My Brow Tattoo Experience: Everything from Pre-Care to Healed Results
7 min read
I was so over dealing with my barely-there brows that I started looking for options that would give me fuller-looking brows other than just using an eyebrow pencil.
After some research, I opted for a more permanent solution and decided to get a brow tattoo procedure. So, buckle up and get ready to join me on a ride through my first-ever tattoo experience!
I’ve documented my entire journey with microblading and machine strokes to bring you all the insider information regarding pre-care, healing results, and more. Let’s get started!
Why Did I Decide to Get Permanent Eyebrows?
I’ve always wanted full, defined eyebrows, but my natural ones never could live up to my expectations.
Everyone in my family has light hair and sparse brows, so good brow genetics weren’t on my side. Natural growth methods didn’t help much either, as my problem was more than just over-plucking.
Being part of the PMUHub Editorial team, I was quite familiar with microblading and various machine brow treatments, and one day it just clicked – a brow tattoo is exactly what I need to give my eyebrows the definition they deserve!
Finding the Right Artist
After thorough research, scrolling through social media, checking credentials, and reading reviews, I finally found someone I trusted. The PMUHub Find platform was especially useful because I could see artist portfolios and get to know what they’re all about!
Here’s what happened next:
- I had a free consultation to hear the artist’s opinion on what PMU technique would suit me best.
- Before the treatment, I had to fill out a form to determine whether I was a good candidate for the treatment. I was not allowed to undergo the procedure if I had any allergies or if I was taking certain medications.
After passing the test, we discussed the desired shape, color, and technique to ensure the perfect outcome. My artist, Ecaterina Cioban, chose an innovative method – strokes with her special twist – that would perfectly suit my natural eyebrows and oily skin.
Preparation & The Procedure Itself, Step by Step
Preparing for the treatment, objectively, was no big deal. But I’m generally an anxious person, so it felt huge.
Despite Ecaterina’s reassuring explanation during the consultation where she detailed the entire process, I was still slightly worried. My lack of experience with tattooing was the main reason.
But I knew my future brows would be worth getting over my anxiety.
Luckily, I had Ecaterina’s soothing voice guiding me, calmly explaining each step, which I can now pass on to you:
Before the Treatment
I abstained from consuming coffee and alcohol 24 hours before my microblading appointment to minimize bleeding and sensitivity.
Step 1: Numbing Cream
The first step is applying numbing cream to the brow area, which helps minimize discomfort during the procedure. Once used, this cream needs some time to take effect.
When the cream started working, that part of my face went completely numb, so I couldn’t even move my muscles, which was kinda strange. Although I have not had any experience with Botox, I imagine it feeling exactly the same.
My fear went away because I felt the pre-numbing cream was working.
Step 2: Mapping and Measuring
Before we proceed with the main part of the procedure, it is essential to note the steps for mapping and measuring that Ecaterina used:
- BB Compass to measure.
- A dark drawing pencil to outline the shape.
- Mapping string to map out the final look of the eyebrows and make sure they’re symmetrical.
- White paste and setting powder to set the drawing so it doesn’t smudge during the treatment.
When Ecaterina handed me the mirror to check the shape, I felt instantly confident that she would do an amazing job with my brows. She asked for my opinion multiple times to ensure my satisfaction before the final check.
At that moment, any fear dissipated, and I fully trusted the process!
Step 3: First Pass
Ecaterina used a disposable microblading tool to create tiny incisions in the skin beneath my brows. Interestingly, I didn’t feel any sensations, but the sound produced by the blade was kind of unsettling.
Each stroke resembled the sound of a blade cutting cardboard. But, the resulting incisions were microscopic and invisible to the naked eye and the entire area was numb.
Next, Ecaterina applied a pigment mask over the incisions and removed it after approximately 30 seconds, explaining that it was optimal for retention. However, my inner overthinker couldn’t help but ask, “Will my brows turn blue?”
Thankfully, Ecaterina immediately answered, “No way. I always add a touch of red pigment to ensure true-to-color healing and prevent any bluish hue over time.”
Once again, she managed to ease my mind, which was incredibly important.
Original Image by PMUHub
Step 4: Second Pass
Then, she switched to the PMU machine to add more strokes. She made a custom mix of PhiBrows SUPER pigments carefully mixed to complement the natural brow color and undertone.
Each stroke added dimension and fullness, seamlessly filling in areas outlined during the initial mapping.
At that moment, I felt some discomfort, ranging from mild stretching to pain, but it was only temporary. Remember, pain is subjective and varies from person to person!
Step 5: Final Touches
Ecaterina carefully examined the brows and identified any areas that required additional touch-ups. This ensured that the final result met my expectations and achieved symmetry and balance.
Step 6: Sealing
Ecaterina completes the final stage by adding the finishing touches to the brow design and sealing in the pigment.
This involves applying a protective solution to the treated area, promoting healing, and enhancing pigment retention. The solution also feels so calming on the skin!
Step 7: Final Result
I was filled with excitement, nervousness, and discomfort, but when I saw my new brows, I shouted, “What a relief!“. My face is now framed by subtle arches, enhancing its unique features. I no longer need an eyebrow pencil daily!
Ecaterina fully met my expectations even though she had a difficult task – keeping my results very natural-looking with very little natural hair to work with. However, her innovative technique, well-chosen pigments, and quality equipment enabled her to overcome any difficulty!
Post-Procedure Care
For my oily, sensitive skin, Ecaterina suggested dry healing. This means I shouldn’t wetten or touch my brow area for 48 hours after the treatment and avoid steam baths and gym visits.
After that, I could only gently wash it for ten days without using skincare and makeup products. However, I would be able to resume my regular skincare routine afterward.
Original Image by PMUHub
My Daily Experience with New Brows
Over the next two weeks, my brows underwent a fascinating transformation – from darkening and pigment shifting to ghosting and finally healing.
While the photos capture the visual transformation, they don’t reflect the sensations I experienced. That’s why I documented everything in my diary to share my firsthand impressions day by day:
Day 1:
I’m experiencing a burning sensation, heat, and tightness. Adapting to well-defined, dark brows was challenging yet exciting.
Original Image by PMUHub
Day 2:
I feel tightness, pain upon touch, and heat sensations. Brows have darkened significantly, and hair strokes are barely visible – it all looks like shading.
Original Image by PMUHub
Day 3:
The tightness and heat have lessened, and there’s a gradual color change, with the color seeming warmer.
Original Image by PMUHub
Day 4:
Tightening, burning, and pain reduced. But my brows have started flaking. I’m doing my best not to touch them.
Original Image by PMUHub
Day 5:
Tightness decreased, pain was almost gone, no more heat. More flaking and itching. Not scratching is a huge challenge.
Original Image by PMUHub
Day 6:
The pain, burning, and tightening stopped. Now, I feel itching, and my eyebrows are really peeling.
Original Image by PMUHub
Day 7
The itchiness intensified and became more irritating while flaking persisted, revealing small gaps in the healing skin.
Original Image by PMUHub
Day 8
Itching reduced gradually, but flaking continued with more noticeable holes.
Original Image by PMUHub
Day 9
The itching was minimal, with ongoing flaking and the emergence of scabs in certain areas.
Original Image by PMUHub
Day 10
Sensations decreased, and scabbing increased, marking the final healing stages.
Original Image by PMUHub
Day 11
Minimal sensation; most of my eyebrows peeled, leaving visible pigment.
Original Image by PMUHub
After Healing
My brows have completely settled into their final shape and pigment color; they look beautifully defined and natural. However, this is not the final result, as I am planning a touch-up to perfect the appearance in a few weeks.
Original Image by PMUHub
So, Is This the Final Result?
Not quite yet. Thanks to Ecaterina’s expertise, I’m happy with how my eyebrows have transformed from sparse to fuller, yet still natural. However, I await my touch-up session to further enhance and refine them. I can’t wait to see the outcome, so stay tuned for the next stages!
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