Ombre Brows

WHAT IS IT?

Ombré brows, also known as powder brows, are a semi-permanent brow treatment that creates a soft, shaded gradient effect, giving the illusion of fuller, more defined eyebrows. This technique differs from traditional microblading; instead of hair-like strokes, ombré brows use tiny dots of pigment, gradually building colour from a softer front to a more intense tail end. The result is a natural, powdered look, resembling a subtle makeup finish.

Ideal for all skin types, ombré brows can be tailored to achieve anything from a soft, natural appearance to a bolder, more defined look. The treatment involves minimal discomfort and downtime and will look fresh for one to three years, typically, before they can be left to fade or be topped up to keep their colour and shape. Ombré brows are popular for their versatility, longevity, and customisable look, providing a polished, low-maintenance option for those wanting beautifully shaped brows every day.

It is possible to pair ombre and hairstroke for a combination brow

For examples visit our Instagram here

Fuller Brows: Create a more defined, filled-in brow shape.
Long-Lasting Results: Provide a semi-permanent solution for daily brow maintenance.
Natural or Bold Options: Tailor results to client preferences, from soft to more dramatic effects.
Optimised for All Skin Types: Especially effective on oily and combination skin where microblading fades quickly.
Enhanced Symmetry: Shape brows for a balanced, symmetrical appearance that frames the face.
Low-Maintenance Routine: Offer clients beautiful, ready-to-go brows that reduce daily makeup needs.

Unsuitable Candidates

To ensure the best results and your safety, certain individuals may be considered unsuitable for ombré brow procedures. If you fall into this category, alternative options or pre-treatment measures may be discussed.

Active Skin Conditions:
- Cold sores (herpes simplex)
- Active acne, open wounds, or any skin infections
- Eczema or psoriasis flare-ups
Severe Skin Issues:
- Severe dermatitis or rosacea
- History of allergic reactions to pigments or topical anaesthetics
Medical Conditions:
- Bloodborne pathogens (e.g., HIV, hepatitis B)
- Autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus)
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Cancer or less than twelve months post-chemotherapy/radiation therapy
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:
- Not recommended due to potential risks to the baby and insufficient research data.
Tendency to Form Keloids:
- Individuals with a history of keloid scarring should avoid these treatments.
Photosensitivity:
- Those with conditions causing photosensitivity or taking photosensitising medications.
Clients Under 18 Years Old:
- Not permitted to undergo these procedures.

Conditional Candidates

If you fall into this category, you may still be eligible for ombré brow procedures. It’s essential to discuss your specific situation with your practitioner to establish a tailored and safe treatment plan.

Use of Blood Thinners:
- May need to be discontinued for days around the procedure under medical supervision due to the increased risk of bleeding and bruising.
Previous Brow Tattoo:
- If you have had a previous eyebrow tattoo, you may not be suitable, you can send a picture to Arcus or book a consultation to discuss the possibility of covering your tattoo.
Mild to Moderate Rosacea:
- Conditions like mild or moderate rosacea may require careful assessment and appropriate adjustments during the treatment.
Recent Cosmetic Procedures:
- Recent facial surgery (within the past six months)

If you are uncertain about your suitability for ombré brows, please reach out to your practitioner. Together, you can evaluate your individual circumstances and determine the most suitable and safe treatment plan for your needs.

Potential Side Effects

While ombré brows can enhance your appearance and offer a polished look, it’s essential to understand the associated risks and possible outcomes before undergoing the procedure

Infection: As with any cosmetic procedure that involves skin penetration, there’s a risk of infection if proper hygiene practices aren’t followed during and after the treatment.
Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to the pigments or topical anaesthetics used during the procedure. A patch test can help identify potential sensitivities.
Scarring: Although uncommon, there’s a possibility of scarring, especially for individuals prone to keloid formation or those with sensitive skin.
Uneven Results: If not performed by a skilled practitioner, results may vary between brows, leading to an uneven appearance that may require correction. This can also be the case when covering scar tissue, as there is no telling exactly how the scarred skin will absorb the pigment.
Fading or Discolouration: Over time, the pigment may fade or change colour due to sun exposure, skin type, or the body’s natural response to the pigment.
Pain and Discomfort: While a topical anaesthetic is used to minimise discomfort, some clients may still experience pain, swelling, or tenderness during and after the procedure.
Pigment in the Skin: We try to stay away from the phrase "semi-permanent" as it indicates that the treatment will fade completely which isn't always true. this can depend on many factors, including skin type, medication, hormonal changes and type of pigment used which can leave a permanent shape in the skin. Even if there is no colour to the naked eye there can still be colour lying within the skin that the body hasnt broken down completely.

Precare

Pre-care instructions are designed to limit bleeding and skin sensitivities during the procedure. Excessive bleeding can dilute the pigment colour, leading to unsatisfactory results. Clients will need to purchase and apply a topical anaesthetic before the procedure to ensure comfort.

Avoid Heavy Exercise:
Refrain from strenuous workouts for 24 hours before your appointment.
No Alcohol or Caffeine:
Avoid alcohol and caffeine for 24 hours prior to your treatment (this includes decaf coffee and tea).
Sun Exposure:
Stay out of the sun and avoid tanning on your face for at least one week before the procedure.
Medication Restrictions:
Do not take aspirin, Vitamin E, or ibuprofen 24 hours prior to treatment. Additionally, avoid fish oil, prenatal vitamins, and "hair, skin, nail" supplements for one week beforehand.
Skin Treatments:
Discontinue Retin-A, chemical peels, microdermabrasions, and any exfoliating or brightening skincare at least one week prior to the procedure. After healing, avoid these products on the forehead area to prevent premature fading.
Injectables:
If you do not regularly receive Botox or fillers, avoid treatments in the forehead, temple, and eye areas for one month before your appointment.
Brow Maintenance:
No waxing, tinting, or threading of the brows one week prior. The more natural hair growth present, the better the outcome.
Menstrual Cycle Sensitivity:
Please note you may be more sensitive during your menstrual cycle.

Post Care

Proper aftercare is essential to ensure your ombré brows heal well and retain their colour.

Keep the Area Clean:
For the first six hours after treatment, gently clean the area using a sterile water wipes every hour (provided). Always use freshly washed hands and avoid abrasive washcloths.
Avoid Touching:
Do not rub, pick, or scratch the treated area. Allow any scabbing or dry skin to exfoliate naturally; picking can cause scarring and pigment loss.
Sun Protection:
Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning beds for a minimum of four weeks. Sunlight can alter the pigment colour and may lead to hyperpigmentation or scarring.
Limit Water Exposure:
Avoid pools, saunas, steam rooms, hot showers, and baths for 10 days after the procedure.
Avoid Sweating:
Keep sweating to a minimum on your face for 10 days; perspiration can expel pigment from the dermis, resulting in poor results.
Sleep Position:
Avoid sleeping on your face or brows for the first 10 days. Keep your fringe and hair pulled back from your face during this time.
No Makeup or Skincare:
For 10 days, refrain from using makeup, fake tan, or skincare products on the treated area.
Post-Healing Sun Care:
After 10 days, consider using sunblock or sunglasses when outdoors to prevent colour fading.
Avoid Brow Treatments:
Do not undertake brow tinting for four weeks after the procedure.
Avoid Exfoliants:
Refrain from using Retin-A, chemical peels, laser treatments, or anything to treat hyperpigmentation around the brow area once healed to prevent fading.
MRI Considerations:
Inform your MRI technician that you have had a tattoo.
Initial Appearance:
Your ombré brows will appear darker, bolder, and sharper during the first week due to natural scabbing and healing, which is a common occurrence.

Long-Term Care

Longevity:
Ombré brows typically last between 1-3 years, depending on lifestyle, skin type, and aftercare. However, this is not guaranteed; the pigment may fade more quickly for some or stay much longer for others.
Sun Exposure Impact:
Prolonged exposure to the sun and tanning beds can cause fading and discolouration of the pigment. Always apply sunscreen (SPF 50 or greater) on the brow area once healed.
Maintenance:
Maintain the shape of your brows by tweezing, threading, or waxing outside of your tattooed design.
Avoid Laser Treatments:
Do not use lasers around your tattooed area, as some may alter the pigment colour.
Additional Makeup:
You may still wish to apply additional brow makeup to achieve your desired look.
Yearly Touch-Ups:
Regular touch-ups are recommended to maintain your results.
Avoid Chemical Exfoliants:
Refrain from using chemical skin exfoliants on the brow and forehead area, as these can lead to premature fading and discolouration of your tattoo.

Attention Please: It is strongly advised to book your ombré brow appointments at least 2-3 months in advance of holidays, weddings, or special occasions to allow for adequate healing time and any necessary touch-ups.

Achieving perfect brows is a multi-step process, and some clients may require more than two sessions to reach their desired density and shape.

There are no implied or written guarantees if you do not follow the above pre- and post-care instructions!

What are ombré brows, and how do they differ from other brow techniques?

Ombré brows are a semi-permanent makeup technique that creates a soft, gradient effect, transitioning from a lighter shade at the front to a darker shade at the tail of the brow. Unlike microblading, which uses hair-like strokes to mimic natural hairs, ombré brows provide a more filled-in look that can be tailored to suit your desired style.

How long do ombré brows last?

Ombré brows typically last between 1-3 years, depending on factors such as your lifestyle, skin type, and aftercare. However, it’s important to note that while the pigment may fade more quickly for some, it can remain in the skin, whether visible or not.

Is the ombré brow procedure painful?

Most clients report minimal discomfort during the procedure. A topical anaesthetic can be applied before the treatment to help minimise any pain or sensitivity. You may feel a scratching sensation, but it should not be overly uncomfortable.

Do I still need to wear make up?

Getting ombré brows will not completely eliminate the need for makeup. While they do provide a natural, fuller shape, if you typically wear heavy makeup, you may still wish to apply some on top of your brows for added definition and style. The ombré technique enhances your features and offers a polished look, but it serves as a complement to your makeup routine rather than a full replacement.

New Tattoo Client £320

includes the initial procedure and a six-week touch-up. A £50 deposit is required at the time of booking.

1 Top Up £150

only available to clients that have previously had their eyebrows tattooed at Arcus. 6 months or more past their last tattoo appointment. A £50 deposit is required at the time of booking.

1 Mini Top Up £60

only available to clients that have previously had their eyebrows tattooed at Arcus. Has to be less than 6 months past their last tattoo appointment. A £50 deposit is required at the time of booking.

*prices subject to change

THE PROCEDURE

Pre-Procedure Preparation:
Before beginning the ombré brow procedure, clients have the option to apply a topical numbing cream to the treatment area to minimise discomfort. This cream can typically be purchased from a pharmacy (Stranraer pharmacy is best) and should be applied about 20-30 minutes prior to the procedure. However, this step is optional and only required if the client desires additional comfort.
Skin Assessment and Cleansing:
The practitioner will first assess the skin and cleanse the brow area to prepare it for the procedure. This ensures that the skin is free of makeup and oils, allowing for optimal pigment application.
Application of Pigment:
Using a specialised tattoo pen, the practitioner will apply a permanent pigment to the brows.
- The process involves using a shading technique to create a soft gradient effect, starting lighter at the front and becoming darker towards the tail of the brow.
- The depth and intensity of the pigment application can be adjusted based on the client's preferences and skin type.
- Clients may feel a scratching sensation during the procedure, but discomfort is generally minimal.
Duration of the Procedure:
The entire ombré brow procedure usually takes between 2 to 3 hours, depending on the individual client’s needs. Following the procedure, the brows may appear slightly darker and more defined than expected; this is temporary and will lighten as the skin heals.
Post-Procedure Care:
After the treatment, the brows may appear red or swollen, similar to a mild sunburn. This is a normal response and typically subsides within 24-48 hours. During the healing process, it is crucial to avoid touching the area with unclean hands and to follow all aftercare instructions provided by the practitioner.
Healing Process:
In the days following the procedure, clients may experience dryness, tightness, or flakiness as the skin regenerates.
- It is common for some peeling to occur as old skin cells shed and new skin emerges.
- Keeping the brows moisturised and avoiding sun exposure are essential for optimal healing and longevity of the results.
Follow-Up Appointment:
A follow-up appointment may be recommended after a few weeks to assess the healing process and make any necessary touch-ups for perfecting the brow shape and colour.

By understanding this procedure and adhering to the guidelines provided, clients can achieve beautiful, lasting ombré brows that enhance their natural beauty.

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