Microblading vs Microshading - A Guide to Help You Decide

We get this question a lot. What really is the difference between microblading and permanent makeup?

If you ever wanted to fix your eyebrows for everyday issues like missing hairs or uneven brows, perhaps you have spent the 90s/20s overplucking your brows and cannot regrow them anymore. Many people are just naturally born with uneven eyebrows that may also be lacking in definition and shape.

Well if you have wanted to correct those types of issues and get a full defined look that is also natural-looking? Then you would probably have googled your way into Microblading or Shading (Also known as Powder Brows, Ombre Brows). But which method is the right one for you?

Both Microblading and Shading in Toronto fall under the same category of semi-permanent makeup and they are both uniquely designed to each individual client and customized for their preferences in soft or deep definition and look based on their wishes and our professional recommendations. We listen to your preferences, what type of skin-care and make-up routine you have, your lifestyle and other different factors before we map out and design your custom Iconbrows perfect brows.

Microblading (Also Known as 3D Brows, HD Brows, 4D Brows, 6D Brows) What is it?

Microblading is a method of semi-permanent tattoo on your eyebrows. There are many terms out there for this service such as 3D Brows, 6D Brows, eyebrow embroidery, eyebrow tattooing, and feathered brows. Essentially these are all the same service but called by different names depending on who you are speaking with. The procedure is done with the use of a special handheld tool that is used to draw each single hairstroke individually while infusing pigment into the eyebrows upper epidermal layer of the skin leaving a very realistic natural-looking brows.

Microblading is not a one style fits all service. Microblading is only the name of the method of eyebrow transformation. Here at Iconbrows we make sure to confer and review your personal and individual style, preferences, routines and various other properties before we begin the procedure.

The natural-looking results are achieved with a sharp, hand-held manual blade made up of 1 to 7+ micro needles. Unlike MicroShading, where we fill in the full outline of your brows with a gradient or fading definition of color, microblading actually creates hair like strokes manually into the skin. Because the pigment sits so superficially in the upper epidermal layer of the skin the strokes are sharp, crisp, and they mimic the look of real hair!

Ideal Candidate for Microblading

Anyone who is tired of drawing in their eyebrows every morning and wishes natural, full brows that do not look make-up-like.

• Ideal for Normal / Dry Skin: Microblading is best suited for clients with normal or dry skin. It can last up to 18 to 24 months (depending on individual lifestyle, skin conditions, and make-up routines).
• Repair and Reshape: Microblading is typically used on eyebrows to create, repair, or reshape their appearance in terms of both color and shape. Although it can give a very realistic and natural look, it also fades more rapidly than Fusion Brows, because microblading only deposits pigment into the upper region of the dermis skin layer.
• Bespoke Brows: Our Brow Experts carefully design and create your brows in a truly unique way with you. We sit down and draw out the shape and size and confirm the color and definition to our clients' wishes to ensure that the result is as perfect as possible. Iconbrows Experts do their best when you give them free rein and creative control.

NOT A Suitable Candidate for Microblading

• Women who are pregnant, who think they may be pregnant, or may be undergoing pregnancy.
• Individuals under the age of 18 years old.
• Individuals with any kind of skin conditions on or near the brow area.
• Oily Skins, Mature Skins. If you have oily skin, microbladed eyebrows have a higher chance of fading or creating strokes that blur over time due to the skin's high production of oil and absorption of the pigment. Do not worry, we recommend Fusion Brows or Shading instead.

How Long Does Microblading Last?

Iconbrows Microbladed brows can last 12 to 32 months depending on individual life style, skin conditions, medical history and general care of the eyebrows.

Shading, MicroShading (Also Known as Ombre Brows, Powder Brows, Faded Brows)

Just like microblading, Eyebrow Shading is a method of semi-permanent makeup on your eyebrows. The difference is the procedure is done with the use of an automatic multi-needle handheld tool that inserts thousands of tiny little dots of pigment, gradually building up a color and a defined shape. This treatment is performed with a semi-permanent makeup device and special ultra-thin nano-needles that only touches the top layer of the skin leaving semi-permanent make-up ready eyebrows.

Iconbrows Eyebrow Shading (Ombre Brows | Powdered Brows) is the megapixel technique recommended for people with oily skin and those who wish to achieve fashionable Ombre / Powder Eyebrow Makeup Effect. The Iconbrows Eyebrow Shading (Ombre Brows | Powdered Brows) is a technique that gives a natural yet airbrushed ombre looking result. The perfect eyebrow treatment choice for those with oily skin and larger pores.

Ideal Candidate for Eyebrow Shading

Anyone who is tired of drawing in their eyebrows every morning and wishes natural, full brows that look make-up-like.

• The perfect eyebrow treatment choice for those with extremely oily skin and larger pores not suitable for Fusion Brows or Microblading.
• The Front of the Brows Are Softly Faded to Achieve the Ombre Effect, Similar to the Growth Pattern of Natural Brow Hairs.
• Great For All Skin Types: Unlike Microblading (which is not suitable for those with oily skin and mature thin skin), Ombre brows are a great option for all skin types. Iconbrows Ombre Brows are a great result for people with darker skin tones.
• Less Invasive: Whereas Microblading is done by a hand-held tool that creates incisions or small cuts into the skin, Ombre Brows are done via a small machine which injects a dispersion of fine nanodots of pigment evenly into and across the skin in a gradient, airbrushed-like technique.
• 24x7 Make-Up Ready Brows: The beauty of Ombre Brows is that you will have depth and definition from the morning to the night. No more need to rush to the bathroom to apply your brows in the morning to feel presentable. Wake up and Go with Your Iconbrows Ombre Brows.

NOT A Suitable Candidate for Eyebrow Shading

• Women who are pregnant, who think they may be pregnant, or may be undergoing pregnancy.
• Individuals under the age of 18 years old.
• Individuals with any kind of skin conditions on or near the brow area.
• Individuals who use Accutane or are Allergic to our Products.

How Long Does Eyebrow Shading Last?

Iconbrows Eyebrow Shading (Ombre | Powdered | MicroShading) takes two and a half hours to complete and lasts between 18 to 48 months depending on individual life style, skin conditions, medical history and general care of the eyebrows.