COMBO BROWS

What Are Combo Brows?

Combo brows, also known as combination brows or hybrid brows, are precisely as their name implies – a blend of the two most popular brow tattoo techniques. This technique combines microblading (hair stroke brows) with microshading (powder) techniques, resulting in brows that appear both attractive and natural, with a subtle powdery effect.

Similar to other modern eyebrow tattoo methods, combo brows utilize pigments formulated to fade over time. As a result, the longevity of combo brows typically lasts for 1-3 years.

What Is So Special About Combo Brows?

Combo brows are gaining increasing popularity, especially among individuals who appreciate the natural look of hair-stroke eyebrows but may not be suitable candidates for microblading alone. Combo eyebrows offer a combination of hair strokes and powdery shading, making them an excellent choice for individuals with oily skin. Microblading alone can be challenging for those with oily skin, as it may lead to blurred hair strokes over time. The combination of hair strokes and shading in combo brows addresses this concern, providing a solution for individuals who desire the hair stroke look while accommodating their skin type.

How Are Combo Eyebrows Created?

The creation of combo brows involves both microblading and shading techniques, and the order in which they are performed can vary among artists.

1. Microblading First:
   • Many artists opt to start with microblading, either using a manual tool or a machine (such as in nano brows). This initial step involves creating the framework or skeleton of the brows. The artists then use this outline to guide the subsequent shading process. Some find this method to be simpler.
2. Shading First:
   • Others choose to begin with shading, asserting that it produces better and more realistic results. After the shading process, they add hair strokes, typically focusing on the brow’s head. This approach emphasizes achieving a soft pixelated look, and the shading is kept super light to create a light and airy appearance.

Regardless of the chosen sequence, the shading in combo brows is crucial and needs to be executed delicately to achieve the desired soft and pixelated effect. It’s worth noting that combo eyebrows generally require fewer strokes than traditional microblading.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Combo Brows?

Combo brows, with their combination of microblading and shading, appeal to individuals who desire natural-looking eyebrows with a subtle makeup appearance. This style is particularly well-suited for clients with oily skin. Oily skin can pose challenges for microblading alone, as the hair strokes may blur over time. By incorporating shading in combo brows, a more resilient and defined result is achieved, making it an ideal choice for those with oily skin.

Additionally, combo brows serve as an excellent solution for covering up an old brow tattoo, especially if there is a light shadow from the previous tattoo. Microblading alone may not be the best option for covering old tattoos, as pigment residues can lead to blurred and messy-looking strokes. The combination of microblading and shading in combo brows provides a more effective solution for achieving a clean and appealing result in such cases.

Who Isn’t a Good Candidate for Combo Brows?

Combo brows, like any eyebrow tattoo procedure, come with certain contraindications. It is not considered safe for:

• Individuals with diabetes (consult your doctor)
• Those with bleeding disorders
• Individuals taking blood-thinning medications (consult your GP and discontinue use if possible)
• Those who have had recent Botox injections or fillers (wait at least 4 weeks)
• Pregnant or nursing women
• Individuals with a history of keloids or hypertrophic scarring
• Those with viral infections or diseases
• Individuals undergoing chemotherapy
• Those with skin irritations or Psoriasis near the treated area
• Individuals with recently tanned skin

How to Prepare for Combo Brows Treatment?

Before your combo brows treatment, the artist will provide instructions to ensure proper preparation. Here are the typical preparations:

1. Health Check:
   • Artists may ask for your medical history to ensure you are in good health.
2. Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol:
   • Refrain from consuming caffeine or alcohol at least 48 hours before the procedure.
3. Discontinue Blood Thinners:
   • Stop taking blood thinners (Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Niacin, Vitamin E, B6, Omega 3, Ginkgo Biloba, Primrose, etc.) at least 1 week before your procedure.
4. No Waxing or Tinting:
   • Avoid waxing or tinting the eyebrow area at least 7 days before the procedure. This allows the artist to see the natural shape of your eyebrows.
5. Avoid Facials or Peels:
   • Refrain from getting facials or peels at least 2 weeks before the procedure.
6. No Facial Injections:
   • Avoid any facial injections at least 4 weeks before the procedure.

Following these preparations helps ensure the success of your combo brows treatment and contributes to achieving the desired results.

What Does the Combo Brows Healing Process Look Like?

The healing process for combo brows lasts up to 6 weeks, but you’ll notice positive changes much earlier. Here’s a breakdown of the expected healing stages:

• Days 1-3: Initially, your brows will appear too dark. The pigment will fade by up to 50% during this period.
• Days 3-7: Around day 5, a scabby film will cover your brows. Allow the scabs to fall off naturally; refrain from touching them.
• Days 7-12: Scabs will start peeling off around day 7, possibly going through two cycles of peeling. Avoid picking at the peeling skin.
• Days 12-14: Your eyebrows may appear too light during this period, known as the ghosting stage. The pigment will reappear.
• Day 14 Onwards: The pigment starts becoming more visible, and your eyebrows are taking their final shape.

What Should I Know About Combo Brows Aftercare?

Aftercare is crucial for the success of cosmetic eyebrow tattoo treatments, including combo brows. Follow these aftercare tips:

1. Lymph Build-up (Day 1):
   • Clean the lymph build-up 2-3 times a day.
2. Washing (Day 2 Onwards):
   • Wash the area as prescribed with water and antibacterial soap. It’s an open wound that needs regular cleaning.
3. Aftercare Types:
   • Wet Healing: If an ointment is prescribed, apply a thin layer 3 times a day or per your artist’s schedule.
   • Dry Healing: Follow the prescribed dry healing instructions.
4. Cleanliness:
   • Use clean fingers, cotton swabs, or Q-tips. Avoid touching the area with dirty hands.
5. Sleep Hygiene:
   • Sleep on a clean pillowcase, preferably silk.
6. Avoiding Damage:
   • Don’t scratch, rub, pick, or peel the healing skin. Let it flake off naturally.
7. Pre-shower/Bath Protection:
   • Apply a light coat of ointment before a shower or bath to protect from steam and water.
8. Avoidance:
   • Avoid makeup, facials, sweating, sun exposure, sauna, jacuzzi, or swimming until fully healed.
9. Preventing Wetting:
   • Avoid getting your eyebrows soaking wet. Pat dry if they get wet, no rubbing.
10. Avoid Anti-aging Products:
    • Don’t use products with lactic acids, glycolic acids, or retinol, as they can fade the area.
11. Sun Protection:
    • Use sunblock outdoors to prevent future fading of pigment color.

When do Combo Brows Need to Be Touched Up?

First Touch Up (6-8 Weeks): Part of the treatment, mandatory 6-8 weeks after the initial session. Necessary for perfecting, addressing patchiness, or adjusting color.

Subsequent Touch Ups (Color Boost): Book when eyebrows start fading. On average, an annual touch-up is sufficient for maintaining the desired look.

How Long Do Combo Brows Last?

If the average lifespan of Combo Brows is 18 months (without touch-ups), you can expect your combo eyebrows to last slightly longer. Shading prolongs longevity, so you can have perfect eyebrows for almost 2 years or even longer.

This also depends on your skin type and lifestyle.