Eyes are said to be the windows to the soul, so eyebrows can serve as their frames of sorts.
Many women (and some men) use a variety of tools to whip their brows into shape — everything from tweezers to brushes, gels, pencils, and more.
There’s no shortage of products to help define and shape your eyebrows. But some women are taking it even further and opting for eyebrow tattoos.
What Are Eyebrow Tattoos?
Eyebrow tattoos are a form of permanent makeup that helps add shape and definition to eyebrows. A cosmetic professional uses ink to outline your current brows and fill them in so that they look full, vibrant, and with perfect arches.
Some women are naturally blessed with full, beautiful brows, while others may have sparse, light, or uneven brows, which can make eyebrow tattoos an attractive option. No more penciling day in and day out!
How Much Do Eyebrow Tattoos Really Cost?
Tattooing your eyebrows doesn’t come cheap. In the United States, the actual procedure could cost anywhere from $400 to $500, according to the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals.
Plus, even though eyebrow tattoos are considered a form of permanent makeup, the ink fades over time.
You’ll need a touch-up six to eight weeks after the procedure, and then a few follow-up appointments within the first year or so. If you’re interested in getting your eyebrows inked in, it’s important to understand which of those appointments are included in the initial procedure fee and which ones aren’t.
Some “browologists” may include a complimentary touch-up and consultation, but others might not. Every additional appointment may very well increase the cost. You’ll also want to know exactly how much the follow-up appointments will be, and how often you should book them.
What Is the Aftercare Like?
It’s important to understand what the procedure entails and what you need to do to maintain your bewitching brows. “You only have to wait about an hour after the tattoo is done to be able to wash your face,” according to Dr. Lina Velikova, a medical advisor at Supplements101. “In fact, the recommendation is to wash your face, particularly your eyebrows, once per hour for the following 24 hours with baby shampoo.”
“In the following days, you should do it every two hours, and then every four hours until the end of the week,” Dr. Velikova adds.
Thankfully, it isn’t all as stressful as it seems. Dr. Velikova stressed that the critical period is the first day.
“After that, it gets easier as inflammation is reduced around the eyebrows,” Dr. Velikova adds. “It’s also very important to use paraben-free baby shampoo to wash your eyebrows to avoid further inflammation — washing your face after tattooing your eyebrows is perfectly fine, what you need to avoid is both sweating and keeping your face dry.”
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Eyebrow Tattoos vs. Eyebrow Pencils
Getting your eyebrows permanently inked can be a great way to sustain the perfect brow, but with the cost of the procedure and the follow-up appointments, it could add up quickly — especially if you get follow-ups every few years for the rest of your life.
Eyebrow pencils, on the other hand, are a lot more affordable, typically ranging in cost from $1.99 to $7.99. If you use them every day, you may need a few pencils each year, but you’re not likely to spend more than $40 each year on your brow budget if you opt for the manual route.
Sure, you’re at the mercy of human error and smudging if you’re not careful, but taking matters into your own hands could save you serious cash.
Final Thoughts on the Cost of Eyebrow Tattoos
Penciling in your eyebrows by hand is definitely the cheaper option here, but some people swear by eyebrow tattoos. While the procedure can cost you more, it can save you time and have your eyebrows on fleek without worry.
If you do opt for eyebrow tattoos, it’s important to start budgeting for it now. Do your research on licensed professionals who can perform the procedure. Be sure to be thorough. With something as important as your look (especially around your eyes), you really do want the best care you can find.
