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  • Writer's pictureShervonne Kitto

Is Microshading An Eyebrow Tattoo?

Updated: Dec 21, 2023

What even is microshading? We all have questions about this revolutionary beauty service that is taking the industry by storm. We, too, want to enjoy an effortless beauty routine where we wake up and go without spending hours in the mirror perfecting our makeup. Because time is money, should you get microshading because it is an eyebrow tattoo that will last forever? Before you walk into a tattoo shop asking for an eyebrow tattoo, we must define what microshading is and whether it is an eyebrow tattoo.



What is Microshading? How is it Different From An Eyebrow Tattoo?

First and foremost, it's essential to clarify the differences between microshading and traditional eyebrow tattoos. While both techniques enhance your eyebrows' appearance, they're different. Microshading powder eyebrows is a semi-permanent makeup technique that uses a specialized permanent makeup machine to create fine, delicate strokes that mimic the look of eyebrow makeup. The goal is to achieve a soft, powdered effect that complements your facial features without the harshness of a solid tattoo.


On the other hand, an eyebrow tattoo typically involves depositing pigment more profoundly into the skin, creating a more solid and permanent coloration. The result can sometimes appear bolder and less natural compared to the subtlety of microshading.



What you are looking at are examples of eyebrow tattoos. These ladies have extremely harsh eyebrow tattoos that do not look natural. They have sometimes turned green as the tattoo pigment was applied too deep into the skin. Ouch! The tattoo artist did not consider their facial structure, no mapping was done for symmetry, and unfortunately, these eyebrows look very bad.


As explained before - Microshading refers to the shading and depositing of pigment to the upper layers of the skin. The permanent makeup pigments we use here at Makeup by Sherviii are long-lasting and give the most natural look. We map our client's eyebrows before application and show them to our clients so they can see what their new microshading eyebrows will look like. Eyebrows are twins and NOT sisters!



How is Microshading Done?


The Microshading Process - Step by Step

Step 1: Consultation

We begin by conducting a thorough consultation to understand your desires and goals. We'll assess your facial features, skin tone, and eyebrow structure to design a customized microshading plan that suits you perfectly.

Step 2: Design

Using advanced techniques and artistic precision, we'll carefully map, outline and shape your new brows, considering your natural brow shape and the overall harmony of your face. We'll collaborate with you to ensure we achieve your desired look.

Step 3: Pigmentation

Our premium-quality pigments are then meticulously applied using a handheld tool with ultra-fine needles. This process involves creating tiny, controlled pixels in the superficial layers of the skin and depositing the pigment, resulting in beautifully shaded, blended, and defined eyebrows.

Step 4: Aftercare

We'll provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for your freshly microshading brows. Following our guidance during the healing process will ensure long-lasting, vibrant results. We'll also schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor your progress and make any necessary touch-ups. The microshading process typically takes around 2-3 hours.


How Long Does Microshading Last?

Microshading lasting power truly depends on several factors.

  1. Your Skin Type - Since microshading is not deposited as deep into the skin as an eyebrow tattoo, It can fade over time. However, a simple touch-up session can be done to boost the color every 12-18 months. Your skin type should be considered when considering how often you will book a touch-up session. Persons with extremely oily skin will need more frequent touch-ups as the oils push the permanent makeup pigment out of the skin. If you have dry skin, your microshading eyebrows remain intact much longer.

  2. Your AfterCare Regimen - Following your aftercare instructions is instrumental for lasting eyebrows. Your eyebrows enter a healing phase right after your procedure. This healing phase included the brows scabbing. When your brows begin to scab- do not pick at it! If you pick at the scabs, you will pull the permanent makeup pigment out of your skin.

  3. Your Skin Care Regimen - If you are a skincare girly, you must pay attention to what touches your microshading eyebrows. Try to keep all exfoliating products away from your eyebrows. If you get laser facials - ask your technician to keep the laser away from your microshading eyebrows. Moisturizer and SPF are great for your microshading eyebrows, so apply those every day.

Can Microshading Be Removed?

If you end up not liking your microshading eyebrows (or eyebrow tattoo) and want to remove them and start fresh, You can get them removed. There are two types of removals for you to choose from.




  1. Laser Tattoo Removal: Laser technology gently targets the pigments in your microshading eyebrows. Over a series of sessions, the laser breaks down the pigments, causing them to fade gradually. This process allows for precise control, ensuring the safety of your skin while effectively lightening the pigmented areas. Laser tattoo removal is popular for those looking for a controlled and gradual solution.

  2. Saline Removal: Another effective method is saline removal. This technique involves gently introducing a specialized solution into the skin, binding the pigments, and lifting them to the surface. The pigments naturally come off as the skin heals, resulting in a lightening effect. Saline removal is considered more natural and less invasive than laser removal.


We hope you have more clarity on microshading and eyebrow tattoos. Although both are forms of permanent eyebrows - we urge you to stay away from those tattoo shops and seek a permanent makeup studio, like ours, for your permanent eyebrow enhancement. There should be more that goes into creating an eyebrow tattoo than just applying pigment deep into the skin. The lack of mapping and brow artistry leaves individuals with harsh, unnatural, and discolored eyebrows. We meticulously create microshading eyebrows because we understand it is an investment in your beauty. With care and our expert skills, we can give you the eyebrows you dream about with lasting power, blended features, and a lifted face.








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