What is Microblading Shading Solution?

Shading Solution, included in the Tina Davies I LOVE Ink Eyebrow Pigment Set & Sunset Brow Pigment Set is used simply as an optional diluent for any artist who wants to lessen the pigment load of their chosen pigment colour. This is recommended to be used when using a manual shading microblade, such as the 19 Shader.

For machine shading, it is not necessary to dilute your pigment as you are able to control the level of saturation with your pressure, number of passes and needle configuration.

What is manual shading? 

Manual shading is the process of adding a light wash of colour behind microbladed hair strokes to create a look of depth and dimension. The final result looks natural, 3 dimensional, and full. Typically, adding shading results in longer retention than microblading alone. It is done using a manual hand shading tool like the 19 Shader - NOT a machine.

Tina typically does both microblading and shading in one procedure and is using this technique on about 50% of her clients.

How do I properly dilute pigment for manual shading?

The general rule of thumb for diluting pigment is to dilute the pigment by at least 50%-80% with a shading solution to start for MANUAL shading.

This means the majority of your mixture will be shading solution, not pigment. This 50%-80% rule will vary depending on how much pigment you have used, the concentration, and your cup size. i.e. 8 drops shading solution, 2 drops pigment. Be sure to mix with a pigment mixer. It is recommended to dilute the pigment at a higher percentage to allow you to build to your desired outcome. High dilution is especially necessary when working at the tails of the brows where the skin is at its thinnest.

Note: For machine shading, it is not necessary to dilute your pigment as you are able to control the level of saturation with your pressure, number of passes and needle configuration. However, if you choose to dilute using a machine, we recommend 30%-50%.

How is shading solution used?

It's simple!

1. Add 2 parts of your target pigment colour, and 8 parts shading solution to a pigment cup.

2. Mix well with pigment mixer.

3. Start manual shading!

Why dilute by 50 to 80 percent?

The goal of shading is to create a sheer or shadowed effect behind the microbladed strokes for a 2-dimensional look. The brow will have soft edges created by microblading PLUS impact created by the shading. You want to avoid a fully solid brow that looks very flat.

How do I use the 19 Shader?

The 19 Shader is an angled needle, shaped in a round formation, it is to be used in a flicking or stippling movement, unlike the microblading motion of dragging along the skin. However, the technique is the same as other microblades in the sense that it must still penetrate into the dermis in order for the skin to retain the pigment.

Shading with 19 Shader Microblade