Colour correcting is the process of using PMU pigments to modify unwanted hues from microblading tattoos that were the wrong pigment or have changed colour over time. The process involves the use of shading microblading needles to apply colour corrective pigment and, once neutral brown brows are achieved, the originally intended colour can be applied.
See our blog ‘Take care with your microblading aftercare’ to find out more...
Before you begin your colour correction process, you not only need to find the contrasting shade to neutralize the problem but you also need to take into account other elements of PMU Colour theory. The contrasting shade can be found using a colour wheel. The opposite colour will combine with the existing one, neutralising it.
Purchase a colour wheel here.
PMU colour theory is vital for any PMU Artist as there are many factors which can affect the end healed result as the pigment is embedded into the skin, as opposed to being placed onto the skin like ordinary make up. The artist must therefore be able to take into consideration the customers’ skin tone, undertone and natural eyebrow shade as well as the formula of the pigments used.
Skin tone: the most common way to determine the customers’ skin tone is by using the Fitzpatrick Scale. The scale shows 6 different tones of skin from lightest to darkest. Each of the tones is determined by the amount of melanin within the skin.
Undertone: There are three different undertones and here is how to distinguish them:
Finding the undertone of a pigment:
Once you have selected your colour correction pigment, it may be useful to double check the undertone. To find the undertone follow these simple steps!
What you will need:
The steps:
Now that you have chosen your pigment. You must now make sure you have the correct tools available for the process. The most successful way to achieve colour correction is by microshading the brows.
(Left to right: double row shading microblading needles, flat shading microblading needles, nano blade microshading roller, round pin flexible shading needles, nano blade microshading roller tips)
Microshading handtools and needles can be purchased through our website.
Once you have your shading microblading needles and colour correction pigment prepared, you can now begin colour correcting. You must ensure that the process is completed over several passes, progressively saturating the brows in the chosen pigment. A controlled and gradual increase in saturation will help you to prevent adding too much pigment and making the situation worse. Once neutral brown brows are achieved, you can then draw out the desired brow shape using a white surgical marker pen and proceed to microblade the brows with the desired pigment.
Overall the process of colour correction can take a while due to multiple passes of the colour correction pigment, but also repeating the process if the old colour is still visible when your client returns for a touch up appointment. Particularly if the original tattoo is very dark or saturated as you will need one appointment for the application of the colour corrector alone.
As this is a long and repetitive process, ensure you use a microblading swelling agent and numbing agent.
We particularly recommend you shop eyebrow numbing gel strips at Microblading Emporium.
Apply this microblading pigment fixing agent during the procedure to help lock in pigment, avoid fading lines and achieve the best colour penetrating.
The most important thing to remember is to take your time, gradually saturating the brow and do not rush!
Understanding colour theory and colour correction usually takes a lot of time and practise, so you may wish to look at for further training in order to practise and improve your understanding of the subject.
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