With thick, bushy, filled-in brows being the it trend these days, does it feel like simply filling in your brows every day isn’t enough? Well, we feel you. And that’s why we are extremely grateful for cosmetic inventions like microblading, microfeathering and the likes. But there’s a problem with these procedures, they aren’t exactly suitable for those with sensitive skin. Such a bummer, isn’t it? Well, not really. Because here’s introducing microblading’s sweet little sister, microshading. While this technique also involves tattooing your brows with pigment, there’s a little twist that makes it what it is – AWESOME. Read on to find out all the dope on this latest eyebrow enhancing technique!
- What exactly is microshading?
- How long does this tattooing last?
- Are there any side effects to getting this treatment done?
What exactly is microshading?

Microshading also known as the ‘shadow effect’ is an eyebrow tattooing technique that gives the brows a gradient effect, thanks to tiny pin-point dots. Unlike microshading, this technique does not tattoo longer, hair-like strokes into your eyebrows, but instead creates a shading effect in the sparse areas.
What does it look like on completion?
Have you observed what your eyebrows look like after you have filled them in using a brow powder or pencil? Well, that’s the kind of result that microshading delivers. Unlike microblading, where the results look like individual eyebrow hair, this technique provides a more airbrushed finish. Right after the treatment, your eyebrows may look a little stark thanks to the dark pigment, but over a period of two weeks, the pigment will lighten up to about 30%.
How long does this tattooing last?

As with any semi-permanent tattoo, the answer to this question depends on a lot of factors, but the main thing is your skin type. People with oilier skin types may experience that the colour wears off faster than those with drier skin, and therefore may feel the need to get touch-ups done more often. But under normal circumstances, microshading should last you anywhere between one to one and a half year.
How much would it cost?
This is also something that depends on where you live. But in bigger metropolitan cities, the cost of microshading could be anywhere between 15,000 – 25,000 INR.
Are there any side effects to getting this treatment done?

No, there are no major side effects involved with this technique. But as with any type of tattooing, you could experience slight pain and discomfort while you are getting it done, as well as until a couple of hours after. But since this does not involve getting longer, hair-like stokes, there is obviously a much lesser amount of pain, and this is why microshading is a lot more viable for those with sensitive skin than its other variants.
What does the maintenance involve?
Just because you’ve gotten your eyebrows microshaded, does not mean that you can skip your regular parlour visits. You will still need to get rid of unruly brow hair by either tweezing or threading. But you must avoid eyebrow waxing at all costs. This is because waxing could remove the top most layer of skin cells, thereby taking off the colour with it. Additionally, ensure that you slather on sunscreen every couple of hours to prevent fading due to sun damage.
Written by Urvi Dalal on Apr 06, 2020
Writer, avid reader and hardcore beauty enthusiast is the best way to describe Urvi Dalal. With over 5 years of writing experience in the beauty industry, you can trust her to have the latest skin, hair and makeup tidbits on her fingertips. In her time working as a beauty writer, she has had the opportunity to interact and work closely with a string of dermatologists, makeup artists and hairstylists. All that knowledge exchange, coupled with her flair and love for writing make it possible for her to bring you some authentic yet fun beauty content. When Urvi isn’t working, you’d usually catch her curled up with a big, fat book, drinking a cup of tea or practising her makeup skills; there is no in-between!