What Are
Combination Brows?

Combination brows is a term given to the application of permanent makeup using a variety of techniques to achieve a tailored end result. Typically, combination brows combines hairstroke brow and ombré brow techniques to create eyebrows that appear as if they have makeup applied, while still retaining the appearance of individual hair strokes.

From an aesthetic standpoint, eyebrows complete the face and frame the eyes and this is why women and men look toward the field of permanent makeup (also known as cosmetic tattooing and micro pigmentation), to address concerns about the appearance of their eyebrows.

Cosmetic tattooing of eyebrows is a nearly painless procedure and takes approximately 2-3 hours.  Eyebrows are first shaped to best suit a client’s facial features and contours, anesthetic is applied, and then the artist uses whatever technique has been agreed upon to implant the pigment into the skin.  It is not uncommon for clients to fall asleep.

professional doing microblading treatment
Semi-permanent makeup mircroblading process

How Does The
Process Work?

Permanent makeup for eyebrows encompasses a variety of techniques.  Microblading is a method  that utilizes a manual pen to individually etch realistic eyebrow hairs gently and carefully into the skin.  It is not actually a blade that is used, but a configuration of tightly bound individual needles. 

Aside from microblading, there are several other equally beautiful treatments.  Not all treatments are suitable for every client; therefore, it is important to trust a trained artist who is fully certified.   Other treatments are powder brows, ombré powder brows, digital hair stroke brows and combination brows.  All three of these treatments generally involve the use of a permanent makeup or tattoo machine. 

As the name suggests, a powder brow is a soft brow appearing like powder or delicately penciled eyebrow makeup, with distinct contours.  An ombré brow is the same, but with a much softer brow front and upper contour.  A combination brow is a powder brow with individual eyebrow hair strokes layered overtop.

All permanent makeup eyebrow techniques involve an initial session and a perfection session after about 6 weeks and no later than 8 weeks.  Thereafter the client can expect between 10 to 18 months’ longevity for microblading and two or more years for the other methods. Annual color boosts are recommended to keep the treatment looking fresh.