Microblading vs Shading

Microblading + Shading
 

Microblading is a semi-permanent cosmetic tattoo performed by manually inserting pigment under the skin with "microblades". These blades are 3x thinner than traditional tattoo needles and simulates crisp hairlike strokes with various lengths and densities. The goal is to create natural and realistic brows and suitable for dry or combination skin types.

On the other hand, Microshading uses shading and blending techniques with a micropigmentation machine. Color is lighter at the start of the brow then gradually gets darker towards the tail, creating an "ombré" gradient effect. The results resemble powdered makeup application or a fresh brow tint for a fuller, defined look. This is suitable for all skin types.

These methods can be combined, catering to a look made specifically for you! The effects will be waterproof and smudge-proof. Please visit "FAQ" to learn more.

what is Phibrows?

 

Deriving from the Greek letter PHI  φ, PhiBrows method is developed to conform to the Golden Ratio. It is a common mathematical ratio (1.618) found in nature that can be used to create appealing compositions that are aesthetically pleasing to the eye. 

Taking these calculations in account, they help with mapping out facial contour by designing the shape complimenting all facial features. This means every brow is designed specifically to your proportions!

 
 
Eyebrow Mapping

Eyebrow Mapping

 
 
 
Microblading/Shading skin depth

Microblading/Shading skin depth

BENEFITS OF MICROBLADING:

Customized brow looks - A consultation will be discussed to ensure you have the shape + color you want. From natural hairstrokes to a fuller powder brow, designs are custom tailored for you

Natural brow blueprint - Based on your own facial features, we use measurements called the “Golden Ratio”. This gives a nice template, decreasing the time applying makeup and evening them out

Waterproof + smudge-proof - No more worrying about your brow pomade rubbing off while swimming or even exercise for those with an active lifestyle

Reduce time in your morning routine - For many of us, putting on makeup can take a large part of getting ready. With microblading, your brows will already be sculpted, so you don't have to waste time filling in + shaping your brows

Save money over time - If you think about how much money you spend on brow pencils, gels or pomade, you’ll notice that microblading is an investment that actually can save you money (and time)!

Little to no upkeep after fully healed - This is probably one of the great benefits to microblading! Once you get the procedure and go through the healing process, you can carry on as normal (except for applying SPF daily)

Long-lasting results - Microblading may last 1-3 years depending on skin type, aftercare and environmental factors like sun exposure. They will retain their shape and size with only minor touchups. It’s not permanent, but semi-permanent. It allows you to change the shape of the brow with new trends since they only last a few years

Easy solution to regain brows - For those who have lost their brows due to an illness, alopecia, or chemotherapy, this procedure is perfect to help regain natural-looking brows

Microblading pigments will not fade or change color - Using organic, vegan-based, biocompatible pigments means the body will break it down and fade over time. Because of this, microblading creates a beautiful layering effect each time you get a touchup!

Safe + sterile procedure - Microblading is very safe in the hands of a professional. Every precaution will be made to ensure your safety and well-being before, during and after the application process, please be aware of the possible risks

CONTRAINDICATIONS

A contraindication is a condition or factor that increases the risks involved in a treatment. It is important to prevent further harm, cross-contamination and infection for both the client and artist.

 

PLEASE REFRAIN IF YOU ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CONTRAINDICATIONS:

× Under 18 years old
× Accutane or steroids (must wait 1 year)
× Alcohol or caffeine (please refrain 24 hours before your appointment)
× Aspirin or ibuprofen (please refrain 24 hours before your appointment)
× Allergies to makeup/anesthetics 
× Autoimmune disease or diabetes
× Blood thinning medication or hemophilia 
× Botox, waxing or threading (must wait 2 weeks)
× Cancer or chemotherapy in last 6 months
× Cataracts/glaucoma 
× Facial procedures (skin must not be open or in regeneration phase)
× Heart condition or high blood pressure
× HIV/Hepatitis or transmittable blood conditions
× Keloid disorder/scarring tissue
× Pregnant or nursing
× Skin conditions (eczema, shingles, psoriasis, undiagnosed rashes/blisters, etc.) 
× Tanned/sunburned (must wait until fully gone) 
× Thyroid condition 

Expections

Prior to the procedure, think about the look you wish to achieve. As a brow specialist, I ensure that the correct colors and styles are chosen for you, however you are part of the decision-making process. Note that your prep is very important since this sets up the foundation for your new brows and how it adheres to the skin.

Semi-permanent cosmetic tattoos normally require multiple sessions. To achieve the best results, you will be required to return for at least one control procedure 4-8 weeks after the initial application.

Level of discomfort is relatively minor depending on individual. It is comparable to simultaneously tweezing multiple hairs or papercuts. An effective topical anesthetic will be on hand and will be applied throughout the procedure.

 

DURING:

Expect the procedure to be more or less than ~2 hours. Half of the appointment time will be used on drawing and shaping. Total time depends on how the skin reacts.

When you arrive, we will assess your skin health and have a quick consultation to discuss expectations, maintenance, and fill out paperwork. Then we will apply a numbing cream and let it sit for 20 minutes.

Next, your eyebrow shape is measured/drawn according to the Golden Ratio (PHI 1.618). Once we are happy with the outline, we then start the process!

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After the first pass (cutting of strokes), another layer of anesthetic is added to relieve pain along with a pigment mask.

Repeat - cosmetic tattooing is a multilayered process.

Once the pigment mask is removed, a protective/healing balm will be applied and left on for 24 hours.

 

AFTER:

Some clients experience discomfort or redness, but this will dissipate within a few hours. Initial darkness will not interfere with daily activities.

Rule of thumb: your brows will be "twice as thick and twice as dark" during first few days. This is due to the pigment sitting on top of the skin and has yet to settle in.

Your brows will gradually fade up to 50% and shrink up to 15%.

Color will fluctuate and slight scabbing/peeling may appear. 

Think of it as an injury, a crust will appear on your brows because it is basically trauma to the skin.

It is imperative you do not peel or scratch!

Do not be alarmed if some pigment comes off on a cotton swab! This might give you the impression the color is fading too quickly. However, this is excess pigment and body fluid that is being naturally shed (may look like dandruff/dry skin).

Keep in mind that your aftercare makes 70% of the results and your brows will be fully set after your second session! Please follow your aftercare instructions carefully as this will give you the best healed outcome.

prep

THINGS TO AVOID BEFORE:

1-2 DAYS: Alcohol, caffeine (coffee, soda, energizing drinks), Niacin, Aspirin, Ibuprofen (Advil), Vitamin E

3-7 DAYS: Waxing, tweezing, threading or tinting

1 WEEK: Omega 3 fish oil, tanning or intense sun exposure

2 WEEKS: Intense facials or treatments, products containing regenerative/active ingredients, laser/removals

2 MONTHS: Botox or Dysport treatment

 

aftercare

DAY 1: Keep healing balm on for 24 hours and do not wet them/try not to sweat.

DAY 2-7: Gently wash with cool water and mild soap (diluted Dr.Bronner’s unscented baby soap recommended).

​Then clean with a cotton swab wiping away any lymphatic liquid (clear yellowish buildup). 

Apply a very thin layer of healing balm. Too little is better than too much! 

Reapply 3-5x a day. Repeat for about 1-2 weeks until fully healed.

DAY 8+: Once completely healed, always apply SPF when exposed to the sun.

 

AVOID FOR 7 DAYs:

× Makeup or facial products in the brow area

× Excessive sweating

× Swimming, sauna or steam rooms

DO NOT:

× Drink alcohol in excess (slows healing)

× Take aspirin, ibuprofen or vitamins (thins blood)

× Antibiotics or hormonal therapies (fades pigment)

× Pick scabs (scars or removes pigment)

× Use a washcloth or anything abrasive on your tattoo

 

AVOID FOR 3O DAYS:

× Waxing, threading or tinting

× Facial/spa treatments

× Intensive sun exposure or tanning

× Products containing regeneration properties, Retin-A or Glycol Acid

PLEASE NOTE:

​Itching and flaking may occur during the first two weeks. Experience has proven that by following aftercare instructions, symptoms may lessen.  

Keep in mind that your aftercare makes 70% of the results! 

The healing process is different for everyone and ultimately depends on various factors: skin type, age/elasticity of skin, external/sun exposure, food, medication, facial products, and your daily routine

healing process

Healing process

Healing process

 

DAY 1-5: Brows will appear darker and thicker. Scabbing forms over the strokes to protect the area while healing. It is important not to pick the scabs as this will result in lost pigment.

DAY 5-9: As the scabs start falling off, brows may appear patchy, flaky, and feel itchy.

DAY 9-12: The pigment under may look light or milky due to a thin layer of scar tissue, This is completely normal.

DAY 12-21: The pigment will “come back” once the thin layer of scar tissue heals and strokes in the brows will darken. Any strokes that did not "reappear" during this process will be added back at the touch up appointment 6-8 weeks later.

Microblading FAQ

  • Results can last anywhere from 1-5 years. It is considered semi-permanent because at some point, a touch-up will be needed.

    Longevity will ultimately depend on various factors: skin type, age/elasticity of skin, external/sun exposure, food, medication, facial products, and your daily routine. Keep in mind that your aftercare makes 70% of the results!

  • Appointments generally take 3 hours. Half the of the time is used for measuring and mapping the brows. This is not a rushed procedure and ample time is ensured.

    Two sessions are highly recommended for first timers.

  • No! Downtime is not necessary. You can immediately go about your day after your appointment. Redness will disappear within a few hours and initial darkness will not interfere with daily activities.

  • Within a week of your first treatment, the color will fade significantly. Over the next 4-6 weeks, it can continuously fade as much as 50%. This is considered an extremely positive occurrence as it allows you time to reflect on your shape and color. After this period, it is essential that you book a second appointment (4-6 weeks after) for your touch-up in order to ensure pigment's longevity. This is necessary because everyone heals differently therefore outcomes vary. During your touch-up, final adjustments are made to assure satisfaction (additional strokes, color adjustment, brow thickness, etc.)

    Refreshers are recommended yearly thereafter. Oilier skin may need refreshing sooner. Remember that the final result isn't determined until after your healing process!

  • Healing time varies from each individual. Usually, it takes about 7-10 days for the epithelial crust to form and shed. This means slight scabbing will occur and is then considered fully healed. Initial darkness will lighten over 30 days as the pigment completely sets into the skin.

  • It depends on each individual's pain tolerance and the body's reaction to anesthetic. Numbing cream will be used throughout the process. Overall, level of discomfort is relatively minor. It is comparable to simultaneously tweezing multiple hairs or tiny paper cuts.

    You will hear a scratchy noise/sensation throughout. Stress balls will be provided and music will be played during the procedure, however feel free to bring your own earphones and music.

  • Absolutely! Only sterilized, disposable needles and supplies are used. Needles are tightly sealed and opened right before. They are used for one procedure and then safely discarded. Trays, beds, and other instruments are sterilized before and after every procedure.

  • Please do not do anything to your brows before coming to your appointment as it is best to not have aggravated skin. I will clean up your brows after we've decided on the shape and before we start the procedure. The more hair, the better!

  • This depends on how faded the previous tattoo is but most of the time can be covered up. Changes to your old design can be made with different technique. During consultation, we will discuss what will work best for you!

  • This is considered more of a medical procedure rather than cosmetic and how the skin will react is different for everyone. Many factors are to be taken into consideration such as skin type, age/elasticity of skin, external exposures to the sun, food or facial products, and your daily routine all play a key role in how the pigment will hold. This is why it is important to know that more than one touch up may be required. Keep in mind that your aftercare makes 70% of the results! I can guarantee that your face is most important to me, and I will act in accordance with my experience and expertise to give you my absolute best.

  • Yes, it does happen! The microblading pigment is not deposited as deep as a traditional tattoo ink, making this procedure semi-permanent. Sometimes the pigments are pushed out completely due to health conditions or external factors. This is the skin's reaction to a foreign substance entering the body.

  • Although microblading/shading tattoos are considered to be semi-permanent, the procedure does allow flexibility for color or shape change to some extent. However, I will work closely with you to ensure that you are satisfied with the proposed technique. I will allow you to have as much control over the procedure as possible, so there’s very little room for error.

    If you do not like the results, the touch-up does not have to be followed through and the pigmented area naturally fades away over time.

    If you are not 100% sure you would benefit from this procedure, please opt for a more temporary option such as brow lamination + tinting.

  • Anyone wanting to enhance the look of their brows or save time during their makeup routine, regardless of the amount of hair present.

    Ideal for those who has suffered from cancer due to chemo/radio therapy, alopecia or other medical condition that resulted in brow hair loss or thinning. However, there are contraindications to cosmetic tattooing. ↓

  • × Under 18 years old
    × Accutane or steroids (must wait 1 year)
    × Alcohol or caffeine (please refrain 24 hours before your appointment)
    × Aspirin or ibuprofen (please refrain 24 hours before your appointment)
    × Allergies to makeup/anesthetics 
    × Autoimmune disease or diabetes
    × Blood thinning medication or hemophilia 
    × Botox, waxing or threading (must wait 2 weeks)
    × Cancer or chemotherapy in last 6 months
    × Cataracts/glaucoma 
    × Facial procedures (skin must not be open or in regeneration phase)
    × Heart condition or high blood pressure
    × HIV/Hepatitis or transmittable blood conditions
    × Keloid disorder/scarring tissue
    × Pregnant or nursing
    × Skin conditions (eczema, shingles, psoriasis, undiagnosed rashes/blisters, etc.) 
    × Tanned/sunburned (must wait until fully gone) 
    × Thyroid condition 

  • It is important that you do not book before a vacation or anytime you will be getting wet, sweating excessively or exposed to the sun for 2 weeks.

    Your skin must not be in regeneration phase (sunburn, post facial, eczema, dermatitis, acne around eyebrow area, etc.) Women may experience higher sensitivity to pain during time of menstruation, so avoid that time too.