Nano Brows vs Microblading: What’s the Difference?
Eyebrows play a significant role in how we look as well as interact with the world around us. They help to shape the face, accentuate the eyes, and play a role in communication. Not everyone is blessed with perfectly-manicured natural eyebrows, which is why so many women (and men) take time to trim, shape, and fill their brows.
When it comes to crafting long-lasting, well-defined, and aesthetic eyebrows, two of the most popular treatment options are hair-like strokes or a filled-in powder look.
In this blog post, we focus on hair-like strokes; nano brows, which is gaining popularity these days, and microblading, which has changed the lives of millions of people.
We will highlight everything you need to know about these procedures as well as the main differences between them, including a look at longevity, pain, cost, aftercare, and more. Let’s get started with this guide to nano brows vs microblading.
What Is Nano Brows?
Are those interested in reshaping their eyebrows, nano brows is highly recommended. This procedure helps to achieve a person’s desired look without the need for daily upkeep.
Put simply, nano brows is a cosmetic tattoo technique. Using a fine needle, it works to fill in sparse brows for a fuller and more defined appearance (as well as change the shape of eyebrows, as desired). A pigmented ink and a fine needle combine to create tattoo strokes by creating continuous dots that look just like natural hair.
The procedure is a two-step process. The first is the initial procedure, which is followed by a perfecting session. Once you have discussed your ideal eyebrow shape and look with the permanent makeup artist, they will remove excess hair and draw out the desired shape before using the aforementioned needles and pigment.
The follow-up session, which takes place a number of weeks later, allows the artist to perfect the look. As needed, additional stokes will be added and the overall shape will be tweaked.
What Is Microblading?
Microblading is another popular procedure designed to improve the appearance of eyebrows. As we will highlight below, there are a number of differences between it and nano brows. However, the main difference is that nano brows uses a small needle with a tattoo device and not cutting the skin, which allows greater flexibility in designs.
In the case of microblading, the procedure involves the use of needles bundled together as a blade attached to a manual tool that creates lines resembling eyebrow hairs by cutting the skin. The pigment is placed on the dermal-epidermal junction of the skin during the procedure using the tool.
The procedure as a whole takes approximately 2-3 hours, though every case is different. A touch-up session is scheduled a number of weeks later, as with nano brows.
What Are the Differences in These Procedures?
We have already highlighted the main difference between nano brows and microblading (i.e. the tools). Let’s now turn to other differences, namely the longevity of the treatment, pain levels, ideal candidates, cost, and aftercare.
Longevity
Nano brows, on average, last for between 18 to 30 months. A touch-up treatment after around 12 or 18 months is recommended to maintain the perfect look.
In comparison, microblading blades last for approximately 12-18 months (the effects can be prolonged with proper aftercare and touch-ups). Therefore, nano brows is more resilient and lasts longer, which makes it the optimal choice for many people.
Pain
Since microblading blades over the skin, the pain level is higher than nano brows, in which the needle only goes in and out and many clients only feel slight discomfort, not as much to say pain.
Before either procedure, a topical anesthetic is applied to eliminate any pain, but oftentimes this can be opted out for nano brows as the pain level is minimum. More is added during the procedure.
It is normal to experience some tenderness in the area after either treatment. This will pass within 24-48 hours in most cases. It’s important to note that every person experiences pain and discomfort differently, so some people may experience more or less discomfort than most.
Ideal Candidate
Little known fact is that microblading is not recommended for most people. Clients with oily skin types and large pores do not heal well and therefore it is not recommended. If you have low pain tolerance or bleed more, it is better to choose other types of eyebrow cosmetic tattoos. Nano brows are more suitable for a wider range of conditions. Clients with previous work can be accepted on a case-by-case basis. If you got your brows done in the past, make sure to discuss the options with the artist first. What artists view as “faded” brows and clients’ definitions of “faded” brows are not always shared.
Cost
The cost of both nano brows and microblading differs from clinic to clinic and where they are located. Looking at the average, nano brows typically costs between $500 and $800 for both sessions. The cost of a yearly touch-up session costs around $300.
The average cost of microblading is generally quite similar to nano brows. Today, the average cost of microblading is around $600.
Some artists choose to charge the perfection appointment separately. Particularly when the cost is low, ask how many sessions are included in the price.
Aftercare and Healing
Both of these treatments have similar aftercare. For both microblading and nano brows, the healing process is generally considered completed after approximately 6-8 weeks. Once healing is fully complete, a touch-up session is scheduled.
Generally, the initial side effects following these procedures tend to last longer with microblading since it involves cutting the skin. These side effects include itching, scabbing, and redness. Any side effects felt following either treatment typically subsides within a week to 2.
With both procedures, it is recommended to regularly clean the eyebrows and apply an aftercare ointment, stay away from the sun, and avoid makeup in the area for the first 14 days or until the scabs are gone. While the eyebrows are healing following either procedure, be sure to avoid touching them.
Nano Brows vs Microblading: Everything You Need to Know
The bottom line is that both nano brows and microblading are excellent treatment options for people looking to improve the shape and look of their eyebrows. These procedures help to give a precise and defined look, creating eyebrows that are sure to turn heads.
If you would like to learn more about these treatment options or book an appointment, don’t hesitate to contact our expert team at Vita Felice. We are a licensed medi spa located in the heart of New Westminster, BC. Click here to schedule an appointment today.
