Tattooing Versus Microblading… Do you know the difference?
9 times out of 10 i get asked if a client can get booked in for Microblading.
Brows
Sparse or thin brows
If your brows are thin, sparse or patchy, you have more than one way to get a fuller, softer frame for your face. Nicola explains the options and how she decides which one suits you.
Quick answer
Sparse or thin brows can be filled with semi permanent brows: hairstroke for a natural, feathery look, powder for soft shading, or a combination of both. HD Brows shapes the hair you already have without pigment. A free consultation with Nicola in Belfast decides which suits your skin and the look you want.
Sparse, thin or both?
Sparse brows have gaps where hair no longer grows. Thin brows have hair, but not much of it. They sound similar, but the right treatment is not always the same, which is why Nicola starts with a conversation and a close look at what you have before suggesting anything.
Semi permanent options for a fuller brow
There are three styles, and all of them are done with a machine and needle rather than a manual blade.
Hairstroke Brows use fine, feathery strokes to mimic natural hairs, so the brow looks full without looking drawn on. Nicola notes that this technique is not good for oily skin, and she confirms at your consultation whether your skin type suits it.
Ombre Powder Brows are a soft shaded technique. The pigment is placed as tiny dots that mimic powder filled brows, with no harsh fronts or outlines. It can be kept soft and natural or made more defined, depending on your preference.
Combination Brows mix the two: soft hair strokes at the front of the brow and shading through the middle and the tail. Nicola calls it the best of both worlds.
A non permanent route
HD Brows is a seven step brow shaping treatment that includes brow mapping, tinting, waxing and threading. It does not add pigment to the skin, so it suits anyone who wants to make the most of the brow hair they already have. It can also be a way to see how a shape looks on you before thinking about anything longer lasting.
How the appointment works
Every semi permanent treatment begins with a free 45 minute consultation to go through your questions, followed by the treatment itself. The price includes a two hour top up appointment 6 to 12 weeks later, because a semi permanent brow treatment is not considered complete until after that session.
One client, Lorraine, described how carefully Nicola works with her measuring tools to get the right shape and shade for your face. That precision is what makes a fuller brow look like yours rather than a template.
Nicola does not offer evening appointments for tattooing, and you cannot have the treatment while pregnant or breast feeding. Her studio is at 181 Upper Lisburn Road in Finaghy, Belfast, with free on-street parking.
Treatments that help
Before and after
What clients say
Nicola was great. I had eyebrows tattooed. Was very worried and not sure if right decision. Nicola takes lots of time to explain procedure and is very supportive after, esp after first stage as eyebrows look very dark and you panic! But have faith. She is great. Delighted with my eyebrows
Nicola recently tattooed my eyebrows and I couldn’t be happier. Having seen her Instagram and Facebook pics I had complete confidence that she could fix my gappy, wayward brows and I’m delighted with the results. The process was pretty painless and actually very relaxing, with minimal aftercare for only a week or so. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Nicola to anyone who wants easy to care for brows that look amazing!
Questions
It depends on your skin and the look you want. Hairstroke gives a natural, feathery finish, powder brows give soft shading, and combination brows mix both. Nicola decides with you at the free consultation, including whether your skin type suits hair strokes.
Nicola’s aim is natural brows that no one knows you have tattooed. The style she gives you is never massively outside your natural shape, which keeps the result looking like you.
No. The consultation is free and lasts 45 minutes, so you can ask anything before you decide to book.
Related guides
Talk it through with Nicola
Every treatment starts with a consultation, so you can ask anything before you book.