Microblading vs. Nano Brows: Which Brow Technique is Right for You?

While many believe that the brow industry has skyrocketed only in the last decade, you’d be surprised to know that brow enhancement techniques have been developed and continually updated since the 1920s - possibly even earlier. In 2024, those living with brow hair loss can choose from a variety of brow enhancement techniques depending on their preferences.

For those who opt for temporary methods, both brow tattoos and eyebrow stencils are the hottest on the market and offer their users instantly natural brows from the comforts of home. However, those who want semi-permanent procedures would often go for powder brows, combination brows, microblading, or nano brows.

In this article, we take a closer look at nano blading vs microblading, and how you can choose the best semi-permanent technique for your lifestyle.

What is Microblading?

Microblading is a minimally invasive procedure that results in tattooed brows that look like natural hair. Each session takes an average of two hours with one initial touch-up required once the brows fully heal. With proper aftercare and maintenance, it can last between one to three years.

Understanding the Microblading Technique

In microblading, the technician utilizes a hand-held device with micro needles attached. Each needle deposits pigment into the skin using a swift motion that mimics natural hair strings. There are different lengths and shapes for each needle blade, depending on the kind of strokes your technician deems most applicable in your case.

Benefits of Microblading for Eyebrow Enhancement

• Lasts between one to three years, perfect for those who want brows to stay on longer.
• Saves time in the morning as you no longer need to fill in your brows.
• Is safe on all skin types, however, can fade quickly on oily skin.
• Minimal to no pain during the procedure.
• Is waterproof and will not keep you from your outdoor or recreational activities.

Microblading Aftercare: What You Need to Know

The healing process after a microblading session comes in phases. It will first be tender, and red, may swell, and sometimes bleed. In this initial stage, it will also look very dark, bold, and full.

As days pass, your brows will start to scab and itch but it is important not to touch them as this can cause premature fading, infections, and scars.

Once the first 10-14 days are over, your brows should start to resemble how they will really look - natural, defined, and structured. At this time, it is important to follow an aftercare routine:

• Do not expose your brows to the sun.
• Do not swim, and when showering, do not run the water on your brows. Gently pat dry right away.
• Do not apply brow makeup or skincare products.
• Only apply the healing cream prescribed by your technician.
• Do not scratch, peel, rub, or touch the area.
• Do not go tanning or in the sauna.
• Do not work out or perform activities that cause excessive sweating.

What are Nano Brows?

Nano brows use a PMU (permanent makeup) machine to apply pigment to a shallow layer of skin. Similar to other procedures, results can also last up to three years with proper aftercare and maintenance. Below we talk about what sets the technique apart from its main contender, microblading.

Exploring the Nano Brow Technique

With nanoblading, the technician applies the pigment with a single nano needle machine. This makes it far more precise than multi-needle procedures and results in an ultra-fine application. While this has its advantages, it could also mean pigment retention issues when the skin is too hydrated or oily. For this reason, those with oily skin may benefit more from other cosmetic tattoo procedures such as microblading, powder brows, or combination brows.

Differences Between Nano Brows and Microblading

• Machine: Nano brows utilizes a PMU machine while microblading uses a hand-held manual tool.
• Needles: Nano brows uses only a single needle while microblading utilizes 12 to 18 needles per application.
• Technique: Since nano brows utilize a PMU machine, the results are done digitally. It deposits pigments using tiny dots that gradually form hair-like strokes. Microblading, on the other hand.
• Less Skin Trauma: Because nano brows are done digitally, the pressure and motion are more controlled, offering less trauma to the pierced skin.
• Depth: With nano brows, pigment is applied in a slightly more shallow layer compared to microblading. This contributes to less trauma on the skin but also requires more touchups.

Ideal Skin Types for Nano Blading

Nano blading can be applied to all skin types. However, those will extra moisturized or oily skin will most likely experience quicker fading.

Who Should Choose Microblading?

While microblading is suitable for all skin types, there are other factors to consider as it may not be as effective for some than others. Moreover, there are other health concerns to weigh out before ultimately deciding to get microbladed brows.

Best Candidates for Microblading

Pregnant women or nursing mothers are not advised to get microblading done. Those with certain skin conditions should also consult with their dermatologist or technician first.

The best skin types for microblading are those with normal, combination, or dry skin. These skin types can retain the pigment better and longer, which means fewer touch-up sessions are required down the road.

Microblading for Oily Skin: Is It Suitable?

Those with oily skin can still avail of a microblading procedure. However, it is important to understand that with more moisture, the less the pigment stays, so you may have to get more touch-ups done before the average period of one to three years.

Touch-Up Requirements for Microblading

After your first microblading session, it is required to get an initial touch-up once your brow line has fully healed. This is to ensure that there are no bald spots left on your brows and that the pigment covers all sparse areas.

Who Should Choose Nano Brows?

Tired of dealing with thinning brows but don’t want the pain of other semi-permanent enhancement procedures? Nano brows offer a great way to still get tattooed brows that last a year or three despite a low pain threshold.

Benefits of Nano Brows for Different Skin Types

Nano brows can work great on normal, dry, and combination skin types as they result in well-defined brows, applied with great precision.

This procedure is also ideal for those with sensitive skin since the single-needle application offers a less invasive, less painful, and a more gentle technique.

It is important to note that while nano brows are still applicable on oily skin, touchup sessions may be required more frequently since more moisture combats pigment retention.

Why Nano Brows May Be Better Than Microblading

The two main advantages nano brows may have over microblading are that (1) the PMU machine used with the former delivers consistent pressure and motion each time and (2), the single-needle application reduces the risk of skin trauma and lessens overall pain.

Aftercare Tips for Nano Blading

Aftercare for nano blading is similar to microblading in the sense that you should avoid touching the area, exposing it to sun and moisture, and also refrain from applying products while it is still healing.

Apart from pausing your laps at the pool, sauna sessions, and other physical activities that result in excessive sweating, we also recommend sleeping only on your back during this period to keep your brows from touching your linens and blanket.

What Else Can you try instead of Nano Blading & Microblading?

Dealing with constant hair loss despite multiple attempts to grow brow hair back can take a toll on your physical and mental health. Semi-permanent procedures offer great options, especially when you look at nano blading vs microblading. However, not everyone is comfortable getting prodded with needles. Moreover, the tattooed result typically stays on for a year, which can be too much of a commitment for most.

If this sounds similar to your concerns, there are two products that offer fantastic solutions: Temporary Brow Tattoos and Eyebrow Stamp Kit.

Both are 100% pain-free, instant, can be done from home, and lasts between 12 hours to 3 days. This offers natural brows without the long commitment, without the invasive procedure, and without even having to leave your house!

Each Eyebrow Stamp Kit can typically last you 2 months when used daily, while each pack of temporary brow tattoos can last you a month - both with a variety of brow styles, shapes, and sizes to choose from.

Dreaming of once again having bold and defined eyebrows? Start your journey to natural-looking brows with My Two Brows today.