Eyebrow tattoos have evolved in recent years. Permanent makeup expert Amy Kernahan of Amy Kernahan Studios has been offering brow tattoos for over a decade, and now she does a lot of microblading. "The two methods are slightly different," she says. "Microblading is done with a hand tool that is made up of a small blade that etches each hair stroke into the skin creating a very natural soft looking hair." And Kernahan says it's the hot buzzword clients are asking for right now: "It's taking over the beauty world!" However, she still sometimes uses a micropigmentation machine, which is a digital device that offers a bit more coverage. "Depending on the client's needs and skin type, I usually do a little bit of both microblading and micropigmentation," she explains.

First, you'll discuss the ideal shape and color for your brows with the artist. Then, she will fill in your eyebrows with a brow pencil to guarantee you're on the same page and help you visualize the result. At this point, most microblading pros apply some topical numbing cream before sketching in the brows with their handheld tool and custom-mixed pigments. Some artists, like Piret, start conservatively and ask you to come back for follow up sessions to tweak the color and make the brows fuller if desired. Your brows will look slightly exaggerated and may be a little scabby for a few days before your perfect, new tattooed brows are revealed.

Similar to other tattoos, microblading involves a needle piercing your skin. But a little topical numbing cream goes a long way. "Our clients describe the sensation 'like having your eyebrows tweezed,'" says Piret.

Unlike regular tattoos, microblading doesn't last forever. "Over time they just get lighter and eventually disappear," says Piret. If you want to maintain the look, you'll have to have your brows touched up every six months to a year.

The list of contraindications is long. If you're pregnant, nursing, diabetic, have glaucoma or a heart condition, or you're prone to keloid scarring, then you shouldn't have your eyebrows tattooed. But nothing on that list is especially surprising. "You know the state of your health better than anyone," says Piret. "If you have any medical issues that you feel might be a contraindication, then we suggest you get clearance from your doctor."