I get this question constantly. And honestly, the confusion makes sense because there are now so many brow techniques that it’s hard to know where to even start. So let me just break it down the way I’d explain it to someone sitting across from me.
Microblading
Microblading is done by hand using a small blade tool that makes tiny cuts in the skin and deposits pigment. The strokes look like real hair. When it’s done well on the right person, it can look incredibly natural.
The problem is it’s not for everyone. If you have oily skin, the strokes blur. If you have mature or thin skin, same issue. And because it cuts into the skin, it fades faster than machine techniques — sometimes within a year on certain skin types. I’ve done microblading for years and I still offer it, but I’m honest with people when they’re not a good candidate for it.
Powder Brows
Powder brows (you might also see them called ombre brows or microshading) use a machine to place tiny dots of pigment across the brow. The result looks like you filled your brows in with powder — soft, defined, and polished. Not a hair-stroke look. More of a makeup look.
These last longer than microblading — easily 2 to 4 years — and they work on almost every skin type. If someone comes to me with oily skin, mature skin, or already has some old faded work, powder brows are usually where I steer them.
Nano Brows
Nano brows are my personal favorite to do. It’s a machine technique that creates individual hair strokes, so you get the natural look of microblading with better retention and less trauma to the skin. If you love the hair-stroke look but you’ve been told you’re not a good microblading candidate — nano brows are usually the answer.
Combo Brows
Combo brows are exactly what they sound like — hair strokes in the front, shading toward the tail. It gives you the most dimension and works really well for people who want something natural but still defined. A lot of my clients end up here.
So Which One Is Right for You?
| Your Situation | Best Fit |
|---|---|
| Dry or normal skin, want hair-stroke look | Microblading or Nano Brows |
| Oily skin | Powder Brows or Nano Brows |
| Mature or thin skin | Powder Brows or Nano Brows |
| Want the most natural fullness | Combo Brows |
| Want a polished filled-in look | Powder Brows |
| Have existing permanent makeup | Consultation first — always |
How Long Does It Last?
Rough ranges, because it really does vary person to person:
- Microblading: 1–2 years
- Nano Brows: 2–3 years
- Powder Brows: 2–4 years
- Combo Brows: 2–3 years
Oily skin, sun exposure, retinol, and exfoliating acids will all shorten that. People who stay out of the sun and aren’t doing aggressive skincare get the longest retention.
What Happens at the Appointment
We always start with mapping and shape design before anything else. I look at your bone structure, what you’re working with naturally, and what you’re trying to achieve. No pigment touches your skin until we both agree the shape is right.
Your follow-up is included and we do it at around 8 weeks. That’s when we refine color and fill in anything that healed lighter. It’s part of the process, not an add-on.
What If You Already Have Brows You’re Not Happy With?
I fix other people’s work all the time. Wrong shape, wrong color, faded gray, too dark — I’ve seen all of it and most of it is fixable. We just need to consult first so I can look at what we’re actually dealing with and give you a real plan.
See all brow services and pricing or book online. Consultations are free and not required for most brow appointments — unless you have existing work from someone else.