WHAT ARE POWDER BROWS?

Powder brows (also known as powder brow tattoo or shaded brows) is a semi-permanent make-up procedure for eyebrows where pigments are inserted into the top layers of the skin with a specially designed tattoo machine. The result is a defined, powdery eyebrow. Over the years, both the technique and equipment has changed, as has pigments, which result in a more natural brow appearance. 

 

WHO SHOULD GET POWDER BROWS?

If you draw on your eyebrows everyday, you are a great candidate. They are also a great alternative for clients that are not good candidates for Microblading or Combo Brows.

 

Powder are a better choice than Microblading for the following clients:

• Those with extremely sensitive skin

• Those with extremely oily skin or enlarged pores

• Those with mature skin

• Those with extremely thick skin

• Those with a lot of natural eyebrow hairs who want to fill in gaps, create a stronger shape, add definition or darken their brows.

 

DO POWDER BROWS HURT?

As with any pain, it will depend on the person. If you are used to waxing or plucking your eyebrows, regularly you most likely will not find the procedure very painful, whereas someone who has never had their brows plucked might feel some level of discomfort. Keep in mind that I will use a safe, topical anesthetic cream in order to ease discomfort.

 

HOW DO I MAINTAIN POWDER BROWS?

I recommend a yearly touch-up to maintain the crispness and freshness of the color. Natural fading occurs from external factors such as exposure to the sun as well as from the gradual break down of pigments, as your body metabolizes it out of your system. Everyone can experience the fading process differently and it really comes down to skin type and lifestyle.

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WHAT SHOULD I KNOW AND DO BEFORE TREATMENT?

There are some very important things to do and to avoid prior to treatment:

• On the day of your appointment, make sure that you bring along the makeup you usually wear and photos of the look you want to achieve.

• Make sure that you’re completely healthy. Before the procedure starts, you will need to complete a medical history form.

• Do not drink caffeine or alcohol at least 48 hours prior to the procedure.

• Do not take any blood thinners such as Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Niacin, Vitamin E, B6, Omega 3, Gingko Biloba, or evening Primrose at least 1 week before your procedure. Of course, if this is medically necessary, you might want to consider changing the date of your powder brows procedure.

• Pay attention to your menstrual cycle, as you shouldn’t book a treatment during that time – it can increase your pain sensitivity.

• Avoid waxing, tanning, or tinting the eyebrow area at least 3 days before your appointment.

• Avoid any anti-aging treatments, such as microdermabrasion, chemical peels, lasers, or facials at least 2 weeks before your appointment.

• Do not opt for any facial injections at least 1 month prior to your procedure.

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WHAT DOES THE POWDER BROW TREATMENT LOOK LIKE?

STEP 1: Consults and cleaning

You will have a chat with your artist about the look you want. It’s a good idea to come in for your treatment wearing your usual brow makeup, so they can get a sense of your preferences. Then, the artist prepares the area around the brows by cleaning it thoroughly.

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STEP 2: Numbing

The eyebrows area is covered with topical anesthetic, which is left on for approximately 20 minutes until it kicks in.

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STEP 3: Choosing a pigment

Together, you and your artist decide on the color of your eyebrows according to your hair and skin color.

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STEP 4: Measuring and Mapping

The area of the eyebrows is measured, taking into account face shape, symmetry, facial features, etc. The outline of the arch shape is drawn on and once you’re happy with it, the actual application starts.

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STEP 5: Needling process

The process of creating fine dots with a specialized machine and covering them with pigment. If there is any discomfort at this stage another quick layer of numbing cream can be added to the area (if your artist has access and permission to use secondary numbing).

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STEP 6: Implementing pigment

A final layer of pigment is added, after which the eyebrow area is cleaned.

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STEP 7: Touch up

Once your powder brows have healed, the touch-up is booked for filling in the gaps where the pigment hasn’t taken or healed properly.

 

 

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WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT POWDER BROWS AFTERCARE?

You will experience some swelling and soreness after your treatment, which is completely normal and will subside in a few days.

 

Here are some additional aftercare tips:

• I will send you home with an aftercare kit with instructions. Included in the kit is an ointment which you will need to apply as directed. Always use clean fingers or a cotton swab, especially in the first 3 days after the procedure.

• Never touch the treated area with your fingers unless they are completely clean, as you want to avoid any bacteria coming in contact with this area.

• Sleep on a clean pillowcase, ideally a silk one.

• Do not scratch, rub, pick or peel the healing skin. Allow it to flake off on its own so as not to damage your skin or your results.

• Always gently cleanse the treated area with mild antibacterial soap – never scrub as it will affect your final result. Rinse with lukewarm water and gently pat the area until it’s dry.

• Always apply a light coat of ointment on the area before a shower or bath, and continue with this regimen until the procedure area is completely healed.

• Avoid any makeup, facials, sweating, sun exposure, sauna, jacuzzi, or swimming until the area is completely healed.

• Try to avoid getting your eyebrows wet.

• Do not use any anti-aging products, especially those that contain lactic acids, glycolic acids, and retinol, as they will fade your eyebrow area.

• In order to prevent future fading of your pigment color, use sunblock after the procedure.

• Once the peeling phase ends, you may proceed with your regular activities.

• The look of your brows will change throughout the healing period, and in some of the healing stages, they may not look their best. I encourage you to look at some healing pictures online so you can understand what to expect.

 

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