“Permanent” eyebrows are long-lasting but not truly permanent – they are semi-permanent enhancements. In general, modern brow tattoos (nano, powder, etc.) last about 1 to 3 years before gradually fading. With good aftercare and periodic touch-ups (often recommended every 12–18 months), your results will stay fresh.

The term “permanent” has stuck because these brows do last a very long time compared to regular makeup, even though you will eventually need a refresh.

Aftercare is straightforward but crucial for beautiful healing. You’ll need to keep your new brows clean and dry for the first 24-48 hours – that means avoiding heavy sweating, swimming and getting them wet in the shower. We’ll provide a healing ointment to apply gently, and it’s important not to pick at any flaking skin or scabs as your brows heal.

Also avoid direct sun, makeup, and skincare on the area for about a week. Following Andie’s aftercare instructions will ensure your brows settle into the ideal color and shape, with excellent longevity.

Most patients find their brows start to look “normal” (i.e. the final color and shape) in about 10–14 days, with full healed results visible at around 4–6 weeks once the pigment has fully settled.

Right after your appointment, your brows will look bolder and darker than expected – don’t worry, this is normal! Over the first week or two, they’ll soften and lighten by around 30%, revealing a more natural shade as any initial redness and flaking subside.

In short: yes, permanent brows do fade a bit after the first few days, and that’s exactly what we want for a soft, natural outcome.

Many patients are pleasantly surprised at how easy the process feels. Some of Andie’s patients actually fall asleep during the treatment!

However, everyone’s tolerance is different. Patients with more sensitive skin compare the sensation to tweezing or a careful eyebrow wax.  At Donaldson, we do everything we can to make you comfortable, including using a potent topical numbing cream so you feel minimal discomfort during the procedure.

This is a profoundly personal decision – and we’ll help you figure that out during your personalized consultation!

Andie will assess your natural brows, skin type, and personal style to recommend the best method for you. For example, if you want ultra-fine hair strokes and have drier skin, nano brows might be ideal; if you prefer a filled-in makeup look or have oily skin, powder brows could be better; and combo brows offer a mix of both.

We’ll explain the core differences of each style, what those differences mean for your existing features and guide you to the option that achieves your desired look.

Even if you choose to not work with Donaldson for your eyebrow enhancement, you will still walk away with a greater knowledge of this treatment and what to look for next!

Pricing can vary based on the technique and the provider’s expertise, but generally permanent eyebrow treatments range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars. For example, in major cities nano brows often cost about $800–$1,400 for the initial session.

In Columbus, Ohio, prices fall toward the middle of that range. Most quotes include your first touch-up (around 6–8 weeks later) and any numbing or aftercare products but always confirm what’s covered.

Remember: This is an investment in yourself. Going to a qualified, experienced artist is well worth it for safe and beautiful results. Your outcomes should not be limited by one provider’s lack of training.

Yes! In addition to Andie’s brow tattooing, we offer microblading performed by other licensed aestheticians on our team.

Microblading is a manual technique that also yields gorgeous results, and it’s a service we’re proud to provide. When you come in, we can discuss whether microblading or a cosmetic tattoo with Andie is the right fit for your goals. The good news is both options are available at Donaldson, so you have the full spectrum of brow techniques to choose from.

Neither treatment is “better” across the board, as each approach offers its own unique benefits! Both techniques are excellent ways to achieve fuller, beautiful brows.

Microblading uses a hand tool to create very fine, superficial hair strokes for an extremely natural look, but the results tend to fade a bit faster and may not work as well on oily or sensitive skin.

Machine tattooing (like the nano brow method Andie uses) inserts pigment into the skin with a digital needle, often making the color last longer and appear more defined.

The “Best Choice” Often Comes Down to a Few Factors:

• Your skin type
• How dense your existing brows are
• How bold you want your brows
• How long you want them to last

In short, permanent makeup pigments give you long-lasting results without the forever commitment of traditional tattoo ink.

Traditional tattoo ink (used for body art) is formulated to be very permanent. It contains dense pigments and carriers that go deep into the skin, often lasting a lifetime within minimal fading.

Cosmetic tattoo pigments, by contrast, are designed specifically for the face and are formulated to fade gradually over time. These pigments (often iron oxide or organic based) are softer and more saturated for a natural look, but inherently less concentrated than body tattoo inks.

An Additional Benefit of Cosmetic Tattoo Pigment

Your brow color will gently lighten over the years. This allows for adjustments as your features and style evolve, and the ingredients are calibrated to be safe for delicate facial skin.