Ombre Brows vs Microblading: Deciding the Key Differences

If you want to get a permanent makeup procedure for eyebrows, you might be thinking about which is better ombre brows vs microblading. Here is a complete guide, read this.

Ombre Brows vs Microblading 

Ombre brows and microblading are two popular semi-permanent makeup methods that people use to alter the appearance of their eyebrows. Both ombre eyebrows and microblading offer different effects. Ombre brows produce a gentle, gradient effect, while microblading offers a more natural look.

Ombre brows involve creating a soft, powdered effect on the eyebrows using a stippling motion, while microblading involves using a small blade to create individual hair-like strokes. The length of procedure time of ombre eyebrows against microblading also differs.

The following characteristics set the two apart:

  1. Technique: Microblading employs a portable instrument to make small, hair-like strokes that simulate the appearance of real brow hairs, while ombre brows include generating a soft, powder-filled brow that progressively fades from light to dark.
  2. Results: Microblading produces a more natural-looking finish that is appropriate for people with thinner or sparser brows whereas ombre brows produce a more defined and structured appearance.
  3. Maintenance: Because ombre brows fade more gradually and don’t need touch-ups as frequently as microblading, they require less maintenance.

Both procedures can cause some discomfort, but microblading may be a little more unpleasant because it involves using a blade.

What Are Ombre Brows?

Ombre eyebrows are a semi-permanent makeup procedure that gives the eyebrows a defined look like wearing makeup. Ombre eyebrows look great and can last a long time if you take care of them properly and follow your touch-ups appointment.


The artist applies the ombre brow treatment to the skin by stippling tiny dots of color onto it with a handheld tool. Next, they merge and feather out the dots towards the tail of the brow to produce a gradient look.

To produce a more natural-looking outcome, the pigment used for ombre brows is often a blend of two or more colors. Based on the client’s skin tone, hair color, and preferred look, the artist will select the colors.

Depending on the client’s skin type, lifestyle, and aftercare, ombre brows often last one to three years. It is advisable to have touch-ups every 12 to 18 months to maintain the color and shape of the brows.

What is Microblading?

Microblading brows is another semi-permanent makeup procedure that enhances the brows but in a very subtle, natural-looking way. Microblading creates the eyebrow’s shape and fullness that you want a pigment and depth.

The semi-permanent makeup procedure known as microblading involves drawing fine, hair-like strokes on the eyebrows that resemble the appearance of real eyebrow hair. The artist adds color to the skin through a handheld tool that has a row of tiny needles.

During the microblading technique, the tattoo artist will sketch the shape of the eyebrows while taking into account the client’s facial traits and desires.

Image source: Instagram @advance_microblading_academy

Which Lasts Longer?

The longevity of both microblading and ombre powder brow depends on your skin type, other physical activities, lifestyle, skincare routine, etc.

If you do some sport, sweat a lot, and are exposed to sunlight often, your microblading and ombre tattoo eyebrows will fade faster. You can prolong both brows last by booking regular touch-ups.

The longevity of the microblading treatment is about 2 years but it may vary with different factors.

Whereas ombre brows last a little bit longer than microblading. Ombre powder brows last  in 3 to 4 years.

Similarities Between Ombre Brows vs Microblading

The similarities between ombre powder brows vs microblading are the following:

Enhance Your Brows

The purpose of both eyebrows procedure is the same to give you natural brows. Both will give you more volume and a defined shape.

Both Eventually Fade

Another common thing in both procedures is that they are both semi-permanent. This means that they fade away after some time but need touch-up appointments. Both treatments usually last from 1 to 3 years depending on your skin texture, lifestyle, cosmetic products, and also physical activities like swimming, sweating, etc.

Healing Time

After any semi-permanent makeup treatment, the skin needs some time to recover and the color to settle. This takes about 6 weeks for both ombre brows and microblading.

Need a Touch-Up

Both powdered brows and microblading need a touch-up appointment to increase their longevity.

Main Differences Between Microblading vs Ombre Brows

The differences between microblading or ombre powder brows are the following:

Styles

The artist does microblading in strokes that emulate the look of natural hair with the aim of making them look so realistic that it’s impossible to distinguish them from the hair.

The artist creates a defined look for the eyebrows with ombre powder, which is similar to wearing makeup. They create a shade underneath the natural hair to achieve the desired ombre effect.

Procedure | Ombre Brows vs Microblading

The procedure of ombre brows vs microblading is different.

In the ombre brows procedure, the artist uses a small machine to place extremely thin dots of color along the surface of the brow to create the illusion of definition and depth.

In the microblading procedure, the artist uses a thin handheld needle to create very fine hair strokes and achieve the desired eyebrow shape and fullness by adding pigment and depth.

Which Procedure Is Less Painful?

Both microblading and powder brows can be uncomfortable, though everyone’s level of pain is different.

Ombre brows are often more pleasant than microblading since the pigment is applied to the skin’s top rather than being carved into the skin with a blade. The artist might also apply numbing lotion or gel to the area to be treated in order to lessen discomfort.

Microblading can be a bit more painful than ombre eyebrows because the blade is used to produce teeny slits in the skin. To help alleviate pain, the artist will often use a numbing lotion or gel.

During microblading, the artist may drag the blade through the skin area slowly, making it a little more uncomfortable than ombre brows.

Image source: Instagram @hulavesbrows

Which Procedure Takes More Time to Heal?

The ombre brows healing process time period is quite similar to the microblading healing process. They both take 4 to 6 weeks to completely heal.

The process of healing has several stages. Your eyebrows will be dark and swollen after the procedure and you need to follow strict aftercare instructions for 2 weeks. After both procedures, your eyebrows will change pigment, and scabbing is usually involved.

How Often Do I Need to Have Touch-Ups?

The frequency of touch-ups varies and depends on how fast your eyebrows fade. Fading speed depends on your lifestyle and skin texture. People with dry skin, or people who don’t sweat a lot, might need a touch-up once a year.

Microblading fades faster so it needs touch-ups should be every 6 to 12 months.

For Ombre powder brows, you can have touch-ups every 8 to 16 months because it fades slowly.

Can The Artist Combine Microblading and Ombre Brows?

Yes, you may mix microblading with ombre brows to produce a more distinctive and realistic-looking outcome. People often refer to this method as “combo brows.”

In order to achieve hair-like strokes at the top of the brow and a more powdered finish towards the tail of the brow, combo brows combine microblading and ombre procedures. This produces a realistic-looking gradient effect that resembles the look of real brows.

The artist will use a handheld instrument for microblading and a stippling motion for ombre brows to give the powder effect. They will also tailor the pigment to the client’s skin tone, hair color, and preferred appearance.

Combination brows are perfect for people who want denser, more defined eyebrows, but with a more subtle look. Both manual and mechanical instruments can use them, making them suitable for all skin types.

How Do I Choose Between Ombré Brow vs Microblading?

Choosing between microblading and ombre brows by considering the following:

Skin Type

People with dry skin are perfect for microblading. It will look more defined and neat. People with oily skin can benefit from ombre powder eyebrows. It will last longer and look better.

Your Natural Brows 

You should go for microblading if your eyebrows are thin and patchy, to add subtle volume. You should go with eyebrows ombre powder if you already have brow hair and just want them even fuller.

Style Preferences

If you want your eyebrows to look natural as possible, you should go with microblading. If you want dense and thick brows to complete your makeup look, you should go with ombre brows.

Lifestyle

If you wear makeup every day, eyebrow ombre powder will be perfect for you because their fading is slow. The longevity of microblading is less and fades speedily.

Which Is Better Powder Brows or Microblading?

Microblading is a bit more popular than ombre brows because it gives more natural results. But ombre brows last longer and their fading is slow so have its fans, too.

Image source: Instagram @uniquemicroblading

FAQS About Powder Ombre Eyebrows vs Microblading

There are some concerns about microblade vs ombre. Please read the following.

1. Microblading vs Ombre Brows-Which Technique Is More Natural Looking?

Both microblading and ombre brows can provide natural-looking results, but the final outcome may depend on the individual’s preference. Both microblading and ombre brows can provide natural-looking results, but the final outcome may depend on the individual’s preference.

On the other side, ombre brows produce a brow that is more structured and defined with a gentle gradient effect. Color will be applied in tiny spots using stippling, gradually growing darker as they approach the tail of the brow. This produces a natural-looking resue.

2. Microblading vs Ombre Powder-Which Technique Is Better For Oily Skin?

Powder ombre eyebrows can be a better option for oily skin because the pigments deposit on the skin’s surface rather than being implanted into the skin like microblading. Microblading eyebrows, on the other hand, maybe less effective on oily skin.

People typically prefer ombre powder brows as the better option because, unlike microblading, the artist applies ombre powder to the skin’s surface using pigmented powder rather than making incisions.

Oily skin can make microblading difficult since the extra oil can speed up the fading of the color and cause the fine hair strokes to blend together. On the other hand, ombre powder brows may hold up better on oily skin because the powdered appearance can assist to hide the appearance of excess oil and perspiration.

3. Ombre Powder vs Microblading-Which Technique Is More Expensive?

Since microblading will typically perform by hand and requires a higher level of skill and expertise, it can be more expensive. The price of ombre powder brows and microblading can differ depending on a number of variables, including the location, the artist’s skill and reputation, and the amount of work required.

Ombre powder brows typically cost a little bit more than microblading. This is due to the fact that the ombre powder technique takes more effort and finesse to complete, and the artist might need to utilize specialized tools to apply the powdered color.

Microblading can cost between $300 and $500, while ombre powder eyebrows tend to range between $400 and $600. The ultimate price may change as a result of the factors mentioned above, therefore it’s important to remember that these are simply approximate values.

It’s also important to keep in mind that some artists might charge more than the price of either technique alone for a combined brow service that incorporates the ombre powder and microblading processes. For individuals who desire a more personalized outcome that incorporates the advantages of both approaches, this can be a viable alternative.

Main Takeaways

Both microblading and ombre powder brows are great solutions for having perfect low-maintenance brows every day. However, there might be a slight advantage of ombre brows vs microblading. Since ombre brows work on all skin textures, and last a bit longer. If you are still not sure which one to select, consult an expert, please.