Exclusive insights into the PMU industry right in your inbox
FREE newsletter. 100% good stuff.
Ombre Powder Brows
PMUHub answers all your questions about ombre powder brows, a subcategory of powder brows that gives a unique ombre effect that will make your arches stand out.
Image source: Instagram @uniquemicroblading
Menu
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in May 2019. Updated in December 2021.
If you’ve decided microblading isn’t quite what you’re looking for, or you have particularly oily skin and your artist has advised you to go for machine shading instead, powder brows offer several patterns to choose from. One of them is ombre eyebrows.
Ombre eyebrows have emerged as a very sought-after procedure. What is ombre brows, who is it for, and what is so special about them?
Here is the ultimate guide that will answer all your questions.
Click on the link to go directly to a specific step:
What Are Ombre Powder Brows?
Inspired by the ombre hair trend, ombre brows (or ombré eyebrows) have become a huge trend in semi-permanent makeup for eyebrows. Just like the basic powder brows, it’s a procedure that gives you the look of filled-in, shaded brows, but with a special twist – the ombre effect.
All semi-permanent makeup procedures imply injecting pigments of natural origin between the upper and the middle layer of the skin, and the same goes for powder ombre brows.
The pigment is inserted using a dotting technique called pixelization, giving a 3D, fluffy look to the eyebrows. The procedure is done using a machine specially designed for permanent makeup by a trained and licensed permanent makeup artist and has two steps: the initial pigmentation, and the touch up after 6 to 8 weeks.
The powder ombre brow effect is easily recognized by the color gradation that starts at the beginning of the brow arch – known as the head of the brow – in the center of the forehead and gets gradually darker towards the tail. This creates an illusion of fading.
Ombre powder brows are a subcategory of powder brows and are basically just a particular shading pattern. Ombre brows are also sometimes called ombre eyebrow tattoo, ombre powder brows, powder brows, or microshaded brows, so you might want to ask the artist of your choice for examples of ombre brows they’ve done before to avoid any misunderstanding.
Want to find out more about powder eyebrows? Follow the links:
Powder Eyebrows – The Ultimate Guide
Powder Eyebrows Before & After
Powder Eyebrows Healing Process
Image source: Instagram @dollfacepmu
Who is a Good Candidate for Ombre Brows?
Most people are good candidates for semi-permanent ombre eyebrows.
In some cases, powder ombre brows are an even better option than microblading, for example, for people with oily skin, large pores, or alopecia, as these characteristics tend to be problematic for drawing microblading strokes.
Also, they’re more suitable for people who spend a lot of time in the sun, as sunlight can make microblading strokes fade unevenly. With dotting, this is not so obvious.
Take a look at ombre powder brows before and after pictures to better understand the effects of ombre brows treatment – just select the ombre powder brows category.
Who Isn’t a Good Candidate for Ombre Brows?
Most people can get powder ombre brows without any contraindications.
However, some pre-existing health conditions can make powder ombre brows impossible, like diabetes, active cancer, pregnancy, a history of keloids, or hypertrophic scarring.
For more information on the restrictions, read our detailed guide to powder brows.
Ombre Brows vs Microblading – What Is the Difference?
Similarities
Both ombre eyebrows and microblading are semi-permanent eyebrow styling techniques.
Pigments are injected into the skin and the results are relatively long-lasting. They don’t wash off or smudge, but do fade over time. Part of the pigment wears off mechanically, as the skin renews itself and dead skin cells are shedded, while the rest is absorbed by the body.
Image source: Instagram @advance_microblading_academy
Differences
- DIFFERENT TECHNIQUE. The biggest difference between microblading vs ombre brows is the method used and the results achieved. Microblading is done by manually creating micro incisions on the skin surface and filling them with pigments. The strokes through the skin resemble hairs. Ombre powder brows are done by dotting (some artists call this method ‘pixelization’, others call it ‘airbrushing’) in a specific pattern, where the dot saturation is gradually increased towards the tail, so there is no dragging through the skin.
- A MORE DRAMATIC LOOK. The results of microblading are more natural, while ombre powder brows give the impression of wearing makeup and a bit more drama. Of course, it all depends on what you want.
- LESS INVASIVE. There is less pain and bleeding with ombre powder brows. The ombre technique is less damaging to the skin, as there is no constant opening and dragging of the blade through the skin. Of course, every skin will behave differently and there is no way of knowing until the procedure starts, but this is a general tendency.
- MORE LONG-LASTING RESULTS. The average lifespan of microbladed brows is 18 months to 2 years, while ombre brows last longer due to the technique used – 2 to 3 years, but they can last even longer with touch ups.
Can Microblading Be Combined with the Ombre Effect?
Yes, it’s good to know that the ombre brow effect can be combined with microblading in two ways.
You can have your artist do ombre microblading, which implies very fine hair strokes that gradually get darker and more frequent towards the tail of the brow.
Or, the microblading pattern stays the same as with the basic procedure, and the shade is added with increasing saturation. This combination is usually called combre brows.
Image source: Instagram @hulavesbrows
What Should I Know Before the Treatment?
Research!
This is the most important part of the preparations. This includes choosing a technique that best suits you and the artist who is professional, crafty, experienced, and licensed.
There are some general guidelines you must follow before the procedure in order for the procedure to be safe and successful:
- You must be healthy. Most artists will ask for your medical history.
- You mustn’t drink caffeine or alcohol at least 24 hours before the procedure.
- You mustn’t take blood thinners (Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Niacin, Vitamin E, B6, Omega 3, Gingko Biloba, Primrose, etc.) at least 1 week before your procedure.
- You mustn’t wax, tan, or tint the area at least 3 days before the procedure.
- You shouldn’t get any facials or peels at least 2 weeks before the procedure.
- You shouldn’t have any facial injections at least 4 weeks before the procedure.
Image source: Instagram @uniquemicroblading
What Should I Know About Ombre Powder Brows Aftercare?
If you want to make the most out of this procedure, you need to know some things about the powder ombre brows aftercare process:
- Your artist will probably give you an ointment to use on your brow area. Make sure to apply the ointment 3 times a day, or as often as your artist advises, and always use clean fingers or a cotton swab, especially in the first 3 days after the procedure.
- Never touch the treated area with your fingers unless they are completely clean. There might be bacteria that you don’t want to get on your eyebrow area.
- Always gently cleanse the treated area with mild antibacterial soap – never scrub as it will affect your final result. Rinse with water and gently pat the area until it’s dry.
- Always apply a light coat of ointment on the area before a shower, and continue with this until the area is completely healed. Try to avoid getting your eyebrows wet.
- Do not scratch, rub, pick or peel the healing skin. Allow it to flake off on its own. Once you complete the peeling phase, you may proceed with your regular activities.
PMUHub tip: The artist should give you all the instruction needed on how to treat ombre powder eyebrows throughout the entire aftercare process. Follow them as closely as possible and don’t be afraid to ask for additional information.
For more information on powder brows aftercare, read our detailed aftercare guide.
Is There Something to Avoid in the Aftercare Period?
Here are some additional aftercare tips you should follow:
- Avoid any makeup, facials, sweating, sun exposure, sauna, jacuzzi, or swimming until the area is completely healed.
- Do not use any anti-aging products, especially those that contain Lactic acids or Glycolic acids. Certain skincare products can accelerate the fading of permanent makeup.
- In order to prevent future fading of your pigment, use sunblock after the ombre powder brows procedure.
Image source: Instagram @ombre.brows
Can I Wear Makeup After Ombre Brows Treatment?
The treated area is very sensitive and prone to infections right after the treatment, so it is forbidden to wear makeup on the treated area. You are allowed to apply it to the other parts of your face.
However, since makeup can get to the treated area easily, it is risky to wear during the healing period. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid wearing makeup altogether for about two weeks.
How Long Does it Take for Your Ombre Powder Brows to Heal?
Ombre powder brows healing takes about 1 month, but it’s important to point out that the healing process can be different for everyone due to many factors that affect the results:
- medication,
- skin characteristics – if it’s oily, sun-damaged, thick or thin,
- skin’s personal pH balance,
- alcohol intake,
- smoking,
- post-procedure aftercare.
Make sure to see each of the ombre powder brows healing stages through without picking your brows.
Ombre Powder Brows Healing Day by Day
Take a look at the ombre powder brows healing process and expected ombre brows healing stages given by days:
Day 1-10: The result will look approximately 50% darker than the desired effect in the first week, and it will take 4-10 days for them to lighten. The first 7 to 10 days after the procedure are crucial to the success of the treatment.
As any type of pigment injection is trauma to the skin, there will be some inconvenient consequences – redness and some swelling. This is normal and will go away relatively quickly, so there’s nothing to worry about.
Day 11-15: As the dotting motion breaks the skin surface, some scabbing, flaking and dryness is inevitable. Most clients report that during the healing of ombre powder brows scabbing is the most annoying phase.
It is essential not to touch or pick at your skin. Just leave it be. It will heal at its own pace, usually by the end of the second week following the procedure.
Day 16-30: You will also notice that the pigment color will fade slightly over time; this is normal and expected. This is why the touch up appointment is done so that the corrections can be made.
PMUHub tip: If any unusual irritation or significant swelling appears, consult the eyebrow artist.
Image source: Instagram @beautydetailsnorway
What Causes Ombre Brows to Fade Prematurely?
Ombre powder brows have their lifespan, but certain factors can speed up their fading.
The main cause of premature fading is sunlight exposure and tanning beds. You should always try to keep your ombre brows out of the sun. Also, they tend to fade faster on oily skin and on clients with certain medical conditions.
Mechanical damage can lead to fading, too. You should avoid exfoliation (both scrubs and chemical peels) on the treated area.
When do Ombre Brows Need to Be Touched Up?
The touch up appointment that is part of the treatment should be done 6 to 8 weeks after the initial appointment, once the pigment sets into the skin.
This is an opportunity to add pigment where necessary, make corrections to the pigment shade, and correct the shape. For example, if your skin didn’t take the pigment in some spots, there is the touch up to fix it.
Additional touch ups are not obligatory, but if you don’t want your ombre brows to fade, you can have them touched up every 6 months or more often.
How Long Does Ombre Powder Brows Last?
As with every permanent and semi-permanent makeup procedure, the duration of the results without touching them up varies based on:
- skin type,
- lifestyle,
- attention the clients pays to them,
- amount of sun exposure,
- aftercare,
- beauty habits such as facials or peels,
- the quality of the pigments used,
- sun exposure,
- the overall wellbeing of the client.
Considering all this, we can only give you a general window – 1 to 3 years.
What Are the Pros of Ombre Powder Brows?
There are many advantages to choosing ombre brows. Here are the most prominent ones:
- It uses a more traditional tattooing method, which means that the results are longer lasting than those of microblading.
- This procedure works with most skin types, including oily skin which can be troublesome for other cosmetic procedures.
- The eyebrow looks much more defined and dramatic than with the classic, microblading method, and it’s more unique and striking than with traditional powder brows.
Image source: Instagram @pmubeautybysandra
Are There Any Side Effects to the Ombre Powder Brows Treatment?
Ombre brows are a relatively non-invasive procedure, but it does include some trauma to the skin.
Since the skin is broken, there is always the risk of infection, but if you choose a certified, professional artist who is licensed and uses sterile equipment. If you follow aftercare instructions, the risk of infection is close to none.
As the dotting motion breaks the skin surface, some scabbing, flaking, and dryness are inevitable in the days following the procedure. It is essential not to touch or pick at your skin. Just leave it be. It will heal at its own pace, usually within two weeks.
If any unusual irritation or significant swelling appears, consult the artist.
Although it is rare, it is possible to be allergic to PMU pigments, or more precisely, to some ingredients. If you’re allergic to tattoo ink, you’ll probably react to the pigments, too. If you know you are allergic to certain ingredients, tell your artist so they can work with pigments that do not contain them.
If you don’t know of any allergies, it’s best for the artist to do a patch test before the procedure. If you’re prone to allergic reactions, it’s a good idea to consult a doctor beforehand.
Can I Remove Ombre Powder Brows?
The most effective ways to remove unwanted ombre powder brows are laser, saline removal, and glycolic acid removal. They take time and money, but give the best results.
If you’re not happy with the results and don’t want to wait until they fade naturally, there are ways to remove ombre eyebrows, but it can take some time and effort. The most obvious way is to do all the things that accelerate fading: sunbathe, wash your face often, visit saunas, etc.
How Much Do Ombre Powder Brows Cost?
The average cost of an ombre powder brows procedure is $600 – the same as basic powder brows – but it can go up to $1000, or even higher.
When choosing an artist to do your ombre powder eyebrows price can be a good indicator of the artist’s experience. As with any beauty procedure, the price varies from one salon or artist to another.
Additional touch-ups cost around $100 (but some artists may include the initial touch up in the cost of the initial procedure).
The experience of the artist, the location, the competition in permanent makeup in the area, the quality of the tools, and the sheer exclusivity of the salon all affect the pricing.
It might sound like a lot of money at first, but since the procedure is done on the face and there is no convincing way to disguise a botched job, this is not the time to try to save money.
Take a better look at the prices and the factors that affect them in our Powder Brows cost guide.
How Do I Choose the Right Artist for Ombre Powder Brows?
Choosing the right artist is the biggest factor that affects the final results.
For starters, you must always go to a trained, licensed artist who has finished a course at an accredited training center or beauty school. A low price might be tempting, but the risks of going to a self-trained artist are huge.
Obviously, you could end up with asymmetric, botched powder ombre brows that will stay on your face for 2 to 3 years, but there’s also the risk of infection if the procedure is not done in a professional, sterile environment.
Trained artists know the theory behind the procedure. They can give professional, medically justified instructions on aftercare, as well as provide you with aftercare products necessary for proper healing. They have knowledge of pigments and color matching, which is particularly important.
PMUHub tip: Research the artist that has caught your eye. Book a consultation appointment and ask anything you want to know. Ask for examples of their previous work and make sure to ask for pictures of healed ombre brows they did, as the results are not realistic right after the procedure. Also, consider the hygiene of their workspace.
Ombre Powder Brows – Main Takeaways
Powder ombre brows are the perfect trend for anyone who likes a dramatic look that emphasizes the eyes to the max. This is not a look everyone can pull off, but a well-done arch will boost anyone’s confidence.
And besides, you won’t have to draw it on every morning!
Make sure to do some thorough research before deciding on which salon to choose. Google something like ombre powder brows near me and find an artist whose work and style you like best.
It is advisable not to be frugal here, cause it can cost you more in the end to remove bad ombre eyebrows!
