Combo Brows vs. Microblading: What’s The Difference?
If you want the perfect brows, it is important to know the differences between combo brows vs. microblading, and what is going to be best for you and your style.
Let’s dive into what type of brow work will be best for your facial features and give you the best results!
Combo brows vs. Microblading
Before diving into which is better between combo brows and microblading, it is important to know which one you’re a better candidate for.
There are differences in how these cosmetic procedures are completed, and which one is the right choice for you will be largely dependent on your skin type.
Here are some definitions that will help you decide what best suits you and your desired outcome.
Keep in mind that combo brows and microblading are not the only options and there are a variety of procedures depending on the look you wish to obtain.
What is Microblading?
Microblading technique: Microblading is a way to create permanent brows that resemble natural hair strokes.
This is done by placing pigment in the epidermis layer of the skin, or the outermost layer of the skin. This creates individual hair strokes that resemble natural brow hair.
Oftentimes, it is advertised as a permanent makeup technique. However, since it is on the outermost layer of skin it usually lasts no more than 18 months, sometimes up to 30 months.
Microblading is known as the more traditional tattooing method. Microblading can also be called nano brows.
Shading: Shading can be done by a digital machine or by hand to fill in the space between the hair-like strokes. It enhances the eyebrow by giving it volume.
What Are Combination Brows?
Combination brows: Combination brows, or combo brows, combine shading and microblading. It still resembles real hair but uses shading to fill in any parts of the eyebrow not completed by microblading.
The first part is tattooed and the second part is shaded to the tail of the brown. It combines the best of microblading and shading to create a new look.
Combo brows are best for those with oily skin.
There is also a similar alternative to combination brows which is the “Ombre Powder Fill Method”.
When researching combo brows vs. microblading, ombre shading will come up as well.
Because of that, it is important to understand what the ombre look is, too.
In the ombre brows method, a machine is used to create a soft shaded brow pencil look, instead of a handheld tool.
This is not as easy to pull off with a machine versus a manual tool.
The ombre powder brows look is stunning with light or natural makeup. It is also a great way for combination skin types to be included – the type of skin that rotates between oily and dry.
Microblading & Combo Brows Similarities
When deciding what type of brow procedure is right for you, first consider the similarities between the two types of cosmetic work.
There are four main similarities between the two cosmetic procedures:
- The healing period between microblading vs. combo brows is very similar, usually about two weeks
- Both fall under permanent makeup procedures, even though they are more known to be semi-permanent
- Both create realistic brows with extremely fine lines
- Both are fine for sensitive skin if done correctly
Differences between microblading & combo brows
Even though there are similarities between the two, it is the difference between microblading and combo brows that is important to examine in order to make a proper decision about what you would like to get done.
Here are the top differences:
- The main difference is that they give you different styles of brows
- Because they give different styles of brows, it is important to understand your personal style and what would look best on your skin tone and with your skin type
- Combo brows last longer
- Combo brows can accommodate more skin types
FAQs
Is combo brow better than microblading?
With the list of differences above, it may seem as though combo brows are better than microblading.
However, it is not that combo brows are better than microblading, it is that you have to choose the brow style that is best for you.
For example, microblading gives a more natural look than combo brows. However, combo brows are most likely the best method for those with oilier skin.
How long do combo brows last?
Although combo brows are considered cosmetic tattooing, they do not last as long as average tattoos. They normally last two to four years.
How long does microblading last?
Microblading is designed to last for only a few years. The eyebrow area will still require touch-ups here and there, but usually only once or so a year.
Do combo brows look natural?
Although microblading does look a bit more natural, combo brows do look like natural brows also.
What should I know before my appointment?
There are a few things to call and ask about before both microblading and combo brow appointments, but here is a general guideline of what to ask:
- Make sure to ask what type of products, food, or supplements should be avoided before the procedure. Many recommend avoiding Vitamin E as it can lead to increased bleeding
- Check if there are any medical reasons to not get this done (uncontrolled high blood pressure, use of blood thinners, etc.)
- Verify if the procedure will be done by machine method or a different way
- Ask your microblading technician if anything will be handled differently if you have had a previous eyebrow tattoo on the soon-to-be treated area
- How long to wait for your first touch-up
- Should you prevent sun exposure a few days before going in
- What the healing process is like
Final Thoughts
The best thing is that it is only a win-win situation when it comes to combo brows vs. microblading.
If you want to capture your natural beauty and add to it with natural-looking eyebrows, keep these options in mind if you want a semi-permanent eyebrow.
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