Microblading
What Is Microblading?
You will be required to fill in a consent form upon arrival
PLEASE NOTE that permanent makeup and microblading eyebrows WILL require a touch up appointment (at 75% of the price of the first session)
Microblading is a two-step process which consist of the initial treatment, followed by a touch up session 4-6 weeks after the initial session for optimal results. During the healing period it is quite normal for pigment to disappear. Do not be alarmed it’s normal! During this touch up session, which is commonly known as the perfecting session, therapist redefine brow shape if required, apply pigment where there may be some patchy areas(Pigment did not return evenly),and address any client concerns.
It’s normal for permanent makeup to fade over time. Therefore, after your initial microblading session, you’ll need regular touch-ups. This will maintain the shape, pigment, and definition of your brows. Generally, it’s recommended to get a touch-up every 12 to 18 months.
Your first treatment will include an in-depth consultation, brow mapping and the treatment itself.
Microblading is a tattooing technique in which a small handheld tool made of several tiny needles is used to add semi-permanent pigment to the skin.
Microblading differs from standard eyebrow tattooing because each hairstroke is created by hand using a blade which creates fine cuts in the skin, whereas eyebrow tattoos are done with a machine and single needle bundle.
Microblading is typically used on eyebrows to create, enhance or reshape their appearance in terms of both shape and pigment. It deposits pigment into the upper region of the dermis. Microbladed hairstrokes creates an illusion of naturally fuller brows like you have more brow hairs than you actually do.
What Is Microshading?
Microshading is a semi-permanent eyebrow tattoo that gives the brows the look of wearing a bit of brow makeup, but it doesn’t wash off as makeup does. It’s done by implementing pigment into the skin underneath the brows, giving it a shade that gives the illusion of fullness.
It can be done in two styles: only adding a shade or adding both a shade and hair strokes in the front or along the whole arch.
The strokes are tiny tattoos that imitate the look of natural brow hairs. This is how microblading is done. They can be combined with shading, and this fusion of microblading and microshading is called hybrid brows by some artists or categorized as microshading by others.
What Is the Difference Between Microblading and Microshading?
The main difference between microblading vs microshading is in the look, but there’s also the difference in the technique, longevity, and who they’re meant for.
The Look
Microblading looks completely natural, like your brows are naturally dense, while microshading looks like you’re wearing brow powder. It’s a bit more obvious but not as dramatic as powder brows. Powder Brows creates a more solid make up look on the entire eyebrow. Ombre brow is a powdered brow which is lighter infront and darker towards the tail.
The Technique
Microblading is done manually (there’s also the machine version, but that’s called nano brows). Microshading can be done with a manual shading tool, or with a PMU machine.
The Longevity
Microshading lasts a bit longer than microblading. Microblading lasts about 18 months on average, while microshading usually lasts about 2 years. The reason is that the delicate hair strokes fade faster than the shadow.
Suitability
Microblading is suitable for dry to normal skin. It’s not really suitable for oily skin with large pores. It can be done, but the strokes tend to blur together due. They also fade faster due to sebum overproduction, which pushes them out of the skin.
Microshading is suitable for all skin types. The shade is more resilient to sebum overproduction, and in case strokes are added too, the blurring isn’t so visible because the shade camouflages it.
Can Microblading and Microshading Be Combined?
Yes, and they very often are.
In fact, shading is rarely done on its own. The result of combining shading with hair strokes is called hybrid brows, or combo brows.
The result is the look of naturally fuller brows to which a bit of makeup was added. It’s a good option for clients who are set on getting hair strokes, but their skin is on the oilier side.
Microshading vs Microblading Pain Levels
Both treatments entail some discomfort. However, neither should be exactly painful, since both treatments are done with a topical anesthetic that numbs the area.
The level of discomfort between microblading vs microshading varies from client to client. Those who’ve had both give mixed opinions.
Some say blading is more uncomfortable, some say it’s shading. Either way, you can expect some pressure, pitching, stinging, but not actual pain.
Microshading vs Microblading Safety or Risk
Both microblading and microshading are considered quite safe and non-invasive, since they only reach the connection between the surface layer of the skin and the second layer.
That said, since the surface of the skin is broken, there’s a risk of infection. If the treatment isn’t performed in sterile conditions with sterile equipment, or if you don’t follow aftercare instructions and the wound gets contaminated before it heals, you could develop an infection.
Most cases of infection are mild, but if you notice anything strange during your healing, contact your artist or a dermatologist. If left untreated, the infection could reach your sinuses and cause serious illness.
Another potential risk is permanent scarring. If the treatments are performed properly, the skin could get permanently damaged. The risk of scarring is greater with microblading vs microshading, or to be more precise, when doing hair strokes. Machine work is considered gentler on the skin, while dragging the blade through it causes more trauma.
Finally, there’s an equal risk of an allergic reaction for both microblading vs microshading. It’s possible to be allergic to the pigments or other products used during the treatment, but a quick patch test before the treatment eliminates this risk.