Microfeathering is a semi-permanent tattoo technique used to enhance your eyebrows by adding tiny hair-like strokes using a special tool. Feather eyebrows create natural-looking fluffy eyebrows that last a long time. If you want a low-maintenance solution for fuller, thicker eyebrows, microfeathering is a good choice.
Feather eyebrows work for brows of all shapes and sizes. They are easily customized to your face shape and simple to maintain, requiring a color boost only every 8-12 months.
What is microfeathering?
Microfeathering, also known as feather eyebrows, is a modern and effective technique of tattooing brows to make them look fuller and more aesthetic. This cosmetic procedure is a cost-effective way to;
- Fill in sparse areas of the brow
- Create thick-looking eyebrows
- Natural, soft looking brows
Unlike permanent tattooing, microfeathering involves pigment deposition only in the superficial layer of the skin (dermis). The superficial pigment fades away after some time, lasting typically 16-18 months.
Microfeathering vs. microblading
Microfeathering is a derivative of microblading, but differs in a few key aspects.
Microfeathering is a technique for people who have reasonably full eyebrows but want to fill in sparse areas and maintain natural-looking brows. Eyebrow feathering typically covers small empty patches on the brow skin.
Microblading is better suited for people with thin eyebrows, as it covers a larger area.
Microblading can completely transform the shape of the entire eyebrow while microfeathering targets specific areas.
Both use hair-like strokes that mimic the look of your natural brows to make your eyebrows look thicker.
What to look for in a microfeathering artist or brow studio
Whether you receive the desired results significantly comes down to the skill of your brow artist. Microfeathering is an art, so it is vital to practice some due diligence and book the ideal artist for the job.
Look for a qualified and reputable microfeathering artist. Check the studio’s credibility by reading online user reviews on search engines like Google and Instagram.
Check out their website and read client testimonials. Competent and experienced artists share their microfeathering ‘before and after’ comparisons on their websites and social media platforms.
Another crucial tip is to select an artist having previous experience with feather tattooed eyebrows. This is because microfeathering requires skill, attention to detail, and excellent hand-to-eye coordination.
As your eyebrows are among the most noticeable features of your facial profile, do some research before booking your appointment with an eyebrow artist.
The consultation
A detailed consultation with your brow stylist is essential before taking the plunge.
Professional studios trained in microfeathering will always offer a consultation with clients before treatement. During this session, you and your brow artist will discuss your needs and realistic expectations about the results.
The artist will analyze your skin type (oily, dry, etc.), hair type, and skin tone before deciding if you’re a good candidate for microfeathering.
You can determine the shape of your eyebrows and select the pigment type color that suits your existing hair.
If you are a good candidate, the artist guides you to avoid plucking, twisting, and waxing the eyebrows a few weeks before the procedure.
Microfeathering procedure
The process of brow feathering starts with the brow expert marking the area using a brow pencil and ruler and applying a numbing agent on the brow skin. The artist then makes small and fine incisions superficially.
Your cosmetic specialist delivers micro pigments into the superficial (papillary) dermis via a fine manual device comprising tiny needles, creating hair strokes matching your existing brows.
A micro feathering appointment can generally last around two to three hours. Your brow expert decides how many sessions you require for your particular condition. Some get the ideal results in just one session, while others may need up to three treatments to reach their beauty goals.
Microfeathering is a safe procedure, and there is minimal discomfort associated with it. Your beauty therapist will apply a numbing solution that will keep pain or minor side effects like redness or swelling at a minimum.
Microfeathering Aftercare
The job is only half done when you walk out of the studio after undergoing the procedure. The final results depend significantly on the recovery phase and how well you manage caring for your newly pigmented eyebrows.
There are specific aftercare measures that you should take into consideration for optimal healing and results while preventing any complications.
These include:
Keep your brows clean
The pigment imparts a darker color immediately after the procedure. Dab the eyebrows with cotton dipped in sterilized water to protect the area from infection. That helps wash off excess pigment and keeps the incision site sterile.
Avoid makeup
Cosmetic products contain chemicals that are suitable for healthy skin. Applying makeup can be harsh on the pigments. You should avoid wearing makeup for at least one week after the procedure, especially products containing alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs).
Keep your eyebrows dry
Tattoo artists recommend avoiding water on the eyebrows for a couple of weeks post-micro feathering. Water exposure could interfere with the results. You must practice caution when bathing and washing your face to avoid exposing the treated area to water for at least the first week.
Use a sunblock
Wearing an SPF 30 cream outdoors during the day will protect it from the sun, preventing the pigment from fading out earlier than usual.
Don’t pick at scabs
The healing phase of feathering is characterized by scab formation. This is more evident in cases where a greater skin surface area is tattooed. You might find skin itchy and scratchy during this period, but avoid scratching to allow healing and prevent scar formation.
Microfeathering can take around one month to heal. The over-pigmentation settles within a few weeks. The tenderness and pain go away within a few days. You can expect to see flaking and peeling of the skin during the healing period.
How to make your feather brows last
If you’ve invested in micro feathered brows, you want them to last as long as possible. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your microfeathering:
Firstly, after your appointment, avoid touching your brows as much as possible, and be gentle when cleansing the area. This will prevent the pigment from fading too quickly.
Another important step is to avoid exfoliating the brow area for at least a week after the procedure. This will give the pigment time to settle in and stick to the skin, making it more long-lasting.
It’s also crucial to protect your brows from the sun, especially during the first few weeks after the procedure. Apply sunscreen to the area or wear a hat to shield your brows from harmful UV rays.
To extend the life of your feathered brows, use a gentle cleanser and avoid using products with harsh chemicals, such as glycolic acid or retinol. These can cause the pigment to fade faster.
Finally, make sure to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your artist. These may include avoiding certain activities or products for a period of time after the procedure to ensure the best results.
Risks of microfeathering
Microfeathering is a highly safe cosmetic procedure; however, micro-incisions are linked to some risks and side effects.
Infection can occur if the artist does not use sterile equipment or if you do not follow the aftercare tips, like not peeling off scabs.
Dabbing the site with cotton soaked in sterilized water can significantly reduce the risk of infection after treatment.
An inexperienced or incompetent brow artist can leave you with less-than-ideal results which can be disheartening.
You can mitigate these risks by investing time and effort in choosing a qualified and reputed brow artist for the job.
The cost of microfeathering
Microfeathering is an affordable and less expensive procedure than microblading. The cost of tattooing depends on various factors, including;
- Location of the artist
- The experience of the artist
- The reputation of the studio
- Your specific skin and hair condition
The average cost of feather eyebrows is about $600-2000 on average.
FAQs
The following are some frequently asked questions about microfeathering:
What’s the difference between microblading and microfeathering?
Microblading is an extensive process to correct the whole eyebrow due to alopecia or extensive thinning. Microfeathering is a type of microblading that only adds volume to specific small areas of the eyebrows with sparse patches.
What’s the difference between powder brows and microfeathering?
Powder brows, also called ombre eyebrows, use a more traditional type of cosmetic tattooing process to give long-lasting results. Tiny amounts of pigment are inserted into the skin and slowly built up to create the desired color density and brow shape. Powder fill brows give more definition to the overall shape of the brow versus feather brows that focus on mimicking and filling in your brow’s natural hairs.
How long do feather eyebrows last?
Microfeathering generally lasts about a year. The pigments fade out after 10- 12 months. Optimal aftercare is indispensable for better retention of the pigments.
Getting annual touch-up sessions will help maintain a fuller look on the brows.
Is feathering Better than microblading?
Feathering is a less invasive process than microblading. It will leave you with fuller, more natural look to the eyebrows. Feathering is ideal to fill out patchy brows. Microfeathering is best if you’re looking for some softer shading to fill out your eyebrows.
Is microfeathering painful?
Microfeathering causes minimal discomfort. The tattoo artist applies a numbing cream or gel on the treatment site, minimizing pain or discomfort. The majority of people report it as a comfortable and painless procedure.
Can I wear makeup on my microfeathered eyebrows?
It is generally not recommended to wear makeup on newly microfeathered eyebrows. That is because the chemicals in cosmetics and makeup products can interfere with the tattoo pigments.
How do I remove makeup from feathered eyebrows?
However, extra caution is required to remove makeup after its application. Use only water to wash off the makeup gently. Be sure to use a patting, not rubbing, motion for the purpose. Please do not use makeup remover, as it may ruin your microfeathering.
Can I swim after microfeathering?
Avoiding water exposure for a week following your appointment. Swimming immediately after microfeathering is not recommended.
Brow experts also advise against excessive sweating or using a steam room.
How do I choose the right shape and color for my microfeathered eyebrows?
You should consult an experienced and licensed brow tattoo artist for proper guidance on the shape and color for your feather eyebrows.
Be sure to ask your brow artist if they have worked with people who have similar face structure and skin tone before. If they have, ask to see before and after photos so you can judge the outcome for yourself.
Key takeaways on microfeatherting
Microfeathering is an advanced procedure that imparts a fuller appearance to your eyebrows. The cosmetic process involves a tattoo artist injecting tiny pigments into your superficial skin to cover patches of missing hair.
The semi-permanent and painless procedure lasts about a year. This is a form of microblading treatment, except that it does not cover the entire surface of the brows and retains its shape.
Choosing an experienced and qualified artist is at the core of mitigating infectious risks and achieving the expected results. Proper aftercare and touch-ups can contribute to the longevity and effectiveness of the pigmentation.
Laura is a beauty expert with 5 years prior experience working in cosmetics and lash salons. When not writing you can find her experimenting with the trending makeup looks, or reading a good book snuggled up with her French Bulldog Max. Laura is currently a contributing writer and Beauty Editor at BeatyStack.