Today we’re addressing a hot topic: Powder brows vs. Microblading.

If you caught our last blog post, you might remember a bit of the differences between microblading and powder brows and have seen that we do not offer microblading as a service here at Inkvictus. Chances are, you’ve done your homework before booking an appointment, but here’s a surprising tidbit: in North Carolina, anyone can slap “artist” on their business card and pay $300 for a tattoo license. It’s a bit shocking, right? A vast majority of our clients had no idea until we mention it! There are no strict rules or regulations. In fact, microblading is often the first technique new artists learn because it’s so well-known. But as a client, are you even a candidate?

Let’s break down the technical details in a simple way: Microblading uses a hand tool with tiny needles arranged in a blade-like shape. This tool makes fine cuts in the skin that mimic hair strokes, and pigment is applied into these tiny incisions. The goal is to make these strokes at just the right depth and spacing, following a pattern that mirrors your natural brow growth to add density with a realistic effect. On the other hand, powder brows are done with a tattoo machine, usually with a single needle, though some artists prefer different configurations. The needle makes gentle punctures in the skin in a sweeping motion, depositing tiny pixels of pigment to create a soft, shaded look. This method can be adjusted to be very subtle or more noticeable and is very gentle on the skin when done properly.

With either technique done incorrectly, the results can be devastating to the client. If the microblading cuts or powder pixels are made going too deep into the layers of the skin, it can cause scar tissue and will cause the color to heal too dark. Excess bleeding can also occur with improper depth, which can lead to poor healed results and, again, scarring. Oilier skin is more prone to these poor results with microblading because it produces excess sebum. Sebum is meant to hydrate and protect your skin, but when the pigment is involved, it’s likely that this oily substance will push the pigment out prematurely. Additionally, if you have sun damage or have mature skin, microblading likely isn’t a fit for you. This also goes into a bit of anatomy knowledge – damaged and mature skin can be thinner and less elastic and prone to excess bleeding. Because of the more delicate skin, a heavy-handed artist may inadvertently go too deep into the tissue. This typically causes the strokes to “blow out” or blur together, appearing chunky. Unfortunately, some artists will still offer it just because you’re willing to pay, which isn’t the most ethical approach – and you already know how we feel about that!

Don’t get me wrong – I’ve seen some beautiful microblading results! However, it is typically from artists with a deep understanding of the procedure and skin anatomy. Additionally, it is typically “ideal” candidates with young, normal to dry skin, and who have existing brow hair. Microblading can add good density, giving the illusion of more brow hair. Powder brows can have the same effect, giving the brows a shaded background to appear fuller.

No matter what procedure you prefer, always do your homework on the treatment and the person performing it! Even if Inkvictus isn’t the right fit for you or we aren’t in your geographical area, our aim is always to advocate for our clients and make sure you are well informed on any decision you make regarding your cosmetic enhancements.

In our next blog post, we are going to touch on the topic of aftercare for your brow investment. At Inkvictus, we take aftercare seriously, offering detailed step-by-step instructions, clear do’s and don’ts, and a timeline of what to expect as you progress through the healing process. We’ll also explore the reasoning behind our guidelines and give you a deeper understanding of how healing unfolds. Stay tuned for all the insights you need to ensure your brows look fabulous!

Okay love you, bye!