We get asked about permanent makeup a lot. And the question we get the most, is: what’s the difference between the microblading, ombre powder fill, and hybrid methods, and which one is best?”

We get asked this question so often that we decided it was time to do a post about it. So here it is: the guide to microblading and semi-permanent eyebrows!

First and foremost, no single method is best nor better than the others as it all comes down to personal style, skin type and coloring.

Method One: Microblading (aka Hair Stroke) 

Overview: Microblading is a technique whereby hair-like incision strokes are individually created along the eyebrow to enhance, reshape, fill (cover gaps of lost hair), to extend the eyebrows, or to fully reconstruct brows with little to no hair. Using a hand-held tool, creating many hair-like impressions by implanting pigment strokes under the skin allows for the creation of a very natural looking brow. Microblading is meant to replace individual hairs, not to fill your brows to look like they’re filled in with pencil or shadow.

Pros: Microbladed brows look very natural. If done by an experienced professional, each stroke looks like real hair.

Cons: Microbladed brows are the least permanent of all Permanent Makeup due to the shallow depth the strokes penetrate and implant the pigment under the skin. They therefore require more frequent touch-ups than other techniques. The results of this procedure can last 1 to 2 years, however, clients typically come back between 8-12 months for a microblading color boost / touch-up. Microblading is less effective on oily/combination skin types than other methods.

Who is it best for: Microblading is perfect for someone who has thin or patchy brows, those who want a subtle shape enhancement and someone who doesn’t regularly fill in their brows

 Ready to get your perfect brows? Book your Microblading Consultation or Touch-Up / Color Boost here.

Method Two: Ombré Powder Fill

Overview: This technique has been around for decades, but has been gradually improving over the years. The ombré powder fill method (also known as powder, mist, microshading, ombré shading, or stardust brows) is more like a traditional tattoo, and involves the application of thousands of extremely fine dots of pigment, inserted into the skin, gradually building up a color and defined shape, but solid (without hair strokes), unlike microblading.

This technique differs from microblading in that it creates a misty, powder filled brow (through shading) similar to that of makeup. The technique generally includes a faded bulb (front) and a crisp tail, resulting in a very subtle look.

Pros: Ombré powder fill brows use a more traditional tattooing method, with longer lasting results, and compatible with most skin types, including oily or combination skin. The results of this procedure can last 1 to 3 years, however, clients come back for color boosts closer to the 12-18 month mark. The brow is also fuller and more defined or dramatic than the microblading hairstroke method.

Cons: Because this method has been around for a long time, it doesn’t have the best reputation. Many people are fearful of this method looking unnatural, because it does create a more defined, solid look than microblading void of hair strokes. Today’s powder fill permanent brows are far more natural looking than their 1985 predecessors. In fact, ombré fill brows can be made to look very natural, by not saturating the desired brow shape 100% with pigment and allowing for a defined yet soft/non solid look.

Who is it best for: If you are someone with oily or combination skin, or one who fills in your brows regularly with pencil or shadow, then this is the method for you! It mimics the look of filled in brows, without all the effort each morning.

Ready to get your perfect brows? Book your ombré powder brow consultation here.

Method Three: Microblading + Ombré (aka Hybrid) Brows

Overview: Remember when we said that there isn’t a BEST microblading method? It’s true, but just between us, the Microblading + Ombré (Hybrid) Brow is our favorite. It’s exactly what it sounds like: a combination of microblading (hair strokes) and ombré powder fill. The technique differs from standard microblading through the addition of shading which creates a misty, powder-filled brow.

Pros: The combination of microbladed hair strokes and a powder fill gives an incredibly natural looking brow. It’s a bit more defined and filled in than just straight microbladed brows, and a bit less solid and dramatic than ombré powder fill. Clients come back for color boosts closer to the 12-18 month mark.

Cons: The hybrid brow costs slightly more than the other two methods given that is incorporates both methods requiring additional steps and time (but requires fewer touch-ups).

Who is it best for: We love this technique for everyone to be honest. All brows are customized specifically for each individual client based on their desired look, skin type, coloring, bone structure etc. There are no two clients with the same brow design.

Ready to get your perfect brows? Book your Microblading + Ombré Brow Consultation or Touch-Up / Color Boost here.