Eyebrows should resemble sisters rather than be identical mirror images of one another. However, if your brows don’t appear to come from the same genetic pool or if they could need some extra support in terms of fullness or form, now might be the right moment to spend money on a permanent brow procedure like microblading vs microshading.
When choosing between microblading vs microshading, there are a number of factors to take into account, including your skin tone, the intended look, and even your level of commitment to the upkeep. Both procedures have a similar philosophy but differ in approach and outcomes. Nonetheless, both Microblading vs Microshading produce rich, fluffy brows with distinct finishes and looks. The pros and cons of Microblading vs Microshading are compared and contrasted below by brow professionals to help you determine which is best for you.
What Is Microblading vs Microshading?
Enhancing the brows with semi-permanent cosmetic tattooing is called microblading. In order to apply colour to the skin’s superficial layers, a tiny portable equipment with tiny needles attached makes minute incisions in the skin. The goal of Microblading vs Microshading is to replicate the texture, density, arch, and general appearance of natural eyebrow hairs. According to Marris, microblading can give fullness, fill up sparse brows, and cover bald areas. “There are some incredible artists out there who carefully place each stroke in the right direction so you almost cannot tell that it is not real hair,” she continues. Results usually last a year or longer, depending on your skin type and level of maintenance.
The majority of skin types can benefit from expertly done microblading, however dry and normal skin responds best. This is because the smoother texture of certain skin types enables more distinct and accurate strokes to be used during therapy. “Plus, dry skin typically absorbs pigment more predictably than oily skin,” says Aava, “resulting in more even healing and less patchiness and, therefore, more consistent and longer-lasting results.”
Set up a consultation with your cosmetic tattoo artist prior to your microblading session (this is an important step!) to go over the shape, size, and colour of your ideal brows. In order to get a natural look, your artist will meticulously sketch out the contour of your eyebrows on the day of your consultation and choose pigments that go well with your skin tone and natural hair colour. Inquiring about how the pigment will blend into your skin is a good way to know how your brows will appear both right away and in the future, according to Marris.
Four to six weeks following the initial microblading session—which can cost as much as $2,000—you can anticipate seeing the effects. “Keep in mind that periodic touch-up appointments may be needed every six to 12 months to maintain the colour and shape of the eyebrows, because the pigment fades over time,” Aava advises.
What Is Microshading?
Microshading, sometimes referred to as “powder” or “ombre brows,” is comparable to Microblading vs Microshading but produces a slightly bolder appearance, similar to filling in the eyebrows with cosmetics. The semi-permanent makeup method can enhance the eyebrows’ appearance, tone, and form. “Microshading uses a shading technique in a stippling motion to place the pigment into the superficial layers of the skin,” Aava explains. The outcome of the microshading process is a brow that appears powdered and velvety. It has a more subdued, unified appearance and is more filled in.” Microblading vs Microshading will cost slightly less than microblading, but not significantly.
On sensitive, combination, and oily skin types, microshading is effective. According to Aava, these skin types are simpler to produce a soft, powdered look because they typically have a smoother texture than dry skin.
You should talk with your cosmetic tattoo artist about the desired shape, colour, and other objectives prior of your microshading consultation. “Remember, this is a semi-permanent cosmetic treatment on your face, so always make sure you are in good hands so you feel comfortable with the look and results,” Marris advises. The desired shape and symmetry of the eyebrows are marked using a ruler, and numbing cream is administered to reduce discomfort. Your artist will apply the pigment to the skin using a stippling or shading motion using a handheld tool or a machine with fine needles. “This creates a soft, gradient effect that mimics the appearance of filled-in brows,” Marris explains.
The eyebrows will appear dark, harsh, and drawn on right after the session; however, this appearance will disappear as the eyebrows heal. To get the right colour, depth, and uniform pigment distribution, touch-ups could be necessary. Your freshly drawn, fuller-looking brows may last up to three years with the right care.
Side Effects of Microblading
Microblading is generally safe, but there are some possible adverse effects to be mindful of, such as:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Itchy skin
- Scabbing
- Allergic reactions
- Infections
- Patchy or migrating color
It’s common for skin that has just been microbladed to scab over and get dry and itchy. Never, ever pick at the scabs; instead, let them fall off naturally. To ease any irritation and itching, apply a healing cream to the brows.
Although they are uncommon, allergic reactions can occur as a result of permanent makeup. “Before the procedure, always discuss your known allergies with your technician,” advises Aava. “Some people are allergic to the pigments used in microblading.” Although they are rare, infections can occur as a result of the controlled skin punctures that Microblading vs Microshading creates. Observe all post-procedure recommendations to minimise the risk of infection.
When using microblading, the pigment may appear uneven, patchy, or even migrate outside of the brow region, resulting in eyebrows that appear hazy. Your artist can make an appointment for a correction to fix this.
Side Effects of Microshading
Microshading seldom causes significant adverse effects, but it can occasionally cause certain typical post-treatment symptoms, such as the following:
- Mild discomfort and tenderness
- Minor swelling and redness
- Dry, flaky, itchy skin
- Scabbing
- Allergic reactions and infections
- Shifts in the deposited pigments
It is normal for the treated area to be slightly unpleasant and to experience temporary swelling, redness, and tenderness following your microshading treatment. Additionally common, according to Marris, is itching of the eyebrows and surrounding skin throughout the healing process; this itching will scab over and peel off for one to two weeks.
Though Marris points out that allergies to the pigments might happen, particularly if the pigments contain paraphenylenediamine (PPD), a colouring agent used in permanent hair colours, significant side effects following treatment are rare. Since needles are used, infections are also a possibility. Over time, the colour of the eyebrows may also change, developing a blue or red tint. “That’s why it’s imperative to have this procedure done by a trained and experienced professional,” Marris explains, “although most clients experience minimal side effects and are satisfied with the results.”
What Happens During Microblading?
Some preparation is necessary before you lie down for your Microblading vs Microshading visit in order to guarantee optimal results. Steer clear of blood thinners, aspirin, alcohol, and caffeine since these may raise bleeding risks and compromise the results of microblading. Additionally, avoid sun exposure prior to microblading as this will increase skin sensitivity and interfere with natural healing. Additionally, Aava advises against using retinoids and exfoliants on the brow region for at least two weeks prior to the procedure because they may exacerbate skin irritations and result in difficulties.
Marris says that a portable equipment with small needles deposits colour into the skin’s surface layers to form hair-like strokes in the eyebrows during a Microblading vs Microshading procedure. “This process mimics the appearance of natural eyebrow hairs and fills in sparse areas,” she explains. “At Brow Code, we use a high-end professional pigment line called LI Pigments that was created especially for this procedure and [that] yields results that last.” To attain the best possible pigment implantation, we additionally utilise LI Pigment Microblading Pens, which are single-use microblading pens fitted with precisely angled microblades.”
It’s crucial that you adhere to your artist’s complete aftercare instructions following the operation. This usually means avoiding activities that cause perspiration and keeping the brow area clean and dry for the first 24 hours, even when taking a shower. In order to maintain the pigment’s freshness and guarantee long-lasting results, periodic touch-up consultations are advised.
What Happens During Microshading?
The same pre-treatment guidelines that apply to microshading also apply to microblading: avoid sun exposure, blood thinners, retinol, alcohol, caffeine, and exfoliants in the area as they may adversely affect the outcome.
Microshading usually involves two sessions, each lasting two hours, and is performed with a handheld device that is loaded with small needles. Your cosmetic tattoo artist will use the instrument to apply colour to the skin in the form of dots by stippling or darkening the area. The procedure may cause some pressure in the affected area; numbing cream can help make this more pleasant. Following the procedure, the eyebrows will appear extensively filled in with brow powder or pencil. In the first two weeks following microshading, the effects will be more noticeable, but the skin beneath will scab and flake off, giving the brows a more powdered, lighter appearance.
Naturally, your eyebrows will mend more effectively the longer you can keep them dry. The same holds true for avoiding the sun and avoiding contact with harsh acids and skincare chemicals such as retinoids, beta hydroxy acids, and alpha hydroxy acids.
Choosing the Best Option for You
When choosing between Microblading vs Microshading, you should take your skin type into account. Both procedures can improve the appearance and form of your eyebrows. Most skin types respond well to microblading, especially normal and dry skin, however oily skin may benefit more from microshading.
While some want a natural look, others want huge, dramatic eyebrows. “Microblading generally results in more defined, structured brows, whereas microshading gives a softer, more diffuse appearance for a more natural or filled-in brow look,” Aava explains. The choice between Microblading vs Microshading ultimately comes down to personal taste and what works best for you. Aava continues by saying that some people might even mix the two methods, a look known as “combo brows,” to get a unique outcome.
Microblading vs Microshading are two efficient methods for producing well-defined, styled eyebrows that last. Ultimately, Aava claims that these eyebrow treatments will save you time during your beauty process by doing away with the daily headache of filling in and sculpting your eyebrows with cosmetics.
