Finally getting the attention they deserve, eyebrows are becoming the star of so many shows across social media. But with all of the options available these days, it’s tough to choose the treatment that’s right for you.
Henna Brow and microblade treatments are both effective and popular cosmetic procedures for enhancing the appearance of eyebrows. Though they have certain similarities, they are quite different in terms of their methods, longevity, and cost.
Microblading is a semi-permanent brow treatment. Similar to a tattoo, micro blading delivers a polished and gloss-like look, whereas henna brows are more like a stain with a more matte or powdery finish. Microbladed brows can last up to 12 months while henna brows lasts for about 6 weeks. Henna Brows are a great option for anyone looking to enhance the appearance of their eyebrows without the commitment of a more invasive or permanent procedure. If you’re looking for something that will look more natural over time, henna eyebrows may be the better option for you.
Henna Brow Process
The henna brow process typically involves 6 steps:
1. Patch Test
Initially, the brow expert will perform a patch test to make sure you don’t have a sensitivity to the henna product on the skin beneath the brow area.
2. Clean the Skin
After passing the patch test, the next step is cleaning any make-up, dead skin, and excessive oils around and beneath the brow hair. The cleaner the skin, the better the results and the longer the effect will last.
3. Shape the Eyebrows
There are several techniques that can be used during this step including threading, plucking, and waxing. To achieve a precise, outlined edge, the brow expert will apply a white paste around the brow shape to prevent any leakage.
4. Choose a Shade
Henna brows sometimes get a bad rap because they are associate with the colour red. Henna brows are different than henna tints or tattoos. Just like brow makeup, brow lamination, or tinting, henna brows can be formulated to create the exact color you prefer from blonde to black and every shade in between. Henna brows actually have a cool color tone and do not look red (unless that’s the shade you’d like!)
Before the treatment begins, your brow expert will discuss the best shade for you depending on the client’s preference and skin tone. Because some colors develop differently on different skin types, it’s recommended that first-timers start with a slightly darker shade.
5. Prepare the Henna Solution
Once you have decided on a colour, the brow expert mixes the henna powder with water to form a paste.
6. Apply the Henna Solution
Before applying the solution, the brow expert will apply a barrier cream to outline the desired shape. Then the henna paste is applied and allowed to sit for about 20 minutes.
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What are the Pros and Cons of Henna Brows?
Pros of Henna Brows
Enhanced appearance: Henna brows can give eyebrows a fuller, thicker, darker, and more defined look. It can also help eyebrows to appear more symmetrical and even.
Longevity: Henna brows can last up to six weeks depending on the individual’s skin type, skin color, and hair growth cycle.
Low maintenance: Henna brows require minimal upkeep when compared to other eyebrow treatments.
To keep henna brows intact for the longest time possible, it’s important to follow these aftercare tips for the first 24 hours.
- Avoid using make-up removers.
- Refrain from rubbing the brow area.
- Avoid warm facial cleansing and steam facials.
- Do not expose your brows to the sun’s rays.
- Avoid swimming.
Time-saving: A henna brow treatment can make your morning routine easier because you don’t have to worry about constantly fixing or touching up your eyebrows.
Non-invasive: Henna brows are a non-invasive, chemical-free procedure, requiring no knives or needles. This makes it a safer and less painful alternative to microblading or other permanent makeup techniques.
Painless: Since no cutting or injections are involved, a henna brow treatment is completely pain-free .
Works on most brow types: Henna can be used on all types of eyebrows, including unruly brows, sparse, unruly, or asymmetrical brows. It can also help cover up bald spots, gray hairs, or gaps in the eyebrows. Folks with oily skin might experience fading faster than those with normal or dry skin.
Affordable : Henna brows are less expensive than microblading at the outset, though the treatment must be repeated more often.
While henna brows are a popular eyebrow enhancement technique, there are some potential cons to consider when comparing it to microblading.
Here are some of the cons of henna brows:
Cons of Henna Brow Treatment
Shorter lifespan: While henna brows can last up to six weeks or more, microblading can last for up to 18 months. This means you’ll have to get your brows tinted more frequently than if you had your brows microbladed.
Not as permanent: Henna brows are a temporary solution for eyebrow shaping and styling, while microblading is a semi-permanent technique.
Less precise: While henna brow treatments help darken, shape, and define the brows , it’s not as precise as microblading. With microblading, the technician can create precise hair-like strokes to fill in gaps and create a desired shape. Henna brows on the other hand, relies on the existing hair to achieve the desired shape.
May not work for everyone: Henna brows may not be suitable for people with very oily skin, as oil and water don’t mix and the henna solution is made with just water. Microblading, on the other hand, can help create the illusion of fuller, thicker eyebrows even for people with oily skin.
Slight risk of irritation: Because henna involves the use of a dye made from the henna plant, it might not be a good choice for people with sensitive skin. A patch test will be performed prior to treatment.
Overall, the choice between henna brows and microblading depends on your personal preferences, skin type, lifestyle, and eyebrow goals. While henna tinting is a great temporary solution for shaping, shading, and redefining your eyebrows, microblading may be a better option for those looking for a more permanent solution.
Microblading Treatment Overview
Microblading is a semi permanent treatment that involves creating hair-like strokes to mimic natural brow hairs. Microblading is a popular option for anyone looking to enhance the appearance of their eyebrows, those looking to create a more perfect eyebrow shape, or those who simply want to save time in their daily makeup routine.
Microblading Process
During the microblading process, a brow expert maps out the desired shape of the brows, taking into account the client’s natural brow shape and facial features. They then use a sterile, disposable microblading tool to create small, hair-like strokes in the skin’s uppermost epidermis layer using a specialized pigment. The pigment is deposited into the skin using the microblading tool, creating a natural-looking brow.
Though microblading is a longer lasting technique than other brow enhancement treatments like henna eyebrow tinting, tweezing, waxing and brow lamination, lasting up to two years, it requires a longer recovery. Following microblading, it is important to follow your brow artist’s aftercare instructions. Microblading aftercare includes using an aftercare ointment and/or hydrating balm, avoiding excessive sweating, sun exposure, and certain skincare products in the eyebrow area. It’s also important to keep the area clean and moisturized to promote proper healing.
What are the Pros and Cons of Microblading Treatment?
Microblading is an extremely effective treatment for those looking for natural looking eyebrows and longer-lasting results. While there are some very real benefits to microblading, including less touch ups, there are also some drawbacks. It’s important to be aware of both before making the decision to undergo this treatment.
Pros of Microblading
Long lifespan: Microblading can last up to 18 months or more, while henna brows typically lasts up to six weeks.
Natural-looking: Microblading creates the illusion of natural brow hairs. The hair-like strokes created with microblading are very precise and realistic.
Works for thin or sparse brows: Microblading can help create the appearance of fuller, thicker eyebrows, even if you have very thin or sparse brows. Henna tinting may not be suitable for people with oily skin.
More precise: Microblading is a more precise technique than henna brows since it involves creating semi-permanent individual hair-like strokes. This allows the brow artist to create a more customized and natural-looking shape for your eyebrows.
Low maintenance: Once the healing process is complete, microbladed eyebrows require little to no maintenance.
Cons of Microblading
While microblading is a popular eyebrow enhancement technique, there are some potential cons to consider when comparing it to henna brows. Here are some of the cons of microblading:
More expensive: Microblading is generally more costly than henna brows because the procedure requires more skill, specialized equipment, and a longer time commitment from the brow artist.
More invasive: Microblading is a semi-permanent tattooing technique that involves making small incisions in the skin. This makes it more invasive than non-invasive henna tinting.
Longer healing time: Microblading requires a longer healing time than henna brows. It can take up to two weeks for the skin to fully heal, during which time the client must avoid certain activities and products to prevent irritation or infection.
More permanent/more of a commitment: While microblading is only semi-permanent, it is still a more permanent solution than henna tinting , which also means that if you change your mind about the shape or style of your brows, it may be difficult to make any changes once the procedure is complete.
Higher risk of infection: As with any tattooing procedure, microblading carries the risk of infection in the treated area if proper protocols are not followed. This is why it’s critical to choose a reputable and experienced practice to avoid this risk.
Henna Brows vs. Microblading, Which Treatment is Right for Me?
Henna brows and microblading are both highly effective brow enhancement trends that have been experiencing rising popularity in recent years. Choosing a henna brow treatment or microblading is a personal choice that should be made only after conducting some of your own research and exploration.
If you’re like most people and you crave bushy, thick, instagramable brows, but you’re sick and tired of taking so much time during your morning DIY brow makeup ritual to mimic them, you’re probably ready for professional help. The truth is, having any professional brow treatment, whether it’s henna brows, micro blading, or brow lamination, will allow you to take that time and use it to be more productive, less rushed, and enjoy life.
Just imagine eliminating the time it takes to outline your brows, apply wax, use a pen or pencil, and do whatever else you do during your morning brow routine and using that time to earn more money, play with your dog, or stop for coffee on your way to work. Basically, professional brow treatments can pay for themselves when you do a little math!
If you’re looking to enhance your looks and save time in the morning, both henna brows and microblading are great options. The choice between the two depends on preferences, goals, and budget.
For a more in-depth look at Henna Brow Treatment, see our blog post, A Complete Guide to Henna Brow Treatment.
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Where Can I Get Henna Brows?
Specialist Skin Solutions is a skincare clinic specialising in a full menu of brow and lash treatments designed to help you love your skin.
Our elite team of brow experts rely on cutting-edge treatments and years of training to administer a variety of brow treatments with the utmost precision and care in a relaxed, upscale setting.
