Ombre Brows: Benefits, Healing Stages, Aftercare, Before and After
Permanent makeup has been growing in popularity over the past few years. Many women are opting for treatments like Ombre Brows and Powder Brows because they offer a host of benefits that traditional makeup can't match. But what are they? What does the treatment involve? What are the benefits? And what is the healing process for Ombre Brows like? In this blog post, we will answer all of those questions and more!
1. Ombre Brows or Powder Brows: Whats the difference?
Ombre Brows and Powder Brows are both types of permanent makeup. They are usually created with a machine which gently implants pigment into the skin to mimic the effects of conventional makeup. The two styles are very similar however there are a few subtle differences.
Powder Brows is the term used for a softer, more natural-looking brow as the shading technique used in to create the style of brow is very delicate. This creates a natural, soft look that is perfect for those who want to enhance their brows without looking like they have Permanent Makeup.
Ombre Brows is the term used for a more defined, polished look. The shading technique used in this type of treatment is slightly heavier, and the pigmentation typically the shading is more dense which achieve a darker more defined look. This creates a brow that is more sleek and polished, and is perfect for those who want to achieve a slightly more noticeable look.
Which style you go for really depends on your personal preference - both achieve beautiful results, you just need to decide wether you prefer a softer brow or something more defined!
Who are powder brows ombre brows for?
Powder brows or ombre brows are a great option for clients with oily skin. Fine hair strokes from microblading will blur and fade over time, so if you have oily skin and large pores a power brow is best for you.
2. What does the treatment involve?
First the technician will first assess your natural brows to decide on the perfect shape for you. They will then map out a new shape, correcting any asymmetry, to create a more flattering brow that compliments your face shape and enhances your features. I like to use a combination of mapping string, pencil and concealer to map my brows, but all artists have their own preferred way of doing this!
Once you are happy with the shape we will look at pigments. Taking into consideration your natural hair colour, your skin tone and personal style we will decide on the perfect colour for you!
Now it's time to create your brows! This is usually done with a machine which gently vibrates as it deposits pigment into your skin. The whole process (including consultation, brow mapping and the actual tattooing) takes between 2.5 and 3 hours. Lots of clients find the treatment relaxing and often end up falling asleep!
3. What are the benefits of Permanent Makeup?
There are many benefits to Permanent Makeup, but the main one is that it can save you a lot of time! If you are someone who likes to have perfectly groomed brows every day then Permanent Makeup can be a real game changer.
Some other benefits include:
Transforms thin, sparse brows into thicker, fuller brows
Corrects asymmetry and give you better shaped brows
Wake up every day with perfect brows
Feeling more confident if you haven't got makeup on
No risk of rubbing or smudging your brow makeup
Great for swimmers, runners or anyone who lives an active lifestyle
Ideal for those who struggle to apply makeup or simply don't have the time
Better, longer lasting option than Microblading for clients with oily skin
Super low maintenance with touch ups only needed once a year
The list goes on! There are so many benefits to both Ombre Brows and Powder Brows. If you want better shaped brows without the daily hassle of having to fill them in then you'll love this treatment.
4. What is the healing process like?
After your Permanent Makeup treatment you may have some slight redness, soreness and swelling, but this is completely normal and will subside within a few hours. Initially your brows are about 50% darker, and through the healing process they will fade and soften.
You may also experience some itching and the skin will feel dry during the first week of healing - again, this is totally normal! You will be given a balm to help soothe the brows, relieve any itchiness and promote healing. Try not to touch or pick at your brows as this can potentially damage the colour and increase the risk of infection. You must allow the dry skin to fall away by itself, and as it does your brow will look patchy - its all part of the process, please be patient and don't judge your brows until they have fully healed!
Your Permanent Makeup will take around 14 days to heal superficially, during which time you need to avoid water, saunas, steam rooms, heavy exercise etc. I also advise to keep the area clean, and avoid using any makeup skincare products or anything similar on the brows - the only thing touching your brows should be the aftercare balm your technician has provided you with. After 2 weeks you can carry on as normal, and after about 5 weeks you will return to clinic for a touch up to perfect the brows and reinforce any areas that didn't hold as well after your first session.
Ombre brows healing process:
The healing process and aftercare is very important to your healed results. Poor aftercare could result in bad pigment retention or even an infection which could lead to further complications.
5. How to prepare for your treatment.
Preparation is the key to a successful treatment! Before your appointment we must perform a patch test and medical health check to make sure you aren't sensitive to any of the products we use to ensure a safe treatment for you. We advise clients to refrain from alcohol, caffeine, ibuprofen or any other supplements that can thin the blood, for at least 24 hours before your appointment as this can increase bleeding and result in poor retention. Of course you must consult with your doctor before stopping any prescribed medication.
Please do not wax, tint or pluck your brows for 2 weeks before your appointment - we like to utilise as much natural hair growth as possible when mapping your brows, this ensures a more natural result! If you’re feeling nervous about your treatment please let us know, we are always happy to answer any questions you have to make you feel more comfortable. It’s also a great idea to try out your new shape with Henna Brows first so you can get use to having brows (this is especially great for those with very sparse brows or those who don’t regularly wear makeup).
6. How long do powder brows last?
After your first treatment you will return for a second session to perfect the brows before they are considered complete. After that the results from your powder brows or ombre brows treatment should last up to 2 years. A top up is recommended after 12-18 months to maintain your results and refresh the colour. Touch ups are not compulsory, but if you wish to maintain your beautiful brows for as long as possible, then periodic treatments will be required. Please bare in mind that lighter colours, those with oily skin or those who choose not to follow aftercare, may require more frequent top ups.
7. What if I don’t like the results from my Ombre brows treatment?
If you aren’t happy with your results there are a few options. You can wait for them to fade naturally, however this could take a long time. You can opt for laser tattoo removal or saline microblading removal to lighten the unwanted pigment. In some cases correctional work can be performed to improve the shape and/or colour of ombre brows and powder brows. If you don’t trust your initial artist to do this, you may be able to find another artist who can assist you.
How to choose the right powder brow artist?
The skill and experience of your artist will directly affect your results.
Make sure you do thorough research into your chosen artist. Check through images of their work, if they can show images of their healed work that's even better. Check reviews and try to find someone who is reputable through word of mouth recommendations.
Remember, this is not the type of treatment you should be trying to save money on. Do not base your decision off who is the cheapest, as it’s likely you’ll end up with botched brows that look bad and will end up costing you more in the long run.
8. The takeaways
Permanent Makeup can be a great solution for anyone who wants to save time on their makeup routine, or simply improve the look of their brows. Ombre Brows and Powder Brows are both fantastic treatments that can give you long lasting, beautiful results. The healing process is relatively short and simple, just be sure to follow your technician's aftercare instructions to ensure the best possible outcome. If you have any questions or would like to book a consultation please don't hesitate to get in touch!
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