In 2025, girls know how important it is to have well-groomed eyebrows. However, there are so many cosmetic procedures that it can be confusing. For example, what is the difference between microblading and microshading? These semi-permanent services are in demand in the salon. But not everyone knows what they are.
Content The difference between microblading and microshading: What is microblading? How does microblading work? Who is microblading best for? The difference between microblading and microshading: What is microshading? How is microshading performed? The difference between microblading and microshading: Who is microshading best for? Can microblading or microshading be done at home?
WomanEL will tell you everything you need to know about microshading and microblading, and also share professional advice on how to understand which one is best for you.
The difference between microblading and microshading: what is microblading?
Microblading is when thin, hair-like strokes of pigment are applied to the skin with a blade, mimicking individual hairs. According to eyebrow specialist Joey Geely, the procedure is also called “brow fluffing” because it creates a fluffy look. Since it’s such a popular service, you’ll likely find plenty of artists offering the procedure.
How does microblading work?
If you've never had microblading before, here's what you can expect from your first session:
- Preparation: According to eyebrow specialist Pilar DeMann, the artist will start by applying rubbing alcohol to the area, followed by a numbing agent, which is left on for 25 minutes.
- After the numbing agent wears off, the artist will use a wax pencil and a flat measuring tape to create the outline of your desired eyebrow shape. Gili notes that it’s a good idea to bring photos with you to help the artist understand what look you’re going for.
- Microblading. The artist uses a small electric or manual razor that is dipped in pigment and then “bites” into the skin. The excess ink is wiped off, leaving small pigment strokes. It can be thought of as a similar process to getting a regular tattoo.
- Red light therapy. Not all spas offer this extra step, but DeMann is a big fan of using red light for 20 minutes as a final step to speed up the healing process. “It’s something I use as a stand-alone skin treatment,” she says.
- Sealing: As a final step, DeMann likes to apply a medical-grade wound sealant called Stratamed to the brows before sending clients home. This will speed up the healing process.
The day after your procedure, you may notice that your brows are darker than expected. Luckily, this is temporary, and you should see the shade you want in about three weeks. While your brows are healing, Gili recommends keeping them dry for 48 hours, then gently cleansing them and using a light ointment. You should also limit sun exposure and avoid scratching them.
Who is microblading best for?
When it comes to any given service, your skin type plays a big role in how well the pigment will stick to your skin. “If you have oily skin, microblading isn't a good option because the pigment fades very quickly,” says Geely (it's a better option for those with dry skin). It's also a great option if you want to reshape your brows and make them look more feathery.”
Skin tone and texture are also important. “Lighter skin tones tend to look a little better with microblading,” says Geely. “For darker skin tones, you can make the pigment a little more intense with microshading.” DeMann adds that clients with denser skin have more collagen, so it’s easier for her to hold the pigment. “As you age, the skin becomes softer and doesn’t hold the pigment as well—it becomes less predictable,” she says.
The difference between microblading and microshading: what is microshading?
Over time, our face changes, and so do our eyebrows, so there is no perfect eyebrow for everyone, Source: freepik.com
Microshading, also known as powder or ombre brows, uses a more dot-based technique to create a more saturated look. “You’re still using a blade and pigment that penetrates the skin,” says Geely. “The closer together the dots are, the darker and denser the area looks. The farther apart they are, the lighter it looks.” This is a bit different from the hairline strokes used in microblading.
How is microshading performed?
As with microblading, you will prepare for your microblading procedure in the same way and have a similar aftercare plan. Of course, there are slight differences in the services. Here’s how it works:
- Preparation: After treating the area with medical alcohol, an anesthetic is applied and left on for 25 minutes.
- Drawing the image. After the anesthetic is removed, the master will outline the shape of your eyebrows using a wax pencil.
- Microshading. The artist uses a hand-held or electric tool with a thin blade to press the pigment into the skin. “It’s under the skin, but certainly not superficially,” says Geely. “It’s more superficial than a regular tattoo on your body, so it’s a little closer to the surface after it’s applied.” DeMann adds that she likes to let the pigment sit on the skin for a few minutes before wiping it off. Then, as needed, she adds more pigment into the skin, checking for changes in appearance with each pass.
- Sealing. The artist will apply a medical-grade sealant to the wound to speed up the healing process and prevent drying.
The difference between microblading and microshading: who is microshading best for?
Unlike microblading, microshading is best suited for people with combination to oily skin as the process helps the pigment last longer. It is ideal for those who want a more subtle yet makeup-like look.
“If you want an ombre brow that’s lighter at the front and more pigmented at the back, microshading is a better option,” says Geely. Unlike microblading, DeMann says this method is more suitable for people with mature skin.
Can I do microblading or microshading at home?
Sharp blades and untrained hands are not the best combination. That’s why both Geely and DeMann agree that neither of these services should be done at home. “Professionals use real equipment, and you want them to be in a sanitary environment,” Geely says. “Worst case scenario, you risk infection, because it’s a lot like getting a tattoo.” If you want to do your brows at home, he recommends using eyebrow tinting or other dyes designed for facial hair.
But before you rush out to book your first appointment, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you should stop using retinol for two weeks before your procedure, says Ghee. You should also avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, self-tanning, alcohol, caffeine, and ibuprofen.
Regardless of which service you choose, prior research will help you achieve the desired result.
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