Microblading vs. Eyebrow Tattooing

Close-up of a person's face with smooth, light skin, brown eyes, and full lips, looking directly at the viewer.
Microblading vs Brow Lamination: Which Is Better? | Korea Guide 2024
⚖️ Comparison Guide

Microblading vs Brow Lamination : Which Is Right for You?

In Korea, both microblading and brow lamination are popular eyebrow treatments—but they're completely different procedures. One is semi-permanent tattooing, the other is hair styling. Learn which one fits your needs and brow goals.

Microblading= semi-permanent tattoo adding hair strokes (lasts 1-3 years, best for sparse brows). Brow Lamination= chemical styling treatment for existing hairs (lasts 6-8 weeks, best for unruly brows). You can do both!
⚡ Quick Answer

Choose microblading if you have sparse, thin, or patchy brows and want fullness that lasts years. Choose brow lamination if you have decent brow hair but want it styled and lifted for weeks. They solve different problems—many people get both!

Microblading

Semi-permanent tattoo

VS

Brow Lamination

Hair styling treatment

Understanding the Key Differences in Seoul

These two treatments are fundamentally different—one adds pigment to your skin, the other styles your existing hair.

Microblading
Semi-Permanent Cosmetic Tattoo

Uses a manual blade to deposit pigment into the skin, creating realistic hair-like strokes. Adds the appearance of new brow hairs where you have gaps. Lasts 1-3 years. Ideal for thin, over-plucked, or patchy brows.

Brow Lamination
Chemical Hair Styling Treatment

Uses a perming solution to restructure brow hairs, allowing them to be brushed and set in any direction. Creates a fluffy, lifted, brushed-up look. Lasts 6-8 weeks. Ideal for unruly or downward-growing brows.

Complete Comparison: Microblading vs Brow Lamination

Feature Microblading Brow Lamination
What It Does Adds pigmented hair strokes to skin Styles/lifts existing brow hairs
Duration 1–3 years Longer 6–8 weeks
Procedure Time 2–3 hours 45–60 minutes Faster
Pain Level Mild (numbing used) None Painless
Healing Time 4–6 weeks 24 hours Minimal
Best For Sparse, thin, patchy brows Unruly, downward-growing hairs
Adds Hair Appearance? Yes ✓ No ✗
Adds Color? Yes ✓ No (add tint separately)
Price in Korea ₩150,000–₩400,000 ₩50,000–₩100,000 Cheaper

See detailed pricing in Korea

Which Treatment Is Right for You?

Choose Microblading If You...

  • Have sparse, thin, or patchy eyebrows
  • Over-plucked and hair won't grow back
  • Have gaps or bald spots in brows
  • Want to wake up with "done" brows
  • Want long-lasting results (1-3 years)

Choose Brow Lamination If You...

  • Have decent brow hair but it's unruly
  • Brow hairs grow in different directions
  • Want the fluffy, brushed-up look
  • Prefer temporary, non-invasive treatment
  • Are on a tighter budget

Can You Do Both?

Yes! Get microblading first to add color and shape, wait for healing (6-8 weeks), then add brow lamination to style your natural hairs over the microbladed strokes for incredible fullness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between microblading and brow lamination?
Microblading is a semi-permanent tattooing technique that creates hair-like strokes (lasts 1-3 years). Brow lamination is a chemical treatment that styles existing hairs to stay in place (lasts 6-8 weeks). Microblading adds new hair appearance; lamination styles what you have.
Which lasts longer?
Microblading lasts significantly longer —1-3 years compared to brow lamination's 6-8 weeks. Microblading is semi-permanent pigment in the skin, while lamination is a temporary styling treatment.
Can I get both microblading and brow lamination?
Yes! Many clients combine both. Get microblading first for color and shape, wait 6-8 weeks for healing, then add lamination to lift and style your natural hairs over the microbladed strokes.
Which is better for sparse brows?
Microblading is better for sparse brows because it adds hair-like strokes where you have gaps. Lamination only styles existing hairs—it can't create the appearance of new hairs in bare areas.
Is brow lamination painful?
No, brow lamination is completely painless. It's non-invasive—no needles, no cuts. You might feel slight tingling from the solution, but no pain.

Ready to Transform Your Brows?

AMORJ Studio in Gangnam offers both microblading and brow lamination with expert consultations.

AMORJ Studio Team

Lead Brow Specialists, AMORJ Studio Gangnam
8+ years experience • Certified in microblading & brow lamination • Multilingual (EN/KR/JP/CN)
📍 Gangnam, Seoul 📅 Updated: January 2024

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. Results vary. Consult a qualified professional before any cosmetic procedure.