Microblading vs Eyebrow Tattooing: Everything You Need to Know

Author: Sahra Sabri

Updated: April 16, 2025

Tired of wasting time to fill in your brows every morning? You’re certainly not the only one.

That’s exactly why microblading vs. eyebrow tattooing has sparked such a heated debate lately. Deciding which semi-permanent solution suits you best can be tricky, but the perfect eyebrows can radically transform how you look.

So, what’s microblading, and how is it different from an eyebrow tattoo? That’s probably the question you have right now.

Well, from what both are and how they work, the pros and cons, to what you can expect later, this article will tell you everything you need to know.

By the time you’ve finished reading, you’ll be able to choose the best option for your face, knowing everything between eyebrow tattoo vs microblading.

 

What is Microblading?

What exactly is microblading? Think of it as the “new kid on the block” in the world of eyebrows. It is a method that has changed how we approach semi-permanent eyebrows with its very natural-looking results.

 

Treatment and Process Overview

A trained professional uses a special handheld device with tiny needles to make superficial incisions in your skin during microblading. By inserting pigments into these incisions, hair-like strokes are created that mimic your natural brow hairs.

The procedure usually begins with a numbing cream (thank goodness!), then your perfect brow shape is measured and mapped. The whole appointment takes about two hours; real microblading takes about an hour. To perfect the strokes, most people need a touch-up session around 4-6 weeks after their first treatment. Explore our comprehensive microblading guide to learn everything you need to know.

 

Microblading Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Creates super natural-looking brows with realistic hair-like strokes
• The results perfectly complement your current brow hairs
• Not as painful as conventional tattoo techniques
• Semi-permanent, so you can change your style as trends change
• Perfect for people with uneven or sparse brows
• The color fades more naturally than tattoo ink.
• Suitable for most skin types except very oily skin.

Cons:

• Initially more expensive than eyebrow tattooing
• Not permanent, so there are ongoing costs
• Not suitable for extremely oily skin (the pigment fades faster)
• The result depends mainly on the skills of your technician.

 

What is Eyebrow Tattooing?

What is an eyebrow tattoo? It is the original method that has been around for decades. Industry studies show that eyebrow tattooing has been commercially popular since the 1980s.

 

Explanation of the Brow Tattooing Method

Using an electric machine that quickly inserts needles into your skin, traditional eyebrow tattooing involves injecting ink deep into the dermis layer. Your artist tattoos the outline and fills in the shape after designing your brow shape and applying a numbing cream.
Unlike the single strokes of microblading, tattooing usually creates a firmer, more filled-in look that looks like you’ve been wearing perfectly applied brow powder makeup all day. The procedure usually takes one to two hours and requires a follow-up a few weeks later to make any necessary changes.

 

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Really long-lasting results (3+ years)
• Better for oily skin types than microblading
• Strong, clear brows with good fill-in
• Fewer regular maintenance visits required
• Fewer regular touch-ups make it more affordable in the long run
• A quicker process in most cases
• Withstands sunlight better than microblading

Cons:

• Can look less natural than microblading
• More difficult to change if your tastes or trends change
• More uncomfortable during the procedure
• Longer recovery period than microblading
• More difficult to adapt to natural hair color over time
• Requires a knowledgeable tattoo artist who specializes in eyebrows

 

Key Differences Between Microblading and Eyebrow Tattooing

Let’s take a closer look at what differentiates the two methods. Once you know these differences, you can decide which method suits your eyebrows best.

 

Technique and Tools Used

The tools are the first and most fundamental difference between microblading and tattoo methods. Microblading uses a manual hand tool with fine needles in a row.

The technician creates each hair-like stroke by hand by dipping these needles into pigment; basically, they are tiny paper cuts with pigment.

Traditional tattooing uses an electric machine that quickly punctures the skin and applies the ink more deeply. Think of tattooing vs microblading as the difference between drawing by hand with a fine-tipped pen and using a small brush with motorized assistance.

 

Results: Natural vs. Bold and Permanent Look

The final look shows a striking difference when comparing microblading to eyebrow tattoos. Microblading creates extremely thin strokes that mimic real eyebrow hairs.

Each stroke can be placed at different angles to create the natural “I just grew incredible brows” effect. Traditional eyebrow tattooing creates a more filled-in, makeup-like look.

Although the newer tattooing methods have gotten better, they generally offer a bolder, more defined look than the natural finish of microblading.

 

Longevity and Permanence

Longevity is an important factor when deciding between eyebrow tattoo and microblading. As microblading only penetrates the top layers of the skin, the pigment fades naturally as your skin regenerates. The results usually last one to two years.
Conventional eyebrow tattoos last 3 to 5 years or longer and penetrate deeper into the dermis, where the ink is more permanent.

 

Pain and Discomfort

Most people say that microblading is less painful than conventional tattooing. Although experiences vary, both treatments use a numbing cream. Microblading feels like paper cuts or tiny scratches in the area of your eyebrows.

A manual tool causes less skin damage than a machine. As the machine penetrates deeper and moves faster, conventional eyebrow tattooing is usually more uncomfortable.

 

Healing time

These methods also have different healing times. After microblading, your eyebrows will initially appear too dark; they will then flake off slightly before they take on their actual shade. The entire process usually takes 7 to 14 days.

As the treatment damages deeper layers of the skin, eyebrow tattooing takes longer to heal — usually 2-4 weeks. Both methods require careful aftercare: during the healing process, you should avoid water, sweat, make-up, and direct sunlight on the treated area. These measures are usually required for longer with tattoos.

 

Cost comparison

If you compare the cost of microblading and eyebrow tattoos, you’ll find that there’s an interesting twist. Microblading usually costs between 400 and 800 US dollars for the first treatment and a touch-up, making it more expensive. Traditional eyebrow tattoos usually cost between 300 and 600 dollars.

However, the long-term costs speak a different language. Since microblading fades faster, you’ll need to touch up every one to two years, which increases the overall cost. Over time, conventional tattooing might be less expensive since touch-ups are less regular.

 

Microblading or Eyebrow Tattoo: Which Method Is Best for You?

Still undecided? That’s perfectly understandable! The choice between these methods is a personal decision that depends on several variables that apply to you.

 

Consider Your Eyebrow Preferences and Skin Type

This decision depends heavily on your skin type. If you have oily skin, conventional tattooing may last longer on you. On oily faces, microblading often fades faster as the oils push the pigment out of the skin quicker.

Both methods can be effective on dry to normal skin. Also, consider your taste. Do you like the look of defined individual hairs?

Microblading shines with this natural effect. Do you like a more filled-in, cosmetic look? Then you might be better suited to a traditional tattoo.

 

Longevity and commitment

Be honest with yourself when it comes to your willingness to commit. With results lasting more than three years, a traditional eyebrow tattoo is a longer-term commitment. Microblading, with its shorter lifespan, offers more flexibility if you like to change your look frequently or are experimenting with semi-permanent cosmetics for the first time.

 

Conclusion

Your choice should reflect your taste, skin type, grooming comfort, and aesthetic goals.

When performed by competent professionals, both methods can produce beautiful and time-saving results. The most important thing is to find a qualified technician who specializes in your chosen method.

At Brau, we offer professional microblading treatments in both Jumeirah and Spring Souk. Want to wake up with flawless brows? Book your appointment for microblading at Brau today.