Eyebrows play a huge role in the beauty industry. There are so many different ways in which
you can style your eyebrows, the most popular method still being microblading.
However, what if you’re not a candidate for microblading or the microblading effect is simply not the way you want your eyebrows done? What if you prefer the look of wearing brow powder to pencil strokes?
Luckily for you, there are different PMU methods for eyebrow tattooing, such as powder or ombré brows.
What Are Powder Brows?
Powder brows (also known as powder brow tattoo or shaded brows) is a semi-permanent make-up procedure for eyebrow enhancement in which the we inserts pigments into the top layers of the skin with a tattoo machine and needles designed for PMU. The technique used is called pixelating, this makes little dots in the skin.
As a result, a powdery eyebrow effect is achieved, and soft, powdered brows are created. The technique is similar to microshading, but the results are more dramatic.
The whole powderbrows procedure resembles the procedure of microblading, but the technique used is different, and so is the final outcome.
The whole procedure is a two-step process, and it consists of the initial implanting of the pigment and the refresher / touch-up that takes place 4 – 8 weeks after the initial procedure.
Powder brows create the desired fullness of your eyebrows in a shape that best suits your facial features and brings out your natural beauty.
What Are Powder Ombré Brows?
Another popular way of doing powder brows is by creating the powder ombré effect.
This version of powder brow is done in a similar way, but we follows a particular saturation pattern. The ombre effect means that the inner part of the brow is lighter and gradually gets darker further out toward to the tail. This results in a beautiful three-dimensional look that is much bolder than a powder brow.
Who Are Powder Brows For?
Most of us qualify as good candidates for the powderbrows procedure, although there are some restrictions concerning medical conditions.
Also, powder/ombré brows are a great option for people with oily skin. Some PMU treatments cannot deliver satisfactory, long-lasting results on those with oily/t-zoned skin, but this procedure is different
however, there are certain things that the you need to bear in mind before opting for any PMU procedure.
Who Shouldn’t Opt for the Powder Brows Procedure?
Certain pre-existing conditions prohibit you from getting powder/ombré brows. If you fall into any of the categories below, it is not safe for you to get the treatment:
People with diabetes (only with doctor’s approval)
People who are undergoing chemo therapy.
People with any bleeding disorders
People who take blood thinning medications (consults your doctor and see if you can pause the meds)
People who’ve recently had Botox injections or fillers in the area (wait at least 2 weeks before you get your brows tattooed)
People with viral infections or diseases
People with skin irritations, Rosacea, or Psoriasis near the treated area.
People whose skin was tanned recently
What if I Have a Doctor’s Approval?
What is very important to know is that there are people who can undergo the powder/ombré brow procedure despite having certain medical conditions, but only with a doctor’s approval. This includes people with:
Uncontrolled high blood pressure
Diabetes
Organ transplant
Pacemaker or major heart problems
Epilepsy
Any treatment, medication, or illness that compromises the immune system.
What Is the Difference Between Microblading and Powder Brows?
Even though the two procedures are somewhat similar, that is, both involve inserting the pigment into the surface layers of your skin, the technique used is different, as well as the result, which is the biggest difference between powder brows and microblading.
Microblading creates individual strokes that resemble the eyebrow hairs, while powder brows create tiny dots to achieve a soft and iridescent, powder-filled brow. By doing so, the result resembles the look of makeup application that includes a shade underneath the hairs.
What is powder brows’ advantage over microblading? Powder/ombré brows last a bit longer than microblading, which is typically around 18 months on average, without touch ups.
The choice between microblading vs powder/ombré brows comes down to which style you are a candidate for and prefer. Unlike microblading, powder/ombré brows don’t look perfectly natural, but rather like an on-point brow makeup look.
What Are the Pros of Powder Brows?
There are many advantages to choosing powder brows.
It uses a more traditional tattooing method, which means that the results last longer.
This procedure works with all skin types, including oily skin which is problematic for microblading. Most clients come back for color boosts after 12 – 18 months.
Finally, the eyebrow looks much more defined and dramatic than with the classic, microblading method. The results resemble the look of wearing eyebrow powder.
Can Microblading Be Combined with Powder Brows?
It’s good to know that the powder brow technique can be combined with microblading. This brow procedure is called microshading and is also known as combo brow or microblade and shade.
The effect that this combination creates is powder microblading Wirth very fine hair strokes filled in with a smooth shading for enhanced brows.
How Long Does the Procedure Take?
The whole powder brows treatment usually lasts around 2/3 hours. The length of the treatment mostly depends on your skin, saturation rate and desired look.
What Does the Powder Brows Treatment Look Like?
The creation of powder brows process has several steps that usually look like this:
STEP 1: Consults and cleaning
We will start with a consultation to get a better idea about the look you want. It’s a good idea to come in for your treatment wearing your usual brow makeup, so we can get a better picture of your preferences. Then, the we prepares the area around the brows by cleaning it thoroughly.
STEP 2: Numbing
The eyebrows area is covered with topical anesthetic, which is left on for approximately 20/30 minutes .
STEP 3: Choosing a pigment
Together, we will decide on the color of your eyebrows according to your hair and skin color.
STEP 4: Measuring and Mapping
The area of the eyebrows is measured, taking into account face shape, symmetry, facial features, etc. The outline of the arch shape is drawn on and once you approve, the actual application will begin.
STEP 5: Needling process
The process of creating fine dots with a specialized machine and covering them with pigment. If there is any discomfort at this stage another quick layer of numbing can be added to the area.
STEP 6: Implementing pigment
A final layer of pigment is added, after which the eyebrow area is cleaned.
STEP 7: Touch up
Once your powder brows have healed, the touch-up is booked for filling in the gaps where the pigment hasn’t taken or healed properly.
Do Powder Brows Hurt?
As soon as you heard about a needle and machine being involved, your mind probably went straight to the question does it hurt? This is a difficult question to answer, mainly because the definition of pain varies from person to person.
People who wax or pluck their eyebrows regularly will not find the procedure very painful, whereas someone who has never had their brows plucked might feel some level of discomfort and will require more time for numbing.
That said, during healing process of your powder brows might feel sensitive and itchy, which might be more uncomfortable than the procedure itself.
Is the Treatment Safe?
Powder/ombré Brow is considered a safe, non-invasive treatment, but since it involves incisions, it still carries certain risks.
First of all, there is a list of conditions that makes you unsuitable for PMU eyebrows. Some of them include pregnancy, diabetes, heart conditions, allergies, and other conditions we should be aware about and establish whether you are allowed to have the treatment or not.
Besides that, there is always the risk of infections. This is because the treatment is very popular and there is a huge number of PMU artists, some of who use unsterile equipment. Even though they can happen, infections are not that common.
Are There Any Cons to the Procedure?
For most people, eyebrow PMU and especially powder brows sound like the block-of-color cartoonish brow tattoos of the 90s, so they are reluctant to get the treatment.
However, it’s very important to understand that the technique has changed, and so has the equipment that’s used to create it. The results do not look so unnatural anymore, as the pigments used are specially formulated to recreate the look of makeup.
What’s more, powder fill brows nowadays can be created to look subtle and natural, and this is achieved by not saturating the desired brow shape too much, which allows for a defined, yet soft look.
What Should I Know Before the Treatment?
The preparation for the powder brow procedure doesn’t start when you enter the studio, but sometime before that.
These are the things that you should bear in mind before the treatment:
Once the day comes for you to get your powderbrows, make sure that you bring along the makeup you usually wear and photos of the look you want to achieve.
Make sure that you’re completely healthy. Before the procedure starts, you will need to complete a medical history form.
Do not drink caffeine or alcohol at least 48 hours prior to the procedure.
Do not take any blood thinners such as Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Niacin, Vitamin E, B6, Omega 3, Gingko Biloba. Stop at least 1 week before your procedure. Of course I always say consult with your Dr before stopping any medication.
Pay attention to your menstrual cycle, as you shouldn’t book a treatment during that time – it can increase your pain sensitivity.
Avoid waxing, tanning, or tinting the eyebrow area at least 3 days before your appointment.
Avoid any anti-aging treatments, such as microdermabrasion, chemical peels, lasers, or facials at least 2 weeks before your appointment.
Do not opt for any facial injections at least 1 month prior to your procedure.
What Should I Know About Powder Brows Aftercare?
Once you’re finished with your treatment, you will experience some swelling, weeping and soreness, which is completely normal. This will subside within a few days and if allowed you can take Ibuprofen or Tylenol to help with discomfort, so there’s nothing to worry about.
However, if you want to make the most out of this procedure, you need to know some things about the aftercare process:
You will be sent home with all your aftercare with instructions and 24/7 access to me incase of questions or concerns. Your aftercare kit will include an ointment, soap, healing cream and instructions on how and when to preform your aftercare.
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. The same goes for q-tips, cotton swabs, and basically any surface that comes into contact with your brows. Sleep on a clean pillowcase, ideally a silk one.
Do not scratch, rub, pick or peel the healing skin. Allow it to flake off on its own so as not to damage your skin or your results.
As far as the cleaning is concerned, always gently cleanse the treated area with the supplied mild antibacterial soap – never scrub as it will affect your final result. Rinse with tepid water and gently pat the area until it’s dry, making sure the area is void of any moisture before applying ointment.
Apply a very light coat of ointment the the brow area before a shower or bath, and continue with this regimen until the procedure area is completely healed.
Avoid any makeup, facials, sweating, sun exposure, sauna, jacuzzi, or swimming until the area is completely healed, about 14 days.
Do not use any anti-aging products, especially those that contain lactic acids, glycolic acids, and retinol, as they will fade your eyebrow prematurely.
In order to prevent future fading of your pigment color, use sunblock after the procedure.
Once the peeling phase ends, you may proceed with your regular activities.
The look of your brows will change throughout the healing period, and in some of the healing stages, they may not look their best. In order to prepare for the healing process of powder brows mentally, look up powder brows healing pictures that show what you can expect.
When Can I Wear Makeup After Powder 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 other parts of your face. However, since makeup can get to the treated area easily, and during the healing process powder brows should be protected from contamination, it is best not to risk it.
Therefore, it is advisable to avoid wearing makeup at all for about 14 days.
How Long Does It Take for Your Powder Brows to Heal?
It’s very important to know that the result of the treatment is determined by many different factors, such as medications, skin characteristics (oily, sun-damaged, particularly thick or thin), your skin’s unique pH balance, alcohol intake, smoking, and the post-procedure aftercare.
Due to all that, the powder/ombré brow healing process will be different for everyone.
You will most likely experience swelling and redness after the procedure. On average this should subside within 2/4 days after the procedure.
It’s also important to note that the result will initially look approximately 50% darker than the desired effect, and it will take 10 to 14 days for it to lighten. The true colors will be visible only 1 month after the procedure.
In the healing of powder/ombrè brow scabbing is the most annoying stage for most of us. We cannot stress enough how important it is for you to avoid picking at any scabs that may form at all costs, as this can cause unattractive patchiness in the pigment and may cause scaring. You need to see each of the powder/ombré brow healing stages through and let the skin recover. Once you see your brows healed, you’ll forget all about the agony of aftercare.
What Can Cause Powdered Brows to Fade Faster?
Although this treatment is sometimes called eyebrow powder tattoo, the results are created using PMU pigments, not tattoo ink, so they eventually fade.
How long do powder/ombré brows last depends to a great extent on your actions. There are some important factors that can cause your powdered brows to fade faster and thus shorten their lifespan.
The most important factor is the sun; tanning beds, sunbathing and sun exposure can cause your powder brows to fade a bit faster.
Over exfoliating can also cause some of the color to come off or fade out.
Other factors include oily skin and different medical conditions.
You should also avoid certain skincare products that accelerate fading for as long as you want to have your powder/ombré brows. If you notice your brows are fading, you can book a “Refresher” touch-up appointment that will help you maintain the color.
When Should You Get a Powder Brow Touch Up?
The powder brow touch up appointment cannot take place earlier than 30 days after your initial procedure. Once there, you will be able to add more shade and make it more intense or choose some darker or warmer colors, and correct the shape.
For example, if your skin didn’t take the pigment in some spots, there is the Perfecting appointment to fix it. Other touch-ups are not as obligatory as the first one. However, if you want your powder brows to last longer, you should get one at least every 12 months.
How Long Do Powder Brows Last?
Powder/ombré brows can last for 1 to 3 years, but everything depends on your skin type, aftercare and lifestyle.
A touch up is always required after 4 to 8 weeks after the initial appointment when we will assess progress and see if you need to change your aftercare routine.
Bear in mind that those of us who choose a softer look and a lighter color, or don’t follow the aftercare instructions carefully may require more touch up appointments.
Can I Remove the Results of the Powder Eyebrow Treatment?
If you’re not happy with the results and don’t want to wait until they fade naturally, there are ways to remove powder eyebrows; although, 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. The alternatives are saline removal and laser removal, which can get expensive and take time.
The best solution seems to be scheduling a correction appointment and trying and fix them. Also, you can try a different artist, if you don’t trust your initial choice anymore.
POWDER BROWS – MAIN TAKEAWAYS
Powder Brows are a popular form of permanent makeup for a reason. The treatment has many advantages, such as saving you the time you spend on doing your eyebrows every morning.
Trendy and no-maintenance brows are what you get as a result. Also, the confidence boost you’ll get from beautiful bespoke brows is priceless.
Make sure to get well informed before making the decision which studio to choose and don’t look for bargains, cause it can cost you more in the end – you don’t want to end up with bad powderbrows!