Permanent eye make-up, 3D eyebrows and permanent eyeliner have become increasingly popular, especially among a younger, visually conscious generation that doesn't want to spend time styling eyebrows and eyeliner every day. But do these "permanent" effects really last forever, and are they safe to get done at a neighbourhood salon? Dr John Watts, a trichologist, dermatologist and hair and beard transplant expert in Hyderabad, explains what's actually involved in microblading, microshading and permanent eyeliner, in plain, easy-to-understand language.
What Is Microblading?
Microblading uses a very fine pen fitted with microneedles to draw fine, hair-like lines, allowing a practitioner to design eyebrows that look natural and well-shaped, filling in sparse patches with individual hair-like strokes.
What Is Microshading?
Microshading takes a slightly different approach, giving the eyebrows a 3D look with a natural mix of thicker and thinner strokes, similar to how real eyebrow hair actually grows and appears. "When you merge the above two processes, you get what one calls permanent eye make-up, 3D eyebrows or permanent eye lining," explains Dr Watts.
What About Permanent Eyeliner?
Permanent eyeliner works differently again. It involves using a medically safe pigment placed at precise, pinpointed locations along the lash line to achieve the desired look, without the need for daily reapplication.
The Risk of Choosing the Wrong Practitioner
These procedures are not simple tattoos, and Dr Watts warns that they call for a high level of expertise. Practitioners need to work under medically sterilised conditions, or the procedure can lead to infection. They also need a sound understanding of eyebrow contours, along with knowledge of angle positioning, thickness, depth, spine and artistic design before they begin any case.
"We usually get many patients looking for laser corrections for their botched up microblading, microshading and permanent eyeliner procedures. One should do proper research as to whom one is approaching for these procedures as quacks and untrained professionals can leave permanent damage on your face," warns Dr Watts.
Does It Really Last Forever?
Despite being marketed as "permanent," Dr Watts is clear that none of these procedures stay exactly the same for a lifetime. "Never! No such procedure, once done, stays the same permanently as there would be gradual fading and one may need slight retouching once in six months or a year later," he says.
The Bottom Line
Before booking an appointment for microblading, microshading or a permanent eyeliner, Dr Watts recommends doing proper research into the practitioner's training, hygiene standards and past results, rather than choosing based on price or convenience alone. Getting it corrected later with lasers, he notes, is far more difficult and expensive than getting it right the first time — so the choice of practitioner matters more than almost anything else in the process.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a qualified dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between microblading and microshading?
Microblading uses a fine microneedle pen to draw hair-like lines for natural-looking eyebrows, while microshading creates a 3D look using a mix of thicker and thinner strokes.
Is permanent eye make-up actually permanent?
No. Dr Watts confirms these procedures gradually fade and typically need retouching every six months to a year.
What are the risks of getting microblading or microshading done by an untrained practitioner?
Unsterile or unskilled procedures can leave permanent damage on the face and often require laser correction to fix, with infection also a risk under non-sterile conditions.
What should I check before choosing a practitioner for microblading or permanent eyeliner?
Make sure they work under medically sterilised conditions and have sound knowledge of eyebrow contours, angle positioning, thickness, depth and artistic design.
