Eyebrows

What's the difference between Microblading/Hair Strokes and Permanent Makeup?

Microblading creates ultra fine, 'lines' in the skin, using a hand tool with a number of tiny pins on the end. These pins are gently run over the skin creating a channel where pigment is then rubbed into.  Alternatively the digital method is used to create hairstrokes, with much less trauma.  The machine method utilises the same, gentle machine we use to do our Ombre brow, with a small needle cartridge, which gently sews the pigment into the skin via controlled repetitions. Both treatments are not suitable for many clients due the fact that the stokes are likely to blur depending on your skin type. If you're unsure of your suitability, please send us some up-close and very detailed images of your brow area so we can analyse your skin type and hair growth pattern. 

 

Permanent Makeup (all methods are considered 'Permanent'), is sometimes  known as 'The Digital' or 'Machine' Method, and works very similarly to conventional body tattooing - with a few exceptions! We generally use much smaller needles, in single configurations,  and use pigment which is less concentrated and more susceptible to fading over time! The machines that we use are top of the range and implant the pigment very softly via repetitions (the needle moving up and down) a number of times a second. This deposits tiny dots of pigment in the skin that we can then layer and build exactly how we choose to create a completely bespoke brow, with gradients of density and softness, vs definition and depth, in the exact way to best compliment you - our client!  The machine method of implanting pigment is much more gentle on the skin as it doesn't 'cut' the skin.

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Ombre Vs Hair strokes?  

Ombre refers to a style of brow which is created purely with shading techniques and does not include hair strokes. In our opinion, this style heals much softer than hairstroke brows as there doesn't have to be any edges or lines in and the fronts can simply fade to nothing... whereas hairstrokes are either on or off, and cannot "fade to nothing". Ombre will always age nicer over time as hairstrokes can develop gaps which need filling sooner.  Ombre is not only our personal favourite, but much more suitable for the majority of skin types and lifestyles!​

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WHICH BROW STYLE SHOULD I CHOOSE?

Hair Strokes

Hair strokes by Microblading or Machine method are the most natural of looks. Ideal for filling sparse areas, whilst still framing your eyes beautifully. Choose this if you don't wear any makeup usually and like an almost undetectable look. Best suited to dry & normal skin types only. Not best suited for oily skins, or those with large pores between their brows.

 

Powder Brows

Soft shading, giving the effect of light powder on the skin. If you are used to wearing some natural looking makeup on your brows, or if you have very little natural hair this is the best choice for you. These styles heal soft and natural, with a shadow of colour on the skin. They generally last longer than hairstroke styles, and are suitable for all skin types. These styles can also be done with added depth and colour for more of a "makeup" look. These styles are often best if you already have old existing PMU that needs to be colour boosted.

 

Combination

Hair strokes by Machine can be complimented by soft subtle shading throughout for a slightly more enhanced and defined look. Think "very light daytime makeup". Best suited to dry and normal skin types, and those looking for a very subtle but more defined look. Not really suitable for oily skins, or those with large pores between their brows. Or hair strokes through the front, to keep a soft and fluffy look, blended into shading. Can still be very natural, choose this for a light, natural "daytime" makeup look. Suitable for all skin types except very oily or very large pores.

 

My advice when deciding on your brow style:-

• Be specific, and remember that natural is subjective 

• Have a look at images of the artist’s healed work to see which style you prefer 

• Decide if you want a makeup effect brow, or less "perfect looking"

• Remember, you're paying for artwork, not an ‘off the shelf’ result

• Do you cover your whole face with foundation? This is something you need to address if you're going to get your brows tattooed (see below).

Makeup and PMU Brows:

Quite often when my clients return for a top-up or colour boost, I can’t help notice that their brows are covered with foundation, and they look faded and ashy. By simply cleansing them and removing the foundation, they come back to life and look so much better, and the pigment is more true to colour. Don’t make your brows look worse by unintentionally covering them up. Let them show their true colours. Just grab a cotton bud with some  water (or similar) and remove any foundation from your brows.

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Warm/Orange Brows straight after treatment

Occasionally, clients leave after their first session with "warm or orange" brows. This is normal when they are first done, but they will not heal like that, and I always explain this to my clients so they are fully aware of the process. This is because most skins have a cool/blue undertone and the orange (warmth) in the pigment acts as a modifier to neutralise this blue undertone, with the aim that once the pigment has healed in the skin, it doesn't turn ashy or grey in colour. The end result will be a lovely shade of brown. Trust the process - it does work!

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