Powder Brows and Nano Brows
Nano Brows and Combo Brows as categories of Powder Brows
Semi-permanent eyebrow makeup can be generally divided into two primary types: microblading and PMU machine techniques (based on Powder Brows). If microblading isn't an appropriate choice for you, alternative PMU machine solutions such as nano brows or powder brows are available. Additionally, Combo Brows is a fusion technique that merges these two styles. We shall explore that division more closely in this post.
“It is always smart to make clear how a concrete artists presents the Powder Brows style(s) she (he) provides - the same approach can have many different names.”
Nano Brows vs. Powder Brows: Shared Features
Before we dive into the distinctions, let's first examine the shared characteristics of nano brows and powder brows. Although they are separate treatments, they have several similarities and are often deemed superior to microblading by many experts. Here are some key points to bear in mind.
Employment of PMU Machine
Nano brows and powder brows are both part of the machine brows category. This category comprises permanent makeup procedures that aim to enhance your eyebrows by injecting pigments into your skin using a PMU machine.
In the grand scheme, nano brows are a specialized form of powder brows as they spring from the same essential PMU technique. For clarity and better comprehension, let's focus on how professionals distinguish between these treatments.
A PMU machine, similar to a tattoo machine in its working principle, uses a variety of needles at a lower power. The fine needles used in PMU can create lines as thin as natural brow hairs.
Unlike the elongated cuts made by a microblading blade, the PMU machine swiftly punctures the skin with its needle, making tiny holes instead of linear scratches. These pigment-loaded perforations, also known as pixels, dots, or speckled lines, stay in position due to the small diameter of the hole, averting pigment spillage. This method of pigment insertion is adaptable to various styles.
Compatibility for those unfit for microblading
Given the way it's applied, both nano brows and powder brows are compatible with clients who are not suitable for microblading. Some people may not be candidates for microblading due to factors such as oily skin, which can cause microblading strokes to blur and fade quickly, sensitive skin prone to trauma, and mature skin that might be too delicate or too tough for effective microblading.
The machine application is advantageous in these cases as it offers a milder approach with less chance of going too deep or too shallow. It also ensures that the pigments stay visible for a longer period compared to those inserted via a blade, due to smaller punctures that are less affected by the skin's natural oil secretion and exfoliation process.
Nano Brows vs. Powder Brows: Contrasts
While the application method remains the same, nano brows and powder brows deliver different aesthetic outcomes, and your choice will eventually depend on your personal style preferences.
Key Difference - Style variations
The versatility of the machine technique for eyebrow PMU paves the way for varied results. Let's contrast the appearance of nano brows and powder brows.
Nano Brows
Also referred to as digital microblading or digital hair stroke brows, nano brows simulate the look of microblading. This procedure augments the eyebrows by adding hair-like lines, or hair strokes, to the brow arch. The hair strokes are formed by placing pixels closely together in a line, hence originating from the foundational technique of Powder Brows.
Visually, nano brows deliver a remarkably natural look, crafting the illusion of naturally denser brows without any makeup. This natural aesthetic is more enticing to a wider clientele, including men.
Powder Brows
As the base technique for creating PMU brows, powder brows essentially color your brows using a PMU machine. The pixels are arranged in proximity to create a powdery effect, similar to filling in your brows with makeup products.
Often performed in an ombre gradient (resulting in the term ombre powder brows), powder brows start lighter at the brow's head and gradually darken towards the tail. This creates an appealing, sophisticated look.
Choosing Between Nano Brows and Powder Brows
If you lean towards a natural, makeup-free appearance for your brows, nano brows would be an optimal treatment. On the other hand, if you frequently wear makeup and favor a more polished look, you might want to contemplate powder brows.
Combo Brows
Significantly, these two treatments can be merged into a combo brow – integrating shading amidst the strokes of nano brows, offering the best of both techniques. To clarify, Powder Brows is the primary technique, and thus both nano brows and combo brows are fundamentally powder brows. In cases where the hair stroke style of powder brows (also referred to as "hair stroke powder brows," or "nano brows") is fused with other powder brow styles (like "ombré", and "shading"), such blended versions can also be labeled as "merged brows," or "combo brows."
In conclusion, understanding the way your artist explains the exact styles of powder brows they offer can be advantageous. Many artists have created variations of the Powder Brows style, including "soft ombre," "bold brows," "ombre powder brows," etc. Grasping this rationale and classification simplifies the ultimate decision-making process.