Microblading Misconceptions Guide

Updated: January 6, 2024

Introduction:

Microblading, a permanent makeup technique for enhancing the appearance of eyebrows, has become increasingly popular. However, as with many cosmetic procedures, misconceptions abound. This article, nestled within the broader microblading guide, aims to address and clarify common misconceptions surrounding microblading, providing a more accurate understanding for individuals exploring this eyebrow enhancement option.

Additionally, this article delves into misconceptions surrounding microshading and nano brows. Many misconceptions are shared across these procedures, and nano brows, often viewed as a more advanced microblading technique, has its own set of misunderstandings. By addressing these alongside microblading misconceptions, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview, aiding individuals in making well-informed decisions on their brow enhancement journey.

General Eyebrow Permanent Makeup Misconceptions (applicable to all techniques):

Permanent makeup solutions such as microblading, microshading, and nano brows have gained traction due to their ability to enhance eyebrow appearance. However, with rising popularity comes a cloud of misconceptions. Here are some general misconceptions associated with eyebrow permanent makeup procedures:

One Size Fits All:

• Misconception: Every brow enhancement procedure yields similar results for everyone.
• Reality: Every brow and face are unique. The techniques employed and the results attained are highly individualized, influenced by factors like skin type, natural brow shape, and personal preferences.

Instant Brows with No Aftercare Required:

• Misconception: The desired brow look is achieved instantly with no need for aftercare.
• Reality: While initial results are visible, the healing process requires patience and diligent aftercare to ensure optimal healing and color retention.

Perfection and Mirror-Image Brows Guaranteed:

• Misconception: It's possible to achieve perfect symmetry and mirror-image brows.
• Reality: Achieving perfect symmetry is challenging due to natural facial asymmetry. The goal is enhanced symmetry, not perfection.

I Can Get the Same Results, Shape, Style as Someone Else:

• Misconception: It's possible to replicate another person’s brow style and achieve similar results.
• Reality: Copying another person’s brow style may not yield flattering results due to different facial structures and preferences.

Painful Procedure:

• Misconception: Brow enhancement procedures are extremely painful.
• Reality: Numbing creams are used to minimize discomfort during the procedure, with experiences varying among individuals.

Permanent Results:

• Misconception: The results of brow enhancement procedures are permanent.
• Reality: The term "permanent makeup" can be misleading as touch-ups are necessary to maintain the desired look as the pigments fade over time. However, it is important to understand the following two misconceptions as well.

It Will Fade Completely:

• Misconception: The pigments used in brow enhancement will fade completely over time.
• Reality: Over time, the pigments will fade to varying degrees, but a residue of color will usually linger, ranging from faint to still quite dark. In fact, sometimes even dark enough to prevent effective treatment again without transitioning to microshading or getting laser removal first.  Due to the way different components of the pigments fade at different rates and to varying degrees, the residue color may be more reddish or greyish in tone than the original color.

You Can Repeat and Prolong It Endlessly:

• Misconception: Brow enhancements can be touched up and prolonged endlessly without any repercussions.
• Reality: Regular touch-ups can maintain the look, but pigment residues build up over time, affecting the clarity of new hair strokes. When new hair strokes become less crisp due to pigment residues, blurriness or shadowing, transitioning to microshading or powder brows could be the next step, although laser removal might be considered first to achieve better results.

Correction of Previous Permanent Makeup Work:

• Misconception: It is often believed that microblading or other brow enhancement techniques can easily correct or cover up previous permanent makeup work.
• Reality: Correcting or covering up previous permanent makeup work is complex and might require multiple sessions or even laser removal before new work can be done.

Certification Equals Proficiency:

• Misconception: A certified brow artist is always proficient and experienced.
• Reality: Certification is a basic requisite, but proficiency comes with experience and continuous learning. It's crucial to research and choose a well-reviewed and experienced artist.
  

These misconceptions can lead to unrealistic expectations and dissatisfaction with the procedure outcomes. It is essential to have a clear understanding of what each procedure entails and what results can realistically be achieved.

Microblading Misconceptions:

Microblading is a notable technique within the eyebrow enhancement realm, known for its ability to create natural-looking hair strokes. However, like its counterparts, microblading has its share of misconceptions. Below are some common ones:

Complete Fill-in for Sparse Areas:

• Misconception: Microblading can entirely fill in sparse areas.
• Reality: Microblading is adept at creating realistic-looking hair strokes but cannot entirely fill in sparse areas, especially where there's a significant difference in hair density across the brows. For such cases, a combination of microblading with microshading or shading alone may be recommended.

No More Eyebrow Makeup Needed:

• Misconception: Microblading eliminates the need for any eyebrow makeup.
• Reality: Microblading serves as a foundation for an everyday basic look. Some individuals may still choose to use eyebrow makeup for a more dramatic look or to cover any fading, especially as the pigment begins to fade over time.

Suitability for All Age Groups:

• Misconception: Eyebrow enhancements are suitable for individuals of all ages.
• Reality: While many individuals can benefit from these procedures, the skin's elasticity and healing ability can affect the results, making it less ideal for some older individuals.

Microshading Misconceptions:

Microshading, also known as powder brows or ombre brows, offers a fuller, more makeup-like finish, making it a suitable option for those who prefer a more defined look. Despite its benefits, some misconceptions have been associated with microshading. Here are a couple of them:

Doesn't Look Natural:

• Misconception: Microshading results in an unnatural appearance.
• Reality: The outcome of microshading can range from a soft, powdery finish to a bold, dramatic look, based on individual preferences. A skilled artist can tailor the technique to match the natural brow color and desired level of fullness, thereby achieving a natural-looking result.

The clarification of these misconceptions helps individuals better understand what microshading entails, aiding in making a well-informed decision regarding which eyebrow enhancement technique suits them the best.

Nano Brows Misconceptions:

Nano brows, also known as hair stroke brows, are known for creating a very natural appearance with the help of a digital machine that creates individual hair strokes. This technique is often seen as a refined version of microblading, offering a less invasive procedure with a digital machine utilizing a single needle making micro punctures instead of a row of needles cutting the skin. Despite its popularity, nano brows also have their share of misconceptions, which we will address below:

Perfect for Oily Skin:

• Misconception: Nano brows are the best solution for oily skin types.
• Reality: While nano brows might be a slightly better option for oily skin compared to microblading, microshading often emerges as the ideal solution for oily skin types. The techniques used in microshading are better equipped to withstand the skin's oil than the fine, delicate hair strokes created in nano brows or microblading.

Looks the Most Natural:

• Misconception: Nano brows always look the most natural due to their creative patterns and variety of stroke styles.
• Reality: While nano brows allow for a range of creative patterns and stroke styles, the perception of what looks natural is subjective and varies from person to person. The hair strokes created by nano brows are slightly less crisp and a bit thicker than those created by microblading, which may affect the natural appearance.

Lasts Longer Than Microblading:

• Misconception: Nano brows last longer than microblading.
• Reality: Contrary to this common misconception, nano brows tend to fade somewhat faster than microblading due to the differences in pigment application methods. Some individuals might see this faster fading as a positive aspect, as it allows for more frequent updates or changes to the brow style.

By debunking these misconceptions, individuals can have a clearer understanding of what to expect from nano brows, aiding them in choosing the most suitable eyebrow enhancement technique.

Key Takeaways:

• Individualized Approach: Every eyebrow and face are unique, requiring a customized approach by a skilled artist to achieve natural and flattering results.
• Healing Process: The healing process requires patience and diligent aftercare for optimal results and color retention.
• Symmetry vs Perfection: Achieving perfect symmetry is challenging; enhanced symmetry is the realistic goal.
• Unique Results: Copying another person's brow style may not yield the same flattering results due to different facial structures and preferences.
• Comfort During Procedure: Numbing creams minimize discomfort, making procedures tolerable for most individuals.
• Longevity of Results: Pigments fade over time, requiring touch-ups or transitions to maintain the desired look.
• Fading: Pigments will fade significantly over time, but a faint residue of color will likely linger and it could be warmer (more reddish) or cooler (more greyish) than the original color.
• Maintenance: Regular touch-ups can prolong the look, but pigment residues build up over time, affecting the clarity of new hair strokes. There is a finite number of times that microblading or nano brows can be repeated.

Conclusion:

The world of eyebrow enhancement, encompassing techniques like microblading, microshading, and nano brows, provides a range of options for individuals aiming to refine their brow appearance. However, misconceptions can potentially mislead and create unrealistic expectations. This article endeavors to dispel common misconceptions and furnish a clearer understanding of what each procedure entails. As the domain of permanent makeup advances, being well-informed can assist individuals in making decisions that resonate with their aesthetic preferences and practical considerations. For more in-depth information and guidance on microblading and related procedures, exploring the broader microblading guide is advisable.