Microblading vs. Nano Brows vs. Nano Brows with Shading vs. 3D Brows: The Honest Breakdown
Four techniques, one decision, and a lot of vague marketing out there that doesn't actually help you make it. Here's what each one really is, who it actually suits, what happens once oily skin gets involved, and how long you can expect it to hold up. No sales pitch, just the trade-offs.
Microblading
What it is: A fine handheld tool creates individual hair-like strokes by hand. It's the most manual of the four, and the most natural-looking when it's done well and if your skin allows for it.
Who it suits: Sparse or uneven brows, anyone who wants to cut down on daily makeup, and wanst a soft enhancement. It shines on normal to dry skin, where the strokes stay crisp.
Oily skin: This is the one technique we'd steer oily skin types away from. Oil dilutes the pigment under the skin, so hair strokes blur and fade faster than they would elsewhere. If your skin runs oily, one of the machine techniques below will hold up better. If you have any skin disorders or sensitivities that would cause you to bleed easier, definitely stay away from this technique.
How long it lasts: 6 to 18 months before a touch-up. Shortest lifespan of the four, which tracks with it being the most delicate application.
Investment: First session $500, touch-ups $175 to $450.
Nano Brows
What it is: The same hair-stroke look as microblading, but placed with a digital tattoo machine instead of a hand tool. More precise, and the pigment sits more consistently in the skin and because of the tool we are using we can overlap strokes and get more realism out of this technique than microblading.
Who it suits: Clients who want that bold-but-natural hair-stroke look with better staying power, including normal to oily skin, mature skin, and skin with Rosacea. Works best across fair and medium complexions but will also work for dark complexions.
Oily skin: This is where nano earns its keep. The machine implants pigment more precisely and concentrated than a hand tool can, so it resists the blurring that oily skin causes with microblading.
How long it lasts: 1 to 3 years.
Investment: First session $650, touch-ups $225 to $450.
Nano Brows with Shading
What it is: Nano strokes combined with pixel shading, for a bolder, more blended result than strokes alone.
Who it suits: Clients who wear moderate brow makeup already and want that filled-in look built in, sparse or patchy brows, thick brows with gaps, or anyone covering an older tattoo. Normal to oily skin, medium to dark tones, and mature skin (55+) all do well here.
Oily skin: Same machine-based advantage as nano brows, plus the shading adds a layer of coverage that hides unevenness oily skin can cause.
How long it lasts: 1 to 3 years.
Investment: First session $700, touch-ups $250 to $575.
3D Brows
What it is: Our most advanced technique. An intricate pattern layered with multiple shades of color and different line weights for a soft, fluffy, hyperrealistic result, rather than individual strokes.
Who it suits: Clients who want a fuller, more done brow with real depth, minimal to no natural brow hair including clients experiencing alopecia, and mature skin (55+). Best suited to normal to dry skin specifically, light to medium tones.
Oily skin: This is the one place we'd flag the opposite caution. 3D Brows are built for normal to dry skin. If your skin runs oily, nano brows or nano with shading is the better fit.
How long it lasts: 1 to 3 years, with 4 to 8 weeks to fully heal.
Investment: First session $750, touch-ups $275 to $650.
Not sure which one is right for you? That's exactly what a consultation is for. Come in, we'll look at your skin and your brows, and figure out which one actually gets you the result you want.
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