Somewhat unconventional approaches in Combo Brows
A different approach is not necessarily wrong
In the realm of Combo Brows and microblading, there is no one-size-fits-all method. Every artist boasts their unique touch, often leading to diverse techniques and strategies. In this article, we explore some of these variations, shedding light on the different paths that professional artists may take to achieve the same goal. The information could serve as an intriguing insight into how others in the field might approach the creation of hair strokes in Combo Brows in their own distinct way.
“While the realm of Combo Brows and microblading welcomes creative expression and unconventional methodologies, it’s imperative not to confuse unorthodoxy with a lack of knowledge. There lies a stark contrast between an artist choosing an unusual approach based on informed decision-making and an artist masking ignorance or incompetence with the guise of ‘being unconventional’. The key lies in understanding and mastering the foundations, then confidently stepping out of the box when appropriate, not as a cover-up for shortcomings.”
Unconventional Wisdom: A Single Pass Approach to Combo Brows
The realm of Combo Brows is abundant with innovative and progressive techniques. Among these, some professional artists have broken away from traditional methods to pioneer a more streamlined approach – executing the hairstroke lines with just a single pass. These artists swear by this unconventional method, arguing that it produces equally impressive results.
The process involves creating the hairstroke lines as accurately as possible during the first pass, followed by a gentle tap with a napkin to reveal the lines. Next, the artist applies a pigment mask over these lines, allowing it to rest for at least five minutes. This initial step is crucial in ensuring the pigment adheres to the newly etched lines.
Once the pigment has been allowed to sit, the artists inspect their work meticulously, going over only those lines that appear to lack pigment. This is done with extreme care, with a light stretch to the skin to ascertain whether pigment needs to be added. Following this selective touch-up, a second pigment mask is applied. And that concludes the hairstroke part of the Combo Brows.
This one-pass approach may seem unconventional, but many artists have found it to be an efficient and effective way of achieving striking Combo Brows. However, mastery of this technique requires a high level of precision, skill, and confidence.
Standing Out from the Crowd: The Vertical Mapping Technique for Combo Brows
In the realm of Combo Brows creation, mapping and sketching are integral steps that can drastically influence the end result. Traditionally, artists carry out these steps with the client in a laying position. Yet, some avant-garde professionals prefer to diverge from the norm, favoring a more upright approach.
These professionals argue that by conducting the initial mapping and drawing of the brows while the client is either standing or sitting upright, they can achieve a more natural and aesthetically pleasing brow structure. They assert that this technique helps to prevent the brows from appearing droopy or sagging, an issue that can sometimes occur when the entire process is performed with the client lying down.
The process begins with the client facing the artist, either standing or seated. The artist then completes the outline of one brow in this vertical position. Once the first brow is carefully sketched, they ask the client to lie down, and the outline of the other brow is drawn, essentially mirroring the design of the first brow.
Although not traditional, this method of vertical mapping and sketching has been championed by numerous professionals in the field. They attest that it provides a unique advantage in achieving more natural and harmonious brows, by taking into account the way gravity affects the natural fall of the brows. However, this technique requires an additional layer of skill and adaptability on the part of the artist, to seamlessly transition from vertical to horizontal mapping.
Drawing the Lines: The Art of Connection in Combo Brows
As every artist has their own distinctive style and technique, so too do their methods of connecting the marked points during the creation of Combo Brows differ. Some artists trust their freehand drawing abilities, gently extending lines between marked points with a skilled, steady hand. Others adopt a more methodical approach, creating a dotted path to guide their line between points.
However, a novel technique has emerged among some innovative artists – using a pencil-rubbed thread to create precise, straight lines. This strategy is typically employed for the upper arch, stretching from the starting point to the highest point, and the lower arch, from the starting point to the peak of the lower arch. Some even extend this technique horizontally from the highest point of the upper arch, establishing a meticulously drawn baseline.
The tail section, on the other hand, follows a more uniform practice. It's widely agreed upon in both microblading and Combo Brows creation that the upper arch of the tail should curve upwards, offering a natural and visually pleasing flow to the brow. Yet, even within this general consensus, a handful of artists still prefer to implement the pencil-rubbed thread technique in the tail section, demonstrating that personal style can often reinterpret conventional wisdom.
Techniques in Action: Sequential Versus Simultaneous Brows
Artists' preferences in the process of creating Combo Brows can widely vary, with distinct techniques in use even for the initial pass of the process. A common method among many artists is to apply the first pass to one brow, allow the pigment mask to set, then move on to perform the first pass on the second brow. This alternating technique ensures that both brows are receiving attention at roughly the same time during the procedure.
However, there are artists who favor a sequential approach, particularly those who adhere to the "one-pass plus correction" philosophy. These artists tend to complete the entire first brow - from the initial pass to the pigment setting - before turning their attention to the second brow. This allows them to focus on the intricacies and details of each brow separately, perhaps leading to a more meticulously crafted outcome.
Yet, it's important to note that the sequential technique seems to be less common, based on the feedback Powderbrows.com has received from various artists. Ultimately, the chosen method reflects the artist's personal style and confidence in creating a balanced and harmonious look between the two brows.
The Brow Beginnings: Mirror Image or Natural Asymmetry?
Creating the start of the brow, or the 'head lines', brings an interesting debate among Combo Brows artists: should the beginnings of both brows be identical mirror images, or should they reflect the natural asymmetry often present in natural brows?
A section of artists maintains the viewpoint that the head lines of both brows should be copied as precisely as possible. They often clear the pigment mask from the brow head section of the first brow before drawing the head lines of the second. The reason? They believe this visual reference aids in creating an exact mirror image on the second brow, thereby achieving a symmetrical look.
Conversely, another group of artists trusts their memory and artistic intuition to replicate the head lines on the second brow, without referring back to the first. They argue that natural brow beginnings are not perfectly identical, and thus, they allow the pigment mask from the first brow to remain while working on the second. This approach may lend a slightly more 'natural' look to the final result, acknowledging the subtle asymmetry that can be part of a natural appearance.
While there's no absolute consensus, over time the tide seems to be shifting in favor of the latter approach. Many professionals now agree that the beginnings of the brows don't necessarily have to be 100% matching mirror images of each other for the final outcome to be considered high-quality. This highlights the evolving nature of the field, as well as the artistic license involved in creating unique, personalized brows for each client.