Feather Brows

  • By Bryce Cleveland
Feather Brows

What You Need To Know About Feather Eyebrows

Most often than not, if you have seen a microblading brow, the pattern used for it is probably feather eyebrows. Learn more about microfeathering below.

Microblade Feather Brows

What’s inside (Click on the link to go to a specific step):

What Are Feather Eyebrows?

Microfeathering or also known as feather brows, are a type of cosmetic brow tattoo that lasts up to 18 months.

The procedure adds extra strokes to enhance the natural brow arches. It fills the brows, adds volume, corrects imperfections and gives you perfect brows everyday without the effort.

How Are Feather Eyebrows Done?

Similarly done as with microblading, tiny incisions are drawn manually with a blade or with a machine to create nano brows, to mimic natural ha strokes. A special pigment used for permanent makeup is used.

This procedure is a 2-step process: initial eyebrow feathering and a touch up appointment after 6-8 weeks.

Does Microfeathering Hurt?

Like with any PMU procedure, a topical numbing cream is applied on the treatment area. No pain will be felt but some discomfort may be felt.

Check out this article to learn more about what the treatment fees like.

What’s Special About Eyebrow Feathering?

What makes this procedure standout is how the brows are made to look feathery. Using the microblading technique allows the artist to do a variety of styles such as the natural look of feather brows.

In feather brows, the strokes are long and thin which helps fluff the arch and blends naturally with the hair.

Feather Brows for Microblading

How Long Do Feather Eyebrows Last?

Microfeathering can last up to 18 months but many factors can affect whether it stays longer or fades faster such as skin type, lifestyle, and quality of pigments to name a few.

Learn more about microblading longevity here.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Microfeathering Eyebrows?

This PMU treatment works best for those with dry to normal skin types. Preferably those with thick brows who like the fluffed up look. For clients with more sparse brows, they can opt to get microfeathering as well but regular microblading can provide a more realistic look.

Natural volume is what you get from microfeathering, rather than a makeup look. With this treatment, yoru brows will look naturally thick which fits any makeup look.

Who Isn’t a Good Candidate for Eyebrow Feathering?

Clients with oily skin with large pores may not be the best candidates to get feather brows. The production of oil prevents the pigment from staying put and also tends to blur out.

Other than skin type, this treatment is not recommended for clients with any of the following conditions:

  • Diabetes
  • Bleeding disorders
  • Conditions that need blood-thinning medications (clients can ask their doctor if they can discontinue it for the procedure)
  • Recent Botox injections or fillers (wait for at least 4 weeks)
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding mothers
  • History of keloids or hypertrophic scarring
  • Viral infections or diseases
  • Skin irritations, Rosacea, Eczema or Psoriasis close to the treated area
  • Recent tanning

Always reach out to your doctor if you are unsure about getting the procedure. Also let your artist know so they can have ample time to prepare for your appointment.

How Do I Prepare for the Appointment?

To get the best results from your treatment, here are a few pre-care instructions to follow:

  • You must be in good health for the procedure. Get ready to let your artist know about your medical history. It is best to postpone the appointment in case you are not in the best of health.
  • Avoid drinking caffeinated drinks and alcoholic drinks at least 1 day before your appointment.
  • Ask your physician if you can take a break in taking blood thinning medication (Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Niacin, Vitamin E, B6, Omega 3, Ginkgo Biloba, Primrose, etc.) a week before the procedure.
  • Refrain from getting waxing or tinting a week before to allow the artist to see the natural shape of the brows.
  • Avoid getting any facial treatments or peels 2 weeks before the appointment.
  • Make sure you do not get any facial injections 4 weeks before treatment.
Microblade Feather Brows

What Does the Appointment Look Like?

Make sure you have at least 2 hours for the whole procedure. Expect to have a consultation with the artist in the beginning to set expectations and make decisions on the color and shape of the final outcome. Listen to the advice of your artist since they can let you know what best suits your face. The next step is mapping of the brows, and once you approve of the shape, the artist can push through with the procedure.

A topical anesthetic is applied on the treatment area and the blading can begin. The artist will create small incisions that mimic hair strokes which will be filled with the microblading pigment.

Once the treatment is done, your artist will leave you with some aftercare instructions that you must follow to get the best results. A mandatory touch up is booked once the brows heal after 6-8 weeks.

What’s Feather Eyebrows Healing Process Like?

Similar to other PMU treatments, feather brows need time to heal since the surface of the skin is cut in the process. Healing is not that intense but it can be uncomfortable and annoying at some points.

Here is the flow of the healing process:

  • It starts with swelling, redness and tenderness in the treated area. You will notice that the brow color is too dark.
  • Scabs will form.
  • Scabs will start to peel and the pigment will lighten
  • The color darkens and the brows take on their final look

Make sure to follow your recommended aftercare routine in the first 2 weeks after treatment. This will help your brows heal and prevent any infection.

At the end of the healing journey, it is recommended to get a touch up appointment to fix any imperfections or cover any patches that may have showed up from healing.

Find out more about microfeather healing by reading this guide.

What to Avoid During Healing

Make sure your brows heal properly during the healing journey by avoiding the following:

  • Using skincare products on the brow area since most are made of certain ingredients that are harsh and speed up fading.
  • Wearing makeup 2 weeks after treatment
  • Touching the brows
  • Picking the scabs
  • Sleeping on the face
  • Activities that cause excessive sweating
  • Long showers, saunas and swimming
  • Exposure under the sun and tanning treatments
  • Facials until after the healing process

What’s Feather Eyebrows Aftercare Like?

The aftercare routine for microfeathering is simple and takes about 2 weeks. Make sure to follow the instructions of your artist to get the best results. Here are the general instructions:

  • In the first 2 days, lymph will show up and it needs to be cleaned with a damp cotton pad to avoid build up.
  • Starting from the third day, wash the brows up to twice a day. Apply an ointment if prescribed by your artist.
  • Scabs will show up and will flake off eventually. Refrain from picking on it and let them fall off naturally. Once it stops peeling, you are done with the aftercare routine.

Learn more about the aftercare routine from this guide.

Feather brows microblade

How Often Do I Need My Microfeathering Touched Up?

After the 18 month mark, you might notice your brows are beginning to fade. This is a good sign to get a touch up to prolong the look of the procedure. The first touch up is done after the brows have healed which is around 6-7 weeks. Afterwards, it is enough to get a color boost once every year. Depending on skin type and lifestyle, touch ups can be booked more frequently.

Are There Any Risks and Side-Effects to the Treatment?

Eyebrow feathering involves breaking the surface of the skin so it does come with some risk of infection. It is important to book a good artist to reduce any risk of side effects after the procedure. Choose an artist that works in a sterile environment, high quality procedures and carries the necessary certification and license.

The chances of getting complications or infections go up if the artist is not skilled or if the client doesn’t follow the aftercare instructions of the artist.

You might notice some swelling and readiness during the healing process. Avoid touching and picking the scabs to help your brows heal properly.

Artists should do a patch test prior to the procedure to check for any allergic reactions. Although infections don’t often happen, contact your artist and your dermatologist if you notice any excessive swelling, itchiness and redness.

Can Feather Eyebrows Be Removed?

It is possible to remove microfeathering and there are currently 3 methods to choose from:

  • Laser removal
  • Saline removal
  • Glycolic acid removal

It is better to use these methods if the procedure has faded a bit. But in case of an emergency removal, it is better to use either saline or glycolic acid removal within the next 2 days after the procedure.

In case healing has begun, you have to wait 6-8 weeks before removal.

Microfeathering vs Microblading

The feather brow procedure is a form of microblading but the results give a fluffed up and natural look to the brows. For this treatment, the strokes are longer and do not stay within the brow arch to give an enhanced look of volume.

Microblading is done by creating incisions into the skin that mimic hair strokes. Microfeathering, on the other hand, has strokes that are farther apart. For this treatment, a machine can also be used to create the strokes.

Looking at before and after photos for both microblading and microfeathering to help you choose which style you prefer more.

Feather Brows

How Much Does Microfeathering Cost?

The average cost for a feather brow treatment is similar to any microblading procedure – around $600. Depending on a few factors, the price can be as low as $200 to $1000.

Here is a guide to check the difference in prices based on location.

Main Takeaways

Microfeathering is a popular way to get natural brows with a fluffed up look. It is a form of tattoo brow that entails creating hair strokes that aren’t contained in the brow arches. It enhances the look of the brows and gives a look of volume that can last up to 18 months or more with touch up appointments.

Explore more about Microblading: