If your brows are too thin to frame your face, patchy, no matter how much you pencil them in, or wild and uneven, no matter how often you trim them, you’d find this article helpful. Many people, just like you, are tired of the daily struggle to make their brows look fuller, defined, and balanced.
That’s why microshading, a semi-permanent technique that gives you soft, natural-looking brows, is becoming the go-to solution. But before you book an appointment, there are three big questions to answer: how much does it cost, how painful is it, and do people actually regret it?
What Exactly is Microshading?
Microshading is a semi-permanent cosmetic tattoo procedure that fills in your brows to make them look fuller and more defined. Instead of hair-like strokes, a technician uses a handheld tool to place tiny, pin-like dots of pigment across the brow area, creating a soft, powdered finish.
It’s often compared to microblading, which involves bladed needles that mimic natural brow hairs. The difference is that microshading provides a more filled-out, makeup-like effect, while microblading leans toward a natural, strand-like appearance.
For people with very sparse brows, oily skin, or uneven brow growth, microshading is often the better option since it heals faster and holds pigment more evenly. With proper aftercare, results can last 1–2 years, though touch-ups are usually needed every 6–8 months.
Does Microshading Hurt?
The truth? Pain is subjective. Most people describe the sensation as being more uncomfortable than tweezing or waxing, but far less intense than getting a tattoo. Before starting, your technician will usually apply a numbing cream to dull the feeling.
The outline phase tends to sting the most, and in some cases, a bit of bleeding may occur. Once the shading starts, the sensation becomes milder. Many describe it as scratchy or prickly rather than deeply painful. Expect some soreness when the numbing cream wears off, but a mild pain reliever like ibuprofen usually helps.
Compared to microblading, microshading is less painful overall, which makes it a more attractive option for those nervous about discomfort.
Post-Session Care: What to Expect
After microshading, your brows will look bold and darker than expected at first, but they’ll soften as they heal. To ensure smooth recovery:
Clean gently with a damp cloth for the first week, then let it air dry.
Apply a moisturising cream as directed by your technician.
Avoid sleeping face down to prevent smudging.
Skip makeup, sweating, saunas, and baths for at least a week.
Stay out of direct sun and resist scratching or picking at your brows.
Following these steps helps the pigment settle evenly and reduces the risk of patchiness or infection.
Where to Get Microshading in Lagos?
If you’re considering it, here are some reputable spots across Lagos:
1. Lash Empress
Lash Empress is situated at 11 Iroko Awe Street, Ikeja. Their process costs ₦65,000. It is budget-friendly with long opening hours and great for first-timers. Their work hours are from 8 am to 9 pm, Mondays to Fridays. They open from 10 am to 10 pm on Saturdays and 1 pm to 9 pm on Sundays.
Visit their website to book an appointment.
Price: ₦65,000
2. Beautish_ng
Costs ₦96,750 and is situated at 13 Taiye Olowu Street, Lekki. Known for hair-like strokes with subtle shading, it is ideal for semi-sparse brows. They open Monday to Saturday, 9:30 am to 7 pm.
Visit their website to book an appointment.
Price: ₦96,750
3. Browlashian Tribe
Browlashian charges ₦110,000 and is located at 14A SS Court Mini Estate, Chevron. It’s a luxury choice with precision work in a premium studio setting. They open Tuesday to Saturday 9 am to 7 pm, and Sundays 12 pm to 7 pm.
Visit their website to book an appointment.
Price: ₦110,000
Can Anyone Do Microshading?
No. You should avoid it if you’re:
Pregnant or breastfeeding
Dealing with overly sensitive skin
Experiencing skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis in the brow area.
The Regret Factor
Do people regret getting microshading? Sometimes, usually because of one key reason: choosing the wrong technician. If the shape doesn’t match your face, the brows come out too dark, or hygiene is neglected, regret sets in quickly.
That’s why research is crucial. Always check healed brow photos (not just fresh ones), read reviews, and confirm the artist’s training. The good news is that microshading fades over time, so even if you’re unhappy, it isn’t permanent. With the right technician, regret is rare. Most people walk away loving the look.
Microshading is a practical solution for anyone tired of battling sparse, scrappy, or uneven brows. Done right, it’s one of the easiest ways to wake up every day with brows that are already defined, even, and ready to go