In short: Microblading uses a hand tool to create fine, crisp hair strokes and suits normal-to-dry skin. Feather (machine hair-stroke) brows create a similar natural, hair-like effect but tend to heal more reliably on more skin types. Powder brows use soft shading for a fuller, "make-up" finish that lasts longest and works well on oily skin. Many clients combine hair strokes with a light powder for the best of both.
The three main brow techniques
"Brow tattoo" is an umbrella term for a few different semi-permanent techniques. They all place pigment into the skin, but the tool, the finish and how they wear differ.
Microblading
Microblading uses a hand-held tool with a fine blade to draw individual hair strokes into the skin. Done well, the result is crisp and very natural. Its main limitation is skin type: on oily or thicker skin, the fine strokes can blur or fade faster, so it's best suited to normal-to-dry skin.
Feather / hair-stroke brows (machine)
Feather-stroke brows create the same natural, hair-like look as microblading, but the strokes are placed with a digital machine rather than a blade. This tends to be gentler on the skin and heals more predictably across a wider range of skin types. This hand-tooled, hair-stroke approach is Lorraine's signature — soft, fine strokes designed to mimic real brow hair.
Powder / ombré brows
Powder brows use a soft shading technique to create a gradient that looks like lightly filled-in makeup — softer at the front, more defined through the arch and tail. It's the most durable option, wears well on oily skin, and suits anyone who likes the look of a groomed, "done" brow.
Which lasts longest?
As a general guide, microblading lasts around 1–2 years, machine hair-stroke brows 1–3 years, and powder brows often the longest at 2–3 years — though skin type, sun exposure and aftercare affect all of them. A colour refresh keeps any technique looking its best.
How to choose
The right technique depends on your skin type, how much brow hair you have, and the finish you want — natural and hair-like, soft and filled, or a combination. The honest answer is that it's best decided in person: at your complimentary consultation, Lorraine looks at your skin, your natural brows and your goals, and recommends the approach that will heal well and suit your face.
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Cosmetic tattoo & paramedical practitioner with over 20 years in the cosmetic industry and international training in Milan, London and Paris. More about Lorraine →