Choosing the right pigment for your clients can be overwhelming, especially with so many options on the market. One of the most important distinctions to understand is the difference between organic and inorganic pigments, as it directly affects vibrancy, durability, application, and how the pigment fades over time. Let’s break it down:
Organic Pigments: Bold & Long-Lasting 🌟
Organic pigments are primarily composed of carbon-based colorants, making them:
• Brighter and more intense in color.
• Faster to implant into the skin.
• Long-lasting with minimal fading.
However, these pigments require a high level of precision to avoid oversaturation or harsh results. Superficial implantation and dilution are crucial when working with organic pigments to achieve a soft, natural look.
💡 Best for: Experienced artists and clients who want bold, defined brows with long-term results.
Inorganic Pigments: Soft & Natural 🌿
Inorganic pigments are derived from natural minerals such as iron oxides and titanium dioxide. These pigments:
• Create muted, earthy tones.
• Often require layering to achieve the desired color.
• Fade gradually and evenly over time, without color shifts.
Inorganic pigments are more forgiving and are an excellent choice for clients who want flexibility in their brow style over time.
💡 Best for: Newer artists and clients who prefer soft, subtle results.
Hanafy Pigments: The Best of Both Worlds 🔥
Hanafy combines the best properties of organic and inorganic pigments to create two distinct lines:
• Organic Hybrid Line: Bold, vibrant colors (carbon-based) that heal with intensity and last longer.
• Inorganic Mineral Line: Soft, natural tones that fade beautifully and gradually disappear without color change. These pigments are primarily inorganic mineral-based (iron oxide and titanium dioxide), offering a softer, more natural look.
The beauty of Hanafy pigments? You can mix and modify them to create custom colors tailored to your client’s skin tone and preferences.
How to Modify Hanafy Pigments for Perfect Results
1️⃣ Dilution is Key: Use Hanafy’s Universal Pigment Thinner to reduce pigment intensity and achieve softer results. This technique is essential for creating natural ombré brows, lip blush, or soft shading. Start with 1–2 drops of thinner and adjust as needed. This technique is especially useful for clients with thin or mature skin.
2️⃣ Mix for Custom Shades: Blend different pigments to adjust warmth, coolness, or depth. Need to warm up a cool tone? Add a touch of orange. Want a cooler shade? Mix in a pigment with blue undertones.
3️⃣ Consider Skin Tone and Type:
• Oily skin: Opt for deeper tones that compensate for fading.
• Mature or thin skin: Use lighter and more diluted shades to avoid harsh results.
• Corrector Pigments: Hanafy’s range of correctors can neutralize unwanted undertones or fine-tune your final color.
CI Codes: How to Identify Organic vs. Inorganic Pigments 🔍
Want to get even more technical? Each pigment has a CI (Color Index) Code that reveals whether it’s organic or inorganic:
• CI 76999 and under = Organic pigment.
• CI 77000 and above = Inorganic pigment.
What Are CI Codes?
CI stands for Color Index, a standardized system used globally to identify pigment ingredients by assigning them unique numeric codes. These codes can be found on Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) or directly on pigment labels. They provide essential information about the pigment’s chemical structure—helping artists determine whether a pigment is organic or inorganic.
Understanding these codes gives you deeper insight into how a pigment behaves in the skin, how it heals, and how it fades over time.
How to Identify Organic vs. Inorganic Pigments
The CI number is the easiest way to determine the type of pigment you’re working with:
• CI 76999 and under – This indicates the pigment is organic.
• Organic pigments are carbon-based, offering bright, bold colors and long-lasting results. These pigments implant easily and quickly but require precision to avoid oversaturation.
• Examples:
• CI 21095 (Pigment Yellow 14)
• CI 21108 (Pigment Yellow 83)
• CI 12466 (Pigment Red 269)
• CI 74160 (Pigment Blue 15)
• CI 77000 and above – This indicates the pigment is inorganic.
• Inorganic pigments are mineral-based, creating muted, natural tones that fade gradually and evenly. These pigments may require layering but offer flexibility in adjustments over time.
• Examples:
• CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide)
• CI 77491 (Red Iron Oxide)
• CI 77266 (Pigment Black 6/7)
Why Are CI Codes Important?
By knowing the pigment composition, you can make more informed decisions about your pigment choice based on your client’s:
• Skin type: Organic pigments may be better for oily or thick skin, while inorganic pigments heal softer on thin or mature skin.
• Desired results: Organic pigments are ideal for bold, long-lasting results, while inorganic pigments are perfect for soft, natural fades.
• Longevity and fading: Organic pigments fade slower but can hold onto intensity longer, while inorganic pigments fade gently without color shifting.
💡 Pro Tip: Always check the MSDS or label for CI codes to confirm the composition of the pigment. This extra step helps you avoid surprises in healed results.
Knowing your pigment composition gives you full control over your results and ensures you choose the right formula for every client.
Choosing Pigments for Different Skin Types
Selecting the right pigment involves understanding your client’s skin type and how it interacts with pigment over time.
• Mature/Thin Skin: Inorganic Mineral Line (for softer, natural results), dilute pigments and avoid oversaturation.
• Neutral Skin: Either line, depending on client preference, customize based on lifestyle and desired longevity.
• Sensitive Skin: Inorganic pigments for reduced irritation, slow machine speed and lighter pressure.
Color Fading & Longevity
Hanafy pigments are designed for predictable fading and color stability, but the fading pattern depends on multiple factors:
• Organic pigments fade slower but retain intensity longer.
• Inorganic pigments fade evenly and completely without color shifts, making them ideal for clients who want a low-maintenance, natural result.
Factors that Influence Fading:
• Skin type (oily skin tends to fade faster)
• Depth of implantation
• Aftercare and lifestyle (sun exposure, exfoliation, etc.)
Final Tips for Using Hanafy Pigments
• Always test new mixtures on a practice pad before applying to a client.
• Use high-quality cartridges to ensure smooth implantation.
• Track your healed results to refine your pigment choices and mixing techniques.
Ready to Elevate Your Work?
Explore Hanafy’s full range of organic and inorganic pigments to create custom, high-impact results for every client. Hanafy’s innovative formulas give you the power to create custom results that match every client’s skin tone, preferences, and style. Whether you’re going bold or soft, Hanafy pigments have you covered.
💡 Shop Now: Hanafy
Questions? Don't hesitate to reach out to us directly for more tips, tricks, and information about all of our product lines!
The Lazy Sunday Team