Filling in sparse eyebrows or painting eyebrows on the face is a time consuming procedure. The alternative, which is no eye brow, gives a naked or startled look. Very faired haired people often look eyebrow-less. People who have over plucked often find bare spots or a disappearing eyebrow after time passes. Chemotherapy causes hair loss, including the eyebrows. Some people are also born without hair which is known as genetic alopecia, and some develop loss after time or suddenly.
Eyebrow Product Line
The need for eyebrows opened the market for an array of products including powders, pencils, dye, and even surgical application of hair from one body part to the brow. The product line expanded to include topical to prep the skin for application and topical to cleanly remove the preparation. Then came stencils to make the brow a certain shape and symmetrical. There is an eyebrow stamp to print the color on the brow. The amount of time it took to create this perfect brow and shape often was indirectly proportional to the amount of time it took for it to disappear. Recreating eyebrows became a problem.
Tattooing on the Brows
Eyebrows applied with paint, cream, or powder, disappear with a good swim, a careless wipe of the brow, sweat, rain, face cream, etc. Permanent eyebrows require a permanent solution. Thus permanent makeup, which is a form of tattooing, became an option. With fine needles, the skin is punctured. A specially prepared sterile pigment is placed under the skin. The brow is not a sensitive area so there will be minimal discomfort and should be minimal bleeding, if any. Bruising is unusual.
The design ideally is set by you and the technician you choose. Shades are chosen to mimic the hair color you would have or currently have in an otherwise incomplete or thin brow. Initially, due to the oxygenation process and the fresh application on opened skin, the color is darker. After a healing process of 3-4 weeks, the color is seen through the fine filter of the skin. The color then appears lighter and less startling, more natural. Often a second visit is required to “tweak” the final result, that is, to see where color might be missing, or where it is too light, or simply to change the color. It is always easier to darken the brow than lighten, therefore be conservative with color choices. No one should use black pigment for eyebrows.
Standards of Care for Permanent Makeup
It is advised to choose your technician with some thought. There are organizations which promote safe practices and have standards of care, one of which is the Society of Permanent Cosmetics Professionals.
While the procedure is permanent it can fade with sun, salt water, glycolic peels,facial procedures, and simply time. It can be repeated. A good technician will let you know how to prepare for your procedure and whether you are a good candidate for the procedure, as well as give aftercare instructions. Many technicians have websites on the internet. Be sure to ask if the sample photos are their own work. Being prepared is the first step toward successful results.
