Have you been dreaming to get gorgeous microblade brows you always see on the internet but were met with disappointment when you found out that the procedure doesn’t sit well with your sensitive skin? We’ve got the answer to your problem: microshading.

Both microblading and microshading use tattoo ink to fill in the brows’ sparser areas. In recent years, microshading treatments have been gaining popularity among beauty and makeup enthusiasts because of how they can deliver fuller arches for all skin types, especially for those with oily or sensitive skin.

The procedure is called “shading” because it involves creating a gradient appearance using pinpoint dots of pigment instead of full strokes like microblading. Keep reading to learn more about microshading and its benefits.

What is Microshading?

Microshading is a semi-permanent eyebrow tattoo technique in which your brows appear to have a bit of makeup, only that the “makeup” doesn’t wash off. Microshading procedures involve tattooing tiny dots of pigments into the skin underneath the brows to make it look fuller and fluffier like it was powdered in. 

There are two styles of microshading. The first style involves adding just a shade, while the other is a combination of microblading and microshading where both a shade and hair strokes are tattoed into the skin. The strokes look similar to natural brow hairs. When microshading and microblading are combined, professional permanent makeup artists call it hybrid brows, while some refer to it simply as microshading. 

What Are the Benefits of Microshading Treatments?

For starters, the microshading semi-permanent makeup style is suitable for everyone, even for people with sensitive skin. Below are some of the other significant benefits that come with microshading.

Microshading is less painful than microblading

Microshading treatments are less painful than microblading, which requires an anesthetic so you don’t feel too uncomfortable during the procedure. Most people who underwent microshading treatments said that on a scale of 1-10, the pain of the procedure was around 1 to 3. 

However, some medical spas still use anesthetics before the treatment so you don’t feel any pain when the device starts tattooing pigments into your skin. This can help you enjoy a more efficient microshading session. 

Microshading lasts long

The procedure for microshading is relatively short, but its results can last for up to three years. It’s unlikely for people to stick to one look for that long, but even if you do, you don’t have to worry about your brows turning green after some time. The pigment used on microshading is different from what is used in most tattoos. As a result, your brows hardly change color over time, it only fades and loses saturation.

Microshading improves the symmetry and shape of your eyebrows

One of the major benefits of microshading that women love is how it makes the eyebrows look better. It is the most ideal treatment for those with bushy and scattered brows. With microshading, your brows will look settled on your face.

People experiencing hair loss or other skin diseases can also benefit from microshading. Even cancer patients who have lost their hair due to treatments can get microshading done to fix their brows. 

Microshading is easy to maintain

Microshading requires little effort to maintain and adjust. You can visit your professional semi-permanent makeup artist any time for a brow touch-up. 

It’s low maintenance, but it doesn’t smear off so you can participate in vigorous activities as much as you like without having to worry about how your brows look the entire time. 

Microshading helps you save time

If fixing your brows takes up a lot of your precious time especially at work, then microshading is perfect for you. When you get a microshading procedure done, you can enjoy your breakfast longer because you don’t have to draw and fill your eyebrow anymore.

It will give you more time to prepare your outfit or your meeting presentation, and it will help you look presentable throughout the day, and even until your after-work commitments. A microshading semi-permanent treatment will surely save you from a lot of hassle. 

The microshading procedure is quick

The microshading procedure lasts for only about 2 hours. That two hours you’ll spend on the procedure is nothing compared to the time you spend filling your brows every day. Your permanent makeup artist may or may not require a final touch-up after a few weeks.

This means you can get your desired results after the initial session. If you have oily skin, the pigments will fade quicker, so we recommend getting a touch-up every 8 months. To make the results last longer, make sure to stay out of the sun, and avoid using skincare products with AHA and BHA. 

How to Prepare for Microshading

Before your microshading treatment, you need to consult with your brow specialist who will outline your desired brow. Make sure to stop using skincare products with retinol or acids before your treatment so your skin isn’t too sensitive during the procedure. Do not work out or take alcohol, caffeine, and aspirin at least a day before your treatment. Also, avoid sun exposure and tweezing or waxing your brows before your appointment. 

What to Expect During Microshading

Treatment may vary per individual, but most of the time, the microshading procedure lasts two hours. As mentioned earlier, your semi-permanent makeup artist may apply a topical numbing agent to your brow before the treatment.

You may feel a little discomfort as the technician applies the ink, and you may notice and feel soreness on the area right after the microshading procedure. You’ll start seeing the real results after a month after your skin has completely healed from the procedure. 

Side Effects of Microshading

The side effects of microshading are similar to that of microblading. After a while, the color may fade over time. There is also a risk of infection since the treatment involves using needles. There is also scabbing as your skin starts to heal, but once it diminishes, you’ll see bold pigments, which will decrease in intensity after a few days to two weeks.

Some people may have allergies to paraphenylenediamine (PPD), a colorant found in the pigments used for micro shading. While sensitivity to this ingredient is very rare, it’s always best to conduct a patch test before the procedure. 

Aftercare

Avoid getting the treated area wet for at least 24 hours after the treatment. Since you won’t be able to wash your face, avoid wearing makeup and any activity that could make you sweat or cause excessive moisture. Apply an anti-bacterial ointment within the first 24 hours after the procedure, then apply a gentle moisturizer. Avoid using chemical peels post-treatment, and refrain from scratching or picking at the area. 

The Final Wrap

With semi-permanent or permanent makeup, you can now achieve the brows you’ve always wanted through microshading. The procedure can be performed by professional permanent makeup artists and trained medical aestheticians. If you have sensitive skin, you have nothing to worry about. The microshading procedure is a safe, mild, and effective method of achieving natural-looking brows that last long.

To ensure a safe and efficient microshading procedure, get one from a reputable permanent makeup provider. 

Here at Beauty Techniques Institute of Permanent Cosmetics, we train aspiring permanent makeup artists on the proper and efficient way of doing microshading treatments to guarantee safe and beautiful results that clients will fall in love with. 

Sign up for a permanent makeup training course with us today! Contact us today to know more about the training and other services that we provide.