BLUSH Estética · Central Málaga
Nanoblading vs microblading: nano brows, the key differences and which brow technique to choose
Nano brows are on trend and many clients ask us whether they’re better than microblading. Here is an honest explanation: what nanoblading is, how it differs, who each technique suits and why at BLUSH Antonella works with microblading, shading and combination brows.
What are nano brows and nanoblading?
Nanoblading is an eyebrow enhancement technique that creates individual hair strokes with an ultra-fine needle, usually a single nano needle mounted on a dermograph (a machine). The idea is similar to microblading: mimicking the appearance of natural brow hairs to fill in gaps, define the shape and add density to sparse areas. What changes is the specialist tool and, with it, the way the colour goes into the skin. Many present the nano brows technique as an evolution of the blade.
There is something few websites tell you: the name isn’t standardised. Some salons use «nano brows» for work done with a machine and a nano needle, while others say «nano blading» for a manual blade with finer needles. So before you book, always ask which tool will be used and ask to see healed work, not freshly done brows.
Microblading vs nano brows: the key differences
Nano brows and microblading both aim for natural-looking, defined brows, but they aren’t the same:
| Microblading | Nano brows | |
|---|---|---|
| Tool | Handheld pen with a blade of several tiny needles | Dermograph with a single ultra-fine needle |
| How the stroke is made | Tiny superficial cuts into which the colour is deposited | Very fast dotting that builds up nano strokes |
| Finish | Crisp hair-like strokes, a very natural finish | Fine lines, slightly softer |
| Oily or sensitive skin | Strokes tend to blur sooner | Usually holds up a little better; often described as less trauma to the skin |
| Healing time | A small scab for a few days | Similar, sometimes a little gentler |
It is said that nano hair strokes can be placed with greater precision, while traditional microblading stands out for its realism. In practice, the result depends much more on the artist’s hand and the design than on the name of the technique. A well made stroke, at the right depth and with good brow mapping, looks natural with either tool.
Which is better, nano brows or microblading?
Neither is better for everyone. What decides it is factors such as skin type, how many brow hairs you still have and the look you want:
Microblading
Ideal for dry or normal skin and for anyone who wants the most natural result, with strokes that blend in with your own hair, even if your hair is fine.
Nano brows
Among the benefits nano brows offer, they are often recommended for combination skin, mature skin, or for people who prefer a machine to a manual pen; supporters say the method is less invasive.
Shading or combination
For very sparse brows or anyone who wants more definition: a powder finish, like dusting the brow with powder, on its own or with the strokes.
Why at BLUSH we work with microblading, shading and combination brows
We don’t offer nanoblading at BLUSH, and we prefer to tell you straight. Antonella specialises in three techniques that she knows inside out and that solve practically every case that comes into the centre:
- Microblading, done by hand, for a natural finish. It’s our signature service: here’s how microblading in Málaga with Antonella works.
- Microshading or powder brows, which lasts very well on oily skin and replaces daily brow makeup. We explain it in microshading powder brows.
- Hybrid brows (blading + shading): strokes at the front, lighter at the front, with shading through the body and tail to add fullness.
If you come in thinking about nano brows because your skin is oily, we will usually suggest shading or a combination, which give a long-lasting brow with good pigment retention. And if your skin is suitable, the manual pen lets us control every line to the millimetre. No technique is above the others among today’s popular techniques; what matters is choosing well for each client’s skin and goals.
Antonella’s tip: more than the technique, look at who is going to do it. Ask to see photos of healed brows, check that the artist is properly trained and can certify their hygiene training, and be wary of anyone who doesn’t take time over the brow design.
Nanoblading price: what to bear in mind
The price of nano brows varies a lot from one salon to another, depending on the artist’s experience, the area and whether the follow-up session is included. As we don’t offer them, we won’t give you figures. What we can tell you is what each alternative costs at BLUSH: eyebrow microblading €270, shading €270, blading + shading €300 and annual refresh €170. You’ll find the details on our prices page.
How long they last and aftercare
Both techniques are semi-permanent makeup: the colour fades over time and refresh sessions are advisable, and some say machine strokes last longer. As a guide, they last between one and two years depending on your skin, sun exposure and how you look after them. The aftercare is similar: don’t wet or apply makeup to the area for the first few days, don’t pick the scab, avoid sun, saunas and swimming pools, and apply the cream we recommend.
What our clients say
“Feliz con mis nuevas cejas gracias a la técnica de Microblanding pelo a pelo. Tenía mucho complejo porque no tenía apenas cejas y siempre iban pintadas, lo cual era un problema porque en verano al bañarme estaba siempre preocupada que no se fuera el maquillaje.”
“Happy with my new brows thanks to the hair-by-hair blading technique. I was very self-conscious because I hardly had any brows and always had to draw them on, which was a problem because in summer, when I went swimming, I was always worried my makeup would come off.”
Tina A. · Google (translated from Spanish)
“Me atendió Antonella y me encantó su profesionalidad y el tiempo que dedicó a asesorarme. Como hacía mucho que no me hacía las cejas, me explicó qué forma era la más adecuada para mi rostro y respetó en todo momento que las quería naturales.”
“Antonella looked after me and I loved her professionalism and the time she spent advising me. As I hadn’t had my brows done in a long time, she explained which shape suited my face best and respected at all times that I wanted them natural.”
Joanna M. · Booksy (translated from Spanish)
Hair-stroke microblading at BLUSH
Real photos from @blush.esteticamalaga, no filters. Tap a photo to enlarge it.
Nano brows FAQs
What is nanoblading for eyebrows?
It is a micropigmentation technique that draws strokes with an ultra-fine nano needle, usually with a machine, aiming for the same natural effect as a manual blade.
Are nano brows a tattoo?
Not a traditional one: the colour sits in the superficial layers of the skin rather than deeper into the skin, and it fades, which is why it needs refreshing.
How long do nano brows last?
As with blading, it depends on your skin and aftercare. They usually need a refresh after one or two years.
Is it the same as tebori?
Similar: tebori is also a manual technique of Japanese origin for creating strokes. They are different names for ways of drawing hair with pigment.
Does nanoblading hurt?
You feel mild discomfort, as with a manual blade. Most clients tolerate it well.
Do you offer nano brows at BLUSH?
No. We work with microblading, shading and combination brows. If you’re unsure, message us and Antonella will tell you which technique will give you perfect brows without makeup.
Torn between techniques? No-obligation advice
Message us on WhatsApp (+34 684 195 381) and we’ll help you choose the technique that best suits your brows; we can help you in English via WhatsApp. We are at C. Constancia 23, in central Málaga near María Zambrano station, Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 19:00.