What is microshading/ombré brows?

 

Microshading — also known as ombré brows — is a popular form of permanent makeup in which a small needle injects pigment behind your brow hair to define your natural brow shape. This tattoo technique resembles brow makeup, and the effect can be natural or bold based on your skin type and preferences.

Ombré brows are dark for the first few days and heal 20-50% lighter, also depending on your skin type. They’re waterproof and smudge-proof. Because we don’t go as deep in the skin as with regular tattoos, your results will last 1-3 years.

Unlike microblading — where a blade creates hair-like strokes in the skin — ombré brows are versatile and can be done on almost every skin type with minimal trauma.

Process Overview

The ombré brow process includes five components:

  1. Precare

  2. First session

  3. Aftercare

  4. Second session — at least 6 weeks after initial appt and depending on how much pigment you’ve retained

  5. Annual touch-ups, depending on how much your brows have faded.

Getting to Your Dream Brows

Before your service, we’ll discuss your brow goals and map your brows using key measurements, your face shape, your natural hair flow, and your natural hair color. Tattooing does not start until you approve and we mutually agree on the brow shape.

On a scale of 1-10, pain is about a 3 on average. I will numb you, but if you’re extremely afraid of needles and/or have a severely low tolerance for pain, this procedure is not for you.

Low-Maintanence, Not No-Maintenance

 

Ombré brows are meant to enhance your natural beauty, helping you feel more confident without makeup.

Depending on your results, you may want to darken your brows with makeup if you want to go more glam. This is totally normal — and you’ll have a custom template right there on your face!

 

Additionally, you’ll still need to remove hair that grows outside your chosen brow shape. A simple disposable razor will clean up your brows quickly, but that hair can also be waxed, threaded, or tweezed.

There are no guarantees.

Let’s get the cold, hard truth out of the way: OMBRÉ BROWS MAY NOT WORK FOR YOU.

There are a wealth of factors that influence how the ink may interact with your skin, including:

  • Your skin type. Oily skin typically retains the least pigment; dry skin, the most

  • How well you follow the precare and aftercare guidelines

  • Medications, herbs, supplements, and your overall health

  • Anemia and iron deficiency. Your body will absorb iron from the pigment

  • Environmental factors such as sun exposure

  • Skincare products such as retinol and glycolic acid

  • Smoking

There is no way to guarantee how your body will take the pigment, so please keep this in mind before booking and during healing.

Symmetry Is an Illusion

You’ve probably heard that your brows are meant to be sisters, not twins. I will create the illusion of symmetry during the mapping process, but please understand that your brows can never truly be symmetrical because of the following factors:

  • More muscle movement in one brow vs. the other

  • Asymmetrical bone structure or skin volume

It’s completely normal to have asymmetrical features! I noticed one of my ears was higher than the other when I was about 8 years old. If your asymmetry is very pronounced, I may have to remove a bit of hair from either side to bring them into balance. I will always get your approval before I remove any hair.

The bottom line: I cannot guarantee perfect ink retention or symmetry. I can’t guarantee that your body will respond favorably to the procedure or that you’ll follow the precare and aftercare — that’s up to you. All I can assure you is that I will do my part to give you a clean, safe procedure in which I carefully follow each step of the process. After that, there are no guarantees.

It’s crucial that you come into this with realistic expectations.

 

Your Initial Appointment: The Agenda

  • woman with ombre brows

    Consultation

    We’ll talk about your ideal brow shape, keeping your bone structure and amount of brow hair in mind. I will offer you my perspective as an artist and clearly explain the possibilities and limitations. Please be realistic about what we can achieve. My goal is to work with your natural brow shape, not make drastic changes.

    We’ll talk about how dark you’d like your brows. It’s always best to start lighter and add more at the touch-up. Your brows cannot be lightened/shrunken at the touchup.

    Please ask as many questions as you need to during this phase!

  • Brow Mapping

    I’ll take measurements of your brows and create a sketch to give you an idea of what the final shape will look like. This is the most important step in the entire process, because it’s the template that I’ll follow to tattoo your brows.

    We’ll select a color that fits your natural hair color and skin undertone as well.

    I will make as many adjustments it takes for you to love the sketch. This is your face! But please allow yourself to trust my perspective as an artist, however, because I’m always going to keep the most flattering shape for your bone structure in mind. I’m also going to consider how the brows may age with you.

    Also, please note that perfect symmetry is almost never possible without shaving off half an eyebrow. I like to keep as much hair as possible, which means you may still notice some asymmetry. This is 100% normal!

  • woman with ombre brows

    Tattooing & Numbing

    After you approve the predraw, the tattooing begins! Needles, swabs, and wipes are single-use and sanitary.

    I’ll start by outlining your brows and creating the “first pass” with a pen-like tattoo machine. I will not pre-numb you, as that can affect your results. But don’t be afraid! On a scale of 1-10, average pain is a 3. It’ll feel like annoying scratching or pricking. You’ll also feel me stretching your skin a lot, as I need a flat, taut surface for best results.

    Immediately after the outline and first pass, I’ll numb your brow locally with epinephrine. Your pain should almost immediately subside, and then I’ll repeat the process on your other brow. I’ll work on one brow at a time until they’re filled in to your desired density.

    I’m usually quiet while working so that your brows stay relaxed. You may also bring headphones if you’d like a distraction. You’ll need to keep your eyes closed, however. No cell phone use during this phase.

  • Photos, Aftercare Instructions, & Touchup Booking

    It’s time to see your new brows! I’ll show you the final look. Once you leave the studio, I can no longer touch your brows for another 6 weeks minimum because the healing process will begin.

    We’ll take photos and videos for my records and, if you approve, for my Instagram portfolio. Instagram is a major marketing tool for artists, so I hope you’ll let me show your lovely face on my page.

    After photos, we’ll go over the aftercare instructions. You’ll receive a small bag with items to help you during healing.

    You will receive a very detailed email with a link to aftercare instructions. You’ll be able to book e healing journey begins!

Sound good?

That was a lot to take in, right? If it all sounds good, click the button on the right to move on to the next key piece—medical eligibility.