I get asked about permanent make-up a lot. And the top question I get, over and over again, no matter where I go, is this: what’s the difference between the microblading, ombre powder fill, and hybrid methods, and which one is best?”
I get asked this question so often that I figured it was time to do a blog post about it. So here you go: the guide to permanent brows!
First off, no one method is better than the others, because it all comes down to personal style, skin type and colouring.
METHOD ONE: MICROBLADING (AKA HAIRSTROKE) Overview: Microblading has taken the beauty industry by storm in recent years. A very natural looking brow can be achieved using a hand-held tool, creating many hair-like impressions by implanting pigment strokes under the skin. Microblading is meant to replace individual hairs, not to fill your brows to look like they’re filled in with pencil or shadow.
Pros: Microbladed brows look very natural. If done by an experienced professional, each stroke looks like real hair.
Cons: Microbladed brows are the least permanent of all Permanent Makeup because of the shallow depth we penetrate the pigment under the skin. They therefore require more frequent touch ups than other techniques. Typically clients come back between 8-12 months for a colour boost. Microblading is less effective on oily/combination skin types than other methods.
Who is it best for: Microblading is perfect for someone who:
– has thin or patchy brows
– wants a subtle shape enhancement
– doesn’t regularly fill in their brows
METHOD TWO: OMBRE POWDER FILL Overview: This technique has been around for decades, but has been gradually improving over the years. The ombré powder fill method involves the application of thousands of tiny dots of pigment, inserted into the skin, gradually building up a colour and defined shape.
Pros: Ombre powder fill brows gets a more natural method in a long run, with longer lasting results, and works with most skin types, including oily or combination skin. Clients come back for colour boosts closer to the 16-20 month mark. The brow is also fuller and more defined or dramatic than with the hairstroke method.
Who is it best for: If you are someone with oily or combination skin, or who fills in your brows regularly with pencil or shadow, then this is the method for you! It mimics the look of filled in brows, without all the effort each morning. Ready to get your perfect brows? Book your session here. Would you like to be trained in this service? More details please!
METHOD THREE: HYBRID BROWS Overview: Remember when I said up above that there is no BEST method? It’s true, it’s true, but between you and me, the hybrid brow is my favourite. It’s pretty much exactly what it sounds like: a combination of microblading and powder fill.
Pros: The combination of microbladed hair strokes and a powder fill gives an incredibly natural looking brow. It’s a bit more defined and filled in than just straight microbladed brows, and a bit less solid and dramatic than the ombre powder fill.
Cons: The hybrid brow costs slightly more than the other two methods, but only slightly.
Who is it best for: I really love this technique for everyone to be honest. All brows are customized specifically for each individual client based on your desired look, skin type, colouring, bone structure etc. There are no two clients with the same brow design.