Two methods promising fuller brows — but fundamentally different. An honest comparison: process, longevity, costs, and who each method suits.
Two paths to fuller brows — fundamentally different
Brow lifting and microblading are often mentioned together, yet the methods could hardly be more different. One reshapes existing hair. The other simulates hair that is not there. One lasts weeks, the other over a year. One can be reversed in days, the other stays with you for months.
Both have their place — but for different starting points. This comparison helps you make the right decision for your brows.
Brow lifting: what it is and how it works
In brow lifting (also called brow lamination), existing brow hairs are softened with a keratin-based solution, combed into the desired direction, and fixed in place. The result: brows look fuller, more even, and more polished — without adding or removing a single hair.
Treatment takes 45 to 60 minutes. You lie relaxed with closed eyes while the stylist applies and processes the products. There is no pain — at most a slight warm sensation during processing time.
Longevity
Six to eight weeks. The result grows out naturally — there is no abrupt transition, just a gradual return to the original state.
Microblading: what it is and how it works
Microblading is a form of semi-permanent makeup. A fine blade makes hair-thin incisions in the top layer of skin, which are filled with pigment. The strokes imitate individual hairs and create the impression of fuller, more defined brows.
The first session takes 90 to 120 minutes, with much of that time spent on shape design and pre-drawing. A numbing cream is applied before the actual work begins.
Longevity
Twelve to eighteen months, depending on skin type, sun exposure, and care. Oily skin breaks down pigments faster than dry skin. Without touch-ups, the strokes gradually fade.
Important: Microblading is a skin intervention. In Germany, strict hygiene regulations apply, and since 2022, the Tattoo Pigment Regulation governs which pigments may be used. Make sure your studio uses EU-compliant colors and holds the appropriate certification.
Direct comparison
| Criterion | Brow Lifting | Microblading |
|---|---|---|
| Principle | Reshapes existing hair | Deposits pigment into skin |
| Suited for | Existing but unruly brows | Gaps, thin or missing brows |
| Treatment time | 45–60 minutes | 90–120 min + touch-up after 4–6 weeks |
| Pain level | Virtually painless | Mild scratching despite numbing |
| Longevity | 6–8 weeks | 12–18 months |
| Healing time | None (immediately wearable) | 7–14 days (scabbing, no water) |
| Reversibility | Fully (grows out) | Limited (pigments fade slowly) |
| Cost (Munich) | €55–80 | €250–450 (incl. touch-up) |
When brow lifting is the right choice
- You have enough natural brow hair, but it grows in different directions
- Your brows are naturally full but look flat or unkempt
- You want a reversible result that naturally grows out
- Morning brow routine should be quick — no gel, no pencil, no powder
- You have sensitive skin or prefer no skin intervention
When microblading is the right choice
- You have noticeable gaps or bare patches in your brows
- Your brows are naturally very thin or sparse
- You have lost brow hair through alopecia, chemotherapy, or over-plucking
- You want a long-term result (over a year) without daily drawing
- You are willing to plan for a one to two week healing phase
From our practice: The most common scenario in our studios: a client comes wanting microblading, and after consultation it turns out brow lifting solves her problem. Why? Because many women have more brow hair than they think — the hairs just grow in the wrong direction or lie flat. A brow lifting makes these hidden hairs visible and saves the intervention.
Brow lifting at MONLIS in Munich
In our studios at Goetheplatz, Karlstraße, and Westpark, we offer brow lifting as a standalone treatment and combined with shaping and tinting. We do not perform microblading — for that, we refer to specialized permanent makeup studios we trust.
Why this choice? Brow lifting fits our approach: enhancing natural beauty without permanently altering the skin. For clients considering microblading, we always offer a brow lifting as a trial first — often it is already enough.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
Microblading lasts 12 to 18 months before a touch-up is needed. Brow lifting lasts 6 to 8 weeks. However, brow lifting is fully reversible — the result simply grows out, while microblading pigments fade gradually.
Brow lifting is virtually painless — you only feel the products being applied. With microblading, the skin is scored with fine needles. A numbing cream is applied beforehand, but a light scratching sensation remains.
Yes, and it can make sense. Brow lifting shapes existing hair, microblading fills in bare spots. If doing both, let the microblading heal first (4 to 6 weeks), then do the brow lifting.
Microblading, because it visually adds hairs that are not there. Brow lifting can only reshape and enhance existing hair — where there is no hair, brow lifting has no effect.
Microblading, because it visually adds hairs that aren’t there. A brow lift can only reshape existing hairs and make them look fuller—where there are no hairs, a brow lift has no effect.
