Powder Brows: The Pros And Cons Of The Semi-Permanent Tattoo Technique

Powder brows are one of the latest beauty trends surging in popularity among the public. They are even giving microblading a run for its money, so much so that the market may be worth a whopping total of $4.1 billion by 2028. Powder brows are very similar to microblading; the powder technique works to fill in your eyebrows in the form of a semi-permanent tattoo. However, there is one key difference. While microblading creates the appearance of individual strands of eyebrow hair, the powder technique uses dots to create a smoother look. This difference in overall appearance is what really sets the two apart and is also what attracts many individuals to get the procedure done.

While this popular beauty treatment has plenty of attractive benefits, it still has downsides (just like most beauty treatments). For example, regularly getting eyelash extensions will give you beautiful, fluttery lashes but can also damage your lashes in the long term. This is just one example. So, what are the pros and cons of powder brows? Below, we'll break down all the answers.

One obvious advantage of getting powder brows is that you won't have to fill your eyebrows every time you do your makeup. This is because the beauty treatment is semi-permanent. As a result, you'll save time while undergoing your regular beauty routine, as you can entirely skip the brow-filling stage. What's not to love?

You can spend time on other important tasks that you have to do or attend to other areas of makeup on your face that need more care with all the time that you save. Likewise, if you regularly attend other beauty appointments for things such as lash lifts or extensions, you may save even more time when doing your regular makeup routine. Cutting down your routine like this may even let you catch a few extra z's in bed, helping you to top up on that much-needed beauty sleep.

Powder brows are incredibly popular — and for a good reason. If done right, powder brows offer a natural look, especially with microblading. This all boils down to the layering technique of the semi-permanent tattoo needle that works in harmony with a specialized device. Speaking to Huda Beauty, permanent makeup artist Chloe Walsh explains, "Powder brows uses a digital machine, which allows soft pixels of color to be layered onto the brows to create the perfect shape, which results in more of a 'velvet' soft eyebrow powder look." The semi-permanent tattoo artist also follows the natural shape of your brows, creating a look that appears as though you have already filled them in. 

While you can't see specific strands like with a microblading technique, it will still give you a fuller look overall. Many people opt for powder brows for this exact reason. However, make sure you go to a reputable provider in order to get the best results. If someone hasn't had sufficient training for such a procedure, it may have a knock-on effect on your brow result.

In addition to looking natural and helping to save precious time on your makeup routine, powder brows also last much longer than microblading. According to Monolith Tatoo Studio, powder brows can last one to two years longer than microblading, making them a great choice if you're looking for an eyebrow enhancement that will survive various makeup looks and beauty trends. This longevity makes this procedure a good value for money compared to similar treatments that may not endure as long.

However, they are semi-permanent, so they will eventually fade away, which is good news if you don't like them. If you understandably don't want to wait for a couple of years, you can always have them professionally removed. This process is safe and should only take a few sessions. Having this choice is another advantage in itself, as it gives you the freedom and flexibility to make the most suitable choice for you.

When we think of tattoos, we often think of a sharp needle and pain, especially in sensitive areas. It's easy for your brain to make this association due to stereotypes and biases created by your brain, even if you've never had a tattoo before. However, while you may be worried about this element of having semi-permanent powder brows, you shouldn't have much to worry about. Another pro of semi-permanent powder brows is that you should experience minimal pain, despite using a tattoo needle. This is thanks to the numbing cream, which helps minimize any discomfort you may feel.

However, it is important to note that different people will have different pain tolerances, and only you will know how you handle it personally. While some people might find the procedure slightly uncomfortable, others may find it painless. If you have any pain concerns, it's always best to ask. The individual performing the procedure should be able to ease any worries you have and give you advice for your appointment.

If you have oily skin, then you're in luck. As it turns out, powder brows are favored by individuals with oily skin. This is because there is more pigment with the semi-permanent powder brows, allowing them to hold up better against your skin's oil glands over a more extended period. In addition, the pigment is also inserted deeper into the skin, and again, this makes it more challenging for the oil glands to remove. Thanks to these two factors, you can enjoy having beautiful brows for longer. On the other hand, when it comes to microblading and oily skin, it's generally not recommended.

So, for individuals with oily skin, this is a huge advantage for obvious reasons. Not only does it give you a viable option to achieve low-maintenance, fuller brow, but it also gives you the option to tout the look over a more extended time compared to alternatives.

Powder brows can cost anywhere between $500 all the way up to over $1000. Of course, this price will largely vary depending on the location, experience, and other individual factors, such as salons setting their own unique fees. However, over a long period of time, this cost can quickly add up. For example, over the course of several years, it may cost you thousands of dollars. Of course, this is mainly dependent on an individual's financial position. For some, it may be costly, while for others, it may only take a manageable bite out of their budget.

However, the same goes for other cosmetic treatments, such as fillers, botox, lash extensions, and semi-permanent makeup, alongside a range of others. All of these procedures will cost a fair amount of money in the long term, so it's always worth considering when adding up costs and budgeting your finances.

While powder brows boast many attractive benefits, the semi-permanent tattoo treatment also has disadvantages. Like any other cosmetic and beauty treatment, you will have to get your powder brows touched up regularly throughout the years. The first touchup will occur shortly after you get them done, usually around the six-week mark. After that, you will have to return for one touchup per year to achieve the best results to maintain your "browtastic" look. However, you also have the option to let them fade out if you feel it's the right fit for you.

Likewise, you will also have to give your brows a lot of TLC and aftercare once they are complete. For example, you will have to avoid the sun and saunas for long periods, and you will have to be cautious about which skincare products you use, alongside a range of other measures and precautions. Your beauty practitioner should be able to go into more detail and provide the correct aftercare information. For some individuals, having to take such stringent measures may be offputting.