What is Shading / Powder Brows?

What is Shading / Powder Brows?

Shading/powder brows is a semi-permanent tattoo technique that involves using a tattoo machine with a single flexible needle. Powdered brows help clients achieve more of a powdered (makeup)  or ombre look instead of natural,  individual hair strokes.

 Powdered brows are ideal for clients with oily skin or clients who want to achieve a more defined, makeup look.

Please visit the gallery to see the pictures of different techniques

Why Is Shading/Powder Brows more suitable for oilier skin types?

This type produces a higher amount of sebum, an oily substance created to help the skin stay soft and hydrated. The oil flows from inside of the epidermis to the surface of the skin through pores and hair follicles. Pores are bigger, more visible and skin is thicker. Working on this type of skin is not as easy as they usually bleed more and are more sensitive. Since there is a lot of oil on the surface, if the microblading technique is applied, healed results after 1-4 years will result in blurry and unclear strokes.  Considering this, Shading/Powder or Combination brows are the best option for this skin type.

How long does the Shading/Powder brows procedure take?

Shading/Powder brows technique requires 2 sessions to achieve final results. I take my time with my clients. The first visit takes approximately 2 hours and the second visit takes approximately 1hour.

Who can have Shading/Powder brows?

With all semi-permanent makeup procedures, it is the practitioner’s responsibility to make sure that there are no contraindications to treatment. It is recommended that a doctor be consulted prior to treatment if a medical condition exists.

How Long Shading/Powder brows Last?

​ Shading/Powder brows results can last anywhere between 2-4 years.

Since Shading/Powder brows pigments are not implanted into the skin as deep as traditional tattoos, the area will naturally fade over time

A lot of factors can affect the pigment durability:

• How your skin is reacting to the pigment,
• Excessive sweating,
• Waxing,
• Your skin type (oily, problematic skin pigment will stay less – for this skin type we recommend shading/powder technique)
• Your skincare routine will also have an effect on the longevity of the pigment. Patients who tan, use chemical peels or products with AHA or Glycolic Acid will fade faster as your skin will resurface faster.

Does it hurt?

Like all semi-permanent procedures, Shading/Powder brows will require a topical anesthetic which can be topped up throughout the procedure making it relatively painless.

What to expect during the healing process? 

Shading/Powder brows is a TWO-STEP process.  The first step is the initial procedure and the second step is your 4-8  week touch up visit.

After the procedure, the area treated will be a lot darker and more intense which is normal. This will last 2-3 days until the skin calms down. Swelling/edema is really very minimal, however, it must be mentioned that some swelling happens. Every skin type is different, every skin type takes pigment very differently and heals differently. Your skin can be healed in a few days without any healing phases mentioned here.

After a few days, your new Shading/Powder eyebrows may appear very faintly which is due to the new skin forming over the treated area. They can also be flak and itchy, due to skin healing. Week 3-4 is where natural exfoliation has happened and the color emerges. Once they are healed, they will become lighter. They will fade gradually while your skin is naturally renewing.

What is to be avoided after Shading/Powder brows treatment: 

During the first 10 days after your Shading/Powder brows treatment: all cream and makeup on the eyebrows area. Avoid workouts that involve a lot of sweating, sauna, facial massage and steam.

In the next 30 days: sunbathing, tanning beds, light therapies, chemical peelings, microdermabrasion, creams with regeneration factors. Avoid laser treatments over the treated area(Fraxel, laser IPL) because they can destroy the pigment and cause burns.