11 Things You Need To Know Before Getting Eyebrow Tattoos (2024)

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Are you planning on getting eyebrow tattoos?

In recent years, brow tattoos have been one of the most popular beauty trends. It’s tempting to jump on the bandwagon and get your brows done at the nearest cosmetic studio, but you shouldn’t.

Brow tattooing isn’t something you should rush. Unfortunately, most people have learned that the hard way.

Here, we break down everything you need to know about eyebrow tattooing to help you make well-informed beauty decisions.

What Are Eyebrow Tattoos?

When people say “eyebrow tattoo,” they’re referring to an umbrella term for cosmetic brow makeup. It includes nanoblading, powder brows, and microblading.

However, eyebrow tattoos are different from these cosmetic treatments.

Eyebrow tattoos are a form of permanent cosmetic makeup. Just like any other tattoo, ink is applied using a hand-held machine.

It involves puncturing the deeper layers of the skin while inserting the ink or pigment simultaneously, making them last longer than other cosmetic brow treatments.

Microblading vs Tattoo Brows: What’s the Difference?

Microblading and eyebrow tattooing are terms that people often use interchangeably. However, they do not refer to the same cosmetic treatment.

Method of Tattooing

During a microblading session, an aesthetician draws an eyebrow hair tattoo on your brows using a specialized tool with fine needles.

Instead of ink, brow pigment is applied to the skin’s surface. Since it doesn’t reach the deeper layers of the skin, microbladed brows fade over time.

As mentioned, brow tattoos are applied using mainstream tattooing methods: a handheld machine and ink. By depositing ink into the deeper layers of the skin, brow tattoos can last longer.

Longevity of Results

The most important difference between microblading and eyebrow tattoos is the longevity of the results.

Microbladed brows are semi-permanent. Depending on your skin type and aftercare routine, they last about one to three years. On the other hand, eyebrow tattoos are permanent.

Brow Maintenance

Since microbladed brows fade over time, you’ll need one or two touch-ups every year. As for eyebrow tattoos, you only have to do touch-ups once every few years.

11 Things to Do Before Getting Eyebrows Tattooed

1. Pick a licensed aesthetician or tattoo artist.

The most important thing you need to do before getting your eyebrows tattooed is to find the right artist for the job. Ask friends, colleagues, or family for recommendations.

Then browse the artists’ portfolios or check their social media pages, where they showcase their style and design.

Make sure an artist has the proper license, training, and experience before setting an appointment. Since each state has different laws and regulations for cosmetic tattooing, be familiar with the guidelines in your area.

2. Set up a consultation.

Once you’ve chosen an artist, set up a consultation. You’ll be asked to go to the studio for an in-person consultation so that the artist can check your brows.

At the consultation, you can talk about your expectations and beauty goals. You can also bring photo references.

Remember to ask about their rates. Depending on the artist and the area, a brow tattoo session may cost around $600 to $750.

If you intend to set up an appointment with the studio, you’ll do a patch test to determine potential allergies. It should be performed at least 48 hours before a session.

If you aren’t allergic to the ink, some artists will apply a small pigment patch on your brows. It will give you realistic expectations for the results, as well as the healing process.

3. Check out the studio.

An in-person consultation is an excellent opportunity to inspect the studio. To have a positive tattoo experience, ensure the studio is clean, safe, and professional.

Pay attention to how they operate in the studio. Make sure everything is sterile and new. They are required to have single-use gloves, swabs, needles, and more.

You can also do a vibe check. Don’t hesitate to move on if the artist or the studio isn’t making you feel comfortable. Visit other studios until you find one that makes you feel comfortable.

Brow tattoos are a lifelong commitment, so you must get them done at the right place.

4. Keep your brow area in tip-top condition.

Take care of your skin in the weeks leading up to your tattoo session. To keep your brows in tip-top condition, your skin should stay moisturized and hydrated.

To improve ink retention, exfoliate the brow area the night before your appointment.

Removing dead skin cells can make the session more comfortable for you. At the same time, it will be easier for the artist to apply ink on your brows.

5. Set an appointment.

After a successful consultation, go ahead and set an appointment at your desired studio. You’ll probably have to pay a deposit to book a schedule for your session.

6. Avoid getting other brow treatments.

You don’t have to pluck your brows before a session. Your artist might pluck some stray hairs on the sides and on the top of the eyebrow tattoo to achieve the desired shape.

More importantly, avoid getting brow treatments at least two weeks before your tattoo session. This includes waxing, tinting, and eyebrow threading.

Tattoo artists must see your natural arches to choose the right color and shape for your face.

Brow treatments may cause redness and swelling, which may make the session more painful for you. Additionally, they can prolong the healing and recovery process.

7. Avoid alcohol and caffeine the night before your session.

Don’t drink alcohol or caffeine before getting your brows tattooed. Alcohol can thin the blood, making you bleed more during your session. If you do, the ink will be pushed out of your skin, resulting in a lackluster tattoo.

Alcohol can also affect your healing process. So avoid it at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment.

8. Get a good night’s sleep.

Sleep will affect your entire brow tattoo experience. Showing up exhausted will make you more sensitive to pain. Thus, if you want your experience to be positive, get enough sleep before your session.

9. Expect a little bit of pain and discomfort.

The artist will rub numbing cream on the brow area before applying the ink. You might still feel pain during the session, but it will mostly be discomfort.

Every person experiences pain differently. Some will feel a slight sting throughout the session, while others will find it more painful than expected.

10. Patiently wait for your brows to heal.

Your brows won’t look perfect right after your session, and they might look red and swollen for the first 48 to 72 hours, which is completely normal.

After getting a permanent tattoo, your skin will need about two weeks to heal. But with a solid aftercare regimen, your brows should look vibrant and perfect a month after your session.

11. Learn about tattoo aftercare.

The artist will give you aftercare instructions, so pay close attention. For starters, you’ll need aftercare cream, which you’ll have to apply religiously during the first seven days.

While you’re healing, avoid sweaty exercises and long hot showers. Skip skincare on the brow area in the meantime.

More importantly, don’t get Botox, facials, and other chemical treatments for four weeks after the session. These may irritate your healing skin and prolong your recovery.

Eyebrow Tattoo or Microblading: Which Is Right for You?

One of the biggest advantages of permanent tattoo brows is saving a lot of time in your beauty routine. You no longer have to spend your mornings filling in your brows.

Just remember that eyebrow tattoos are a lifelong commitment. You can have them removed, but it will be a long and arduous process, not to mention an expensive one.

However, if you aren’t ready for permanent ink on your brows, microblading is a great alternative. It’s a semi-permanent cosmetic solution for your light, sparse brows.

If you can commit to frequent touch-ups, microblading should be an ideal treatment for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Tattooed Eyebrows Permanent?

Tattooed eyebrows are permanent, unlike microbladed brows. They are typically applied using a handheld machine, which deposits ink into the deeper layers of your skin. Once the ink is applied, it’s there for life.

Where Can I Get My Eyebrows Tattooed?

Get eyebrow tattoos from a professional eyebrow tattoo studio. Look for licensed microblading studios, brow tattoo parlors, and permanent makeup businesses in your area.

Make sure they have the proper licenses and certifications before signing up for a session.

Brow tattooing regulations vary per state. Research the guidelines for your area to find the best studios and artists for the job.

Who Can Legally Perform Microblading/Eyebrow Tattooing?

Only licensed artists with certifications in state-approved training programs can legally perform microblading and eyebrow tattooing.

These training programs may cover a wide range of topics—from health and safety practices to cosmetic tattooing.

Legal requirements for microblading, eyebrow tattooing, and other cosmetic tattooing treatments vary per state. Generally, states require tattoo artists to be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma and an apprenticeship.

Read More About Trendy Eyebrow Enhancement Procedures Here:

• Brow Lamination Vs. Microblading: Which Is Best?
• Ombre Powder Brows: The Hottest Beauty Trend of the Season
• Eyebrow Waxing Shapes: 5 Popular Shapes to Check Out