What Is Microshading?
Microshading is a semi-permanent makeup technique used to enhance and shape eyebrows by creating a soft, powdered look.
It's sometimes referred to as "powder brows" or "ombre brows" because of the gradient effect it creates, with lighter shading at the front of the brows that deepens towards the tail.
Breakdown of the process
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* Application: A handheld tool or a machine is used to apply tiny, pin-like dots of pigment across the brow area. This technique differs from microblading, which uses hair-like strokes to mimic natural brow hairs.
* Targeting Pigment: The laser is calibrated to focus on specific colours in the ink, and different wavelengths are used to address different ink shades. Eyebrow tattoos are often darker, making them more effectively treated with laser.
* Results: Microshading results in a more filled-in, powdered makeup look, which is ideal for people who prefer a soft, defined brow appearance.
* Best For: It’s often recommended for those with sensitive or oily skin, as the pigment tends to hold better compared to microblading. It also works well for individuals looking to cover gaps, scars, or sparse brows.
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* Long-Lasting: Typically lasts from 1 to 3 years, depending on skin type and aftercare.
* Customisation: It can be tailored to the client’s desired brow shape and fullness, and can be combined with microblading for a more natural or 3D effect (this is called Blade&Shade, our signature brow treatment).
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* Healing Time: The healing process takes about 2–4 weeks, during which the brows may scab and lighten as the pigment settles into the skin.
* Aftercare: Keeping the brows dry for the first 48 hours, applying healing ointments, and avoiding direct sunlight are crucial to ensure proper healing and pigment retention.
Microshading is perfect for those who want a polished yet subtle eyebrow enhancement that looks like soft makeup.
Microshading Pre care
Do not pick/tweeze/wax/perform electrolysis one week before procedure
Do not tan two weeks prior to procedure
Do not use any type of facial/peel two weeks prior to treatment
Discontinue vitamin A/retinol products one month prior to treatment
Do not work out the day of the procedure
Do not have Botox three weeks prior to the procedure
Do not take fish oil or vitamin E one week prior (natural blood thinners)
Do not wax or tint your eyebrows, up to three days before the procedure.
Women will be more sensitive during their menstrual cycle
If you get fillers, they should be done six weeks prior to your scheduled procedure or six weeks after the procedure
If you use Botox, it should be performed either two weeks prior to your scheduled procedure or two weeks after your procedure
Dark skin types: your result will not appear as bold as lighter skin types due to the skin colour already being naturally darker (Indian, African American, Filipino, etc.)
We will not work on pregnant or breastfeeding women.
In order to avoid excessive bleeding and poor colour deposit:
Do not drink alcohol or caffeine 24 - 48 hours before procedure
Do not take an aspirin or ibuprofen for pain relief (this thins the blood).
What to expect during your appointment
We will map an outline of your new brows and show it to you first, before the blade touches your skin, to agree on the shade, style, and shape.
This appointment takes approximately three hours.
To achieve the best results, we recommend returning for at least one additional enhancement four to eight weeks after the initial application."
The main changes were adding "on" after
Absorb (Day of Treatment)
Gently blot the area with a clean tissue to absorb excess lymph fluid. Do this as often as possible until oozing has stopped. Removing this fluid prevents hardening of the lymph.
Wash (Days 1-7)
Gently wash your brows each night to remove bacteria and dead skin. Do not worry—this does not remove the pigment. Use warm water and an antibacterial soap such as Castile soap or Cetaphil. With a light touch, use your fingertips to gently cleanse the brows, rubbing in a smooth motion for 10 seconds. Rinse with water, ensuring all soap is removed. To dry, gently pat with a clean tissue or cotton pad. DO NOT use any cleansing products containing acids (glycolic, lactic, or AHA) or any exfoliants.
Moisturise (Days 1-7)
Apply a rice grain amount of aftercare ointment with a cotton swab and spread it across the treated area. Be sure not to over-apply, as this will suffocate your skin and delay healing. The ointment should be barely noticeable on the skin. Never put the ointment on wet or damp skin.
Important Aftercare Information
Use a fresh pillowcase.
Let any scabbing or dry skin naturally exfoliate away; picking can cause scarring or loss of colour.
No facials, Botox, chemical treatments, or microdermabrasion for 4 weeks.
Avoid hot, sweaty exercise for one week.
Avoid direct sun exposure or tanning for 4 weeks after the procedure; wear a hat when outdoors.
Avoid heavy sweating and long hot showers for the first 10 days.
Avoid sleeping with your face down.
Avoid swimming, lakes, and hot tubs.
Avoid topical makeup and skincare, including sunscreen, on the treated area during the healing stage.
DO NOT rub, pick, or scratch the treated area.
Important Note About Showering
Limit your showers to 5 minutes to avoid creating too much steam.
Keep your face and the treated area out of the water while you wash your body; then, at the end of your shower, wash your hair.
Your face should only get wet at the very end of the shower.
Avoid excessive rinsing and hot water on the treated area.
Healing, what to expect
Day 1: You may notice whiteness or blanching around the area; this is quite normal (due to the lidocaine) and will subside within 12 hours.
Day 2: The eyebrows are approximately 20% to 25% darker and bolder in width than they will be when healed. Your skin may appear red under the pigment, causing the colour to look darker and more intense than desired. There is some swelling, although it may be difficult to see due to the thickness of the skin in the eyebrow area. This will subside.
Day 3: Exfoliation, which begins in a few days, will cause the excess pigment surrounding the eyebrows to flake away, resulting in a narrower appearance.
Day 4: New skin will heal over the pigmented area, resulting in a softer appearance of your eyebrows. Do not be concerned if your eyebrows initially appear darker and heavier than you desire; this is all part of the process.
Day 5: Your eyebrows may start to itch and will appear a bit thicker in texture. Natural exfoliation begins, so do not exfoliate the area yourself.
Day 6: The skin begins to flake, peeling from the outside edges first.
Day 7: The colour finishes flaking off and appears softer and greyer for eight weeks until the colour clarifies.
Please note:
If you have oily skin, your results may appear softer (eyebrows can look more solid in appearance) and may require additional procedures.
Some clients report seeing the ink fade almost completely before reappearing. Do not panic; this is not uncommon and can sometimes be part of the healing process.
Strong chemicals, glycolic acids, or peels of any kind may cause lightening of the pigments. Always consult your technician before using these skin products or undergoing such procedures.
Remember, you will go through three healing phases: heal, peel, and fade.
With proper preparation and aftercare, you will achieve much better results with your Microblading procedure.