BROWS: INTRODUCTION

NANO HAIRSTROKES (FORMERLY MICROBLADING) AND MICROSHADING​

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Before an appointment can be booked, all potential clients must please read the Brows Contraindications list to confirm they are within the guidelines.  It is also recommended that all potential clients read the full "Brows Introduction" page to learn more about the Nano Hairstrokes and MicroShading services.  Once the information has been reviewed, the client may move forward with the scheduling process

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Why Consider Nano Hairstrokes (Formerly Microblading) or MicroShading Eyebrow Enhancement?

Most of us aren’t satisfied with our natural brows. Whether it’s due to asymmetry, sparseness, or poor shape, we often feel we don’t look our best without the help of our brow pencils and powders. But drawing on beautiful brows every morning can be a difficult, time-consuming chore.

Nano Hairstrokes (formerly Microblading) and MicroShading provide the flattering brows we want—without the daily effort of makeup. Even better, Nano/ MicroShaded brows are smudge-proof, waterproof, and look great at any time of day or night.

Another bonus of Nano/ MicroShading is that it helps stop us from tweezing improperly.  Over-tweezing is one of the most common causes of unflattering brows. Once the service is done, only the hairs that grow outside of the pigment will need to be tweezed. By the time pigment fades, some clients discover they have grown back their own lovely brows! 

 

Evolution of Microblading to Nano Hairstrokes

For many years, Microblading was the most popular cosmetic tattoo method for creating hair-like strokes in the eyebrows. As Permanent Makeup tools and techniques have advanced, however, Microblading has become outdated and has been replaced by the Nano Hairstroke method.

Even so, the term Microblading is still widely recognized and remains the most common word people use when searching for a Permanent Makeup/ cosmetic tattoo solution for their eyebrows. For this reason, the term Microblading still appears in the text throughout this website, but as a service, Microblading has been replaced by the Nano Hairstroke method at Emily Manbeck Cosmetic Artistry. ​​​

 

What is Microblading? (Former Hairstroke Method)

Microblading is a form of cosmetic eyebrow tattoo, designed to mimic the look of natural brow hairs. Using a tiny blade dipped in pigment, small cuts are made in the skin to deposit color in hair-like patterns.

The purpose of Microblading is to enhance the natural brows by creating additional “hairs” which fill in sparse areas creating the illusion of fullness, improving symmetry, and giving the brows a more defined, flattering shape with minimal opacity.

While this method can work well for clients with the right skin type (youthful and elastic, smooth, normal-to-dry), the cutting process inevitably causes trauma to the skin and comes with a long list of contraindications. Microblading is generally not recommended for clients who are prone to keloids, have textured, oily, mature, or sun-damaged skin, take blood thinners, have circulatory or bleeding disorders, or have very fair, translucent, or hypersensitive skin, among others.

In fact, the majority of clients—at least 80%—are not ideal candidates for the Microblading method.  For this reason, newer techniques such as Nano Hairstrokes and MicroShading are preferred for better, longer-lasting results on a wider range of clients.

 

What is Nano? (New Hairstroke Method)

Nano is a new form of cosmetic eyebrow tattoo, designed to mimic the look of natural brow hairs. Instead of using a blade, the Nano Hairstroke method uses a cosmetic tattoo machine and needle cartridge to gently deposit cosmetic pigment into the skin in hair-like patterns.

The purpose of the Nano Hairstroke method is to enhance the natural brows by creating additional “hairs” which fill in sparse areas creating the illusion of fullness, improving symmetry, and giving the brows a more defined, flattering shape with minimal opacity.

Unlike Microblading, the Nano Hairstroke method causes very little trauma to the skin. This results in better healing, making it suitable for a much wider range of clients. Some of the same contraindications, however—such as severely sun-damaged or compromised skin—still apply. For these skin types, MicroShading is the recommended method of eyebrow enhancement.

The best candidates for Nano Hairstrokes are those with reasonably healthy skin and a fair amount of natural brow hair, since the tattooed strokes look best when they have some natural brow hairs to blend with. For clients with very little-to-no natural brow hair, MicroShading is the preferred method for creating a fuller look.

 

What is MicroShading?

MicroShading is a form of cosmetic tattoo for the eyebrows. Unlike the Nano Hairstroke method, which mimics the look of individual hairs, MicroShading—also referred to as Powderbrows or Ombre Brows—is ideal for clients who want a more filled-in look, have little-to-no natural brow hair, or have compromised or sun-damaged skin. 

Using a cosmetic tattoo machine and needle cartridge, cosmetic pigment is gently deposited into the skin creating a soft, shadowy effect. The result is a denser, more defined brow, while still appearing much softer and more natural than the solid, saturated tattooed brows of the past.

MicroShading is widely regarded among Permanent Makeup artists as the superior eyebrow enhancement method for a few reasons. Unlike Nano Hairstrokes, which isn't recommended for compromised or very sun damaged skin, MicroShading can deliver excellent results on nearly all skin types. Another advantage is its longevity: while both methods fade over time, MicroShading typically lasts longer between touch-ups and fades more evenly. In contrast, hairstrokes may   appear patchy as they fade, and may only be redrawn a limited number of times before the fine lines begin to blur. MicroShading, however, can be refreshed indefinitely when allowed to fade properly, making it a lasting and flexible option for brow enhancement.

 

Combination of Methods/ Combination Brow

When a mix of both the Nano Hairstrokes and MicroShading methods is done, the result is called a "Combination Brow". The Combination Brow is a very popular choice among clients because it gives the soft look of Nano Hairstrokes at the front of the brow, while providing the density and definition of MicroShading through the arches and tails. There is no additional charge for the Combination Brow technique. The best option to meet your goals will be discussed at your appointment

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One Style Does Not Fit All

Most clients have a personal preference when it comes to the way they like their brows to look.  Before the actual procedure begins, the client's goals and expectations are discussed, and the best method is decided upon.  Then, the design of the brows is mapped out and drawn on with pencil so the client can clearly see and approve shape and  position.  Pigment (color) is chosen to best suit the client's skin tone and existing brow hair if applicable

 

How Long Does the Service Take?

The initial appointment takes about 3 hours.

A complementary* touchup or "Perfecting Visit"  at 8 weeks post initial service is included for all first time permanent makeup / micropigmentation services. The length of the touchup appointment time is significantly shorter than the initial service appointment time. *Read  the complementary touchup policy here 

 

Is the Service Painful?

Topical lidocaine is applied during the service in order to keep the client comfortable. People have varying degrees of sensitivity, but many clients fall asleep during the Nano Hairstroke/ MicroShading service. Some tips: women are significantly more sensitive to pain near the time of their period.  If a client has a very low tolerance for discomfort, this should be considered when scheduling  the service date. 

Clients are welcome to bring earbud headphones along to the appointment to provide themselves with entertainment/ distraction during the procedure. Headphones must be the type that sit inside the ear.  Headphones that fit over the head and outside the ear will get in the way of service and cannot be worn  

 

How Long Will the Results Last?

Unlike traditional tattoo methods, which implant ink deep into the reticular dermis (the lower layer of the skin), Permanent Makeup/ cosmetic tattoo methods such as Nano Hairstrokes and MicroShading deposit pigment more superficially, into the upper dermis.

Because the pigment is placed closer to the skin’s surface, it will gradually fade over time as the skin naturally sheds cells. In addition, cosmetic pigments are specifically formulated to soften and break down more easily than traditional tattoo inks. This is a benefit, since brow trends and our facial features will certainly change over time.

This natural “fade factor” allows adjustments to be made later, ensuring your brows remain flattering and up to date. Clients should expect to have touch-ups over the years to maintain fresh color and a current brow design.

How long pigment lasts varies by individual — typically 6 to 24+ months — depending on factors such as skin type, speed of cellular turnover, and proper aftercare. Following aftercare instructions carefully is essential for achieving the best, longest-lasting results. Detailed instructions and supplies for proper aftercare are provided to the client  upon completion of service.

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