A Complete Guide To Eyebrow Micro Shading

If you do not have full eyebrows, you might fill your eyebrows with a brow pencil or use powder to achieve a thicker, natural look. These are not the only solutions for fuller brows, though. There is also micro shading, a semipermanent cosmetic procedure.

How does this technique work? Here is what you need to know about micro shading, including how the procedure works.

What is micro shading?

Micro shading is a procedure where a cosmetic technician applies semipermanent makeup to your eyebrows. It is a type of cosmetic tattoo procedure. Using pigment ink and a handheld tool, the technician places tiny, pin-like dots over the brow area to fill in thin spots. This technique adds shape to your brow and uses a powdered effect to add fullness. The result is a filled-out brow.

What’s the difference between micro shading and microblading?

Micro shading is sometimes confused with microblading. But although both procedures can make your eyebrows appear fuller, they’re different procedures.

Micro shading uses pin-like dots of pigmentation to achieve a powdered eyebrow look.

Microblading uses a bladed needle to apply pigmentation underneath the skin. The technician fills your brows by making hair-like strokes that look like natural eyebrow hair.

Micro Shading

Pros

• Resembles eyebrow powder
• Creates thicker, fuller eyebrows
• Ideal for sensitive or oily skin

Cons

• Semipermanent, only lasts 3 to 6 months
• Not covered under insurance
• Causes mild pain and discomfort

Microblading

Pros

• Hair-like strokes looks like real hair
• Fills and changes the shape of your brows
• Ideal for dry skin
• Lighter finish

Cons

• Semipermanent, only lasts 6 to 8 months
• Not covered under insurance
• Causes mild pain and discomfort

What’s a micro shading procedure like?

Micro shading is a two-session procedure. Some makeup technicians combine the initial consultation with the first session.

To prepare for a micro shading procedure, you should avoid the following:

• Alcohol, caffeine, ibuprofen, and fish oil 24 hours before the procedure to prevent bruising and bleeding
• Waxing or plucking eyebrows 1 week before the procedure
• Facials at least 2 weeks before treatment
• Sunbathing and tanning beds on the day of the procedure
• Retinol or vitamin A products 1 month before the procedure

The initial session

Your makeup technician begins the session by measuring your face and deciding the ideal brow shape. Feel free to bring in photos of a desired look.

Once you agree on a shape, your technician will:

• Draw out the shape on both eyebrows
• Remove excess hair
• Determine the right pigment color for your brows

The first session is the longest and takes about 2 hours.

After the procedure, your eyebrows will appear darker for up to 5 days. The brow colour will gradually lighten as your eyebrows heal.

They’ll match the colour of your natural brow after about 4 weeks.

The second session

You will return for your second session about 8 weeks later. This is the perfecting session.

At this appointment, your makeup technician “perfects” the design by increasing the thickness and tweaking brow shape, if necessary.

The second session is shorter and takes about 1 hour.

Post-session eyebrow care

Here are some post-session tips for your eyebrows:

• For the first week after treatment, gently clean your eyebrows daily with a damp cloth. Allow your brows to air dry, and then apply the moisturizing cream supplied by your makeup technician.

• Do not sleep on your face for the first few days after the procedure.
• Avoid eye makeup, exercising, saunas, and baths for the first week to keep your eyebrows dry.

• Limit sun exposure.
• Do not scratch or pick at your eyebrows.

Are there any side effects or precautions to be aware of?

Micro shading is generally safe, but complications can occur. This procedure implants ink on the upper dermal layer of skin. There is the risk of injury if the needle goes beyond this layer of skin.

You may also have some skin irritation symptoms after the procedure, such as:

• Itchiness
• Swelling
• Redness

There is also the risk of a reaction to the numbing cream or tattoo ink, and the risk of infection from blood-borne pathogens.

See a doctor if you develop signs of a skin infection, which include:

• Increased pain
• Swelling
• Blistering

Takeaway

Micro shading is an excellent way to create thicker, fuller brows, especially if you are looking for a powder effect. However, the procedure is not without some risks. It is important to understand how the procedure works and what you can expect from the results. Be sure to use a cosmetic technician with lots of experience and training.

Have questions? Let us help you!

We understand that you might have questions about micro shading. The EAV Cosmetic Tattoo Studio is here to help you with your questions, always. Simplycall the office in Ontarioand we will get you in for a complimentary consultation with one of our micro shading specialists. Get all your questionsanswered today