Powder brows or microblading in Brighton: the differences
Microblading makes fine strokes that look like brow hairs; powder brows give you a soft, filled-in make-up look. If you're comparing powder brows vs microblading in Brighton, the right choice depends on the finish you like and how your skin holds pigment.
Both first appointments take 1 hour 30 minutes. Microblading costs £320 and powder brows cost £375. Each price includes a consultation, brow mapping, numbing and one perfecting session 4 to 6 weeks later.
How each one looks
With microblading, I add individual strokes to fill gaps and give sparse brows more shape. The healed result is usually subtle. You can still add brow make-up when you want more definition.
Powder brows have shading instead of individual strokes. Think of the finish you get from brow powder or pencil, with a softer front if that's the look you prefer. If you already fill in your brows most days, this may feel closer to what you want.
I map the shape to your face first. You'll check it in the mirror before I begin, so we can change anything that doesn't feel right.
Skin type
Skin type matters, especially if you want clear hair strokes. On oilier skin, microbladed strokes can heal softer and look more powdery. They tend to stay more defined on drier skin.
Powder brows can work well on oily skin, where shading may hold better than individual strokes. I'll look at your natural brows and talk through the finish you want before recommending a technique. I won't suggest microblading just because you arrived asking for it.
How long each lasts
Microblading may last around 1 to 2 years. Powder brows may last around 2 to 3 years. These are guides, not promises: your skin type and aftercare affect how the pigment heals and fades.
Powder brows generally last longer than microblading. If you want a subtle result now, though, that alone isn't a reason to choose a fuller powder finish. Once solid shading is in place, you can't simply add clear hair strokes over it until the pigment fades.
Comfort and healing
I use numbing during the appointment. Clients often compare the feeling of microblading to threading; the powder brow method can feel more like small pinpricks. Neither description can tell you exactly how it will feel for you.
Brows can look darker straight after treatment and change as they heal. Microbladed brows may look faint or patchy before the colour settles. Don't pick at flaking skin, as that can affect the result. I'll give you aftercare instructions to follow at home.
Price
Microblading is £320 and powder brows are £375. Both prices include the first appointment and one perfecting session 4 to 6 weeks later. That second visit lets me check the healed colour and make adjustments.
You can see the other treatments on my price list. If you're new to semi-permanent brows, you'll also need a free patch test at least 24 hours before treatment. It takes 10 to 15 minutes. Without it, I can't carry out the treatment.
Micro-shading: the middle option
If you like hair strokes but want more colour between them, micro-shading combines strokes with soft shading. It can give sparse brows more definition without choosing a fully powdered look.
Micro-shading costs £350 and takes 1 hour 30 minutes for the first session. The price includes the consultation, mapping, numbing and one perfecting session 4 to 6 weeks later.
How to choose
Start with the look you want to see when you're wearing no brow make-up. Choose microblading if you prefer the appearance of separate hairs. Choose powder brows if you prefer a softly filled-in brow. Ask me about micro-shading if you want some of each.
You don't have to settle the choice before I see your brows. I work with one client at a time in my private room in Patcham, so there's time to discuss it and check the mapped shape together. If a treatment doesn't suit you, I'll say so. You can read more about semi-permanent brows, book online, or text me on 07824 376549 about a free patch test.
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You can book when you're ready, or message me with a question.