Microblading vs 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

Brow 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 uniform template, decreasing the time applying makeup to even them out.

Waterproof + smudge-proof - No more worrying about your brow makeup rubbing off while sweating or swimming! Perfect for those with an active lifestyle.

Reduce time in your morning routine - Save time, sleep more! Your brows will already be sculpted, so you don't have to waste time filling + shaping your brows. They provide a polished "wake up with makeup" look without daily makeup application.

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 easily one of the great benefits to microblading! Once you’ve properly maintained the healing process, you can carry on as normal for years before receiving a touch-up (except for applying SPF daily to preserve color or changes).

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

Long-lasting results - Microblading may last 1-5 years depending on skin type, aftercare and environmental factors like sun exposure. They will retain their shape and size with minor touchups. It is not permanent but semi-permanent.

Pigments are known for minimal color change - Formulated for stability with inorganic/organic blends and pre-neutralized tones to prevent ashy or gray healing.

Safe + sterile procedure - 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 (check contraindications)!

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, steroids or hormone therapy – must wait 1 year
× Alcohol or caffeine – please refrain 24 hours before your appointment
× Allergies to makeup/pigment/anesthetics 
× Aspirin or ibuprofen – please refrain 24 hours before your appointment
× Autoimmune disease or diabetes
× Blood thinning medication or hemophilia 
× Botox, waxing or threading – must wait 2 weeks
× Cancer or chemotherapy – must wait 1 year
× Facial products (retinol, mandelic, glycolic acid, etc.)  – must wait 1 month
× Facial procedures (chemical peel, laser, microneedling, etc.) – must wait 1 month
× Heart condition or high blood pressure
× HIV, hepatitis or transmittable blood conditions
× Hormonal or thyroid condition
× Keloid disorder/scarring tissue
× Pregnant or nursing
× Skin conditions (eczema, shingles, psoriasis, undiagnosed rashes/blisters, etc.) 
× Tanned/sunburned skin – must wait until fully gone

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!

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 excessive alcohol or caffeine (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

 

DAY 1-4: Brows will appear darker/thicker as the pigment is freshly on the surface of the skin.

DAY 5-7: Scabbing forms over the tattoo to protect the area while healing. It is important not to pick the scabs as this will result in lost pigment and scarring. Brows may appear patchy/flaky and feel itchy during this phase. 

DAY 8-10: The pigment may look lost, milky or slightly red due to a thin layer of scar tissue. This is completely normal. When the scabs naturally falls off completely, the pigment will "reappear" once the scar tissue heals. 

DAY 11-21: Color begins to balance and fades to half the original shade. Although the entire scabs have peeled off, the skin underneath may still be healing.

TOUCH-UP: It is imperative you complete the touchup treatment. Without it, the results will not be optimal. As this is a surface level tattoo, color will fade significantly as the skin heals, peels and fades. The touchup corrects any irregularities in the pigment, color tones and finishes the process. This adjustment session is within 4-8 weeks of the previous session.

Microblading FAQ