Everything you need to know about permanent eyebrow makeup

Permanent eyebrow makeup has grown in popularity as a long-lasting option for people who want to improve the appearance of their brows. This method can provide you with the ideal arches without the bother, whether you’re sick of penciling every day or you just want a more defined appearance.

Before deciding, it’s crucial to know what permanent eyebrow makeup entails because there are so many options and techniques available. Every technique—from microblading to powder brows—offers distinctive outcomes that accommodate a range of tastes and skin tones.

Everything you need to know about permanent eyebrow makeup will be covered in this article, including the different techniques, what to expect during the procedure, and post-procedure care for your brows.

By using semi-permanent pigments to create a defined, long-lasting shape, permanent eyebrow makeup is a popular beauty treatment that enhances your natural brows while saving you time and effort in your daily routine. To help you make an informed choice, we’ll go over all you need to know in this article about the procedure, advantages, and aftercare.

Types of permanent makeup

Permanent makeup is a color correction technique that helps to correct facial features and imperfections by introducing pigment into the skin’s superficial layers.

The procedure leaves the client with gorgeous lips, eyebrows, and the area between their eyelashes. Depending on the technique used and the patient’s physical characteristics, these results can last anywhere from six to twenty-four months.

Particularly when it comes to the terms "tattoo" and "permanent makeup," there has been misunderstanding due to the wide range of procedures that experts offer. In order to definitively resolve this matter, let me clarify that a tattoo and permanent makeup are interchangeable. We will define the term "tattoo" in order to verify this statement.

The process of getting a tattoo involves injuring the skin and putting coloring pigment into its layers to create a long-lasting, permanent design.

Since tattoos and permanent makeup are essentially the same thing, we will also use them interchangeably.

Two types of tattoos can be distinguished based on how the pigment is introduced:

• hardware. It is carried out using a vibrating device with a built-in electric motor and equipped with a needle;

• manual. For the procedure, a special handle-manipulator is used, into the working part of which a needle or a bundle of needles is inserted, forming a semblance of a blade. Unlike hardware permanent makeup, in manual the needles are operated by the hands of the master.

Experts employ both methods, though manual eyebrow tattooing was the original permanent makeup technique and is becoming less common. The earliest known instances of manual tattooing date back to ancient China, when Chinese residents of underprivileged areas were the target audience. But let’s weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each kind to get a full picture.

Hardware method of administration

Advantages:

• long-term result;
• large selection of methods for applying dye;
• fast healing process due to minimal trauma to the skin;

Cons

• vibration created by the micromotor can contribute to uneven lines. Here, of course, everything depends on the professionalism of the master and the position of his hand, but such a risk still exists.

Manual method of administration

Advantages:

• there is no vibration, so the error of the lines is lower.

Cons:

• despite the claims that microblading is not a traumatic procedure, it involves mini-incisions, and incisions are tissue scarring;
• after applying the pigment, the eyebrows initially seem ideal – the lines are thin, even. This happens because the skin "shrinks" as a result of the impact on the injury, and eventually relaxes and the lines can "float".

Although there are other classifications in various sources that treat tattooing and permanent makeup as distinct processes or variations of one another, all of these initial assumptions are false. There are only two primary kinds of permanent makeup, and they vary only in how the dye is introduced—using a tool or a manipulator. Aside from that, each master independently determines the subtleties, and marketing plays a major role.

I want to focus specifically on the so-called "types" of permanent makeup, which are frequently divided into different categories. You can locate: there.

• shadow shading;
• watercolor tattooing;
• eyebrow spraying;
• hair;
• pixel.

These are all techniques, not styles of tattooing, but rather ways of applying pigment. Using this most well-known gradation as a basis, let us quickly clarify what we mean:

• shadow shading is the application of pigment in a continuous layer, which will look like eyebrow shadows;
• watercolor tattooing is, in simple terms, a gradient;
• eyebrow spraying in different variations – pixel, powder – tattooing that leaves small dots, pixels, on the skin;
• hair method – drawing hairs to add volume.

Let us reiterate that these are merely choices for applying pigment, not styles of tattooing. The most crucial point is that what one tattoo artist may refer to as "Gradient tattooing" may be listed as "Soft tattooing with color transition" by another artist in their list of services. It is simply impossible to classify all of the various ways that paint is introduced into one category because there are nearly as many of them as there are permanent makeup artists. To ensure that the outcome is accurate, make sure to examine samples of a particular master’s work and learn about the techniques he employs.

According to PROFI magazine, permanent makeup artist and TOP-master Anna Zubenko @pm_zubenko

The number of names for eyebrow tattooing is equal to the number of tattoo artists. For my students, as well as in my general list of services, I emphasize the air eyebrow technique, gradient, and hair technique. However, this is just my classification; other artists may have a more expansive one with other, entirely different names, like a butterfly wing.

How long does permanent makeup last

Depending on how the pigment is added, permanent makeup can last anywhere from seven to ten months to several years.

The last "wearing" period is determined by:

• age. The younger the girl, the faster the tattoo will "come off". It"s all about the speed of skin regeneration – at a young age it is higher;
• skin type. On oily skin, the tattoo lasts less than on dry skin;
• lifestyle. Frequent physical activity, sweating, active sports – all this affects the rate of pigment fading;
• immunity. The better the immunity, the faster the result will fade, as the body rejects foreign pigment from the skin faster.

The specialist will assess the skin, gather anamnesis, and be able to provide a roughly precise time frame during the initial consultation.

How to choose a permanent makeup specialist

Selecting a permanent makeup artist is an important decision because the results of the procedure will follow you for at least a few months. An unsuccessful tattoo can, of course, be removed or covered up, but it is best to see a professional as soon as possible to avoid wasting time, anxiety, or money.

Anna:

When people ask me for advice on how to pick a permanent eyebrow makeup specialist, I list the following three factors as the primary considerations:

• profile. Now everyone has profiles on social networks, especially the specialists – there they share the results of their work. If you liked the photos – be sure to check the photos for uniqueness. Unfortunately, passing off other people"s work as your own is far from uncommon;
• certificates. A good master never stops improving his skills and takes courses at least once every six months;
• reviews. Moreover, it is advisable to study reviews not only on the master"s page, but also in other sources – for example, Yandex or Google maps.»

We’ll add our own perspective:

• compare different works for templates. If the master makes the same eyebrows for everyone, without looking at the features of the facial structure – it is better to look for another specialist;
• find out how things are with the sanitary regime in the office – what consumables are disposable, what is used repeatedly, how disinfection and sterilization are carried out. Don"t be shy – if the master has nothing to hide, then he will calmly answer all the questions of the potential client.

A complimentary consultation with the selected brow artist will be a benefit. First, you can ask any questions you have. Next, the specialist will explain the process, any contraindications, and how to get ready for the visit.

We will also address the frequently asked question of which tattoo style is best for a certain girl.

• the so-called hair method of applying pigment is an option for girls with sparse, thin eyebrows. Due to the imitation of hair, the eyebrows will appear wider and thicker. But it is necessary to take into account that the hair technique is appropriate on dense skin of a normal type. This technique is not used on oily skin, since over time the line “blurs”;
• if there is enough hair on the eyebrow arches, but they lack density or the hairs grow unevenly, you need to pay attention to “solid” application options – shadow shading, powder spraying.

The most important recommendation, however, is to see a genuinely skilled eyebrow artist who will choose a pigment application technique based on your physical characteristics rather than just applying another template job.

"Before" and "after" permanent makeup

Before the procedure

• During the week, refuse to take alcohol -containing drinks. Alcohol provokes jumps in blood pressure – this negatively affects both the procedure itself and on the result. It is necessary to refuse from power engineers;
• If possible, for 5-7 days, abandon aspirin and other drugs thinning the drugs, as well as antibiotics. Some drugs are able to affect the survival of the pigment;
• The day before it is forbidden to carry out peeling and other cosmetic procedures, as well as injections;
• also, it is advisable to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun or visiting a solarium the day before.

After the procedure

• on the first day, wipe your eyebrows with Chlorhexidine every 30-60 minutes. on the second day, it is enough to repeat the procedure once – in the morning;
• for dry skin, moisturize it with Vaseline or a special ointment until the film finally comes off.

Not at all:

• do not tear off the film and generally refuse other effects – scrubs, peels;
• do not visit baths, saunas, swimming pools and other places with high humidity;
• avoid sunbathing for a month after the procedure;
• if possible, avoid taking vitamins and antibiotics until the eyebrows are completely healed.

Q&A with expert Anna Zubenko

Why is it not possible to wear permanent makeup when pregnant?

"For a particular artist and client, this is a private matter. If I am aware of a girl’s condition, I refuse to accept her. The truth is that permanent makeup is stressful, particularly when applied for the first time or after a lengthy break. It is impossible to predict how this will effect the pregnancy’s outcome and the health of the unborn child. I do accept clients during lactation, but only with the proviso that the child needs to be at least five months old for the lactation process to stabilize and the woman’s hormonal background to be stable.

Given that the basic process of both procedures is the same, what distinguishes a permanent makeup procedure from a tattoo?

"This may appear to be the same thing at first glance, but closer inspection reveals that there is one major difference: the amount of pigment introduced. Tattoos are "driven" much deeper than 1 mm into the skin during the tattooing process, which is why they last a lifetime.

Why can eyebrows that were initially fairly decent looking turn green, blue, or black after getting tattooed?

«Multiple factors influence the final outcome, including the color of the eyebrows:

• Origin of the dye – organic, non-organic or hybrid;
• Depth of pigment introduction;
• Professionalism of the master.

The likelihood of seeing eyebrows with amazing colors is increased if at least one of the points "suffers."

Contraindications

• oncology;
• poor blood clotting;
• HIV and AIDS;
• taking blood thinners;
• inflammatory processes in the acute stage;
• individual intolerance.
• skin diseases;
• diabetes;
• heart pathologies;
• mental illness;
• state of alcohol or drug intoxication;
• pregnancy.

Conditional contraindications

• lactation;
• weakness, signs of acute respiratory viral infection;
• menstruation;
• taking antibiotics;
• warts and moles on the eyebrow arches or other tattooed areas.

Share with friends!

Popular on the topic Eyebrows

What is eyebrow pomade and how is it applied?

Selecting paint for your eyebrows

The process of threading: using a thread to adjust the eyebrow

How to correct eyebrows with lasers

Talking about thin eyebrows: who should have them, how to enlarge them, and vice versa

How are eyebrow stamps used, and what are they?

How and why Botox is used on the eyebrows

Ranking of mascaras for eyebrows

At-home eyebrow correction using wax

Selecting an eyebrow styling kit

Magazine Sections

Express your opinion or ask a question! Cancel reply

Topic	Description
What is Permanent Eyebrow Makeup?	A cosmetic procedure that uses tattooing techniques to enhance and shape eyebrows.
How Long Does It Last?	Typically lasts 1-3 years, depending on skin type and care.
Is It Painful?	Some discomfort is normal, but numbing creams are used to minimize pain.
Aftercare Tips	Avoid water and makeup on the treated area for at least a week.
Benefits	Provides well-defined, low-maintenance eyebrows.

For people who want to improve the appearance of their natural brows, permanent eyebrow makeup provides a practical answer. It’s a process that can give long-lasting results while cutting down on daily makeup routine time.

However, because the outcome can greatly affect your appearance, it’s crucial to carefully consider the technique and artist you select. Researching the topic and speaking with an expert can help guarantee that you get the results you want.

All things considered, permanent eyebrow makeup can be a great way to get the ideal brow shape and color that complements your style, whether you’re going for a more defined look or a subtle enhancement.

Videos by topic

Permanent makeup of eyebrows, lips, eyelids: what you need to know? – Art-color studio WOOW!

How to become a successful master ?|Permanent makeup in 2025| Development strategy

15 things you shouldn"t do in permanent makeup!

Will I become a good permanent makeup artist?

Pros and cons of permanent eyebrow makeup. Mistakes in permanent eyebrow makeup

Powder Spraying of Eyebrows: Why? My Experience, Pros, Cons

Permanent eyebrow makeup using the ombre technique. PMU Master Yulia Donchenko