Micro feathering is a beauty treatment similar to microblading, designed to fill in gaps between your natural eyebrow hairs and create a fuller, more defined appearance. Unlike microblading, which often results in bold, dramatic brows, micro feathering maintains a natural look, working with your existing eyebrow shape and colour.
This treatment is ideal for those seeking to enhance their natural brows without altering their overall aesthetic.
Let’s get straight to the point
Micro feathering is a beauty treatment similar to microblading that fills in gaps between natural eyebrow hairs to create fuller, natural-looking brows. It involves two appointments where a pigment is applied using fine strokes to mimic individual hairs.
This method maintains a soft, feathered appearance rather than bold, dramatic brows. The process takes about two months and is best for individuals with dry to normal skin.
The treatment carries some risks, including redness and swelling, and requires strict aftercare, such as avoiding makeup, sun exposure, and certain skincare products. It is unsuitable for those with oily skin, large pores, or specific health conditions.
Proper aftercare and working with a licensed artist are essential for the best results. Micro feathering is ideal for those looking for a natural, fluffy brow look that complements their existing brow shape.
How Does Micro Feathering Work?
The micro feathering process typically involves two appointments spaced out over several months. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
- Pre-treatment phase: For six to eight weeks before your first session, you must avoid waxing, threading, cutting, or tweezing your eyebrows. This allows the therapist to see where new hair is growing and where the treatment is needed most.
- First appointment: During this session, the therapist will numb the area and use a fine blade to make tiny incisions in your skin. Pigment is then deposited into these incisions to create the appearance of individual eyebrow hairs. Unlike microblading, which involves drawing multiple hairs at once, micro feathering focuses on each hair individually, making the results look more natural.
- Follow-up session: After six to eight weeks, you will return for a second session, where the progress is evaluated. The therapist will add new hair strokes if needed, and existing strokes may be reinforced. Lidocaine is applied during both sessions to minimise discomfort.
What Happens at a Micro Feathering Session?
At the start of the session, a pigment is applied to the eyebrow area in a shade that closely matches your natural hair colour. The process involves gently stroking the pigment onto the skin using a fine blade, creating tiny punctures. To minimise discomfort, a numbing cream is applied before the procedure begins.
Each session can last between one to two hours, and some clients may need multiple visits to achieve their desired brow shape and fullness. Be sure to discuss your expectations and the shape of your brows with your therapist during the appointment.
Risks and Side Effects of Micro Feathering
Like any cosmetic treatment that involves breaking the skin, micro feathering carries certain risks. Ensuring that the person performing the treatment is well-qualified and uses high-quality tools and pigments is essential to avoid complications. Common side effects include redness, swelling, and minor discomfort, which usually subside within a few days.
Tips to Reduce Risks:
- Research your artist: Ensure they have the proper licensing and work in a clean, professional environment.
- Follow aftercare instructions: Not adhering to the recommended aftercare regimen can lead to infections or poor results.
- Patch testing: This can help to avoid allergic reactions to the pigment.
If you experience any unusual symptoms like severe itching, swelling, or redness, consult both your artist and dermatologist for advice.
Things to Avoid During Healing
Proper aftercare is critical for achieving the best results from your micro feathering treatment. The following should be avoided during the healing process:
- Skincare products on the brows: Many skincare products are too harsh for freshly treated skin and can cause fading.
- Makeup in the brow area: Avoid for at least 14 days to prevent irritation or infection.
- Touching or scratching the brows: This can cause scarring or disrupt the healing process.
- Excessive sweating: Activities like intense workouts should be avoided to prevent pigment loss.
- Long showers or swimming: Keep your brows dry by avoiding long exposure to water.
- Excessive sun exposure: Stay out of direct sunlight or use sunscreen to prevent pigment fading.
- Facial treatments: Avoid any facial treatments like chemical peels or exfoliants until the area has fully healed.
Who Should Get This Brow Treatment?
Micro feathering is best suited for individuals with dry to normal skin and those who already have a decent amount of eyebrow hair. It’s particularly useful for people who want to fill in sparse areas without creating a heavy or overly dramatic look.
Ideal candidates for micro feathering include:
- People with naturally thin or patchy eyebrows.
- Those looking for a natural, feathered brow effect.
- Individuals with dry to normal skin types, as these retain pigment better.
Who Should Avoid Micro Feathering?
Although micro feathering offers excellent results for many people, it’s not suitable for everyone. Those with oily skin or large pores may find that their skin does not retain the pigment well, leading to faster fading and less defined results.
People who should avoid this treatment include:
- Diabetes patients (consult your doctor first)
- People with bleeding disorders
- Those on blood thinners (consult your doctor before treatment)
- Clients who recently had Botox or fillers (wait at least four weeks)
- Pregnant or nursing individuals
- Clients prone to keloids or hypertrophic scarring
- Individuals with viral illnesses or undergoing cancer treatment
- People with skin conditions like Rosacea, Eczema, or Psoriasis near the treatment area
- Those with a recent tan or sunburn
Aftercare for Micro Feathering
The healing process for micro feathering typically takes six to eight weeks. During this time, your therapist may provide you with a treatment mix to apply to your brows to aid in the healing process. Keeping your brows clean and dry is crucial in the first few days following the treatment.
Key Aftercare Tips:
- Avoid hot environments: Steer clear of saunas, hot tubs, and steam rooms to protect your brows.
- Stay away from chemical treatments: Avoid alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and retinol-based products for at least a month after the treatment, as they can affect the final colour of your brows.
- Use sunscreen: If you must be in the sun, protect the area with a good sunscreen to prevent discolouration.
What Makes Eyebrow Feathering Special?
The main appeal of micro feathering lies in its ability to create natural-looking, fluffy brows. This method focuses on individual hair strokes, making it appear as though your brows have naturally filled in. The result is a soft, feathery look that complements your natural hair.
Unlike traditional microblading, which can sometimes create harsh, overly defined brows, feather touch brows are subtle and blend seamlessly with your existing eyebrow hairs.
Key Features of Micro Feathering:
- Individual hair strokes: Each stroke is drawn to mimic the natural direction and thickness of your brow hairs.
- Fluffy, light appearance: The end result is soft and natural rather than bold and dramatic.
- Customised to your features: The treatment is tailored to your existing brow shape and colour.
Conclusion
Micro feathering is a semi-permanent beauty treatment that uses fine strokes to fill in sparse areas of your eyebrows, giving them a fuller, more natural appearance. The process involves two sessions over several months, and the results can last up to 12 months with proper care.
However, it is important to consult with your artist and possibly a dermatologist if you have skin conditions or are on certain medications. While the treatment offers excellent results for most people, it is not suitable for those with oily skin, large pores, or certain health conditions.
By following the recommended aftercare and taking the necessary precautions, micro feathering can offer you beautifully feathered, natural-looking brows that enhance your overall appearance.
FAQs About Eyebrow
Is Eyebrow Feathering Worth It?
Feathering your brows can positively impact your daily routine, highlighting your facial features and reducing the number of cosmetics you need to wear.
However, if you want the best outcomes, you should search until you discover a practitioner that is both experienced and comfortable for you to work with.
What Are The Most Natural-Looking Permanent Eyebrows?
Micro feathering is a technique that adds fine strokes to the brows to make them appear fuller, but it does not alter their original outline. The result is an appearance that is as natural as it is possible to get.
How Do You Get Feathered Eyebrows To Stay?
Applying a touch of hairspray or eyebrow wax over your completed look will help keep them in place. To achieve the desired feathery effect, apply the product to a clean spoolie and gently brush your eyebrow hairs upwards one more time. This will aid in keeping the natural hairs in place all day long.
Can You Exercise After Eyebrow Feathering?
Please take a week off from exercise after your appointment. Mild exercise (producing only minimal perspiration) is fine, but you must immediately wash the tattooed area with lukewarm water afterwards. Sweat’s salt content causes the pigment to fade rapidly and produce subpar effects.
How Painful Is Eyebrow Feathering?
The eyebrow feathering process is not an unpleasant one; nevertheless, numbing cream is administered beforehand to help with any feelings of discomfort that may arise. It is typical for some customers to experience very little amount of pressure.