How Much Do Eyebrow Tattoos Cost?

If you have a condition that causes hair loss — or if you simply want to shorten your makeup routine — you can have your eyebrows enhanced or restored through eyebrow tattooing.

A type of permanent makeup, tattooed eyebrows have gained popularity in the U.S. in the last several decades. Permanent brow tattooing caught on in the 1980s, using regular tattoo ink applied deep within the skin. In the 1990s, the semipermanent microblading technique gained popularity. For these semipermanent tattoos, the pigment goes in the upper layers of your skin.

Now, microblading and similar semipermanent techniques have flooded the market, and the number of professional technicians has multiplied.

Which technique is best for you depends on your preference and your skin type. Some of the better-known options for eyebrow tattooing include:

Read on for more information about the types of eyebrow tattooing, their cost, and the possible risks.

How much does eyebrow tattooing typically cost?

Various factors affect the cost of eyebrow tattoos. For example, most permanent makeup professionals work in cosmetic tattoo studios, while some plastic surgery clinics also have specialists. Whether you choose a studio or a clinic will affect your price.

Costs also vary depending on:

• The popularity of the studio, clinic, or technician

• The technician’s experience and skill level

• Market pricing in your location

Average costs may seem high. That’s not always bad news: Professional technicians should invest in sterile and standardized equipment, spaces, and procedures. Where prices are lower, be cautious. Low prices may not support investment in proper equipment and its upkeep. They also call into question the technician’s level of education and training.

Get details of the procedure upfront to be sure you know exactly what you’ll be paying for. The procedure’s price tag should include the cost of the topical anesthetic used to numb the eyebrow area. Other costs may include:

• Consultation: Technicians will consult with you about the best procedure for you, given the particulars of your skin and your desired look. The cost of this session can range between $30 and $85. At this point, you can ask if they offer any discounts or free services and if they require a deposit.

• Aftercare kit: You’ll get aftercare instructions once the procedure is over. But some technicians also offer an aftercare kit with cleansers and ointments. Kits like this typically cost $20 to $40.

Many technicians include the price of the first touch-up (typically $100) in the procedure price. Because the technician will need to do more work as the tattoos fade, your touch-up costs increase with time.

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How do I choose a technician?

During your consultation, ask your technician as many questions as you need to. If they don’t want to answer a question, consider that a red flag.

Ensure you’re working with a qualified professional by:

• Making sure they’re licensed by their state

• Confirming the cleanliness of their working environment and their adherence to sterile practices

• Inspecting their portfolio

• Reading reviews on their work or their studio

It’s a smart idea to check out their experience and credentials. For example, a technician who wants to become certified by the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals must already have completed 100 hours of training.

Will I have to take medications post-procedure?

Typically, no. Medications shouldn’t be necessary afterward. But if you feel pain afterward, ask your technician about taking an over-the-counter pain reliever.During the session, your level of discomfort will depend on the type of procedure and your pain threshold. With the topical anesthetic, some people don’t feel anything, while others do feel some discomfort.

How long do eyebrow tattoos last?

Permanent eyebrows last for life, unless you choose to have them removed. Semipermanent brows can last up to 2 years.

For people with oily skin, microbladed eyebrows can fade within a year. This is because oily skin produces more sebum, a natural substance that can affect the eyebrow pigment. You may want to seek out a technician who is experienced with microblading on oily skin.

Many technicians recommend other semipermanent options instead of microblading. For example, powder brows last longer. It’s also less likely that the dotting technique for powder brows will blur, like manual strokes.

What are the risks of eyebrow tattooing?

There are some risks to keep in mind when considering eyebrow tattoos. They include:

• Infection

• Allergic reactions to pigments

• Scarring

• Possible swelling or burning in the brow area during future MRI procedures

Certain health conditions can make getting eyebrow tattoos more difficult. Consult your healthcare provider in advance about possible issues if you have:

• Skin diseases: Tattoos can cause flare-ups of certain diseases, such as psoriasis and vitiligo.

• Heart disease: Tattoos introduce a slight chance of infective endocarditis in people with congenital heart disease.

• Diabetes: You may have a difficult time healing from the tattoos.

• Blood disorders: The tattooing process could lead to excessive bleeding.

• Immunodeficiency: Introducing impurities into the skin might increase the risk of infection.

The risks of eyebrow tattooing on people who are pregnant or breastfeeding are unknown. There isn’t enough information on the effects of having the pigment in your system during or immediately after pregnancy. To be safe, it’s best to wait until the pregnancy is over or you are no longer breastfeeding.

Allergic reactions to permanent makeup pigments do occur, but they seem to be rare. Nickel sensitivity might increase the chance of experiencing a reaction. Pigments and tattoo ink aren’t regulated by the FDA, so more studies on allergic reactions are needed.

Recovery from eyebrow tattooing can take 6 to 8 weeks. As the tattoo peels and scabs over, the area may itch or swell.

Is eyebrow tattooing worth it?

It depends on your goal and how well the technician performs the procedure. The results may or may not be what you expected, given the price. Additionally, you may find the short lifespan of the tattoos is a deal-breaker.

Also, if you decide you don’t like your tattoos, some pigments are hard to remove.

From a financial standpoint, consider the risks and expense of the procedure and touch-ups. Ask yourself whether those outweigh the time and cost of using brow pencils, brow mascara, or brow pomade each day.

Insurance almost never covers cosmetic procedures. It probably won’t cover any related expenses you paid before the procedure. If you experience complications after the procedure — such as infections or allergic reactions that require a doctor visit — those costs might not be covered, either.

If you really want your eyebrows tattooed but can’t quite afford it, CareCredit is a financial option. Compare it to other sources of credit (such as cards or personal loans) to be sure you’re getting the best possible annual interest rate.

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Written by:

Leah Thomason

Leah Thomason was an editorial intern on the GoodRx Health team. She is a writer from Houston, Texas, with an interest in pet health.

Edited by:

Caren Weiner, MSIS

Caren Weiner, MSIS, began her personal finance journalism career in 1986. She worked as a reporter for Money magazine and co-wrote its book-length “Guide to the 1986 Tax Reform Act.” From the beginning, she immersed herself in data on mutual fund total returns and marginal tax rates.

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It’s wise to do extensive research on technicians before choosing one, as eyebrow tattooing does have some risks. These include infection, allergic reactions, and results that aren’t worth the cost.