The Difference Between Microblading and an Ombre Powder Brow

Microblading and a powder brow are both a tattoo process in which you implant pigment into the skin, but with different methods and different results.

Microblading uses a tool to scratch pigment into the skin while a Powder Brow or Ombre Powder Brow uses a tattoo machine that is used specifically for applying permanent makeup. This machine implants tiny pixelated dots of pigment into the skin mimicking the look of a brow pencil or powdered makeup from where it got it’s namesake. While both can procure beautiful results, you want to be careful on the artist you choose for each and also be sure that you're an actual candidate for the process you want.

When microblading is done by the right artist, on the right person with the right type of skin and at the right depth, it can create beautiful hair like strokes. The downside is that people with oily skin, mature skin, and sometimes even very fair skin will not take the strokes as nicely and the pigment can bleed into the skin causing the strokes to be much thicker and faded out looking. If your artist is not well seasoned, your brows can also be put too deep into the skin making this result happen as the tattoo ages.

And ombre powder brow or powder brow is different in that it works nicely on all skin types, including oily and mature skin. The look will be just as beautiful if not more so depending on what you're going for. While you always should vet your artist based on their healed results, there is a little more room for error with the powder brow.

The biggest thing with both procedures is to make sure the mapping is done carefully and properly and that you are allowed to approve the final shape. Look at the artists social media and website to find pictures of their healed results. If you notice all of the results look the same, you may want to avoid this artist because your brows should be specific to YOUR face and YOUR personal tastes. An artist that does the same brow for every client, may not know how to enhance and maximize your features. 

While I can very much appreciate a well crafted Microbladed Brow, in my office I offer an Ombre Powder Brow or a Basic Powder Brow because it I find it ages better, lasts longer, looks better on more people, and generally, people are happier for longer with their results.