This hub is a continuation of Eyebrow Tattooing part 1 where I discussed the lifestyle choice that is tattooed eyebrows and how to decide on a shape for your cosmetic tattooing. This hub will provide more information for individuals looking to get permanent makeup, specifically how to select a pigment to match your skin tone and hair color and we'll find out if eyebrow tattoos are really permanent.

Eyebrow Tattoos – Selecting the Pigment

The first ladies I spoke with said that if I had eyebrow tattoos and permanent eyeliner done, it would appear too dark for a few days or weeks, but that it would fade into a natural look. They also said that if I wanted to fade the tattoo eyebrows faster I could use a little Retin-A or Glycolic Acid, and that chlorine from swimming pools also did the trick. Since I swam, I wasn’t too worried.

I was also told to ask for brown pigment mixed with some black (despite being blond) so that the end color for eyebrow or eyeliner, would not turn into an unnatural reddish-brown or blue-black which could happen if only brown or only black pigments were applied during the eyebrow tattooing procedure.

Also, while the pigment selection for eyebrow tattoos can be close to your natural hair color, permanent eyeliner pigments should be darker and more dramatic, dark brown, black or even blue depending on how you usually apply your makeup. Light brown pigments are close to henna color and fade quickly and are most likely to turn an unnatural reddish hue over time. Pure black pigments turn bluish-grey over time.

For women who have naturally light hair, highlights or bleached hair, or who do not maintain the same exact shade of hair color from month to month or year to year, may want to go with a darker brow pigment for the initial eyebrow tattooing procedure and then slightly bleach the natural brow hair from time to time to match the tone of the most recent coiffure.

I was told not to panic about eyebrow color for at least 30 days after receiving the tattooed eyebrows. Naturally I wanted to see eyebrow tattoo pictures, the famous before and after pictures, and all the good clinics had large portfolios of such. I noticed that some of the darker brown brows faded into a grayish color and that the medium brown colors sometimes faded into auburn or pinkish hues that were not very appealing.

However, aside from the usual before and after eyebrow tattoo pictures, there were also “after-after” pictures that showed the results of touchups weeks or months after the first procedure and in almost every case the results were very good. Touchups are almost required. So don’t panic if you see a color too light or a small gap here and there after the first tattooing.

The answer is YES. A tattoo is considered permanent because even after many, many years there will always be a slight hint of the tattoo, forever (unless removed by laser surgery). But NO it is not permanently the rich color you receive at first. Tattoos fade considerably and can become almost invisible over time, especially if you swim, are exposed to sun and clean your face with astringents. Cosmetic tattooing is the same as artistic tattooing in regards longevity.

The difference is the amount of color and the thickness of the lines in artistic tattoos that make the fading process less obvious. Tattoo pigments, in general, react differently to skin types, and there are also different qualities of pigments, some that last longer than others.

Eyebrow tattoos, and permanent make up, is only strong and fresh looking for about 2 years and can fade completely within 7 -10 years. This also depends on the thickness of the tattoo lines. A delicate brow or eye line will not last as long as a thick one. Most of the ladies I know who have had their eyebrows tattooed in a delicate and natural manner have had them refreshed every 3 to 5 years, just to fill in the faded areas and give a little refresher to the brow or liner. I have had touchups every 3-4 years.