This is a collaborative post: In 2021 most of us are probably spotting unibrows or the wildest of bushes on our faces thanks to the lockdown and social distancing. With no need to go out in public, we’ve forgotten how to hold tweezers, let alone to keep facial cleansing routines or how to put on some basic lipstick just to appear prim and proper around family or roommates.
Whilst bushy eyebrows were appealing at some point decades ago, in the 21st century it’s all about being well-trimmed with arches that follow the shape of your face. Functionally, our eyebrows are important for our grins and frowns, as they make the delivery of our expressions a little more dramatic. Their basic role is to prevent sweat and other debris from flowing into our eyes, but they are also important for our cosmetic appearance.
We have seen the brow-shaping trend move from thin straight lines to thick curves. There is now a growing desire for fuller, fluffier tufts of hair and several ways of achieving the look are springing up. We have come from using brow stencils that can be found on most online deals in the UK, to tattooing. A newer, semi-permanent version of eyebrow tattooing has soared as a result of this more-is-more approach. We now have what we call microblading and microshading techniques that help us to achieve the perfect brow for a period of up to three years without needing too much maintenance.
What are Microblading and Microshading techniques?
Microblading is a method that involves depositing colour into the skin with a superfine pen (technically, a bundle of 12 to 15 needles). The tip is so fine that it produces realistic-looking hair strokes. Unlike tattoos, the needles only penetrate the skin’s surface layers. This is why it is only semi-permanent.
How is Microblading done?
The procedure needs to be done by a professional artist. You’ll get a numbing cream to apply to your brow area before the session begins. As the cream sets in, you’ll get to discuss and choose the colour you want and the shape that best suits your frame. The pigment will then be applied to your skin using a needle pen. It takes a little over an hour to complete the process. You will swell up a bit, but you’ll take home a moisturizer to apply every four hours or so, just to keep the area moist. Because the skin is cut, you will get scabs, but the healing process should take no more than a week. After three to four weeks you’ll need a touch-up, but thereafter, you’ll only need to redo the process after a year or three, depending on your lifestyle. It’ll be necessary for you to avoid being in the sun for too long as this will fade the pigment.
Microshading on the other hand is a procedure where the technician uses a hand-held machine with tiny pin-like dots to fill up thin spots on the brow. The result is a magnificent full brow with a powdered effect.
How is Microshading done?
For this procedure, you’ll get your face measured to determine the best brow shape, then the technician will draw out the shape on your brows and remove excess hairs. Thereafter comes the two-hour brow filling process.
Just like with microblading, you will need an aftercare moisturizer which the technician will supply. You’ll need a second session after eight weeks to perfect the brow design. Microshading will last up to three years as well.
Side effects
Both microblading and microshading are generally safe procedures, but complications can occur. There is a risk of injury if the microblading needle goes beyond the dermal layer of the skin. You can also experience some swelling, itchiness and redness after either procedure. The worst would be reacting to the numbing cream or the tattoo ink. If this does happen, it is advisable to see a doctor right away.
Takeaway
Microblading and microshading are both great procedures to achieve fuller, thicker brows that’ll require little to no maintenance for up to three years. It’s important to get clarity on how these procedures work and what to expect from the outcomes. It’s also very critical that you use a qualified technician with lots of experience.