Asian Makeup How-To: Permanent Eyebrow Tattooing

There's no need to cry over thin or nonexistent eyebrows. Permanent eyebrow tattooing, a form of permanent makeup, can give you well-shaped eyebrows that open your eyes and bring out facial definition. "Eyebrows add so much to a person's individual beauty," says Melany Whitney, CPCP, DAAM, and owner of the Center for Permanent Cosmetics. As a fashionista, you want to make sure your eyebrows are irresistible and natural-looking. With permanent eyebrow tattooing, you save makeup application time and always look fabulous.

Locate a licensed technician: Many beauty salons, cosmetic surgeons, dermatologists, and medical spas offer permanent eyebrow tattooing. Find a technician with experience in permanent eyebrow tattooing. "With skill and training, a technician should be able to follow the natural 'diagonals' of any brow's hairline," says Whitney. Don't select a technician based strictly on price. Remember, this is permanent, and you want your brows to look as natural as possible, so it's not a bad idea to splurge on this procedure.

Schedule a consultation appointment with at least three technicians: A good technician should be able to explain the procedure and answer all of your questions. You should feel comfortable talking to the technician. Ask the technician to show you her portfolio of previous work so you can judge the quality of work performed. Ask to see the technician's certificate and license, and look around the facility for professionalism, well-maintained equipment, proper sterilization, and cleanliness.

Meet before the procedure: Once you have selected a technician, you may need to briefly explain your medical history such as allergies or history of infections. Your technician will assess your skin texture, complexion, and tone to match your natural skin color with the proper ink pigment. The technician will take a picture of your brow area, and together you will decide on the best-looking eyebrow shape for your face. Before your procedure, your technician will determine whether you need local anesthesia.

Day of the procedure: Arrive early to allow time for the anesthesia to numb your brow area. Your technician will apply the pigment with a vibrating needle to your dermis, the middle layer of skin. The procedure typically takes about one to two hours.

Schedule a follow-up: During your follow-up treatment, the technician may adjust the color, shape, and density of your permanent eyebrow tattooing.

Follow post-op instructions: Follow your technician's instructions for recovery. You may experience mild discomfort, tenderness, and swelling. Your technician may advise you to place ice and ointment on your brow area. While you are healing, avoid sunlight. Following your technician’s instructions to ensure better healing results and reduce possible complications.

Final results: Allow two to three weeks to see the final results of your procedure. However, you will notice a difference immediately after your permanent eyebrow tattooing.

Based in New York, Terrichele Bradley is a freelance writer who has worked for some of the top publishing companies. As a writer who understands the power of the pen, Terrichele provides marketing content, and writes as a ghostwriter and for a variety of magazines.