Everything you need to know about eyebrow feathering, microblading’s subtle sister

While the trend of overdone “Instagram brows” may be long over, full, healthy brows are here to say. But if you were guilty of recreating Gwen Stefani’s super thin brows in the early ’00s and your brows haven’t quite recovered, no worries. Brow enhancement options are everywhere. There are brow extensions (think eyelash extensions but for your brows), lace-front eyebrow wigs (the jury’s still out on these) mircoblading, and, of course, tons of modern brow products—from gels to pencils and everything in between—that can give your eyebrows an added boost. But one longer-lasting, incredibly natural eyebrow technique is eyebrow feathering.

Is eyebrow feathering the same as microblading?

Good question. It is a specific type of microblading. If you aren’t familiar, microblading is pretty much what it sounds like. A technician uses a tool made of tiny blades and a semi-permanent dye to make fine strokes that mimic hairs and fill in your brows. These aren’t your mama’s eyebrow tattoos; when done properly, they look completely undetectable. Just be sure to keep in mind that everyone’s skin takes pigment differently, so the results can last anywhere from one to three years depending on your type.

Not every microblading story is a success, though. Some technicians rely on stencils or proportions that don’t flatter every face shape. L.A.-based brow technician Kristie Streicher isn’t that kind of tech. Her method, dubbed “microfeathering” involves a different approach to brows, and it’s a technique that has been quite popular among celebs from Mandy Moore to Gwenyth Paltrow for it’s ultra-natural results.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXYDo80AOPF

What is eyebrow feathering?

To put it simply, eyebrow feathering is a lighter and more customized variation on microblading. The feather-light strokes lend themselves to the technique’s name. It makes microblading look like Instagram brows in comparison, but that’s only because microblading is best suited for brows that are thin or over plucked, while microfeathering works with existing brow’s natural shape, only subtly enhancing it through the drawing on of super fine hair strokes. Eyebrow feathering essentially fills in any gaps or areas of need for a fluffy, natural finish that’s understated instead of overdone.

How is eyebrow feathering done?

Streicher preps clients for her microfeathering application after a six-month grow-out phase. Clients are advised to visit every six-to-eight weeks for tinting and shaping until the growth phase is complete. Then, the fun begins. Kristie explained “microfeathering” to Refinery29 saying,

"I use the natural brow, after the grown-in period, as a guideline to understand how the client's hair naturally comes in. It turns out that people actually don't need as much help as they think they do. I just add little, tiny hair strokes, just a few, and it really makes such a difference."

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXRa0-aAfjn

The good news is, there is no formal downtime needed after an eyebrow-feathering treatment. Your eyebrows will look a shade or two darker for the first few days, then lighten within the first week.

How much does eyebrow feathering cost?

If you want beautiful, natural results that will last, it will cost you. Though prices vary depending on where you get it done, Streicher’s signature microblading treatment costs a casual $2,500 and is broken up into two appointments, six to eight weeks apart. Ah, the price of beauty.