Microblading vs. Microshading: Differences & Similarities

Stylist doing microblading procedure on client

Updated: November 9, 2023

If you have oily or sensitive skin and yearn for microbladed brows, we have a solution for you: microshading.

Microshading is a technique that employs teeny-tiny amounts of pigment to produce a shadow or gradient look on perfect, ready-to-go brows. In contrast, microblading uses short, hair-like strokes to create the illusion of naturally fuller and thicker brows.

While there are significant differences between these two procedures, there are also some similarities. Let’s look at what they have in common.

What Are the Similarities Between Microblading and Microshading?

Aside from the fact that you should avoid working out and direct sunlight exposure to get the most significant benefits, these two treatments have a few similarities, like:

  1. Both procedures cause some discomfort, but they are not painful. Thankfully the artist working on your brows will apply a numbing lotion to the area, making the procedure as painless as possible.
  2. They are non-invasive and safe procedures since they only affect the first two layers of skin and do not penetrate deeply.
  3. Also, because both brow techniques require much attention, healing and aftercare are crucial. Regardless of the treatment, you must regularly clean and moisturize your brows for the first two weeks.

What Is the Difference Between Microblading and Microshading?

The result is the most apparent difference between the two methods. However, other elements distinguish the two brow styles. These include:

Technique

The two processes necessitate different strategies for creating perfectly done brows. Microblading uses a tool to mimic natural hair, whereas microshading employs a rotary tool to apply color faster.

Look

Since the technique employed differs, so does the outcome look. People use microshading to fill in sparse areas and recreate the form of their brows more naturally. On the other hand, people who need to fill in any gaps in their brows opt for microblading.

Clientele

If you pick microblading for its natural finish without considering your skin type, you might end up disappointed. Microblading is perfect for those with normal to dry skin, while we recommend those with oiler skin types to go for microshading. The microblading healing process makes the strokes appear crisper on normal to dry than oily.

Longevity

If you have normal to dry skin, microshading will fill any empty patches and last up to 2 years. In contrast, microblading is a delicate technique with the potential for fading with time, although it can last up to 18 months with no touch-ups.

Cost

Another distinction is the price. Microblading is ‌more expensive than microshading. This price difference is because microblading requires needles to transfer color into your skin in hair-like strokes. On the contrary, microshading uses a rotary tool that allows the artist to make more extensive and frequent strokes across your brow.

Microshading and Microblading Benefits

Microshading, commonly known as powder brows, provides the brows an airbrushed appearance and has a variety of benefits:

  • Ideal for oily and sensitive skin types, although it is suitable for all skin types
  • Great for eye symmetry because it looks like eyebrow powder and creates a natural-looking brow
  • Better than microblading since it lasts longer
  • It makes your brows look much thicker and fuller

On the other hand, microblading drags a blade across your brows, which can be unpleasant if you have sensitive skin. However, this technique has its perks too:

  • You don’t have to spend a lot of time filling in your brows to make them appear expertly done
  • It can last up to 2 years and will not break the bank or cost you a fortune
  • Does not smear or smudge, so you don’t have to worry about going to saunas, swimming, working out, or wiping your brows repeatedly
  • Although microblading involves sliding a blade across your brow, the process is painless since we apply numbing ointments before working on the brow.

You can also combine microblading and microshading to create a hybrid brow. This killer combination will help you achieve a long-lasting ombre effect on your brows. It will make you look like you just left a makeover session with a skilled makeup artist.

To achieve the desired ombre look, we draw strokes in the brow’s corners, where it is more visible—microblading. Then, we apply powdered shading to the brow’s body to give it a full, all-day look—microshading.

With this in mind, you need to have an expert artist work on your brows. At Lisa OM, we will have rocking photo-ready brows every day without needing regular eyebrow makeup that takes up too much time.

 

Image Source:  Burdun Iliya / Shutterstock

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