microbladed brows. That’s a major advantage to your beauty routine!
Minimal touch-ups required long term
Microblading doesn't require a lot of maintenance. You may only need to go for a touch-up once a year or so, depending on how well you take care of your brows.
How to Choose Between Microblading and Brow Tinting
So, which is the best option for you - eyebrow tinting or microblading? The answer depends on a few factors. Ask yourself the following questions:
How natural do you want your eyebrows to look?
How long do you want your results to last?
Is there a specific shape or style you want your eyebrows to be?
Are you fine with redoing your brows every 4-6 weeks, or would you prefer a longer-lasting solution?
Both eyebrow tinting and microblading can give you beautiful, well-defined eyebrows. However, if you want to have one less worry and have that added confidence with brows that look more natural and last longer, then microblading is for you.
Again, either one is an easy fix if you want the appearance of thicker brows. The main difference between eyebrow tinting and microblading is how much less of a maintenance it is with microblading.
Some FAQs
Is brow tinting better than microblading?
Overall, microblading is better for two main reasons. The first difference between eyebrow tinting and microblading is the look. Eyebrow tinting is more of shading, while with microblading, the permanent makeup tattoo artist will add pigment with a handheld tool on the brow area to create natural hair-like strokes. Another difference is that tinting will only last for about 4-6 weeks whereas microblading lasts about 1 1/2 to two years, making the latter more cost-effective.
Does eyebrow tinting ruin your eyebrows?
Unless you have allergic reactions to the pigments used nor do they contain harmful chemicals, it will not ruin your eyebrows.
Does microblading ruin your natural eyebrows?
Microblading does not ruin your natural eyebrows. It can be applied even with the existing brows and will in fact, give a thicker look which is practically maintenance free with only minimal aftercare instructions.
Let's Chat About Your Brow Goals!
Beautiful brows don't just make you look better - they can also boost your confidence, help you feel more put-together, and give you that extra bit of polish.
Desert Ink Co is a top rated microblading service provider in Gilbert, AZ. This treatment is one of our most popular beauty services, along with lip blushing and powder ombre brows.
No matter what beauty upgrade you’re interested in, we want you to feel confident about your decision.
That’s why we offer FREE, no-commitment consultations to our clients through phone or in-person. Tell us what kind of look you’re looking for and we’ll take it from there.
Call us at (602) 247-0695 or send us an email at desertinkcollc@gmail.com for an appointment. We’ll get in touch ASAP!