Powder, Ombre, Fluffy , Cashmere Brows, W-Brows, Yobrows, Hair Stroke, and Combo... Are feeling you lost yet??
Clients often find it overwhelming when choosing the right brow style. With so many different names, even I sometimes find myself baffled by the plethora of terms used to describe often the same thing. But don't get disheartened. It isn't really as complected as it might sound!
All we need to do is to establish the distinction between the application method and the desired "look" or style that needs to be achieved.
Think of traveling! There are million of destinations and numerous of ways to get from point A to point Z.
destination will be your style, and ways of getting to the destination would be your methods/ techniques.
At times, you can reach the same destination using different modes of transport. However, certain places can only be accessed by specific means of transportation, or perhaps not at all if your physical abilities or other factors restrict you.
Application Methods
Microblading & Soft Tap and semi-permanent makeup (SPMU) are methods of pigment application.
Both are forms of tattooing, but they utilize different tools.
Microblading & Soft Tap are manual techniques of implanting pigment .
In microblading, artists use a manual pen with an attachment comprising several needles arranged in a blade-like nib. This nib is used to make small incisions in the skin, which are then filled with pigment.
"Soft tap" method can achieve a powder look by using a nib with various needle configurations and employing tapping motions.
!!! The term "Microblading" is often used by clients to describe a treatment that results in a hair-like pattern on the skin. However, nine out of ten clients do not realize that the hair stroke look can be achieved using other tools.
I always inquire with my clients whether they are specifically seeking microblading or brows that replicate the natural pattern of eyebrows.
Semi-permanent makeup (SPMU) refers to the use of a digital tattoo device to implant pigment into the skin. Unlike microblading, which uses a manual pen with a blade, this device contains a motor that moves the needle up and down while depositing pigment.
Choice of tools, manual pen with blades vs digital devise with needle cartridges, is the primary distinction between microblading and SPMU.
Both methods can achieve various looks and it is purely artist’s choice what tool he/she is trained and feels most confident using.
The "look" or Brow Style
Now, let's explore the different "patterns" that have countless names. Breezy brows, fluffy brows, Cashmere Brows, W-Brows, YoBrows, Hyperrealism Brows ,Ombre brows, Powder Brows, Gradient brows …..etc etc…… all those are just the names given by artists to one or another pattern. There are 100th of different names …
Setting aside the names given by artists for their signature looks, we can identify three main "patterns": powder, hair stroke, and combo - a combination of the two.
Powder Brows (also known as ombre, gradient, powdered ombre, shaded brows…) is a semi-permanent makeup technique that creates a soft, natural-looking makeup appearance. When using this technique, colour is applied to the body of the brow as a single block, with various gradient zones.
!!!It is suitable for all skin types, including oily and porous skin, and particularly beneficial for those without major areas of hair loss in the brow.
Hair Strokes, also known as Cashmere Brows, Hyperrealism Brows, W-Brows, Fluffy Brows, or Yobrows, aims to imitate the appearance of individual brow hairs, resulting in a natural look.
!!!This technique is suitable for clients with partial or full hair loss in the brow, although it may not be ideal for oily or porous skin types.
Combo Brows combination of 2 patterns powder and hairlike. Typically the powder look is used for the tail and body of the brow and the hairlike pattern used for the bulb (head) of the brow. However, variations exist based on the artist's interpretation and the client's preferences.
Each technique has its own advantages and disadvantages. Apart from the desired look, an artist must consider several factors when choosing a technique.
Ultimately, the final result depends on factors such as your preferences, skin type, and the artist's experience and training.
!!!When coming for consultation with you artist, make sure to bring some photo references of what is the end result you are after and to set your expectations. This will most definitely save you time on trying to remember 100 of different names:)
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