Combo Brows: All You Need to Know
A perfect combination of 2 brow tattoo techniques. Hair strokes + shading will give you the perfect, light makeup look.
Brows by Beauty Boss, Bethesda
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Combo brows are a combination of microblading (or machine) strokes and shading. They look trendy, are suitable for all skin types and last longer than microblading on its own.
Keep reading to find out all about this popular treatment.
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What Are Combo Brows?
Also known as combination brows or hybrid brows, this treatment is a combination of the 2 most popular brow tattoo techniques: microblading and shading (powder brows).
This fusion gives an enhanced, yet subtle eyebrow arch, with an illusion of more natural volume and a hint of powdery effect.
Just like any other contemporary eyebrow tattoo, combo brows are done with pigments formulated to fade after some time. They usually last 1-3 years, fading gradually unless they’re refreshed.
Work by Belura Beauty, Miami
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What’s So Great About Powder Brows?
Combo brows are great for people who like the hair stroke eyebrow look but are not good candidates for microblading on its own – like people with oily skin and large pores.
With combo eyebrows, they get hair strokes and some powdery shading, which works for oily skin. Oily skin is not so great for microblading since the hair strokes get blurred after some time.
To find out more about the differences between combo brows and microblading, read this guide.
Image source: Instagram @monicaivani.mybrows
Who Is a Good Candidate for Combo Brows?
All people who love the result of the combination of microblading and shading, which is natural-looking eyebrows with a light makeup look.
This style is perfect for clients with oily skin. As mentioned, if you have oily skin, your microblading hair strokes will probably blur relatively quickly, so it is better to add shading for better final results.
Combo brows are also a great solution for covering up an old brow tattoo if there is a light shadow. Microblading only is not a good choice for covering up old tattoos, because the pigment residues make the strokes look blurry and messy.
Work by Harmony PMU, Toronto
Who Isn’t a Good Candidate for Combo Brows?
There are certain contraindications, just like with any eyebrow tattoo. Combo brows are not safe for:
- People with diabetes (consult your doctor)
- People with any bleeding disorders
- People who take blood-thinning medications (consult your GP and discontinue use if possible)
- People who’ve recently had Botox injections or fillers in the area (wait at least 2 weeks)
- Pregnant or nursing women
- People with a history of keloids or hypertrophic scarring
- People with viral infections or diseases
- People who are going through chemotherapy
- People with skin irritations or Psoriasis near the treated area
- People whose skin was tanned recently
Image source: Instagram @modernbeautyink
How to Prepare for the Treatment?
Once you book your appointment, the artist will give you some instructions to follow to prepare properly for combo brows treatment. The preparations will include:
- You must be healthy. Most artists will ask for your medical history.
- No caffeine or alcohol at least 48 hours before the procedure.
- Stop taking blood thinners (Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Niacin, Vitamin E, B6, Omega 3, Ginkgo Biloba, Primrose, etc.) at least 1 week before your procedure.
- Don’t wax or tint the area at least 7 days before the procedure, because the artist needs to see the real shape of your natural eyebrows.
- You shouldn’t get any facials or peels at least 2 weeks before the procedure.
- You shouldn’t have any facial injections at least 2-4 weeks before the procedure (depending on the type of injections).
What Does the Combo Brows Healing Process Look Like?
The combination brows healing process lasts up to 6 weeks, but your eyebrows will look good much earlier. Here are the healing stages they are likely to go through:
- Days 1-3: Your brows will look too dark for a few days after the treatment. Don’t worry, the pigment will fade up to 50%.
- Days 3-7: A scabby film will cover your brows around day 5. Do not touch it, let the scabs fall off on their own.
- Days 7-12: The scabs will start peeling off on day 7 or so. It may go through 2 cycles of peeling. Do not pick at the peeling skin.
- Days 12-14: Your eyebrows will appear too light. Don’t worry, this is the ghosting stage and the pigment will reappear.
- Day 14 onwards: The pigment starts showing again. Your eyebrows are taking their final shape.
Image source: Instagram @kellysdreambrows
Click here for a more detailed guide to combo brows healing.
What Should I Know About Combo Brows Aftercare?
Here are the aftercare tips for all the cosmetic eyebrow tattoo treatments, including combo brows:
- On day 1, clean the lymph build-up 2-3 times a day.
- From day 2, wash the area 2-5 times a day with water and antibacterial soap.
- If your artist prescribes an aftercare ointment, apply a thin layer 2-5 times a day. Always use clean fingers or a cotton swab.
- Never touch the treated area with your fingers unless they are completely clean. The same goes for basically any surface that comes into contact with your brows.
- Do not scratch, rub, pick, or peel the healing skin. Allow it to flake off on its own so you don’t damage your skin or your results.
- Apply a light coat of ointment on the area before a shower or bath, to protect your eyebrows from the steam and water.
- Avoid any makeup in the area, facials, sweating, sun exposure, sauna, jacuzzi, or swimming until the area is completely healed.
- Avoid getting your eyebrows soaking wet. If they do get wet, pat them dry as soon as possible. No rubbing!
- Sleep on a clean pillowcase, ideally a silk one.
- Skip anti-aging products, especially those that contain acids and retinol, as they will fade your brows.
- To prevent future fading of your results, use sunblock whenever you’re outside (after healing).
- ✨ BONUS TIP: You can get a plastic visor to wear while showering and washing your hair. They’re super practical for keeping your brows dry.
Image source: Instagram @forevervalentinebeauty
Here’s What You’ll Need:
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NOTE:
The aftercare routine described is just a general one, and the product suggestions are just our recommendation. If your artist prescribes something different, listen to them. There’s likely a good reason.
When do Combo Brows Need to Be Touched Up?
The first touch up is a part of the treatment – it is mandatory, and it is done 6-8 weeks after the initial treatment. After your eyebrows have healed, they may need some perfecting, or you may want them darker, so adding more pigment is necessary.
Other touch ups, or color boosts, should be booked when your eyebrows start fading noticeably. On average, an annual touch up is enough.
Of course, you don’t have to refresh your brows if you don’t want to prolong their longevity.
How Long Do Combo Brows Last?
Up to 2 years without touch ups, depending on your skin type and how well you generally take care of them.
The average lifespan of microblading is 18 months (without touch ups), but you can expect your combo eyebrows to last slightly longer, as shading prolongs longevity.
Are There Any Risks and Side Effects?
Every cosmetic tattoo carries certain risks since it involves breaking and/or piercing the skin.
Some swelling and redness are normal after the treatment and are not considered problematic.
Infections are very rare, and if you experience swelling, itchiness or redness which are unusual and don’t look normal, contact your artist and dermatologist.
Allergic reactions can be prevented with the patch test you should do before the treatment.
Carefully research the brow tattoo artist, as certain complications can happen if the artist is unskilled. Make sure they work in sterile conditions, use quality products, and most importantly, are certified and licensed.
Find an artist for your combo brows here.
Also, follow all the prescribed aftercare rules – they ensure the wound heals properly. Don’t touch the scabs during the healing period or you risk scarring as well as ruining the treatment.
Image source: Instagram @beautybrowtique
Can I Remove Combo Brows?
Yes. Currently, there are three methods for successful brow tattoo removal:
They are very effective at removing old permanent makeup.
However, if you somehow end up with botched brows and you need emergency removal, only saline and acid removal can be done as emergency removals and only in the first 48h after the treatment.
How Much Do Combo Brows Cost?
The average price of combo eyebrows is $600, but the prices vary, depending on the location, competition in thee area, expertise and popularity of the artist, etc.
Image source: Instagram @ishnaebrows
WHY TRUST THIS GUIDE
This guide is a result of 5+ years of studying and researching the permanent makeup industry. The information comes from reliable sources: a number of eyebrow tattoo technicians, and a wide variety of medical sources.
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