Brow Tattoo
Permanent Make-Up
Ombré, powder, microblading or a combination – the technique is chosen with you at your consultation.
Appointment length: About 2 hours 15 minutes, plus a consultation and patch test beforehand
What it is
A cosmetic brow tattoo that gives you shape and definition every day without make-up.
There are three ways to do it:
Ombré or powder – soft shading that builds from a lighter front to a more defined tail, like a light brow powder
Microblading – fine hair strokes that mimic natural brow hairs
Combination – hair strokes at the front with soft shading through the rest
Not every technique suits every skin. Oily or combination skin, for example, often holds shading better than hair strokes. That's why the technique is decided at your consultation, not when you book. The price is the same whichever one is right for you.
Good for
Sparse, over-plucked or uneven brows
Anyone tired of filling their brows in every day
A soft, natural finish or a bolder, more defined look
What happens on the day
You can apply numbing cream (from the pharmacy) 20–30 minutes before you arrive
I cleanse the area and draw on the shape with you. Nothing starts until you're happy with it
Pigment is built up gradually. Most people describe it as a scratching feeling rather than pain
You leave with brows that look darker than they'll heal – that's normal
How many sessions
Two: the treatment, then a review at 6–8 weeks (included). Some people need a little more.
Results
Usually 1–3 years, depending on your skin, lifestyle and aftercare. A yearly refresh keeps them looking their best.
Downtime
Brows look darker and sharper for the first week, then soften as they heal. Some flaking is normal.
Is it right for me?
Brow tattooing isn't suitable if you:
Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Are under 18
Have an active skin condition on the brows (infection, open wounds, eczema or psoriasis flare-up, cold sores)
Have uncontrolled diabetes, an autoimmune condition, a bloodborne infection, or have had cancer treatment in the last 12 months
Tend to form keloid scars
Have a condition or take medication that makes you sensitive to light
It may still be possible, with care, if you take blood thinners, have mild rosacea, had facial surgery in the last 6 months, or already have an old brow tattoo. Send me a photo or book a consultation and we'll talk it through.
Before your appointment
One week before:
No waxing, tinting or threading – the more natural hair, the better
No sunbeds or tanning on your face
Stop retinoids, peels and exfoliating skincare on the forehead
Avoid fish oil and hair, skin and nail supplements
24 hours before:
No alcohol, caffeine (including decaf) or heavy exercise
Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen and vitamin E
If you don't usually have anti-wrinkle injections or fillers, avoid the forehead and eye area for a month before. You may be more sensitive around your period.
Aftercare
First 10 days:
Clean gently with a sterile water wipe every hour for the first 6 hours, with freshly washed hands
Don't pick, rub or scratch – let any flakes come away on their own
No make-up, fake tan or skincare on the brows
No swimming, saunas, steam rooms, hot baths or long hot showers
Keep sweating to a minimum and hair off your face
Don't sleep face-down
Longer term:
No sun or sunbeds on the brows for 4 weeks, then SPF 50 once healed
No brow tinting for 4 weeks
Keep retinoids, peels and lasers away from the brow area
Tell your MRI technician you have a tattoo
Book at least 2–3 months before a holiday or wedding to allow for healing and your review.
Possible side effects
Normal: redness and swelling like mild sunburn for 24–48 hours, then dryness, tightness and light flaking.
Less common: infection if aftercare isn't followed, allergic reaction to pigment or numbing cream (your patch test checks for this), uneven fading, colour change over time, and rarely scarring.
Tattooing over scar tissue can heal less evenly, because scarred skin doesn't take pigment in a predictable way.
Questions
Does it hurt?
Most people feel a scratching sensation rather than pain. Numbing cream helps.
Will I still need make-up?
You'll have shape and definition every day. If you like a stronger look you can still add brow make-up on top.
Can you cover an old brow tattoo?
Sometimes. Send me a photo or book a consultation so I can assess it.
Is it semi-permanent?
I don't use that word, because it suggests the colour will disappear completely, and that isn't always true. Depending on your skin, medication, hormones and the pigment used, some colour can stay in the skin even once it has faded from view.
How to book
Book a PMU consultation first (£10). Your patch test is done then, at least 48 hours before treatment. Prices are on Fresha.