The three ways of creating Combo Brows
Combo Brows = hair stroke style combined with shading
Combo Brows, alternatively referred to as combination brows, or hybrid brows, are a blend of two principal design approaches to brows: hairline imitation and powder effect. However, when it comes to the way the "hair stroke" portion and the “shading part” of the brow is created there are alternatives: it can be done with a microblading blade, or with a PMU machine. That gives us three principle combinations that are all referred to as Combo Brows.
“There are three alternative ways to create Combo Brows when it comes to combining the techniques of microbladng and pigmentation: “A+B” (microblading+Powder Brows), “B+B” (PMU + Powder Brows), and “A+A” (microblading + shading with the blade).”
Microblading + PMU shading ("A+B")
One of the most well-known ways to create Combo Brows is by combining Microblading and Powder Brows (or Microblading and Microshading, or Microblading and PMU). Those terms all mean the same in this context: the hair stroke part of the brow is made with a blade and the shading effect is achieved with the PMU machine.
Such incorporation of both techniques results in a visually appealing, natural look that carries a subtle powdery effect. Like other modern eyebrow tattoos, combo brows utilize specific pigments which gradually fade over time, giving them a lifespan of 1-2 years, rarely longer.
The growing popularity of combo brows is largely attributed to those individuals who are fond of the hair stroke brow aesthetic but aren't optimal candidates for microblading in isolation. The beauty of combo brows lies in the inclusion of hair strokes and light shading, a combination that proves beneficial for those with oily skin. This is crucial as oily skin tends to blur hair strokes in microblading over time.
Nano Brows (hair stroke style) + PMU shading ("B+B")
The other way to create Combo Brows is by combining nano brows (hair strokes made with a PMU machine) with the Powder Brows technique. In its essence, it means doing the whole procedure using a PMU machine, with no microblading included whatsoever.
Compared to the Combo Brows which are done by combining microblading with the Powder Brows effect, such an approach results in less defined hair stroke lines. Simply put, with the thin microblading blade, in case the artist is skillful, she (he) is able to create more defined hairlines that are closer to each other when it comes to the hairline design portion of Combo Brows.
However, the advantage of creating Combo Brows completely with the PMU machine (making first hair strokes with the machine and then the shading effect with the Powder Brows technique) is considerably better retention. Many artists have claimed that when it comes to thicker and oiler skin, that approach is also the only realistic way to make Combo Brows last. Additionally, when it comes to healing, although the hair lines part of the brow may not be that well defined, it retains the look of hairlines when healed (whereas when it comes to combining microblading with PMU, the hair stroke lines of the healed result are often considerably less defined).
Microblading + Shading with the blade ("A+A")
The third alternative to creating Combo Brows means in its essence creating the whole brow in the microblading technique, by combining bladed hair-strokes with the shading effect made with the blade. In many cases, it results in a richer and bolder look of the brow, combined with ordinary microblading.
Many experienced artists have said that when it comes to certain skin types, that result is amazing and adds to the classic microblading look. Usually, the tale section of the brow looks as if some makeup has been added, in such cases.
However, the reason many artists have dropped this way of creating Combo Brows (or rather opt for it in special cases only), is the fact that in most cases it just worsens the blurred look the hair-stroke part of the brow will heal into. If the skin is not receptive to high-definition lines or the aftercare is not carried out flawlessly, the result does not look as good as ordinary microblading. Thus in conclusion the alternative of creating Combo Brows can be excellent, however, depending on the skin of the client, can be implemented with complete success rarely (especially compared, for example to the second alternative where the whole Combo Brow is made with the PMU machine - "B+B").
A few words about creating Combo Brows
In the realm of combo brows, the dual usage of creating hair strokes and shading raises the question of which technique should be employed first. As a matter of fact, artists do not vary in their approach too much: practically always hair-line part is created first, and then shading (Powder Brows effect) is applied to it.
Thus most practitioners start with the blading, either manually or with a machine (nano brows), setting a frame and understanding where to shade. This method is widely perceived as more straightforward.
Conversely, a rather tiny portion of artists initiate the process with shading and then add hair strokes typically to the brow head. There are no significant advantages whatsoever doing the shading part first and in many cases (especially "A+A" or "A+B" it makes the retention of the hair stroke part considerably worse). Also, creating lines first allows the artist to vary the strength of shading better.
Who Should Consider Combo Brows?
The fusion of hair strokes and shading in Combo Brows creates a natural eyebrow appearance with a soft makeup touch, perfect for those who desire this look. The styles "A+B" and "B+B" are also notably beneficial for oily-skinned clients. If you have oily skin, microblading strokes practically always will blur, therefore combining the look with Powder Brows often results in a better overall look after healing. Moreover, Combo Brows offer an effective solution to concealing an old, faint brow tattoo, as solely using microblading may yield blurry, disorganized strokes due to residual pigments.
When is a Touch-Up for Combo Brows Needed?
The initial touch-up is mandatory, scheduled 6-8 weeks after the first treatment. As healed eyebrows may appear patchy or require darkening, additional pigment is often needed, making the first touch-up essential. Subsequent touch-ups or color boosts are recommended when the eyebrows begin to fade. An annual touch-up typically suffices.
How long do Combo Brows Last?
If microblading, on average, lasts 12-18 months without touch-ups, combo brows are expected to endure slightly longer. The addition of shading enhances durability, offering near-perfect eyebrows for close to 1-1,5 years or even longer, dependent on skin type and lifestyle.