Microblading vs Powder Brows

Microblading vs powder brows is a debate that can seem overwhelming with so much information available to tug you in all directions. But today, we’ll distill that info succinctly for you to help you make the best decision for your brows. You can learn more about our microblading services here or our powder brow services here but continue to discover 3 crucial considerations that set these two juggernauts of beauty service apart. 

Consideration #1

Technique

Powder Brows

Otherwise known as Ombre brows, this gives us insight into the technique. According to Merriam Webster, Ombre means the following:

having colors or tones that shade into each other

The ultimate goal is to create a soft, more diffused effect – powdery if you will. The machine utilized implants the necessary pigment in a shaded manner for a comparitively more subtle finish. 

Microblading

Microblading on the other hand requires a handheld tool controlled by a skilled artist creating hair-like strokes custom to each client implanting pigment into the upper layer of the skin. This leads to a more defined result mimicking the natural eyebrow and supplementing your existing hair.

Below you can see a side by side comparison of results of our clients – see for yourself if you can spot the differences we just discussed.

microblading vs powder brows

Consideration #2

Results

When it comes down to it, how the final brows look is a major factor which of course can vary dependingf on what is important to you. You can view our portfolio to find client results of each service you are looking for or view other content we’ve made like microblading before and after each session. At the end of the day, both create stunning brows that our clients always love.

 Microblading: Best for those looking to achieve a more full, robust look naturally, our clients with sparse or over-plucked brows especially tend to favor microblading. The focus on individual hair strokes creates a unique look that is customized for every single client and their existing hair.

Powder Brows: The application of pigment to skin in powder brows tends to lead to a more defined result and is a good option for those with oily or otherwise textured skin. Our clients who have large patches missing also tend to favor powder brows. 

Consideration #3

Healing & Longevity

Both services share the same aftercare guidelines given they belong to the same family of beauty services – you can find that detailed information available to you here.

Microblading: The small incisions microblading creates is what leads to scabbing and and a slightly longer healing process compared to powder brows. You can still expect only 2-3 weeks on average for the brows to heal completely. 

Powder Brows: Slightly less intensive of a healing process given the application, mild skin irritation around the brow site is still reported along with redness and flaking. With there being no incision made as you’d get with microblading, the entire process of full brow recovery is slightly shorter for powder brows. 

Both services last a similar amount of time so long as you adhere to the aftercare guidelines we referred to above. You can expect a couple of years out of either service.

Below is an image of a client who is recieving their annual powder brows touch up. On the left is one year after their first appointment before we touch anything up and on the right is immediately after the annual touch up session. This gives you insight into how well the results held and still the difference a touch up session can make when you are taking care of your brows.

microblading vs powder brows after session for powder brows

Microblading vs Powder Brows: Who Wins?

The microblading vs poweder brows debate can be settled depending on your preferences, skin type, and overall final look you want to achieve. To oversimplify, here’s one way to think about it:

Choose Microblading if: 

  • You have normal to relatively dry skin
  • You’re focused on a more natural look
  • You like the defined, hair-like strokes microblading provides

Choose Powder Brows if: 

  • You enjoy the softer more filled-in appearing brow
  • You have patches of brow missing or scarring on the brow
  • Your skin is more oily or you have matured skin

Hopefully that can help you make the right decision for your beauty journey. Should you want more information on either service, you can also see our microblading FAQ guide as well as our powder brows FAQ guide. But of course if you have any questions, you can contact us and a member of our team will respond ASAP with more information.