permanent makeup
Ombré Brows
Powder-effect semi-permanent brows with a soft ombré gradient for a makeup-like finish. Offered on-site by Charm Brows & Beauty
Booking for this service continues on the Charm Brows & Beauty website (opens in a new tab).
About this service
Ombré brows are created with a machine and a shading technique that builds tiny dots of pigment rather than hair strokes. The result is a soft powdered finish — lighter at the front, deeper towards the tail — that looks like brows with makeup on them.
Offered on-site by Charm Brows & Beauty.
Because it doesn't rely on defined strokes, ombré holds up better than microblading on oily skin and on skin that has been treated before. It's also the more forgiving choice as it fades, softening evenly rather than breaking up.
A touch-up 6 to 8 weeks after the first appointment completes the process.
What's included
- Consultation and patch test discussion before starting
- Brow mapping and shape agreed and drawn on for your approval
- Pigment matched to your hair and skin tone
- Numbing for comfort throughout
- Machine shading built in layers to your chosen intensity
- Aftercare product and full written instructions
What to expect at your appointment
Allow around two hours. Your artist maps and draws the shape first and you approve it before any pigment goes in.
After numbing, the shading is built up in layers — you can go softer or bolder, and this is decided as it develops. You'll be shown the result and given aftercare.
Healing runs in stages: darker and bolder for the first few days, then flaking around days 5 to 10, then a period where the colour looks faint before it settles fully at around four to six weeks. Don't judge the result until then — the mid-healing 'ghosting' stage worries almost everyone and resolves on its own.
Who it's best for
Oily and combination skin, anyone who already fills their brows in with powder or pomade daily, and anyone wanting a defined, groomed look. It also works well over previous brow tattoo work. Not performed during pregnancy or breastfeeding — discuss your medical history at consultation.
Caring for it at home
Keep the area dry for the first 7 to 10 days: no soaking, swimming, saunas, steam or heavy sweating, and no makeup over the brows. Don't pick or scratch as the area flakes — pulling the flakes off takes pigment with them.
Apply the aftercare product exactly as your artist directs, sleep on your back where possible, and keep the area out of direct sun. Once healed, sunscreen is the single biggest factor in how long your brows keep their colour.
Tips from our stylists
- Bring a photo of your brows filled in the way you like them
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine and fish oil for 24 hours beforehand
- Don't wax or tint the brows for a week before
- Say clearly whether you want soft and misty or bold and defined
- Sunscreen on healed brows is what keeps the colour longest
- Book the 6-8 week touch-up at the same time
Common questions
- How is ombré different from microblading?
- Microblading creates hair-like strokes; ombré builds a soft powdered shade. Ombré suits oily skin better and fades more evenly.
- How long does it last?
- Usually one to three years, depending on skin type, sun exposure and aftercare.
- Will it look like makeup?
- It looks like softly filled-in brows. Your artist can go misty and subtle or more defined — it's your choice.
- Does it hurt?
- Numbing is used throughout; most people find it very manageable.
- Do I need a touch-up?
- Yes, at 6 to 8 weeks. It's part of the process.