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Hybrid Brows: All You Need to Know
Learn all about hybrid brows – a brow style made by combining microblading and microshading.
Image source: Instagram @officialbeautyangelsacademy
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Hybrid brows are one of the most sought-after treatments at the moment. Some permanent makeup artists call them combo brows because they are created by combining two different cosmetic brow tattoo techniques – microblading and microshading.
We answer all your questions about hybrid brows.
Click on the link to go directly to a specific step:
What Are Hybrid Brows?
Hybrid brows are a semi-permanent brow tattoo, created in two steps – one is microblading, and the other is microshading. The microblading part is done with a manual tool for creating hairstroke-like incisions. Microshading is done with a brow tattoo machine that adds the shadowy effect. Hybrid eyebrows, like any other cosmetic tattoo, are done with pigments of natural origin, and will start fading after some time – they last up to 2 years.
Want to find out more about microshading and microblading? Follow the links:
Microshading: The Ultimate Guide
Microblading Eyebrows: The Ultimate Guide
Image source: Instagram @niel_permanent_beauty
Why Do Clients Love Hybrid Brows?
Microblading is still the most popular treatment because it gives realistic hair strokes, but not everybody is a candidate for this cosmetic eyebrow tattoo. People who have oily skin usually don’t get great results with microblading. The sebum overproduction makes the tattooed hair strokes blur after some time.
Clients who like hair strokes but are afraid they will get blurred choose hybrid brows. Hybrid brows have both hair strokes and shade, so they look like natural brows filled with an eyebrow pencil. Almost exactly like most of the clients do their brows every day.
How are Hybrid Eyebrows Created?
As said above, two techniques are combined – microblading and shading. But which one comes first?
Most of the artists choose to do hair strokes first, so microblading, and then add the shade. Some of them, on the other hand, say that the results look better if the shading is done first. It all comes down to the artist’s preferences and it is important that the final result is satisfying.
Most artists add hair strokes at the beginning and shade the rest of the brow. Very few of them will microblade the entire brow.
Microblading is done with a manual tool dipped in pigment that creates tiny incisions in the skin that resemble natural hair strokes. Some artists use nano blading or nano brows instead of microblading – the same technique but done with a machine. Shading is done with a PMU machine.
Who is a Good Candidate for Hybrid Brows?
As said above, people with oily skin are great candidates for hybrid brows. Also, those who want to cover up an old brow tattoo, on condition it is faded enough. Microblading only is not a good choice for covering up old tattoos, because the pigment residues make the strokes look blurry and messy. So, adding microshading will look much better.
Who Isn’t a Good Candidate for Hybrid Brows?
Some people should not get hybrid brows, due to their conditions. Here is the list:
- People with diabetes (consult your doctor)
- People with serious diseases such as cancer, epilepsy, or autoimmune disorders
- 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 (wait at least 4 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 @hulavesbrows
How to Prepare for Hybrid Brows Treatment?
The preparation for getting hybrid brows include:
- Most artists will ask for your medical history, so it is important that you are healthy.
- Stop taking blood thinners (Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Niacin, Vitamin E, B6, Omega 3, Ginkgo Biloba, Primrose, etc.) at least 1 week before your procedure.
- You shouldn’t get any facials, peels and facial injections at least 4 weeks before the procedure.
- No caffeine or alcohol at least 48 hours before the procedure, because it can increase bleeding during the treatment.
Hybrid Brows Healing Process
After the treatment, your eyebrows are a fresh wound that needs to heal. The complete hybrid brows healing process will last up to 6 weeks, but you will see the real results much sooner.
First, your eyebrows may look too dark, but don’t worry – they will fade up to 50%. When they start healing, somewhere around day 4, you may notice small scabs falling off. It is important not to touch them and let them fall on their own.
After the scabbing period, which will last for 5-7 days, you may notice that the eyebrows look lighter than they should. It is a normal part of the hybrid brows healing process – the pigment will reappear before the healing period is over.
Also, your eyebrows may heal patchy – that is also okay. You will get them fixed at the touch up, which should be done 6-8 weeks after the initial treatment. It is done to finalize the tattoo, fill in the potential patches and add more pigment if the client wants darker brows.
Image source: Instagram @mybrowandbeauty
Hybrid Brows Aftercare Tips
Aftercare is very important for the success of the brows. The rules are strict, but not too hard to follow. And you only need to be careful for about two weeks – after that, the brows continue healing and you can go back to your normal daily routine
Here is what’s important to know about the hybrid brows aftercare:
- After the treatment, you will notice some lymph coming out of your freshly tattooed eyebrows. Clean the lymph build-up 2-3 times a day.
- Starting from day 2, wash the area as often as prescribed with sterile water. Your eyebrows are an open wound that needs to be cleaned.
- Don’t touch the scabs when your skin starts peeling – let them fall off on their own.
- If your artist prescribes an aftercare ointment, apply a thin layer 3 times a day, or following a different schedule prescribed by your artist. Always use clean fingers or a cotton swab.
- Sleep on a clean pillowcase, ideally a silk one.
- Always 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, facials, sweating, sun exposure, sauna, jacuzzi, or swimming until the area is completely healed.
- Try to avoid getting your eyebrows soaking wet. If they get wet, pat them dry as soon as possible. No rubbing!
- Do not use any anti-aging products, especially those that contain lactic acids, glycolic acids, and retinol, as they will fade your eyebrow area.
How Often Do I Need a Hybrid Brow Touch Up?
Hybrid brows tend to last longer than microblading, but you will probably need annual touch ups. The frequency of touch ups depends mostly on your skin type and lifestyle and may be required more often if you have oily skin or if you spend a lot of time in the sun or water.
When your brows start fading and when you notice you need to fill them in with a pencil, that is the right time to book a color boost.
How Long Do Hybrid Brows Last?
The average lifespan of microblading is 12-18 months without a touch up, but since hybrid eyebrows involve shading, they can last up to 2 years.
However, they will probably start fading after a year, so don’t let them fade completely – you will pay more for the full treatment instead of just the color boost.
Image source: Instagram @advance_microblading_academy
Hybrid Brows Risks and Side Effects
Hybrid brows involve breaking the skin with a manual tool and the shading machine, so yes, there are some risks.
Some swelling and redness are normal after the treatment, but if you experience unpleasant itching and redness you can’t stand and that doesn’t look normal, you may have developed an infection.
Infections are not common if you find a certified and experienced hybrid brows artist and if you follow the aftercare tips. Most complications happen because a client goes to an unskilled artist who doesn’t know the right depth and may cause scarring and a botched tattoo.
Allergies are another possible side effect, but that can be avoided if you do a patch test before the treatment to check if you are allergic to pigment ingredients.
Can I Remove Hybrid Brows?
Yes hybrid eyebrows can be removed and it is usually done with one of these three treatments:
These removal treatments can be done only when your eyebrows are completely healed. If you are looking for emergency removal, it can be done with saline solution or glycolic acid but only in the first 48h after the treatment, before the brows start healing.
How Much Do Hybrid Brows Cost?
The average price of hybrid eyebrows is $600, but the prices vary, depending on the location, competition in the area, expertise and popularity of the artist, etc.
Hybrid Brows – Main Takeaways
Hybrid eyebrows are perfect for all skin types and for clients who like the combination of hair strokes and powdery effect. They are done by combining two techniques – microblading and microshading. They are becoming very popular and in demand, because the results are really outstanding.