Henna Brows Vs Microblading — Everything You Need To Know
As eyebrow treatments continue to evolve and ways to enhance your brows become more accessible.
Being able to discern the key similarities and differences will help you select the best brow treatment for you.
Based on your natural eyebrows, certain methods will work better than others when trying to elevate your look!
Using henna dye to color hair has been a popular technique for decades, but the slight change to the process to use henna dye to shape and tint eyebrow hairs is a relatively newer technique.
Similarly, microblading is a relatively new method that has gained popularity over the last few years, used to shape and simulate the appearance of brow hairs for a fuller look.
While both techniques promise results of brows that look denser and shapelier, it is essential to understand the intricacies of each method to determine which one is best suited for you.
So, what do you need to know about henna brows and microblading?
While there are some similarities, henna brows and microblading have several key differences. Henna brows naturally define the brow by tinting the hairs and skin to create the illusion of a fuller brow. Microblading creates hair-like strokes in sparse areas of the brows to create a full, defined eyebrow.
We’ll discuss each of the treatments in depth below to help you determine which method to try out!
What Are Henna Brows?
Henna brows are a natural alternative to eyebrow tinting.
While both processes use dye to color the brow hairs, the dye used in the henna process is derived from the henna plant and does not consist of any harsh chemicals.
Not only does the henna process tint the brow hairs, but it also tints the skin underneath the brows to give the appearance of a fuller brow, while regular tinting only colors the brow hairs.
The henna process also helps to enhance the shape of the brow, as it colors the skin to add to or adjust the appearance of the brows.
By also tinting the skin, the sparse areas of the brows appear filled in.
However, henna brows work best on eyebrows that already have existing hair — brows that are too sparse or do not have any hair will not achieve the desired results.
The overall results of henna brows can last up to six weeks.
Benefits
Henna brows are perfect if you are looking for a naturally derived brow tint from a non-invasive process.
Henna brows can also help you achieve your desired brow shape by tinting the skin to enhance or adjust the definition and arch, while also filling in sparse areas.
The result of tinting the skin creates a natural shadow of color, giving the appearance of a denser brow.
The henna brow treatment is also more cost-effective than other semi-permanent brow treatments, with an average price of between $45-$100.
There is no downtime required for henna brows, as it is a non-invasive treatment.
However, after the process, you should limit sun exposure and avoid wetting your brows for 24 hours.
Side Effects
There are no known side effects associated with henna brows, as the dye is naturally derived.
However, a patch test should be performed prior to treatment to determine if there is any potential for an allergic reaction.
If you have an existing skin condition (such as rosacea or psoriasis) on or around the brow area, this is not a recommended treatment.
The results of henna brows can last up to six weeks; however, the color on the skin typically only lasts for two weeks.
If your skin is more oily, the results may fade sooner than those with a normal to dry skin type.
As the results only last about six weeks, frequent applications will be necessary to maintain the look.
Process
To begin the henna brow process, your brow specialist will shape your existing eyebrows by tweezing or waxing to ensure brows are clean and defined.
After the basis of the desired brow is achieved, any excess oil, residual makeup, or dead skin cells will be wiped away so that the henna can be applied to a fresh canvas.
The specialist will help map out the desired shape of the brow and then apply a barrier cream to prevent the henna dye from spreading beyond the intended shape.
The henna pigment is mixed together to achieve a color that matches your brow hair, and is then applied with a proper applicator, such as an angled brush.
After a thick coat of henna dye is applied, it will sit on the skin for anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes.
Once the pigment has been applied to the skin for the required time, it will be wiped away — the entire process typically takes about 30-45 minutes.
You can resume your normal activities after a henna brow treatment.
However, it is essential to avoid getting your brows wet or experiencing increased sun exposure for 24 hours post-application.
What Is Microblading?
Microblading is a semi-permanent brow treatment that creates the appearance of fuller, more defined brows by adding pigment to create additional hair-like strokes.
The process utilizes a small, handheld needling tool to create small cuts in the skin, which are then filled with pigment to mimic the appearance of brow hair.
Microblading helps to enhance and define the appearance and shape of the brow to suit your individual brow style and facial features.
Microblading is an alternative to tattooing, as it is semi-permanent and uses different pigments to add color.
The results of microblading are long-lasting, lasting up to 12 months, and typically require touch-ups every six months.
Benefits
Microblading is well-suited for most brow types, including those with very sparse or thin brows, as it fills in these areas with hair-like strokes.
Microblading also works to add definition and shape to your brows by adding hairs to the arch or tail, or anywhere the appearance of additional brow hairs is needed to enhance the shape.
The results of microblading are long-lasting, typically lasting between 6 and 12 months.
To maintain the appearance of your brows, touch-ups are generally recommended or required once every six months.
Side Effects
As microblading uses a small, fine-tipped tool to deposit color into the skin.
The process may result in slight pain or discomfort throughout the session, even with the numbing cream that is applied first.
After treatment, you may experience some slight irritation around the eye area.
Microblading will take at least one week to heal — during that time, brows will appear flaky and scabby, and can feel itchy throughout the healing process.
The results and appearance of your brows can change from day to day as they heal, due to scabbing and the pigment settling into the skin.
During the healing process, it is best to avoid applying makeup to the brows, as well as any oil-based skincare or makeup removers.
It is essential that you refrain from wetting your brows after the treatment and during the healing process.
While the results are long-lasting and can last anywhere from 1 to 3 years, oily skin types may see the results fade faster than those with normal or dry skin types.
Process
The process of having your eyebrows microbladed typically takes at least two sessions, or sometimes even three.
The sessions for microblading can last between 40 minutes to two hours.
The first session involves the initial application of color and shape, and the subsequent two or three sessions are used for touch-ups to add any additional pigment or definition.
The first step in your microblading session will be to collaborate with your specialist to determine your desired outcome for your brows and how to best achieve those goals in relation to your face and brow shape.
Once the desired shape has been decided, a numbing cream will be applied to the brow to prep the area for the needling tool.
After the numbing cream is absorbed, your specialist will use a handheld needling tool to manually create small incisions in the skin while also depositing the color pigment.
The small cuts are created to add the appearance of more brow hair.
Once the specialist has finished using the needling tool, they will apply an aftercare cream to soothe the brow post-treatment.
The second touch-up session is typically scheduled for at least four weeks after your first appointment. Microblading typically requires several weeks to fully heal.
Similarities Between Henna Brows And Microblading
Both henna brows and microblading are techniques that can shape and define the brow.
They both add the appearance of fuller brows, though through two different methods.
Each process utilizes color pigments that are customized to match your brow and hair color for optimal results.
Differences Between Henna Brows And Microblading
Henna is a non-invasive, natural dye alternative that tints the hair and skin.
While microblading is a semi-invasive procedure that creates the appearance of additional brow hairs through a needling tool and pigment.
Henna only requires 24 hours of recovery, while microblading takes several weeks to heal completely after treatment.
There is only one appointment needed for henna brows, with results lasting approximately six weeks.
Microblading requires 2-3 sessions to achieve the desired results, with the effects lasting at least one year.
How To Decide Which Is Right For You
Deciding what method to try ultimately comes down to the desired look you want for your brows and how often you want to go for touch-ups.
Henna brows will appear softer, yet full, while microbladed brows will look defined and naturally dense.
Microblading can work on most brow types, from full to very sparse; however, henna brows require naturally existing brow hair in order for the tint to be applied and adhere.
Final Thoughts
While there are similarities between these two brow treatments, the end results differ in terms of their process, appearance, and duration.
Henna brows will give you a subtle, fuller, and softer brow, while microblading will provide you with a defined, shapely, and denser brow.
However, henna brows are an excellent choice to begin with when experimenting with different brow treatments — it is non-invasive, more affordable, and will only last up to six weeks.
