Microblading vs Ombre Powder Brows
Microblading, nanoblading, eyebrow tattooing, ombre, powder brows—chances are, if you’ve been thinking about transforming your brow game with permanent makeup, the terms and types of services available will have you confused!
While there are always new technologies and offerings in the permanent and semi-permanent makeup industry, two reign supreme in eyebrow tattoos: microblading and ombre powder brows. Let’s dive into the differences between each, and which treatment might be right for you.
What is Microblading?
Microblading is a semi-permanent makeup technique that mimics the natural appearance of individual eyebrow hairs. It involves using a handheld tool with tiny needles to create fine, hair-like strokes by depositing pigment into the skin. The goal is to enhance the shape, fullness, and definition of the brows in a natural way.
Microblading is perfect for anyone who has thin, sparse, or uneven brows and wants to get a more defined yet subtle boost to their brows. Since it creates hair-like strokes, it tends to work best for those with normal to dry skin types, as oily skin can cause the strokes to blur over time.
The results typically last between one to two years, depending on skin type, lifestyle, and aftercare. Wondering about aftercare? See our detailed FAQ page.
Microbladed Brows Before & After
Before microblading, individuals often have naturally thin or over-plucked brows (thanks, 90s!) that require a daily makeup routine to keep them defined. In the “before” stage, the brows may appear sparse, uneven, or lack shape.
Here, my lovely client came to me with concerns about sparse, patchy brows. She was tired of having to meticulously fill them in everyday so wanted a low-maintenance improvement to her brows. Due to her concerns, her desire for subtle results, and her dry skin type, I felt she was a perfect candidate for microblading.
And voila! After microblading, her eyebrows appear fuller, more defined, and symmetrical. The hair-like strokes blend seamlessly into the natural brow hairs, creating a look that appears both fuller and balanced. She no longer needs brow pencils or powders in her daily routine.
So…What are Ombre Powder Brows?
Ombre powder brows, also known as shaded or combination brows, involve a technique that gives a more filled-in, makeup-like appearance. Unlike microblading, which focuses on creating individual hair strokes, ombre powder brows create a softer, more filled in effect that resembles the look of powdered or shaded eyebrows.
The goal of ombre powder brows is to achieve a gradient effect where the tail of the brow is darker, gradually fading toward the front of the brow for a natural but defined look, hence the term “ombre” brows. It’s great for individuals who prefer a more polished, filled-in brow look, similar to what you would get with brow makeup.
Ombre powder brows are suitable for all skin types but are particularly effective for those with oily or combination skin, as the shading tends to hold up better over time. They also tend to last longer than microblading, often between two to three years. As always, proper aftercare is key to giving your brows the best longevity!
Ombre powder brows are suitable for all skin types but are particularly effective for those with oily or combination skin, as the shading tends to hold up better over time. They also tend to last longer than microblading, often between two to three years. As always, proper aftercare is key to giving your brows the best longevity!
Ombre Powder Brows Before & After
Ombre powder brows are particularly great for clients coming in that want a mixture of a “penciled” and “powdered” look, or don’t have much hair growth to blend in with just microblading but also don’t want a full powder brow.
Here, my gorgeous client had originally booked a microblading appointment. However, after hearing her goals of wanting to have her brows look filled in, and considering her oily skin type, we ended up going with an ombre powder brow.
Check out her after results! She now has the illusion of soft, powdered makeup, with a more structured and filled-in look than natural microblading. As you can see, the ombré effect blends intensity and softness, especially at the front of the brow where it is lighter.
Takeaway- The Main Differences
Technique: Microblading uses hairlike strokes to mimic individual hairs, while ombre powder brows use a machine to create a soft, shaded effect.
Appearance: Microblading offers a natural, hair-like finish, while ombre powder brows provide a more filled-in, makeup look (while still looking natural!).
Skin Type: Microblading is best for normal to dry skin, while ombre powder brows are ideal for oily or combination skin.
Longevity: Microblading typically lasts 1–2 years, while ombre powder brows can last 2–3 years, with better retention on oily skin. Of course, this varies by individual, proper aftercare, and skincare routine.
Both techniques offer beautiful, customizable results, but the right choice depends on your personal preference and skin type. Ready to book an appointment and have the brows of your dreams? Still not sure which option is right for you? Book a free consultation so we can assess which treatment will help you achieve your brow goals.