Microblading
Uses a hand tool fitted with several fine needles to draw individual, hair-like strokes into the top layer of skin, one at a time, mimicking real eyebrow hairs. Because it is done entirely by hand with manually controlled pressure rather than a machine, the strokes tend to look especially natural and fine. Since the pigment only sits in the shallow, outer layer of skin, though, it tends to fade relatively quickly as skin naturally renews itself, and a touch-up is often needed after about a year to a year and a half.
Powder brows and ombré brows
Uses a machine with a fine needle to deposit tiny dots densely and evenly, filling in a soft gradient shadow similar to filled-in eyebrow makeup. The ombré style — lighter at the front and gradually darker toward the tail — is the classic version, giving that soft, powder-filled look. Pigment tends to last somewhat longer than the line-based microblading technique, and it is often chosen by people who prefer fuller, bolder-looking brows.
Combo brows
A hybrid technique that uses microblading to add natural texture at the front of the brow and powder shading toward the tail, combining both methods in one treatment. It is chosen when someone wants natural-looking texture up front along with a more defined, shaped tail at the same time. Since it combines two techniques, it generally takes longer and costs more than either technique on its own.
Nano brows (hairstroke)
Uses a single machine needle that is far finer than a microblading tool to draw strokes close to the thickness of an actual eyebrow hair. Even though it uses a machine instead of a hand tool, the strokes are so fine that the result looks quite similar to microblading. Because a machine applies pressure with more consistency, the depth of each stroke tends to be more even, which for some skin types can mean the pigment lasts even longer than microblading.
How this differs from a traditional eyebrow tattoo
A traditional eyebrow tattoo deposits pigment deep into the dermis layer of skin, so it lasts far longer than any semi-permanent technique — but over time the color can spread or shift toward a bluish or greenish tint. Semi-permanent techniques are specifically designed to place pigment near the shallow, outer skin layer so it fades naturally within one to three years, while dermis-level tattoo pigment is much harder for the body to fully break down and clear, carrying a higher risk of both spreading and discoloration over time. That is a major reason more people now prefer semi-permanent techniques, which give a more natural result and are easier to adjust later.
Aftercare and what to check before booking
For the first several days after the procedure, keeping water off the scabbed area, never picking at the scabs, and applying a thin layer of the recommended ointment are all important for how well the color ultimately holds. Avoid activities that could accelerate pigment loss during early healing, like saunas, swimming pools, and heavy sun exposure. Before booking, it is worth carefully checking whether single-use needles and proper tool sterilization are used and reviewing the technician's qualifications, experience, and past work — and since licensing requirements and regulations vary by location and change over time, checking current guidance from your local authority is the safest approach.