Eyebrow feathering is a cosmetic procedure that utilizes tattooing to replicate the appearance of natural hair strands.
The hair stroke technique creates complete, feather-like brows with a consistent, soft, and beautifully arched appearance. Fine hairlines are formed by implanting micro-pigments below the epidermis using either a hand tool or digital machine, known as microblading. Occasionally, both devices are used in combination to achieve the desired outcome.
Some benefits of microblading for eyebrow feathering are:
Similar to any eyebrow tattoo, procedure may not be suitable for clients with oily skin and large pores. The excess sebum production can result in less pigment retention and cause the strokes to blur, merge, and fade faster.
In addition to oily skin, other contraindications exist for treating feather eyebrows, making it unsafe for specific individuals.
The list is subject to change. If you have any medical conditions or take medications that are not included, please inform your artist so they can evaluate the safety of the treatment for you.
To ensure a successful appointment and optimal results, it is essential to follow some pre-care instructions:
The process starts with a consultation with the eyebrow artist. During this consultation, you will discuss your preferred eyebrow shape, colour, and overall look. The artist will also evaluate your natural eyebrow shape and facial features to develop a customised plan that fits you.
Before beginning the procedure, a topical numbing cream is applied to the eyebrow area to minimise discomfort. This assists in ensuring a more comfortable experience throughout the eyebrow feathering process.
During the mapping and design process, the artist will meticulously map and design the shape of your new eyebrows. This step includes precise measurements and markings to ensure symmetry and balance between brows. The objective is to achieve a natural-looking outcome that enhances your facial features.
The feathering technique is the primary method used in eyebrow feathering. It involves applying gentle and subtle strokes to the eyebrow area, mimicking the natural growth pattern of the existing eyebrow hairs. Unlike microblading, which creates individual hair-like strokes, eyebrow feathering uses a lighter touch for a more blended and seamless look.
During the pigment application process, a semi-permanent pigment is used to fill in the strokes. The pigment matches the colour of your natural eyebrows or the shade you desire. The artist will ensure the colour is evenly distributed for a natural look.
During the procedure, the artist will regularly assess the progress, making necessary adjustments to ensure symmetry and achieve the desired appearance.
After the eyebrow feathering process, the artist will give you aftercare instructions. These usually include avoiding water on the eyebrows for a few days, not using certain skincare products on the treated area, and keeping the eyebrows moisturised.
A follow-up appointment is typically scheduled 4 to 6 weeks after the initial session. This allows the artist to make any required touch-ups and adjustments to ensure long-lasting and satisfactory results.
The eyebrow feathering session can vary in length depending on the design and the client’s needs. Selecting a qualified and experienced eyebrow artist is essential for a successful and safe procedure.
Eyebrow feathering is a widespread technique known for its natural appeal. It involves recreating your brow colour to achieve a natural look. Multiple colours create dimension, concealing additional hairline strokes around the brow. This technique helps to achieve the right shape and fullness that complement your features.
Before your appointment, a consultation will be conducted to determine the most suitable brow shape and colour. It is crucial to select a reputable salon with positive reviews to ensure that they have a thorough understanding of how different skin colours absorb specific minerals in pigments, resulting in optimal outcomes.
When colour matching, your eye colour, natural skin tone, and hair colour will be considered. Brows can also be subtly filled or completely remodelled.
During the initial days following the procedure, eyebrows may appear darker. This is a normal part of the healing process and will gradually fade as the brows adjust to the pigment.
Feather eyebrows require some time to heal as they are created by breaking the skin’s surface. The healing process for feather brows is not overly intense, but it does involve some bothersome phases.
The stages of feather eyebrows healing are:
Following an aftercare routine during the first two weeks is essential for adequately healing your brows and preventing infection.
During the healing process, pigment may be extracted from the skin, resulting in patchy or light areas in your eyebrows. It is recommended to schedule a touch-up appointment 6–8 weeks after the initial procedure to add more pigments, enhance the results, and ensure long-lasting effects.
When considering eyebrow feathering, being aware of potential risks is essential. To mitigate these risks, it is recommended to research the artist you plan to book with thoroughly. Ensure they practice sterile, utilize high-quality products, and possess the necessary certifications and licenses.
Complications and infections can sometimes arise when there is a lack of skill on the artist’s part or if the client does not follow the aftercare instructions.
After the treatment, it is expected to experience some swelling and redness. Refraining from touching the scabs during healing is essential to avoid permanent scarring and compromise the results.
Allergic reactions can be prevented with a patch test. Infections are uncommon, but if you experience unusual swelling, itchiness, and redness, you must seek assistance from your artist and dermatologist.
With expertise in the professional tattooing industry since 2016, Anastasia is a certified and licensed cosmetic tattooing specialist specialising in eyebrow feathering. She holds all the necessary licenses and qualifications for permanent makeup in both Europe and Australia, bringing exceptional skill and artistry to every treatment she performs.
Feather eyebrows can be removed if desired. There are currently three methods for successful brow tattoo removal.
These methods are effective for removing old microfeathering. However, in the event of botched brows, the only options for emergency removal are saline removal and glycolic acid removal. These can be performed within the first 48 hours after the treatment before the brows heal. If healing has already started, waiting 6–8 weeks is necessary.
Eyebrow feathering is commonly recommended for clients with dry to normal skin who already have relatively thick brows and desire to enhance and fluff them up. However, it is worth noting that while the treatment can also be performed on clients with sparser brows, regular microblading tends to yield more realistic results when starting from scratch. Microfeathering involves the addition of hair strokes to create the appearance of natural volume rather than a makeup look. This technique produces naturally thick eyebrows that can be paired with any makeup look.