Most of us have heard of Microblading, what is Ombré Shading all about?
Kimberly Gray | Medical Aesthetician
Brows. Brows. Brows.
We are all a bit brow obsessed these days! If you know the pain of filling in your arches daily and are tired of trying to get them just right then you’ve probably heard of microblading or know someone who’s had it done — the semi-permanent eyebrow tattoo that adds hair-like strokes to your brows to help you save time filling them in.
The newer technique gaining in popularity this year is Ombré Brows. Step aside microblading — ombré shading or ombré combo brows are in! Some might say its superior to microblading.
More and more of my clients are inquiring about shading there already microbladed brow. So, I decided it was time to expand my skills and services. I decided to train in both “ombré shading’ and “combo brow” — a mix of microblading and ombré shading. I also have trained in lash enhancement and permanent eyeliner but, that’s for another blog post 😉
What exactly is ombré shading and what makes it different from microblading?
Ombré shading is the newest trend in eyebrow semi-permanent makeup. It gives a soft shaded brow pencil look. Once healed, it is more natural looking than solid color. It gives great definition and depth to the brows. Whether the client is looking for a light soft shading or show-stopping bold brow, it can be customized according to the client’s desire.
While Microblading consists of individual hair-like strokes that mimic the natural hair of eyebrow as opposed to a penciled look. The results are lighter compared to shading and unfortunately not every skin type is good for microblading. The beauty of shading is that it can be combined with microblading to achieve a realistic look.
What makes this technique more popular?
Shading technique is versatile as the technique can be performed alone as well as combining with microblading whether the client is looking for a subtle or bold brow. The retention and healing results tend to be better in comparison to microblading. In addition, clients with certain skin types (ie. oily) are not the best candidates for microblading, whereas shading works on all skin types.
Here’s a look at what you should consider and expect before you book your appointment.
Read over the information regarding the procedure, including pre-care and post-care. Unfortunately, not everyone is eligible for semi-permanent makeup, there are some contraindications (ie pregnancy, blood thinners etc.).
In addition, timing is very important! Plan accordingly around travel or vacations, have your facial treatments pre-booked, or have special events planned, you may want to book your appointment accordingly.
What can you expect at your appointment?
On the day of the procedure, we will discuss your desired brows. I begin drawing the shape of your brows to build a frame. We work together for shaping, styling and color options you’d prefer. The client will have the opportunity to see shape and color before hand (however, color healed is always a bit different then in the bottle). Once all is approved, I proceed by numbing the area for the clients comfort. The appointment usually takes approximately 2-3 hours. If it’s a combo (microblading and shading), the appointment may take a little longer.
What are the benefits to a “combo” brow?
The combination of both microblading and shading are becoming very popular. If your someone looking for hair-like texture, definition and density then a combo brow is for you. Depending on the individual, microblading alone can look too light. By incorporating some shading, the client can get a fuller-more dense look as well as hair strokes from microblading. This combo method is also a better option for an individual with oily skin as microblading alone is not best suited for oily skin types.
Who is a good candidate for ombré shading?
Much like microblading, a good candidate should not have a serious health and skin condition. Fortunately, this technique is fantastic for all skin types, including oily.
On average, how long does the ombré shading last?
It can last from 1-3 years. The retention depends on a number of factors, including skin type, lifestyle, health condition, sun exposure, etc.
Does it hurt?
The pain level varies from person to person. A medical grade topical anesthetic will be used for numbing before and during the procedure to make the clients feel comfortable and as pain-free as possible.
Are there risks?
It is important to strictly follow the guidelines given to you by your artist including pre-care and aftercare for the health of your skin and to avoid any chances of infection.
What is the aftercare like?
It fairly simple really! For best-healed results, the client should avoid getting the brows wet, work outs that cause excessive sweating, any makeup around the brows for at least 2 weeks. Most importantly, it is important not to pick at the scabs/dry skin. The scabs need to shed naturally. It is also recommended to avoid prolonged sun exposure and avoid any facial treatments throughout the healing process. After the procedure, the client will be given an aftercare ointment to be applied twice a day. It is very important to keep your newly shaded brows as clean as possible.
Whats the healing process like?
Immediately following the procedure, your brows will appear darker and bolder. This is the initial healing process and it can last up to a week or a little longer. During the second week, you can expect some scabbing or flaking. It is very important not to pick or peel at the scabs as you need to allow the scabs/dry skin to come off naturally on its own to prevent scarring and premature pigment loss. Unfortunately, the scabbing is not the most glamorous stage while healing. The scabbing period varies from person to person. Generally, scabbing has shed by the end of the second week. Once the scabs have fallen off, the brows will appear softer and lighter. The complete healing process takes about 4-6 weeks at which time the true color and density of the brows will appear. During the touch-up, some adjustments can be made if needed.
Will I need to do a touch up?
The touch-up is usually within 4-8 weeks and it’s included with the initial session. It is highly recommended that the client take advantage of the complimentary touch-up as the healing results cannot be guaranteed. During the touch-up, we can add more definition and/or density and make other adjustments as necessary.
