Brows on Point: My Journey with Microshading Touch-Ups

I first got my brows microshaded about five years ago. At the time, I remember being told that the results would last around two years. Looking back, I didn’t fully grasp what that meant. Honestly, I assumed my brows would just fade back to their original state after two years. Spoiler: they didn’t. Like most cosmetic procedures, I’ve learned that microshading requires occasional maintenance. That’s what led me to Heather at Inked and Winked in Mandeville for my touch-up.

Microblading VS Microshading

Microblading:

• Technique: Creates hair-like strokes to mimic natural brow hairs.
• Result: Provides a more natural, defined look, especially for those with sparse brows or areas where hair is missing.
• Best for: People who want to enhance their brows with a subtle, hair-stroke effect.
• Healing: Often heals with a sharper, more distinct look to the strokes.

Microshading:

• Technique: Uses a stippling method or tiny dots to create a soft, powdery effect.
• Result: Gives a fuller, fluffier appearance, similar to a softly shaded makeup look.
• Best for: Those who prefer a more filled-in, gradient look or who already have some brow hair but want more density.
• Healing: Typically heals with a more blended, smoother appearance.

Many people choose to combine both techniques to achieve a natural, yet full, brow look!

Session One

Heather and I know each other socially, so when we crossed paths at an event one evening, I mentioned that I’d been filling in my brows more than usual. She immediately offered to take a look and asked me to come by her studio. After checking my brows in person, she was able to assess the situation and recommend the best approach to refresh and maintain them.

Before my first session

Some areas of my brows had retained pigment, but after several years and sun exposure, the color had started to fade and turn a bit gray, which is totally normal. Heather and I decided to focus on the ends, where I had the least hair and experienced the most fading from my original microshading. We chose a reddish-brown shade to complement my hair while still keeping the overall look natural.

During this session, we focused on shaping and filling rather than individual microblading strokes. As I’ve gotten older and entered perimenopause, I’ve noticed thinning in my brows. The shading helped give them a fuller, more defined appearance.

After Session One

The initial healing process for your brows takes about two weeks. During this time, it’s crucial to stay on top of daily care and keep them moisturized. In the first few days, your brows will appear very dark, but they’ll begin to fade soon after. You’ll notice many changes within the first three weeks, including a possible peeling phase. It’s important not to scratch or peel them, as this can disrupt healing and cause pigment loss.

Heather and her team provided me with a care kit to guide me through the healing process.

These are my brows about three weeks after my session.

Session Two

I booked my retouch during my initial appointment, scheduling it for six weeks later. At this session, Heather and I assessed my brows and made a few adjustments. I decided to add some strokes to the tails and opted for a slightly darker shade. I was happy with the shape and size, so we didn’t make any changes there.

Me a few days before session two.

I am still healing this week from session two but I will keep you updated on my Instagram and here.

Know Before You Go:

• Time Commitment: My initial consultation was about 30 minutes, the first session was 2 hours, and the second session was an hour and a half.
• Pain: I felt little to no pain in either of my sessions. Heather has a numbing cream that she applies before you start and during your session. I didn’t feel much of anything after the first initial pass.
• Makeup: After your session you can go back to wearing makeup almost immediately. Within a few days I was able to use brow gel again.
• Maintenance: You will need to check in with your brow tech yearly to see if your brows require a touch up. Don’t make the same mistake I did thinking that they will just go back within two years. If you want them to continue to look good you need to maintain them.

Heather with Inked & Winked

Heather and her entire team are great! Professional and thorough, You can find out more about them at their website or Instagram!

XO,

Tiffany