A perfect combination of two techniques gives outstanding results. Learn all about one of the most popular eyebrow tattoo treatment – combo brows.
Image source: Instagram @ishnaebrows
Last updated in January 2022.
It seems that new eyebrow tattoo treatments are emerging constantly, but just some of them stand out. One of them is combo brows. They look trendy, they are suitable for all skin types and they last longer than microblading.
Keep reading to find out all about this popular treatment.
Combo brows, also known as combination brows or hybrid brows, are exactly what their name suggests – a combination of the two most popular brow tattoo techniques. Microblading and microshading techniques are used to create combo brows, that look attractive, yet natural, with a hint of powdery effect.
Combo brows are done with manual tools and machines which insert pigments into your skin. The pigments are of a natural origin and don’t go as deep as the traditional tattoo ink, which means that they fade after some time. So, combo brows last 1-3 years.
Combo brows are getting more and more popular among people who really like the hair stroke eyebrow look but are not good candidates for microblading on its own. With combo eyebrows, they get hair strokes and some powdery shading which is great for people who have 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 vs microblading, read this guide.
Image source: Instagram @monicaivani.mybrows
Okay, we already know that it involves microblading and shading, but which one is done first?
Artists have different ways of creating combo brows. Most of them do the blading first, either with a manual tool or with a machine (nano brows). That is how they create the skeleton and know where to shade – they claim this is the easier version.
Others, however, do the shading first because it, as they say, gives better and more realistic results. After shading, they add hair strokes, usually to the head of the brow.
Whichever way they choose, the shading needs to be super light, to create a soft pixelated look. They need to look light and airy. Also, combo eyebrows need fewer strokes than microblading.
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 said above, if you have oily skin, your microblading hair strokes will probably blur, 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.
There are certain contraindications, just like with any eyebrow tattoo. Combo brows are not safe for:
Image source: Instagram @modernbeautyink
Once you book your appointment, the artist will give you some instructions to follow in order to prepare properly for combo brows treatment. The preparations will include:
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:
The aftercare routine is very similar for all the treatments, i.e. microblading, shading, ombre brows, etc. You will get a card with aftercare instructions after the treatment, and get advised by your artists.
Here are the aftercare tips for all the cosmetic eyebrow tattoo treatments, including combo brows:
Image source: Instagram @forevervalentinebeauty
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 look patchy and need some perfecting, or you may want them darker, so adding more pigment is necessary. This is why the first touch up is a must.
Other touch ups, or color boost appointments, should be booked when your eyebrows start fading. On average, an annual touch up is enough.
If the average lifespan of microblading is 18 months (without touch ups), you can expect your combo eyebrows to last slightly longer. Shading prolongs longevity, so you can have perfect eyebrows for almost 2 years or even longer.
This also depends on your skin type and lifestyle.
Every cosmetic tattoo carries certain risks since it involves breaking and/or piercing the skin. In order to avoid this, carefully research the brow tattoo artist. Make sure they work in sterile conditions, use quality products and most importantly, are certified and licensed.
Some complications that may occur are usually because the artist is unskilled or a client doesn’t follow the aftercare tips.
Some swelling and redness are normal after the treatment. Don’t touch the scabs during the healing period or you risk scarring as well as ruining the treatment.
Allergic reactions can be prevented with the patch test you should do before the treatment. Infections are very rare, and if you experience swelling, itchiness and redness which are unusual and don’t look normal, contact your artist and dermatologist.
Image source: Instagram @beautybrowtique
Combo brows can be removed. Currently, there are three methods for successful brow tattoo removal:
They are very effective at removing old permanent makeup. However, if you somehow ended up with botched brows and you need emergency removal, you can’t have a laser removal treatment. Only saline removal and glycolic acid removal can be done as emergency removals and only in the first 48h after the treatment, before the brows start healing.
The average price of combo eyebrows is $600, but the prices vary, depending on the location, permanent makeup salons saturation, expertise and popularity of the artist, etc.
Combo eyebrows are a combination of microblading and microshading. They are perfect for all skin types as well as for people who like the combination of hair strokes and powdery effect. They are becoming very popular and in demand, because the results are really outstanding.