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Microshading
Microshading vs. Microblading: Key Differences
You probably already know what microblading eyebrows is, but have you heard of microshading? This is also a semi-permanent makeup treatment that results in natural-looking, attractive eyebrows.
However, some things make microshading different from microblading. Let’s take a look at at the differences in order to understand the treatments better – who are they for, the technique they use, the effects and more.
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What is Microshading?
Microshading stands for a semi-permanent makeup treatment that involves inserting specialized pigments under the skin in a gradient pattern, creating an airbrushed look. It is considered to be a gentler procedure than microblading. The technique it uses for achieving such misty brow results is made up using a tool with needles that creates a pin-like dots.
This procedure is perfect for anyone with over-plucked, sparse or light-colored eyebrows. It is also a great choice for those with sensitive and oily skin.
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What is Microblading?
Perhaps the most famous semi-permanent makeup treatment, microblading eyebrows is done by a specialized tool made up of number of tiny needles and permanent makeup pigments. This way created strokes are so naturally looking, giving a brow beautiful and almost 3D resembling shape.
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What are the Main Differences Between Microblading and Microshading?
Microblading is a treatment usually done with a hand tool that looks like a blade consisting of 10-12 tiny needles. The artist makes small incisions in your skin and fills them with pigment. The result is hair-like strokes that look very realistic, as your own brows. Your brows look very natural, dense and bushy.
Microshading can be done by a hand tool, but is usually done with a machine. An electric tool applies tiny, pin-like dots in a gradient pattern, creating a semi-permanent powdered effect. That is why they are also called powder brows. Unlike microblading, where you can see hair-like strokes, with microshading your brows will have powdery, makeup effect.
Does Microshading Last Longer than Microblading?
Both treatments are semi-permanent, which means that they fade away after some time.
Microshading lasts longer than microblading. Microblading lasts 2-3 years with proper maintenance and regular touch ups. Microshading can last up to 4 years if taken care of properly.
Which Procedure is Less Painful?
Both treatments are slightly uncomfortable, but not painful. The artist is obligated to apply numbing cream to the area that is about to be treated. After the area is numbed, you will not feel any pain, only a tiny discomfort.
Which Procedure is Less Risky?
Both microblading and microshading involve scratching the surface layer of the skin, so there is a risk of irritation, or worse, infection. The best way to avoid this is to choose a reliable esthetician with a lot of experience. Your eyebrow artist should work in sterile conditions and with quality materials, above all.
Therefore, both treatments are quite safe if you choose the right person to perform them.
Is There Any Difference Between Microblading and Microshading Aftercare?
When it comes to healing process and aftercare routine, there is no much difference between microblading and microshading.
Your eyebrows will take 4-6 weeks to heal. During this period you should avoid wearing makeup, swimming, sweating, hot sauna, hot baths, lengthy showers or jacuzzi use as well as any kind of chemical peels. Picking, peeling, or scratching the pigmented area is strictly forbidden. Also, try not to sleep on your face.
How Do I Maintain Microblading and How Microshading?
Fading is inevitable, but regular touch ups prolong the life span of your either microbladed or microshaded eyebrows.
The first touch up is obligatory and it is done after the healing process is finished i.e. 4-6 weeks after the treatment. After that, the frequency of your touch up will depend on the speed of fading. If you have oily skin, you will probably have to schedule frequent touch ups. Also, if you sweat, swim and if you are exposed to the sun very often, you will need touch ups more often.
Since microblading fades faster, touch ups should be done every six months. With microshading, you can have touch ups every eight months.
Which One is More Expensive: Microblading or Microshading?
There is not much difference in the price of microblading and the price of microshading.
The average cost for both treatments is somewhere around $400. The price can be much higher and go over $1000. It depends on the location, competition, salon’s and artist’s reputation, etc.
How Do I Know Which Treatment is Right for Me?
- Microblading hair strokes will look better on dry skin than on oily skin. People with oily skin should choose microshading over microblading. Also, if you have sensitive skin, microshading is a better option.
- Microshading is also good for people who have very sparse brows, while microblading is suitable for people who already have brows but want to fill in sparse areas.
- The next thing you should take into consideration is what kind of look you prefer. If you want a more natural look, go for microblading. Microshading looks like you drew your brows on and it is for people who are into that makeup look.
Microshading is currently a little bit more popular, since it has a lot of fans among Instagram influencers. So, if you want your brows to be noticeable, go for microshading. If you like the natural, everyday look and you don’t wear heavy makeup, microblading is a better option then.
Which Treatment is Better for Faded Tattooed Brows?
If you already had your eyebrows tattooed sometime in the past, this means that the ink is unlikely to fade any time soon. This is because, with traditional tattoos, ink is inserted deeper under the skin. Tattooed brows are “permanent”. They don’t last forever, but they last for many, many years.
People who regretted it might want to correct it with some of these modern and upgraded treatments that result in a more natural look. If you choose microblading, the hair strokes might not be noticeable and the microblading might not look good. That is why microshading is a better solution for once tattooed brows.
Which Treatment is Better for Over-Plucked Brows?
Microblading is better for people who already have hairs on their eyebrows. Microshading, on the other hand, is recommended for people with over-plucked brows because it gives better results in this situation.
Can Microshading and Microblading Be Combined?
Yes, it is possible to get the best of both worlds. The combination of microblading and microshading treatment also known as combo brows gives denser, more defined brows. Feathered hair strokes are made from the beginning to the middle, with the powdered finish toward the tails.
It is perfect for people who are not sure which treatment to choose. Also, people with mature skin, who have thinning eyebrows and dry skin, are perfect candidates for combo brows. Combo brows look very natural with a hint of makeup.
MAIN TAKEAWAYS
Microblading has been popular for many years now. It will save you for having to draw your eyebrows every morning. Choose it if you are a fan of a natural look.
If you like makeup look and want those Instagram eyebrows, microshading is the right thing for you.