The differences between microblading and microshading and what all the jargon means can be confusing.
Differences between Microblading and Microshading | What is Microblading? Microblading is a hot new semi-permanent makeup technique in which a manual hand tool is used to deposit ink or “pigment” inside the uppermost layers of the skin, this is done in a pattern of “strokes” which mimic the clients’ natural hairs. It is ultra-realistic and can be suited to almost anyone.
This is quickly becoming a favorite among celebrities and can benefit anyone with a busy lifestyle who fills in their brows on a daily basis, this saves hundreds of hours a year in the makeup application and has the added benefit of being completely waterproof!
Sounds great, doesn’t it? But not everyone wants an ultra-natural look. Some may want a more “makeup” type of look, and that is okay too! There truly is something for everyone! Microshading can be a great way to achieve a richer pigmentation and more defined brow shape. But with so much jargon out there… “powder” “ombre” “3D brows”, etc. it can be really confusing knowing exactly what service is best for you. We’ll take you through all the different kinds in this Differences between Microblading and Microshading blog to get you familiar, don’t worry, we’ve got you’re back!
Microblading is still an enigma to many interested in the art of permanent or semi-permanent makeup. But add in all these new words. Ombré, micro-shading, powder brows, 3D brows and you have a lot of confusion.
In differences between Microblading and Microshading, all you need to know is this: Microblading is hair strokes and shading is exactly that.. shading. A powder brow is a shaded brow and depending on where you go to get it done it can mean very different amounts of shading from company to company. Shading can be applied subtly, using a sheer wash of color or it can be done with a more heavy hand and can sometimes look too dark and thick. Make sure you look at before and after to ensure the particular artist’s style matches your desired aesthetic. Shading, when done properly, is applied like dust, covering the brow like a blanket of color.
This art can mimic makeup and give the client the made-up look that some are looking for. Shading can also be natural, it is just the amount that is applied as to which look each client is looking for.
If you want a much more dramatic brow, then ombré shading is your answer. Ombre or “powder” brows are done wholly with shading and do not contain any hair strokes, the brow looks somewhat solid as if filled in with a powder or pomade. It is called ombre due to the fact that it starts with a high concentration of pigment toward the bottom and tail and gradually softens as it reaches the fronts and the tops of the brows. This can look quite delicate and lovely but you should be aware that this is a “makeup” look and not a natural “no makeup” look.
When done together microblading and shading can often be referred to as a combo technique or combo brow. A combo or “combination” uses the natural look of hair strokes and blends it with a blanket of color via the shading technique. This is somewhere between the “makeup” look of ombre and the “no makeup” look of microblading alone. This can be a really effective technique if you have parts of your brow that don’t have any hair at all. With just microblading alone it can be difficult to blend a focused concentration of hair with a blank void of skin, thus shading can be a great aid in being able to make the area look more full and blended. Though shading is used here, this can still be done to look very natural. This is also a great option for oily or thick skin as this helps to increase the “retention” or how well the pigment adheres and settles in the skin, which can be problematic for these skin types.
Microbalding alone
Microbalding alone is, of course, the most natural look of all. Consisting of only hair strokes and appearing to be all your own hair, this is the technique you would use if you want to darken your overall brows or improve the overall shape and symmetry without anyone being able to tell you’ve had anything done. Often clients suffering from hair loss related to chemotherapy, hormonal imbalance or alopecia will select this option, as they do not want a dramatic or “makeup” type look but simply want to have the appearance of hair once again.
So how do you know what is right for you? Well… it depends on what you want. A little shading can really enhance a brow and still keep it very natural looking. Deeper shading or something like ombré is more for the dramatic girl being a lot bolder in color and usually size.
A power brow is still shading usually more subtle than a full ombré brow and is less focused on shape, shading from the tail. So what it basically comes down to is this:
- How do you wear your everyday makeup? Are you a minimalist, do you like your brows naturally not super heavy but you don’t really have brows? Then a microblading / shading combo may be for you with middle shading on the spine and not too heavy on the tail.
- Are you more of a glamour girl, super full and bold brows all day long, if you could sleep in them you would kind of girl. Do you feel naked until to put your brows on? Then a microblading and full powder brow or ombré brow could be right up your alley.
Your semi-permanent makes up artist will do an initial consultation to find out what it is you want to achieve from your treatment. Each treatment is built on the clients’ desires at brow best sculpting the appointment to meet the clients needs.
So what should you expect? How long does it take and how much does it cost? With the entire process, including the consultation and anesthetic, you should expect to spend between 3 and 4 hours with your artist or technician. While some may advertise “quick” treatments, taking 1.5 – 2 hours, this is not typical or recommended. The only way to shorten the time is to either forgo the anesthetic or to do a rushed job, giving you a rushed result or a painful treatment.
Technicians offer this so that they can pump clients in and out and pump up their bottom line. This is designed to be beneficial for them but not for you. Any quality artist will want to do a full consultation with custom shape mapping as well as apply a topical anesthetic which must sit approximately 30 – 45 minutes to be fully effective. Remember – This is your face! Don’t do it quick, do it right!
Microblading and micro shading can range in price from as little as $300 to as much as $1,000, depending on locale and experience of the artist, typically the more experienced the artist, the more the cost. This is a finely honed skill and you are paying for perfection. Keep in mind, you always get what you pay for!
How long is the healing process? When could one return to work and social activities? Well, there will be some special instructions, such as specific cleansers and ointments or creams you will need to use to avoid infection, as well as avoiding prolonged sunlight, excessive sweating or swimming for the first 7 days or so. However, you will be able to return to work and social activities the next day.
Immediately, following the procedure, you may notice some redness and tenderness in the area but this should have mostly dissipated by the next morning. However, if you have a particularly special event, a wedding or vacation, for instance, you may want to allow 14 days of healing time before the event date.
Sounds way too good to be true? Well, there are some minor side effects to be aware of but these are very mild and serious side effects are extremely rare. Most common side effects include itchiness, redness, and tenderness in the treated area.
However, any time the skin is broken, the risk of infection is present. To minimize this risk, choose a reputable technician who practices proper sanitation protocol and follows aftercare instructions. It is very important to use the special cleansers and ointments recommended or provided by your technician as well as following the washing schedule the artist has given you.
If you are directed to wash morning and night, for instance, make sure you are washing both in the morning and at night, DO NOT SKIP WASHES! If you accidentally forget to wash at a designated time, do it as soon as you remember. And if you have any questions, contact your artist, they should be able to provide on-going answers to your questions as they arise.
Stay tuned next blog will discuss the following hot topics.
- Eyebrow treatment
- Super fine
Brow Hairs
Brow Technique
Sensitive skin
Fine Hair
Oily Skin
Microshading technique
For the right kind of permanent makeup, experience women come to BrowBeat Dallas most advanced microblading experts.
Call BrowBeat today on 214 432 3077 to make your Microblading appointment or Book Now!
BROWBEAT STUDIO
Dallas Advanced Microblading Experts
1800 Market Pl Blvd Ste 130
Irving , Texas 75063
Phone: 214-432-3077
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