Thanks to permanent makeup, the ability to roll out of bed with perfect brows and say “I woke up like this” is no longer a stretch.
At Real Brows, one of our favorite methods for achieving the perfect brow look is called ombre brows.
This technique, also called ombre eyebrows or ombre powder brows, is gaining popularity in the beauty world for its full, natural-looking results and longevity.
In this article, we will spill all the secrets about ombre brows, breaking down every critical aspect you’d want to know. From what they are, how they’re done, and why you might want them, to their difference from microblading, cost, required tools, and all-important aftercare.
If you’re trying to decide if ombre brows are the right solution for you, read our full permanent makeup guide.
Hoping to find a place that knows how to give you the perfect ombre powder brows for your face? Schedule a consultation with us at Real Brows to see how we can help you.
Understanding the Art of Ombre Brows
If you’re considering a more permanent solution to perfect your arches, ombre eyebrows might be your finest choice. But before we delve deep into the process, let’s first understand exactly what ombre brows are.
How Ombre Powder Brows Look
Ombre brows or ombre powder brows are a type of semi-permanent makeup that gives a gradient effect that mimics the look of perfectly penciled and shaded brows.
It involves the application of tiny dots of pigments into your skin, which gradually darken towards the tails, giving them a soft and subtle shade at the start, and a bold, well-defined finish towards the end – hence the term ‘ombre’.
The artistry required for creating perfect ombre brows cannot be understated. It requires precise, controlled strokes and an understanding of color theory to create a natural-looking gradient effect on the brows. It’s a process that combines both art and science, requiring the skills of a professionally trained technician for a smooth and perfect finish.
Why Choose Ombre Eyebrows: The Benefits and Drawbacks
For starters, ombre powder brows–despite using similar tools to get the job done–are exceptionally more natural and forgiving than the thick, brutal lines of early-day brow tattoos. So, let’s all take a moment to feel grateful for how far our PMU eyebrows have come.
Ombre brows provide a filled-in look, similar to the effect of make-up. This is an excellent choice for those with thinning brows or anyone who prefers not to fill in their brows daily.
Compared to traditional tattooing, the ombre powder brows technique uses pigments that degrade over time, giving them a softer appearance as they fade.
As for the drawbacks, the healing process of ombre brows could take about a month, during which the brows will go through various stages of color and intensity before settling into the desired look. It requires patience and a high degree of aftercare during this period.
As for pain, the initial application can be slightly uncomfortable, even though a numbing cream is applied to minimize discomfort.
Furthermore, receiving ombre brows requires a significant upfront investment due to the skill and time required for the procedure. However, considering that they can last from 2-3 years, it’s often viewed as a long-term investment in your appearance, saving you valuable time and effort in your daily routine.
Despite these concerns, the benefits of ombre eyebrows—including their natural appearance, time-saving convenience, long-lasting results, and capacity to enhance both the shape and fullness of existing brows—are often deemed to outweigh any drawbacks.
Powder Brows vs Microblading
To delve deeper into the comparison between ombre powder brows and microblading, it is crucial to understand their key difference. While both techniques contribute to breathtaking brow transformations, the main contrast lies in the implementation process and the end result.
Microblading, a technique that uses a handheld tool with various needles, is incredibly detailed. It mimics real hair strokes to give a fuller, more natural finish for those who wish they had extra hair in their eyebrows. In contrast, ombre eyebrows give that makeup-sculpted finish to enhance the contrast and gradient of the brows you do have.
For ombre brows, the pigment is implanted into the skin through numerous small dots, resulting in a powder-like finish overall. This method differs from microblading, where pigment is added after the initial incisions are made.
It’s important to note that you can also get a technique called combination brows, which uses techniques of both microblading and ombre powder brows.
Microblading usually works best for those with dry or combination skin types. Unlike microblading, ombre eyebrows offer a shading effect, giving a gradient look that starts lighter at the inner brow and gets darker towards the tail, just as an ombre effect should!
Life After Ombre Powder Brows
Aftercare for ombre powder brows is fairly straightforward. While healing, which could take around 4-6 weeks, it’s important to avoid areas with high levels of humidity like gyms and saunas. This is because damp environments could slow down the healing process by encouraging an infection. After this healing period, you can continue your routine as normal.
Maintenance-wise, while ombre brows are significantly long-lasting, touch-ups once every year or so will ensure that their look stays fresh. This, of course, depends on factors like fading or the personal preference of the individual.
The Making of Ombre Powder Brows: A Step-by-Step Guide
Understanding the Process
It’s always helpful to know what the process entails before you embark on getting your ombre brows. The process usually involves five major steps: consultation, numbing, mapping and shaping, pigment application, and a perfecting session.
Step 1: The Consultation
Your ombre powder brows journey starts with a consultation, sometimes in person but often virtual these days. It’s your chance to discuss your expectations, preferences, and any concerns you may have. Your artist will guide you on what will work best for you depending on your face shape, skin type, and personal style.
Step 2: Mapping and Shaping
When you come in for the appointment, the first thing your technician will do after going over your brow goals once more is map your eyebrows. This ensures they are symmetrical and well-balanced with the rest of your features. Measuring tools and brow pencils may be used to sketch out the perfect brow shape.
Step 3: Numbing the Area
While ombre brows are less painful compared to other brow-enhancing procedures, numbing cream is applied to minimize discomfort. This cream is allowed to sit on your brows for about 20 minutes to ensure a painless experience. Some artists will do this before mapping and others do it after.
Step 4: Pigment Application
Once the desired shape is achieved, the artist will apply pigment to your brows using a tool akin to a tattoo machine. This device uses tiny needles that deposit pigment into your skin in dots, referred to as stippling. But don’t worry, you won’t feel much due to the numbing cream.
Step 5: The Perfecting Session
The final step in creating your ombre powder brows is a return to the studio for a perfection session after a few weeks.
This touch-up session is critical to the success of the process. It is where your artist makes any necessary tweaks to guarantee you have the perfect ombre brows.
Aftercare for Your Ombre Eyebrows
Great aftercare is essential to ensure your ombre eyebrows heal well, staying vibrant and beautiful. Always avoid sun exposure, excessive sweating, tinting, or waxing the area. Most importantly, follow all the instructions given by your artist and report any unusual changes immediately.
Case Studies: Real-Life Examples of Ombre Powder Brows
Choosing to switch to ombre powder brows necessitates extensive research. However, nothing comes close to seeing real-life examples. Witnessing firsthand how ombre eyebrows have transformed others’ facial features can give you a crystal-clear perspective. These examples were done by artists who work at Real Brows. Want more proof of our skills? Follow us on Instagram.
These are just a couple of examples out of the many satisfied individuals who have had their brows masterfully crafted to fit their unique features and personality, generating extra confidence in their appearance. Witnessing these ombre powder brows before and after photos can not only inspire you but provide you with realistic expectations regarding the results.
Investing in Your Looks: Ombre Brows Cost and Pain Level
So, you’ve decided that ombre brows are the choice for you. Great! Now you might be wondering, “What’s the financial investment for ombre eyebrows, and how painful is the process?”
On average, the cost for Ombre Powder Brows is around $600. However, this is an approximation—the price may vary significantly depending on various factors. These include the location of the clinic, the expertise and experience of the artist, the equipment and pigments used, and other additional services provided during the process. It’s not uncommon to find prices ranging anywhere from $500 to $800 per session, with some top-notch artists charging $1000 or more. Remember, quality work often comes with a higher price tag, but it’s worth the investment for long-lasting, beautiful brows.
Now let’s talk about pain level.
The discomfort experienced during an ombre powder brows session is generally minimal. Your skilled beautician will likely apply a topical anesthetic to numb the area before beginning the procedure. This ensures you remain as comfortable as possible during the treatment. Many clients liken the sensation to a light scratching or a vibrating sensation rather than pain.
Choosing the Best Artist for Your Ombre Powder Brows
The success of your ombre powder brows heavily relies on the hands that create them. To ensure you acquire the perfect ombre eyebrows, it is crucial to select an experienced and highly skilled artist.
Looking for skilled artists and a clean environment to get ombre powder brows? Real Brows has it all. Learn more about our team and schedule a consultation with us to see how we can enhance your brows.
Do Your Research
Start by conducting thorough research. Look for artists who specialize in ombre brows, as this is a unique form of artistry that requires specific training and practice.
The best artists frequently showcase their previous works on their websites or social media pages, offering potential clients a glimpse into their capabilities.
Reading online reviews also provides a deeper insight into the artist’s reputation. Find out what previous clients have to say about their experience. Were they satisfied with the result? Did they experience any complications? How was the aftercare advised by the artist? All of these questions will help you make an informed decision.
Consistency is Key
You will find, among the pictures of their previous work and reviews done by past customers, that there is consistency in what people have to say about the work they got done.
Pictures of the ombre brows should look consistently good, no mismatched shapes or uneven sizing, the color should look equal on both brows, and you should feel that the work really suits the model’s face.
As for reviews, people should consistently be saying good things about the person they worked with. You’ll know that bad reviews are valid if you find they the same issues come up with a certain level of consistency, so read through a selection of recent reviews (last six months or less) and ensure that there are no outstanding problems.
Consultation
Once you’ve narrowed down your selection, book a consultation with the artist to discuss your expectations and concerns. This face-to-face interaction allows the artist to assess your eyebrow condition, recommend the ideal design for your face shape, and answer any questions you may have about the process. During this time, you can also evaluate the hygiene conditions of the studio, a critical factor in ensuring a safe ombre brow procedure.
Remember, your eyebrows play a significant role in defining your facial appearance. Entrusting them to a reliable and proficient artist is crucial for achieving the best ombre powder brows effect.
Real Brows Los Angeles
Consider taking the next step toward achieving your dream brows by scheduling a consultation with us at Real Brows in downtown LA.
With our expertise and personalized approach, you’ll discover how ombre brows can enhance your natural beauty, save you time, and provide long-lasting results.
Not ready to take the plunge? Follow us on Instagram.
