Perfect Eyebrow

The eyebrow is one of the most significant features of the human face. Framing the eye, it conveys emotion and expression, and can animate the face in ways that other features do not. Throughout history, the eyebrow has been considered one of the essential elements of feminine facial beauty, and whether the fashion was for a full, lush brow or a nearly invisible one, brows have been plucked, painted, powdered, tattooed, and dyed to a shape and look that women want.

Reasons Why Eyebrows Stop Growing

Like any other aspect of the face, it is no wonder that this feature can cause distress when damaged or no longer has a satisfactory appearance. Sadly, it is not uncommon for over plucked eyebrow hairs to cease regrowing over time and what was once done to improve their appearance leaves the natural eyebrows permanently asymmetrical, too thin, or even bare.

As with other bodily hair, certain conditions such as thyroid problems or nutritional deficiencies can cause the hairs of the eyebrow to fall out over time, or to simply never grow. Accidental damage such as burns or scarring can result in loss of part or all of the follicles. Until recently, restoring a natural and beautiful condition to lost or damaged brows has been less than satisfactory.

Common Solutions to Sparse Eyebrows

Redrawing missing or sparse eyebrows is the most common method used to give thin eyebrows a fuller, more filled in appearance. However, this can become a frustrating and dispiriting start to each morning. Some women never feel confident or satisfied with the results and suffer anxiety about leaving the house or meeting friends.

Coloring Products, Powders & Dyes

Although there are many over-the-counter products out there that promise to “regrow” eyebrow hair, none are approved by the FDA for such use. Some products promise to “strengthen and “condition” eyebrow hair but these are empty words that are meaningless in the real world. What these products often merely do is “coat” the hair with a fiber, powder or dye that makes it appear thicker while filling in the vacant areas between hairs. The end result is still a colored in look that is one-dimensional.



Example of a sparse or thin eyebrow due to overplucking with tweezers.

Whether it’s with an eyebrow pencil, eyebrow powder, or gel, or a product that promises to “strengthen & condition” existing hairs - not everyone wants a "drawn-in" look where natural hairs should be growing. And for most men with scarred or damaged eyebrows, a "cosmetic" appearance to their face that looks like “make-up” is simply not acceptable.

“A man or woman’s eyebrow should always have that three-dimensional appearance,” said a dermatologist and hair restoration surgeon with 26 years experience. “Over plucking them and then coloring them back often leaves them with that one-dimensional look. Women who come to see me for their eyebrows are trying to get away from that one-dimensional appearance.”

Permanent Make-up & Tattooing

Since the late 20th Century, the art of cosmetic tattooing has become highly refined and is sometimes used to color in missing eyebrow hair to achieve a fuller look. However, this is only an optical illusion that still is noticeable upon closer examination. Tattooed eyebrows are still “one-dimensional” in appearance whereas existing eyebrow hair is three-dimensional in nature. The major complaint most often heard about eyebrow tattooing is that if one is not happy with the result, it is difficult to undo due to it's permanency.

3D microblading

now there's a very natural option that delivers semi-permanent results. Ladies, we'd like to introduce you to microblading. Unlike the sometimes Sharpie-esque effects of permanent makeup, microblading is more of an embroidery of trompe l'œil strokes that look just like real hairs.

Tamara D. Ferrigno microblading expert and trainer at MM Brows Las Vegas gave us the 411 on the unique service, and after our talk there's no surprise why so many women love it. "Microblading is perfect for those who want to fully reconstruct, define, cover gaps, or fill-in over plucked brows," she explained. The professional permanent makeup and eyebrow expert also revealed that those who just want to add a slight arch are also great candidates, and the results are a natural, undetectable fringe.

If you're still not sure how the technique differs from tattooing, Tamara explained that "during the microblading process we use a special microblading pen to draw on individual strokes one by one." It's an extremely meticulous process that takes around two hours to complete. Since the results will last for up to three years before beginning to fade it's good to know that the technicians pay so much attention to detail. "The first hour we’re drawing the shape in with removable pencil. That’s the longest part and the most important step. During this time, the best customized shape for every client is chosen." The pro advises clients to be cautious of places that claim to complete the process in one hour. "It's not a rushed procedure, it cannot be done in an hour."

During the microblading process, a topical numbing gel is applied to the area to minimize discomfort, followed by a liquid anesthetic used during the procedure as needed. If you're worried that the process is painful, Tamara assures, "some clients may feel a slight discomfort, but it's relatively painless.

The best part about the technique is that there is no down time. Your new set of brows will be ready for a selfie immediately after the process. The pro, however, does recommend a follow-up one month after your appointment. "The healing process is different for everyone, and it takes between 25 and 30 days. After a month we recommend a 40-minute touch-up to most customers."

"Unlike eyebrow extensions, which you have to be careful about maintaining, microblading is low maintenance. After healing, you can rub them and enjoy swimming. No special care is required, except for a brief touch-up once a year." The smudge-proof solution will cost you anywhere between $525 and $800. But waking up every morning with perfect brows may totally be worth it. See more at www.MMbrows.com