What is Microshading 2021?
What is Microshading? So by now, we’ve all heard of microblading, and microshading the trendy new eyebrow tattoo that promises brows-on-fleek straight out of bed! This is a great option for those suffering from hair loss in the brow area. Hair loss may be caused by chemotherapy, alopecia, trichotillomania (a disorder in which the patient compulsively pulls out the hairs) or due to pregnancy and hormonal changes.
Over-plucking can also impede the re-growth of hairs in the brow area as well as age. However, you don’t have to have hair loss in the brow area to be a candidate. Many people are also choosing to undergo this non-invasive treatment for cosmetic reasons, for instance, if you have a full brow but the hair is very fair and hard to see or if there is a need for better symmetry between the two brows.
If microblading is not suitable for you, microshading is a great option. Microblading is not recommended for extremely sensitive or extremely oily skin but micro shading is!
Microshading, also known as ombre or powder brows, is a perfect eyebrow treatment choice for people with sensitive skin or oily skin. This procedure is done using an electric hand tool and a rounded needle which inserts pigment into the epidermis and gives the effect of powder filled eyebrows.
Microshading is a great option for those with sensitive or oily skin, which may not make them a great candidate for Microblading. Microblading is also a semi-permanent makeup technique for thin, sparse, light or overplucked brows.
However, microblading creates individual hair like strokes for an ultra-realistic aesthetic as opposed to a “filled-in” or “makeup” look. However, not everyone is a candidate. Those with extremely sensitive skin or extremely oily skin may opt to go with micro shading instead.
Microshading is gentler on the skin and causes less trauma, making it a great option for sensitive skin. If you have oily skin and have been told that you are not an ideal candidate for microblading then micro shading may also be a solution for you!
Who can and can’t get micro shading? What does the ideal candidate look like?
Well, this involves several different factors. You should NOT get micro shading if:
- You are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to become pregnant
- Extreme and excessive sebum production from the skin (oily skin)
- You have overly sensitive skin (numbing agents can be used to help decrease sensitivity, however, some cases of extreme sensitivity may prohibit treatment)
- You have severe acne
- You have a history of keloids or hypertrophic scarring
- You have any allergies to topical anesthetics or to tattoo ink
- You have a rash in the area like eczema or psoriasis (procedure can be done once this has cleared)
- a previous tattoo in the area that has not faded (send photos to find out if your tattoo has faded adequately for this procedure to be completed, 214-432-2077)
If you are unsure, always consult your dermatologist or physician before booking a micro shading appointment.
How much does it cost?
Microshading can vary based on your desired outcome, the skill, and experience of the artist you choose and your locale. The average cost of a full treatment package can range from $500 – $1500. Though some areas of the country have prices as low as $200 – $300. Just remember that cheap doesn’t necessarily mean better.
The outcome is greatly dependent on the artist’s experience and skill level, cheaper pricing usually means an artist is just starting out and trying to build a clientele.
While this can be a budget-friendly option, you will be getting an artist that is less experienced and while getting your hair or nails done at a beauty school is quite common, remember that this is a semi-permanent treatment, lasting 2-3 years, making a student technician a little more high risk.
How long does micro shading last? What do the care and maintenance entail?
While some studios claim to deliver perfectly shaped and manicured brows with just one micro shading session, this is not typical or recommended.
Typically, you will need an initial treatment as well as a perfecting session about 6-8 weeks immediately after the initial. Additional treatments may be needed if your artist experiences complications, such as thick skin, extremely oily skin, excessive lymph, etc.
It is crucial to follow your artist’s advice in regards to recommended treatment plans. Your artist will be able to customize the treatments to your specific needs and goals. It is crucial to complete the full course of treatments to achieve the full effect and ensure a long lifespan for your newly micro shaded brows.
As opposed to tattooing the brows as was common a decade ago, micro shading is semi-permanent and can last for one to three years with proper maintenance and with yearly touch ups results can be prolonged indefinitely. The average treatment will last about two years before needing to be retreated.
I have low pain tolerance, does it hurt?
The most common way the microblading experience is described is like receiving a bunch of tiny papercuts. The dotting technique used in micro shading is usually described as much gentler by those who have experienced both microblading and micro shading.
However, some pain is involved as the skin is still being broken. Most reputable microblading artists will use a topical anesthetic to numb the area prior to beginning the treatment.
What about side effects?
Side effects of micro shading are similar to those for microblading, anytime the skin is broken the risk of infection is present. However, you are more likely to develop an infection from poor aftercare than from a reputable shop.
Most common side effects are itchiness, soreness, and redness which should dissipate quickly. If you have any concerns, make sure to contact your artist promptly and to avoid infection make sure to follow up with aftercare recommendations.
What is the recovery time like?
The healing process is essential to a positive outcome! Your artist can help recommend or may even provide cleansers and aftercare creams or ointments, they may have you avoid getting the area wet or applying makeup for a period of days.
You should also avoid anti-aging or acne related products in the brow area hereafter as this increases cell turnover and will decrease the lifespan of your micro shading pigment which is only in the top layers of the skin, for example, products containing vitamin C, fruit acids, lactic or glycolic acids and products containing retinol; you may use these products everywhere else on your face but try to avoid direct application to the brow area.
While healing it is important to avoid excessive touching of the brows and you must never itch or scratch at the brows, this will ensure proper healing. Be sure to get a good contact phone number for your brow tech or artist, so that you can contact them with any questions you have.
The combo method
Microshading is more subtle than microblading and so the two are often done in conjunction with one another. In fact, micro shading can be done in combination with microblading and micro feathering.
A well-trained artist is able to blend the two seamlessly for a more robust yet natural result. The combination technique is perfect for someone who still wants traditional microblading but has particularly sparse hair or oily/challenging skin.
Food for thought
Microshading, just like microblading, can be performed by individuals with multiple different backgrounds, your artist or technician may be an aesthetician, permanent makeup artist or nurse. Whatever the background, make sure to choose a reputable artist, they should have some form of technical training and have worked on many clients previous to you.
Ask to see before and after and ask what tools and products they are using. Make sure they follow proper sanitation and read reviews. Not all artists are created equal. It can be tempting to find the best deal but value must also be placed on skill, remember you get what you pay for!
An experienced artist can help you decide what best suits your personal needs and tastes, whether that be micro shading, microblading or a combination of the two.
Lastly, micro shading is an art form as well as a scientific method, and styles will vary from artist to artist, make sure that the artist you choose has an aesthetic that suits your desired outcome. Everyone’s tastes are different and there is an artist for everyone out there, you just have to find them.
If you’re not sure if micro shading is right for you, set up a consultation, which is often free or speaks with a cosmetic dermatologist or plastic surgeon, they often have someone in the house who can do the procedure or may be able to recommend someone.
The best advice is if you’re not sure then you should wait, as well as microblading, is a commitment, lasting on average from 1-3 years. Ready to pull the trigger? Give us a call at the number below or click here to BOOK NOW!
Call BrowBeat today on 214 432 3077 to make your Microblading appointment! Book now
BROWBEAT STUDIO
Dallas Advanced Microblading Experts
1800 Market Pl Blvd Ste 130
Irving , Texas 75063
Phone: 214-432-3077