THREADING VS MICROBLADING

Eyebrows are the windows of the face. They balance facial symmetry and complement your facial features. You can express a lot with just the quirk of an eyebrow, and they are more essential to the harmony of your face than you realize.  Doing anything to change you face may make you raise a brow - but hear us out. Many people struggle to distinguish between Eyebrow Threading and Microblading. If you are one of those people, here are the differences between the two - and what the upsides and downsides of both procedures entail.

THREADING:

Eyebrow threading is the process of eyebrow shaping using a looped piece of thread to pluck out hairs. As the thread is rolled across your face, the hairs are plucked neatly out of the follicle. It is thought to be more desirable, and more accurate of a process than using tweezers as it removes multiple hairs at once.

UPSIDES:

Eyebrow threading is great for individuals who are tired of waxing or want an efficient way to shape their brows. If you have acne prone or sensitive skin, this process will not destroy or affect your skin the way chemicals would as only the hair is affected. Eyebrow threading session takes around 10-15 minutes and are inexpensive ranging from $10-$25 dollars. Have you ever tweezed or used an eyebrow razor to shape your brows only to have the hair grow back the next week? Eyebrow threading pulls the hair out of the follicle, so it takes a little longer for the hair to grow back. 

DOWNSIDES:

While sessions are short and inexpensive, the upkeep and maintenance are longer. You may have to keep returning for additional session after 3-4 weeks when your eyebrows grow back. If done poorly you may get ingrown hairs and if done repetitively, this could cause the hair to grow back patchy.

MICROBLADING

Microblading is for filling in what is not there. This process involves tiny needles filling your eyebrow skin with artificial pigment. Microblading is for those with thinning or sparse eyebrows who want to reintroduce shape back into their brows.

UPSIDES:

Microblading is great for those who want a more semi-permanent effect. If you spend day after day filling in your brows with makeup, you can skip that routine entirely. Microblading tends to last 1-3 years. You can go swimming, shower, wash your face, workout, sweat without worrying about your eyebrows smearing or getting messed up. While you are essentially getting the pigment tattooed on, the results still look natural instead of dark color blocks.

DOWNSIDES:

This procedure is quite expensive. The initial procedure can cost $300-$800 with hundreds of dollars for the touch ups. Because pigment can fade over time after you may need to check in yearly for color boosts. If you have oily skin type, you may need more frequent touch-ups. Because the effect of microblading is semi-permanent, undoing the procedure may cost even more money. While threading may cause redness and mild irritation, microblading's discomfort is greater due to the sessions being longer. For darker skin tones, it is important to find a technician whose portfolio is expansive. A less experienced technician may result in hair strokes that fade or appear grey against the skin.

Whatever procedure you decide to pick all lies with your comfort level and needs. Always make sure to do research beforehand and pick a technician who can achieve the goals that you want while minimizing pain and discomfort. Eyebrows are an investment - so choose well! 

Sources:

Magical Waxing, "Eyebrow Threading vs Microblading: Which Is Right for You?"

Alyaka, "Understanding Eyebrow Threading: Essential Facts for USA Consumers" via Marine Krivenko

Womens Health Mag, "About Nano Brows, According to Cosmetic Tattoo Artists" via Katie Mogg