When we think of makeup, we don’t always think “permanent”. With the advent of microblading and microshading techniques, there are now a ton of new ways to help you achieve the perfect brow look. Combo brows are the best of both worlds, using the hair like strokes of a hand tool and the shading techniques found more frequently in traditional tattoos. Microblading and powder brows are both superior options to less expensive methods like pencils and over the counter treatments for eyebrow hair loss. You can spend a fraction of the long term cost over a series of appointments and ensure that your brow area is consistently perfect. The procedure of microblading and shading involves a pen-like tool that puts pigmentation underneath several layers of the skin. Unlike a traditional tattoo, this pigmentation isn’t permanent and doesn’t stay forever, but it lasts for up to a year with the same results, so you aren’t scrambling for an eyebrow pencil each day to fill in the spots the didn’t last. If you need something darker and fuller looking, shading will be your best bet. You can compare shading to the types of darker tones found in traditional tattoos to make them “pop” a bit more. This technique keeps your brows looking solid and dark for a longer period than even microblading, with less of the stress of having to come in for touch ups every so often.

Which Is Right for You? Microblading, Microshading, or Combo Brows?

Depending on your skin type, you may want to consider the length of time it will take after the initial procedure for your touch up, or if you want to just get a darker pigment at the beginning. Oily skin has a tendency to wash out or otherwise “fade” the ink in your skin, so it may not look as natural. Regardless of this, you can still get the shading treatment done. Microblading is a better process for individuals who already have adequate brow hair, and need something more towards the tail end or just a bit of cleanup done in their design. Using your naturally grown hairs means that you’ll always look like you did things on your own, without any help, plus, you won’t spend as much time and money as you would think. The semi permanent nature of shading belies its longevity. While you may think that this “solid” look might seem unnatural, it’s actually incredibly helpful in matching your design to something that looks consistent and traditional. Plus, you’ll have somewhere around 12 months before you’ll need to go in for a touch up if things heal well. Microshading involves much more areas of pigmentation than simple microblading, and will end up looking darker, fuller, and more natural over the long term. Since it’s already using more ink, you won’t need to go in sooner than later.

The Combo Brow Process Itself

You’ll likely come in for a consultation once you find and shop and an artist that you’re comfortable with. Be sure to take your time in determining who and where you want to get your treatment with, since the most important factor will always be your safety and comfort level. In perfect circumstances, you’ll find someone willing to work with you to ease any fears you may have, as well as answer questions as they come up. Always check out the portfolio of the artist you’re working with so you can get a grasp on their past experience, or maybe even a testimonial from someone who has worked with them before. Once you find an artist you like and have your brow design game plan, you’ll schedule an appointment with them for an initial consultation. This will typically be about any allergies you may have as well as general concerns, plus the fun stuff about how you want your brow area to look. You artist may even sketch out a working design for you so that you’re able to see how the end result will look once it’s done. As soon as you’re satisfied, you’ll make another appointment where you can actually get the procedure done. This shouldn’t take more than a few hours, if that, and you’ll be on your way to getting the best brow design you can pay money for.

Combo Brow Aftercare

Aside from finding a professional artist, the secondary most important aspect of your brow treatment will be in combo brow aftercare. Since you’ll be healing for a minimum of two weeks afterwards, it pays to keep attentive to the area and ensure that it’s healing up properly. The darker pigment of shading means that it may be hard to tell if the area is red and irritated, but your best bet will be to make sure that you aren’t feeling too much pain or discomfort a few days after the procedure. Look in the mirror each morning and make a note of how the area is healing up. While it may start getting itchy after a few days, it’s important not to scratch or pick at any scabs to prevent unsightly scarring. Obviously, if things start getting too painful or don’t look good, talk to your own doctor about the nest steps to take, as they will be able to get you treated with antibiotics quickly if there’s a chance of infection. Signs of infection include pain and red streaks that emanate from a scab or wound in the area. In the end, listen to the details of your brow care from your artist, as they’re likely to have dealt with numerous issues that weren’t serious. Take care not to use too much lotion or makeup around the area to give it room to breathe and heal in the open air. Pretty soon, you’ll have healed up, touched up, and achieved the perfect look for your brows.