Microblading vs. Nano: Evolving Brow Trends

Here's why you should care...

Back when I started doing brows in 2019, brows were just becoming all the rage. My one specialization was in natural-style microblading; and I became very good at it.

I offered microblading to almost any client who walked through the door - because that was the norm, that's what I learned, and there was no strong reason against it.

Then, in 2020 I learned Blade & Shade. This service combined microblading with manual shading, which I learned would benefit clients with certain skin types (such as oily, sensitive, or combination skin.)

Once I learned shading, it was the first time I realized that every individual's skin is so unique, and every skin type needed specific care and consideration when it comes to choice in technique for optimal healed results.

In 2022, I began to learn machine shading. I knew that learning how to offer machine shading (aka powder brows) was critical, because it meant I would be able to keep the integrity of the skin for so many clients who just weren't retaining microblading well. The only downside was, that I had built my career around hair-stroke style brows, and my customer base were heavily biased against shading (although, with the right shape and execution, shading can look natural too).

This would serve as the beginning of my transition into a more versatile business, rather than specialization; which has been challenging, since I had become known for microblading.

By 2023/2024, the online narrative around microblading began to shift. With so many brow artists sharing their experiences starting with microblading and then learning alternative techniques, the general consensus has been this: That microblading should only be reserved for very specific skin types (youthful, smooth, and/or dry to normal).

Along with this consensus came the emergence of nano brows popularity. Nano brows were a machine technique that provided an alternative to microblading, but with much more versatility: hair-stroke style brows that could be done on virtually any skin type. They could easily be combined with shading (aka combo brows) to create fuller brows and more coverage, depending on the client's specific situation.

I began learning the nano brows technique in early 2025, and it was a game-changer. Nano brows were perfect for mature skin, sensitive skin, oily porous skin, and thin skin - all of which generally struggle to retain microbalding well, especially long-term.

Now that I had learned an array of skills - microblading, shading, nano, and combination - I would be able to offer to the widest range of clients possible.

So, why should you care?

As your brow artist, I am here to develop a long-term relationship with you as my client. I care deeply about fulfilling your requests and goals when it comes to your brows, and providing brows that you will love for a long time.

However, styles, preferences, and techniques are changing often, mainly due to social media. As a client, I can imagine it can be impossible to keep up! This is why I recommend coming to your appointment with an idea of how you usually like to wear your brows, as well as reference photos from social media of brow examples that you like. This helps me as an artist get to know your preferences so we can surely go forward with the most suitable technique for you.

I understand that you may actually not know what you want for your brows before booking in, and that's ok! Book a consultation so we can discuss the options first. If you book right in for a PMU service that you think is suitable, that's ok too - I will give you my professional recommendation based on your skin type and facial measurements before we begin.

To learn more about PMU, book your consultation to get started: BOOK ONLINE