Common mistakes in relation to Combo Brows
Co-operation, not hostile takeover
Creating Combo Brows is no mean feat; it's not a simple matter of tossing two distinct techniques into a creative blender and expecting a seamless fusion. Far from it. Combining the precision of microblading or nano brows with the softness and depth of Powder Brows requires a unique approach. Each technique must be respected and employed appropriately for a harmonious outcome. In this article, we dissect some of the common pitfalls when creating Combo Brows and share expert-backed advice to perfect this sophisticated procedure.
“Embarking on the powdering phase after the third pass of Combo Brows is akin to showing up late to a party - after the cake has been devoured, drinks drained, and everyone weary. There’s very little left for you to do! The same holds true for Combo Brows. Shading and powdering should be undertaken after the first pass, while the skin remains relatively untraumatized, to prevent the blurring of lines. Any attempt at powdering too late in the procedure can render it virtually impossible!”
The Dual Importance of Lines and Shading in Combo Brows
A common pitfall many artists fall into when crafting Combo Brows is overlooking the delicate balance between the linear strokes and the pixelated shading that characterizes Powder Brows. When it comes to Combo Brows, both elements are of equal importance and should be treated as such. Professional artists often advise against a common mistake: leaving the powdering process until the very end. This approach can overly traumatize the skin and damage the meticulous lines created with microblading or nanoneedles. For a superior outcome, the powdering of Combo Brows should take place after the second pass. This method helps you realize that subsequent passes require fewer filling lines, and the brows display a superior aesthetic when healed. Also, some artists have posited that they sometimes do it even after the first pass depending on the way they implement the pigment with the first pass and skin delicacy.
The Delicate Balance of Shape and Thickness in Combo Brows
One vital aspect to consider when creating Combo Brows is the overall shape and thickness. Despite the client's wishes or dreams, as a professional, you must critically evaluate their natural brow shape and not blindly follow instructions based on their imagined ideal. The generally acceptable thickness for the head of the brow tends to fall between 8 and 12mm. This standard should guide your work, and you should be wary of exceeding it excessively.
When it comes to designing the brow head with lines, keep in mind that a significant amount of pigment will likely be lost from that area during the healing process. Thus, it is perfectly acceptable to slightly "overstep the boundaries," as the lines will eventually appear shorter post-healing. Furthermore, try to choose an elegant, sophisticated pattern for the brow (our pro-user database has an extensive range of options available) instead of simply drawing straight lines, which can result in an unnatural appearance.
Respect the Natural Direction of Hair Growth in Combo Brows
A common pitfall associated with Combo Brows is the dogmatic adherence to the "fall" pattern of line direction taught during training sessions. While this pattern serves as a useful guideline for practicing on latex and honing your hand-eye coordination, it's not always applicable when working on an actual client.
As a professional artist, you need to take into account the client's natural brow hair growth pattern when creating the lines for Combo Brows. Instead of forcing the learned "fall" pattern, allow your lines to mimic the unique hair growth direction of the individual. Some brows have more abrupt transitions, with hair growing straight for longer, while others display a smoother "fall," with hair transitioning to a horizontal growth direction closer to the brow head.
Don't let the training patterns override the beauty of natural growth. When it comes to line direction, follow nature's lead rather than adhering blindly to the pattern learned in training.
Brow Shape Considerations for Combo Brows
In the creation of Combo Brows, one element that demands special attention is the positioning of the brow's highest point on the lower arch. Notably, this point is typically situated farther out than the highest point of the upper arch. In microblading, this is often measured using the Golden ratio, which gauges the space between the brow's highest point and its endpoint.
In practice, however, professionals primarily emphasize that this point should be more outward than the highest point of the brow (the upper arch's highest point). This subtle differentiation can significantly impact the shape of your Combo Brows, setting them apart from many other styles, especially those predominantly based on microblading.
Hence, while crafting Combo Brows, always bear in mind that the relative position of these arch peaks can significantly influence the final result. It's a crucial distinction that may seem minor but often makes the difference between an average brow and a beautifully shaped, natural-looking Combo Brow.
Tail End Height: A Game Changer for Combo Brows
There's been considerable debate about the tail-end height in Combo Brows design. A growing number of seasoned artists are exploring an innovative approach: raising the tail end almost to the horizontal level of the upper arch's starting point.
At first glance, this may seem radical, even ludicrous, to traditionalists in the field. Yet, the more this technique is employed, the more compelling its merits become. Proponents assert that this seemingly small adjustment can profoundly "elevate the client's gaze" and enhance their overall appearance.
Of course, it's essential to acknowledge one of the basic tenets of permanent and semi-permanent brow creation: the tail end should never sit lower than the lower arch's starting point, horizontally speaking. This principle is widely accepted as a cornerstone of brow design.
However, the bold move to position the tail end in the higher half, horizontally between the starting points of both arches, can yield striking results. Of course, the feasibility of this approach relies heavily on the individual client's facial features. Therefore, it is crucial to assess its appropriateness during the initial brow sketching process.
As artists, we must continually challenge traditional techniques, pushing the boundaries of what's possible to create more personalized, stunning results for our clients. The 'rising tail end' approach may seem daring, but it offers a fresh perspective on Combo Brows design that could be the game-changer your clients are looking for.