Tips for Selecting Softap Colors 

The classification known as the Fitzpatrick skin type (or phototype) depends on the amount of melanin pigment in the skin. This is determined by the constitutional color (white, brown, or black skin) and the result of exposure to ultraviolet radiation (tanning). This scale was described by Dr. Thomas B. Fitzpatrick, American Dermatologist, father of modern dermatology, and is often used in PMU and micropigmentation since the pigment implanted in the skin interacts directly with melanin determining the final result of the color.

When you do permanent makeup or microblading, you must be very familiar with the characteristics of the skin types so that you can correctly classify your client and select the color in the most appropriate way.

Skin types, according to Fitzpatrick, are classified from 1 to 6, taking into account the characteristics of hair color, skin color, and eye color. These structures are used because they have melanin in common.

This is the table that summarizes the characteristics of skin types according to Fitzpatrick:

In the skin, melanin is produced by melanocytes, cells that are found in the epidermis, and their main function is associated with protection against ultraviolet radiation.

There are different types of melanin, and in humans, the most common are called Pheomelanin and Eumelanin, which are present in all people but in different concentrations. These concentrations are genetically determined and vary according to different ethnic groups.

Pheomelanin is more abundant in light skin (skin types 1-2 and 3), producing a pink to red hue, also found in large quantities in red hair. Pheomelanin is found additionally on the lips and nipples.

Eumelanin gives color to gray, black, yellow, and brown hair and is more abundant in people with dark skin (skin types 4-5 and 6).

The following images and charts help you identify this classification and color selection more straightforwardly.

MICROBLADING COLORS FOR SKIN TYPE 1

Strawberry blondes, redheads, or auburn hair color  with green eyes, light skin, and eyebrows

MICROBLADING COLORS FOR SKIN TYPE 2

Blondes, gray, or white hair with blue eyes, blond hair, blond eyebrows, and light skin.

FOR SKIN TYPE 3

Brunettes of Dark, Medium, and Light Brown hair with honey or light brown eyes, light skin, and light eyebrows.

FOR SKIN TYPE 4

Dark skin, brown eyes, hair and dark brown eyebrows.

FOR SKIN TYPE 5

Darker skin, black eyes, hair and black eyebrows.

FOR SKIN TYPE 6

Darker skin, black eyes, hair and black eyebrows.