Names and Styles: D-s, Mixes, Hybrids, Magic, and more When it comes to naming different brow styles, differentiation is often necessary. While there may be distinct principles in creating these styles, the differences are typically marginal and mostly cosmetic compared to other styles. Frequently, unique names are chosen merely to stand out among countless others.
In terms of naming, creativity knows no bounds. Common terms like "mix," "hybrid," "soft," "magic," "bold," "light," and similar are utilized. This is even true with adding "D"-s to terms. For example, whether you call your Microblading, Powder Brows, or Combo Brows style "5D," "7D," "10D," or "100D," it's just a stylistic choice. However, it's worth noting that "3D" brows often describe shaded non-permanent brows. There's no rigid terminology policy to enforce consistency between a name and a style.
Copyright and Trademarks
Regarding trademarking a brow style, securing copyright protection can be elusive. Trademark registration may be possible if one devises an extraordinary and specific name never used in the beauty business. Often, larger brands trademark visuals or combine well-known terms with existing brand names.
For universal terms like "microblading" or "powder brows," trademarking them is practically impossible, as authorities such as the EU IPO only allow these terms to be trademarked in niche categories where they have not become "household" terms. For instance, one might successfully register "microblading" for "tattooing of pets for identification purposes,” but that has no effect whatsoever if one tries to protect their business.
Furthermore, registering a widely known term at the local country level doesn't enforce global restrictions on its use. Someone can easily add a phrase to a common term, differentiating it enough for separate trademark registration. The essence of trademark protection is simple: one cannot deceive customers by leveraging a trademark someone else has established. Since no one can claim to have coined "microblading" as an original term, at least not before it became globally known, the pathway to protection remains complex.
Does the World Need Another Brow Style?
Let's zoom into the question of whether there is an actual need for a new brow style. You may rightly ask, "Does the world need another brow style?" Considering that as a brow artist, you probably don't want to spend months in your basement crafting something completely new like a third technique comparable to Microblading or Powder Brows, the idea of creating another style might seem superfluous. Let us face it, the world is functioning just fine without another brow style.
There's a slim chance that your "style invention" might possess such novelty and uniqueness that it could be adopted by thousands of artists worldwide. While it's theoretically possible, the odds are less favorable than winning a lottery. Therefore, the concise answer to the question is, "Most likely, the world does not need another semi-permanent brow style at all.”
Understanding the “Why” behind the styles
Just because you're not being pursued by a mob with torches and pitchforks demanding a new brow style doesn't mean you shouldn't explore this avenue. When you sincerely analyze why countless brow styles have been created, you'll see that it's neither about demand nor groundbreaking innovation. The most vital reason artists or companies create new styles is to differentiate themselves.
When offering services like Combo Brows, Powder Brows, or Microblading, you can either market yourself as "just another brow artist in town" using the same age-old techniques or stand out. For example, you might say, "You could choose the ordinary 'powder brows,' or you could opt for the 'bold mix magic brows'" (this is a fictional example). Experience shows that having a specific term often assists in being able to market your brow services better.
Finding your unique angle
Having your unique angle, even a minor twist, can be beneficial. It offers you the best of both worlds: you can advertise that you provide "microblading" or "powder brows" service and, at the same time, highlight your special style. If you can identify at least three genuine reasons why your style differs from the ordinary way powder brows or microblading are created, you can craft your "signature style.”
What could be those differentiating factors? It could be anything! Perhaps you follow a new, improved, and more natural pattern, use different cartridges with every procedure, or offer bolder, more refined, or lighter patterns. Your style might be more pronounced or, conversely, more subtle and light, depending on the preferences and expectations of your clientele.
Ensuring customers appreciate your unique approach
The essential factor is that your unique angle must resonate with something your customers can understand and value, rather than just something you find appealing. For instance, styles like brows of a certain color, extraordinary shape, or very thin brows might set you apart, but they are rarely what most of your customers want. The same applies to so minor details that only “brow-geeks” can notice and that ordinary customers can not differentiate.
On the other hand, factors like better retention, a more natural look, minimal damage to the skin, sharper lines, consistent appearance throughout all healing phases, less need for frequent retouching, and overall attractiveness are aspects that many customers are likely to appreciate. These qualities can be the key to setting your work apart from others and connecting with your target audience. When you look closely at most descriptions of the "unique" styles that artists have "invented," most of them apply to the same customers' wants.
