The 3 Different Microblading Styles & Which One to Choose
Getting your brows done has gone from meaning “I got them shaped,” to “I got them microbladed,” in what seems like the biggest well-that-escalated-quickly beauty trend in a decade. But like everyone who’s microblade-curious, you’re probably wondering about the different microblading styles (or are surprised to hear that there are different ones to choose from!)
Being able to wake up with perfect brows everyday certainly sounds tempting, but if the idea an extended commitment to the same eyebrow shape seems daunting, don’t fret. This blog post is here to give you the nitty gritty basics on the different styles so that you can walk into a consultation without feeling overwhelmed. Looking for more information about the actual process? Check out our other blog post, “Your Eyebrows Deserve a (Microblading) Stylist.“
A little science refresher on semi-permanent brows.
The basic process involves implanting pigment into the area between the epidermis (the top layer of skin) and the dermis (the lower layer of skin). Need help visualizing this? It’s area in your skin slightly above where your eyebrow follicles start. Your brow artist will use different tools to create pigmented strokes to sculpt or enhance the natural shape of your brow.
Unlike permanent brows (where pigment is injected deeper into your dermis), the pigment is placed in an active area of your skin where cells continuously divide. This natural rejuvinating cycle eventually causes the pigments to break-down, migrate to the surface and shed off along with dead skin skills.
All about the different microblading styles
Here at Muse & Maven we offer Microblading, Blade and Shade, and Powder Brows. Even though they all utilize a method that implants pigment, each one creates a different end look. But now that you know what semi-permanent brows are, let’s get into the basics of each method and cover how they create different results.
CLASSIC MICROBLADING
Microblading uses disposable sterilized micro-needles to create fine lines that resemble eyebrow hair. These lines are crisp and create defined micro-strokes that mimic your natural eyebrow hairs for a seamless look that looks polished and tidy.
Who’s it good for?
Microblading creates natural looking, balanced brows. It’s an ideal method for filling in hairless gaps to even out length, or for adding additional strokes to give shape and fullness to wispy brows – without looking overdone. If you’re hesitant about committing to full on Cara Delevigne brows, microbladed brows can give you the foundational shape so that all you need to do is brush in a bit of powder to add depth when the mood hits you.
BLADE AND SHADE
Blade and Shade (also known as “Microblading and Microshading”) is a step up from microblading and powder brows. Once the basic shape is established through microblading, additional pigment is applied to create depth to the brows using a stippling method. These tiny dots of pigment are added to create a fuller, and thicker look (“shading”), that’s similar to brows that have been filled in. If we’re throwing in popular culture references, a blade and shade brow is basically the Kardashian/Instagram brow.
Who’s it good for?
Blade and shade is ideal for those that love the fuller and defined brow look. Shading adds depth, while the microblading creates definition. Because it utilizes additional pigment and definition, it’s a great method for darker skin tones that require bolder pigments or for those that want their brows to always look done.
POWDER BROWS
The last of our different microblading styles, powdered brows are also known as ombre, or shaded brows (yup, the shaded brows that use the pigment stippling method we described in Blade and Shade!). Powdered brows create a filled in look, that is little less defined and more on the natural side, for that coveted Lily Collins brow.
Who’s it good for?
Those that want a softer look or that want to fill in brows with uneven thickness, might want to go for powder brows. As it’s less defined, it’s great for adding body to your brows, and creating a natural outward gradient. It’s also a great option for those that already have fairly full brows, but want a polished and bolder effect.
So there’s the basics on different microblading styles! Want to learn more? Book a consultation with our brow expert, Angie. Head to our scheduler, and take moment to read over our current safety protocol for appointments at our studio.
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