The most frequently asked question  in regards to eyebrow cosmetic tattoos – and one which requires some explanation, – there is no one technique which is more favourable than the other – the different methods of application achieve different looks, and are suitable for different faces/hair types.

Hair Stroke/Feathering Technique

Semi permanent (eyebrow embroidery, 3D brows, micro stroking) and the powder fill/solid fill technique (also referred to as solid fill method) (more info…)

The hair stroke technique has become in-demand in recent years, there is a trend of thick yet bushy and natural looking brows that seem to be on all the catwalks at the moment (Think Cara Delevingne)

Cara Delevingne

Cara Delevingne bushy brows

To create a realistic, believable looking brow, the hair stroke method is the best, which essentially is using a hand held blade to create lots of little hair like impressions by implanting pigment in a line under the skin.

Advantage: It looks very natural, simulating real hair. It is perfect for people that have sparse hair coverage, and for those who want to fill out gaps in their eyebrows where hair is missing. The hair strokes can be made to mimic the natural hair present in colour, thickness and curl in an artistic way. In young skin, it is successful in recreating a complete brow where little to no hair exists (bald)

However, it is not as long lasting as the:

Solid Fill Method

– this is due to the fact that the technique of ‘stroking’ the blade through the skin to create a ‘hair like’ mark implants the pigment very shallowly compared to the solid fill method. It usually needs to be retouched more frequently than the powder fill method, as it fades more quickly (particularly the hair stroke brows done in lighter colours). So if the most vital factor in your permanent makeup treatment is that it lasts long, its best not opt for the hair stroke technique alone.

Also, in older skin, or skin that has been aged prematurely from sun exposure, the hair strokes do not stay in the skin (crisp hair stroke lines) as in younger, more elastic skin. So for mature clients, I would often recommend the powder fill, or hair strokes over an initial powder fill treatment, for a better result.

Powder fill explanation: This involves the application of thousands of tiny little dots of pigment, inserted into the skin, gradually building up a colour and a defined shape. It is the more traditional method of cosmetic tattoo, and the pigment usually lasts longer when applied in this manner, as it is pushed deeper into the skin.

However, many are weary of this method, as it might look too ‘solid’ or unnatural, because the end result is a more defined, solid look than hair strokes alone. However, it can be made to look quite natural looking – by not over saturating the desired brow shape 100% with pigment – to allow a defined yet powdery/non solid look.

Solid fill brows do have a more defined look compared to the hair strokes, and some people don’t like this look as much, as it can lack in texture (not 3D). The solid fill tattoo has in previous years got quite a bad reputation, as in many older style facial tattoos you see these days, the pigments used were not really ideal for cosmetic tattooing (black fading to blue or green). Cosmetic tattoo pigments have evolved, pigments for brows are soft browns, blondes, and taupes, and all extremely natural looking,

A great compromise between the two methods above, is having an initial powder/solid fill treatment in a slightly lighter pigment that you would like for the final result, followed about 4-6 weeks later by a slightly darker hair stroke application over the top. This is a great way to achieve a natural hair stroke look, but with better definition and longevity than hair stroke on bald brows.

Book your consultation or send us a photograph of your current brows to get our opinion!

Aftercare for Permanent Brows
Gallery for Permanent Brows