Ombré Brows Is the Latest Brow Trend—Here's Everything You Need to Know

Interested in microblading, but prefer a more natural-looking option? Enter: Ombré brows. The latest permanent makeup brow trend, ombré brows get their inspiration from ombré hair, where a color fades from one shade to another. 

Below, we’ve asked Shervonne Kitto, a permanent makeup artist, and founder and owner of Makeup by Sherviii, for everything you need to know about ombré brows, including what they are, what the treatment process in like, how long they last, what are the side effects, and more. 

What Are Ombré Brows? 

According to Kitto, ombré brows is a cosmetic eyebrow tattoo done by shading in the eyebrow area. “The term ‘ombré’ highlights the effect whereby the eyebrows fade from dark to light,” she explains. “It adds definition and fullness to thin, sparse eyebrows.”

The Ombré Brows Process

Similar to microblading, getting ombré brows done at a permanent makeup salon can take time, money, and a bit of pain tolerance. The process goes as follows: Firstly, your eyebrows are cleansed and then mapped using brow measurement tools. “I even have an app that helps me check for symmetry,” explains Kitto. “Secondly, your eyebrows are shaded using a complementary pigment shade.” 

This shading is done using a cosmetic rotary machine and needle. The needle is moved along the skin, producing tiny pixels. Then, the pixels are built up to produce definition and fullness. “Numbing is used throughout the entire process to ensure my client is comfortable,” says Kitto. “The goal is to create beautiful eyebrows without causing severe trauma to the skin, so a second appointment eight weeks later is recommended to perfect the eyebrows.”

Ombré Brows vs. Microshading

According to Kitto, ombré brows are actually a form of microshading. “So I think it would be more helpful to ask the question, ‘What’s the difference between ombré brows and microblading?,’” says Kitto. “These are both forms of permanent makeup, but they produce different results.” 

Again, ombré brows are done using a needle that produces pixels on the skin. Microblading, on the other hand, is done using a blade that creates hairstrokes. “Both services are very popular, but there are several potential downsides to microblading, such as skin damage and pigment migration,” warns Kitto.

How Long Do Ombré Brows Last? 

Ombré brows can last anywhere from one to three years. Because the pigment is deposited to the upper layers of the skin, it can fade over time. Kitto notes that, in her experience, ombré brows fade more quickly on those with oilier skin compared to drier skin. “A simple annual color boost can keep your ombré brows looking as fresh as they did on day one,” says Kitto. 

How Much Do Ombré Brows Cost? 

The cost of ombré brows differs from state to state. In NYC, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500-$1,500 for this service. “Advanced artists tend to charge more, as they have more experience, and you should definitely consider booking with someone based on their healed results vs. the cost of the service,” suggests Kitto. 

Side Effects of Ombré Brows

The side effects of ombré brows tend to happen during the healing phase. The healing phase lasts anywhere from ten to 25 days after your permanent makeup treatment. During this time, you can experience darkening, scabbing, itchiness, fading, and reappearance of your ombré brows, according to Kitto. “I usually provide my clients with an aftercare kit to help them care for their new eyebrows,” she says. 

How to Do Ombré Brows at Home

Faking ombré brows at home will require you to gather a couple of products, including an eyebrow pencil, concealer, concealer brush, and an eyebrow brush. “If your eyebrows are pretty even, you can begin by filling them in with your brow pencil, then carve out your shape with a little concealer,” suggests Kitto. “To complete your brows, use your eyebrow brush to fade the front of your eyebrows for an ombré effect.”