kbstrip We’ve all been there — draw one brow, nail it, then completely mess up the second. That’s why permanent makeup has become more than a beauty trend — it’s a time-saving, confidence-boosting fix. But the real question everyone asks is: What is the cost of permanent eyebrows?
I’m Olha Po, a cosmetic tattoo artist in Melbourne. I’ve been in the treatment room with every brow type you can imagine — from overplucked 90s arches to faded blue ink disasters. This guide gives you the real tea on pricing, techniques like eyebrow tattoo and hair stroke brows, and what you’re actually paying for when you book in for cosmetic tattoo eyebrows.
Spoiler: it’s not just the pigment.
Eyebrow Tattoo Prices
Prices vary from studio to studio, but they’re not random, and in beauty, cheap rarely means cheerful.
In Melbourne, the average cost for eyebrow tattooing in 2025 is $550 to $1200 AUD, depending on the brow technique, experience of the cosmetic tattoo artist and what’s included in the package.
Treatment Price List (Rough Guide)
| Cosmetic Service | Average Cost (AUD) | Includes Follow-Up? |
|---|---|---|
| Eyebrow Feathering (Microblading) | $600–$900 | Sometimes |
| Ombré Brows (Shaded) | $700–$1100 | Often |
| Combination Brows | $750–$1200 | Usually |
| Machine Hairstrokes (Nano/Device) | $800–$1300 | Often |
| Cover Up Old Tattoo | $250–$600 per session | No |
| Colour Correction Work | $250–$500 per session | No |
| Eyebrow Refreshers (Annual Touch-Up) | $250–$400 | N/A |
Note: Don’t forget to ask if touch-up sessions or follow-up sessions are included — some salons charge extra, and they’re not optional if you want even, lasting brows.
What Affects the Price?
It’s not just about slapping pigment on skin. With modern cosmetic tattooing, you’re investing in skill, precision and safety — not just a quick fix.
Here’s why some brow appointments come with a bigger price tag (and why they should):
- Experience Level: Artists who are trained in advanced methods like machine hairstrokes or state-of-the-art techniques using a tattoo gun will generally charge more. And they should — your face deserves that level of care.
- Special Pigments & Tools: Cheap pigment fades fast or heals badly. Reputable studios use certified, long-lasting colour — including vegan and iron oxide-free options.
- Hygiene & Licensing: In Victoria, proper cosmetic services must meet council health codes. That means medical-grade cleaning, single-use needles and correct disposal of sharps.
- Skin Issues & Sensitivities: Got oily skin, eczema, past scarring or taking cold sore medication? These things impact pigment retention and might require extra time or steps.
- Cosmetic Tattoo Removal or Colour Correction: Got an old set of Full Brows that turned grey or red over time? You’ll need tattoo removal or colour correction, which adds to the total.
What’s Included in the Price?
A good cosmetic tattoo service should feel like a mini journey — not a rushed session with a numbing cream and a prayer.
Here’s what’s usually included in the price:
- Pre-treatment consult (shape, pigment, expectations)
- Brow mapping and symmetry check
- Numbing cream (often lidocaine-based) before and during
- Full tattoo session
- Custom aftercare products (balm, cleanser, healing guide)
- One follow-up touch-up session 6–10 weeks after
- Ongoing support during healing
May be charged separately:
- Old tattoo cover up work
- Late appointment rescheduling
- Additional touch-ups if you need more than two
- Annual eyebrow refreshers to maintain colour after 12+ months
Why Touch-Up Sessions Matter
This isn’t a one-and-done kind of beauty treatment. Think of the first appointment as building the frame — the follow-up session is what seals it all in.
Touch-up sessions help:
- Even out colour loss after initial flaking
- Fix any patchy retention
- Adjust shape if settling shifts lines slightly
Studios that skip the touch-up or charge separately (without warning) are often cutting corners. Always ask when the touch-up is expected and what it costs if it’s not included.
Eyebrow Makeover: What You’re Paying For
Here’s what you’re buying when you get a Total Eyebrow Make Over from a trained artist:
- Time back from your morning routine
- A shape designed for your unique face — not a trendy Instagram stencil
- A complete aftercare plan
- A safe, council-registered studio — like Cosmetic Tattoo Studio Face Figurati in Melbourne
- Expertise that accounts for your skin type, lifestyle and medical history
When Cheap Brows Cost You More
We’ve had clients come in with tattoo ink that migrated, greenish-grey tones from expired pigment and crooked arches from a rushed stencil job. A few even needed laser tattoo removal to get back to square one.
You might save $200 upfront at a discount clinic. But…
- You’ll likely need more touch-ups
- There’s more risk of infection or allergic reaction
- You could end up paying double to fix the result
When it comes to your face, “affordable” should never mean unsafe.
Melbourne Beauty Trends Shaping 2025
This year, clients are asking for more than brows that “just look done.”
- Hyper-personalised pigment blends for olive, Asian and freckled complexions
- Machine hairstrokes becoming the gold standard over microblading
- Combination brows paired with lip blush for a full-face semi-permanent makeup glow
- Natural restoration for alopecia or chemo clients with realistic eyebrow tattoos
There’s also a new wave of clients wanting to combine eyebrow threading and shaping before committing to ink — giving us better mapping results and softer edges.
FAQ
How much does an eyebrow tattoo cost in Melbourne right now?
Anywhere from $550 to $1300, depending on the technique and whether touch-up sessions are included. Techniques like machine hairstrokes or combo brows cost more but often last longer.
Can I get cosmetic tattooing if I’ve had cold sores or sensitive skin?
Yes, but we may recommend pre-treatment with cold sore medication to avoid flare-ups during healing. Sensitive skin may need extra care — always disclose your skin history.
What if I already have an old tattoo on my brows?
You may need colour correction or cover up work first, especially if the pigment has turned grey, red or blue. These are priced per session and start from $250.
Is this good for people with hair loss?
Yes. Clients with thinning brows, alopecia or who’ve had hair removal treatments often benefit from the illusion of real hair strokes. Just make sure you choose an artist trained in restoration work.
Do you have a Treatment Price List or payment plans?
Yes. Most reputable studios (like ours at Face Figurati Studio) offer a clear treatment price list and payment options like Afterpay. Always ask for this upfront — transparency is key.
