Eyebrows are among a woman’s most attractive features, and every day, fresh eyebrow trends emerge. Some women whose eyebrow preferences were just plucking and filling their brows for years began to embrace these brow trends. Nobody wants to go through the daily routine of filling in their eyebrows, and there’s a quick but not-so-quick fix for it called microblading and microshading.
They are semi-permanent brow enhancements that give the illusion of fuller, well-groomed, and realistic eyebrows. Although both terms are used interchangeably, they are quite different. And understanding their differences will help you make the right choices on your next brow appointment.
About Eyebrow Microblading
When it comes to shaping your eyebrows, there’s a noticeable difference between using non-lasting eyebrow makeup and opting for more effective brow treatments like microblading. Instead of relying on a pencil that can easily be smudged away, microblading involves the use of super-thin needles to carefully place pigments into your skin. The result? Exquisitely thin strokes that look like thick natural brow hairs, and give brows a more defined look.
Microblading has grown very popular in the beauty and cosmetic industry. The procedure is done using a set of microblading tools to produce fine strokes that are not implanted on the top layer of the skin. They look very natural, although they are not permanent and typically last around two years with proper care.
During the treatment, brow technicians use tiny blades to make precise incisions that replicate the look of individual hair strokes. These strokes are carefully done to achieve a client’s desired brow shapes by adding color pigments to the microblade tool.
What To Know Before Doing Your Brows
Preparing for your brow appointment requires a few helpful tips to ensure optimal results.
- Firstly, it’s important to resist the temptation to pluck or wax your eyebrows beforehand. As the technician will need to measure your brows and shape them accordingly.
- It’s also advisable to steer clear of skincare products that contain ingredients like Retin A, glycolic acid, and alpha-hydroxy acids that can cause skin inflammation.
- Another important tip is to not consume alcohol 24 hours before the appointment.
- Additionally, do not take medications like ibuprofen, aspirin, niacin, vitamin E, or any blood-thinning medication hours before the brow procedure.
- Microblading doesn’t last for people with oily skin as it fades faster.
How Long Does Microblading Last?
Microblading can keep your eyebrows looking attractive for quite a while, usually lasting for about two years. However, to keep them in good shape, it’s advisable to schedule regular touch-up sessions. As time goes by, the pigment gradually fades. When that happens, it’s time to pay another visit to the brow technician.
Microshading Eyebrows
For those with sensitive or oily skin whose skin is too sensitive for microblading, there’s another alternative called microshading. They share some similarities, as both methods use semi-permanent tattoo ink to fill in areas with sparse brow hairs. Microshading is a brow treatment where a brow technician uses an ultra-fine needle to create individual tattoo marks that resemble tiny dots on the brows.
Microshading involves the use of an electric or manual pen to apply these semi-permanent ink dots on the brows, resulting in a somewhat airbrushed appearance. It tends to have a longer-lasting effect compared to microblading, meaning the filled brows can be enjoyed for a period of 2 to 3 years before requiring touch-ups. And it is particularly suitable for individuals with sensitive or oily skin. If you think microblading creates the illusion of fuller brows, microshading results in a denser look and more defined shape.
How Long Does Microshading Last?
Microshading is believed to have a longer-lasting effect compared to microblading(typically lasting anywhere from one to three years when you take good care of it). During the first few days after the procedure, there might be noticeable harsh lines on the brows, but with time, the brows will heal and the color will gradually fade into a softer, more natural look. Just like for microblading, it is ideal to schedule a touch-up session every now and then.
Choosing The Right Color For Eyebrow Microblading and Microshading
When it comes to choosing the right eyebrow color for either microblading or microshading, your hair color is a key factor to consider. A simple tip is to select a shade that matches the base color of your hair. For instance, if you have brown hair, go for an eyebrow color that matches the two darkest shades in your hair. Your skin tone and undertone also play a role in finding the perfect eyebrow color for you. Just the way skin tones are taken into consideration when purchasing lipsticks or powders.
