Microshading

What is Microshading?

Microshading, also known as Ombre Brows, and Powder brows is a permanent cosmetic tattoo that lasts for approximately 2 years. Pigment is implanted into the skin with a manual or electric shading device that gives the appearance of a soft powdered effect that resembles eyebrow pencil or powder. It is very similar to Microblading but instead of hair like strokes, a fuller and softer effect is created.

Does Microshading hurt?

Pain levels vary by person. Most people will consider it from mild to none. A topical anesthetic for numbing before and during the procedure. Having this service performed during your menstrual cycle may increase discomfort during the procedure. Also, if you are a frequent smoker, the topical anesthetics used during the treatment will not last as long. If you have ever been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, be aware that this may affect your sensitivity tolerance to the procedure as well.

How long does Microshading last?

Results vary by person depending on their skin type and aftercare. Microshading is considered permanent, but it will fade over time. They may need to be refreshed every 6 months-1 year+ in order to keep the colour dark, otherwise they will fade almost completely after 2-3 years. Frequency of sessions depends on a number of factors including the colour pigment used (lighter colours fade faster), sun exposure, exfoliating, oily skin, aftercare, and bleeding during the procedure. *Please note that final results cannot be guaranteed as each unique skin type will hold pigments differently and break down at different rates. It is highly recommended to book a touch-up session 4-6 weeks after the initial appointment to fill in any areas that may have faded after the healing process.*

What factors will affect the tattoo?

· Sun Exposure: The sun will soften the look of the tattoo. Once healed, sunblock SPF 50 should be applied daily to prevent eyebrows from fading as quickly.

· Regeneration of skin cells: The longer the regeneration takes, the longer the pigment holds.

· Speed at which the skin absorbs the pigment: The slower the absorption, the longer the pigment will hold. This depends on the thickness of the skin.

· Colour choice: Lighter pigments will fade much quicker than dark pigments.

· Bleeding during the procedure: Bleeding will reduce the pigment absorption as blood will push out the colours. Alcohol and certain medications act as blood thinners and should not be taken less than 48 hours prior to the appointment.

What should the client do before their eyebrow procedure?

· If you have an ideal shape and colour in mind, please bring or email me a few reference photos.

· You may fill in your eyebrows as you normally would so that the artist can take into consideration the shape you desire.

· If you get your eyebrows shaped, waxed, threaded or tinted regularly, please do so at least 1 day before your appointment. If there are any stray hairs that fall outside of your final shape, I can remove them.

· If you plan to go on vacation, it is recommended that you plan your trip a minimum of 14 days after the procedure so they can fully heal.

· It is recommended that you avoid any blood-thinning medication for 48 hours prior to your appointment. This includes Vitamin E, fish oil pills, Aspirin, Niacin and Ibuprofen.

· You cannot consume ANY alcohol for at least 48 hours prior to your appointment.

· If you have been on Accutane in the past, you MUST wait at least one year before undergoing this procedure.

· It is highly recommended that you avoid the sun and tanning for 30 days before and after your procedure. If you show up to your appointment with a new tan or sunburn, you will need to reschedule and forfeit your deposit as the skin exfoliates from the sunburn, it will take the pigment with it.

What should brows look like after the procedure?

Brows will appear much darker for the first 3-5 days. This will gradually lighten to 40% of the colour once healed. Redness and swelling may also occur. On day 5-12 brows will go through a flaking/scabbing phase, you must allow them to flake off naturally and not pick at the scabs! Once the brows flake off, the skin underneath will look dull and unsaturated, this is completely normal! This happens because a layer of skin will form over tattoo. The colour is trapped under this new layer of skin forming and will gradually resurface as the skin continues to heal. Allow 4-5 weeks for the final colour to resurface.

What will be the end result?

Before the procedure, the artist will analyze your natural hair colours and match a pigment accordingly to ensure it blends well with your existing eyebrow and hair colour. The end result pigment will stay true to colour and then lighten over time. The eyebrow tattoo will eventually look softer and have more of a powdered look. To keep the colour darker, a touch-up appointment is suggested every 6-8 months. Results vary by client. If you are planning to get a chemical peel, laser treatment or other medical procedures, you must inform the microshading artist that you have a cosmetic tattoo.

How can you know if you are a good candidate for microshading?

· If you have extremely oily skin, Microshading may not work that well. The constant production of oil will cause the colour to heal with a diffused, softer look. The end result will appear more powdered than expected.

· If you are a frequent smoker, the pigment may fade sooner.

· If you are iron-deficient or anemic, the pigment may fade sooner and bleeding/bruising may occur during and after the procedure.

· If you have previously had your eyebrows tattooed and you are interested in a cover-up/re-work, you must bring this to the attention of the Microshading artist and provide photos of your current brows. There are no guaranteed results for such cases, and they must be approved. In some cases where the previous work is too dark, dense, discoloured or large. Previously-tattooed areas and cover-ups will require additional touch-ups for the best results.