The Best of Both Worlds: Your Complete Guide to Combination Brows

What Are Combination Brows?

Combination brows—sometimes called combo brows or hybrid brows—are the ultimate fusion technique in permanent makeup, blending the best elements of microblading and powder brows to create brows that are both naturally realistic and beautifully defined. Think of it as getting the hair-like strokes that mimic real brow hairs combined with the soft, filled-in look of makeup shading. The result? Brows that look naturally fuller and effortlessly polished, like you've perfectly applied makeup without actually having to.

Here's how the magic happens: combination brows feature feathered hair strokes from the beginning to the middle of the brow, which then transitions to a powdered, shaded finish toward the tails. This creates added dimension and definition throughout your entire brow that neither microblading nor powder brows can achieve alone. The front of your brows looks soft and natural with realistic hair strokes, while the arch and tail have that gorgeous, defined makeup look that frames your face beautifully.

The treatment combines the hair strokes associated with microblading with the detailed shading of ombré powder brows, resulting in a defined yet natural brow finish. It's truly the best of both worlds—you get the fluffy, realistic appearance in areas where you want softness, plus the fuller, more structured look where you need definition and shape.

Combination brows are semi-permanent and typically last 12-18 months before requiring a refresh, making them a fantastic investment for anyone who wants stunning brows that work with their lifestyle rather than demanding constant maintenance. Whether you have naturally sparse brows, uneven growth, or simply want to enhance what you already have, combo brows offer the versatility and customisation to create your ideal look.

Who Should Choose Combination Brows?

Combination brows are incredibly versatile and work beautifully for a wide range of clients, but they're particularly perfect if you fall into any of these categories:

You want natural-looking hair strokes with more definition. If you love the realistic appearance that microblading provides but wish your brows had a bit more fullness and structure—especially at the tails—combination brows are ideal. The technique creates denser and more defined brows while still maintaining a natural appearance with a hint of makeup.

You have combination or oily skin. While microblading alone works best on dry to normal skin, the shading component of combo brows helps the overall result last longer and look better on skin types that might struggle with pure microblading. The powder effect fills in any areas where individual strokes might fade faster, ensuring your brows maintain their shape and definition.

You have some natural brow hair but want it enhanced. If you're not starting from scratch—you have some brow hair but it's sparse, gappy, or lacks definition—combo brows beautifully compliment your existing hair. The hair strokes blend seamlessly with your natural brows while the shading adds the fullness and shape you've been drawing on with makeup.

You love the "makeup look" but want softness at the front. Many clients want their brows to look filled in and polished, like they've applied brow powder or pencil, but they don't want the entire brow to look solid or overly bold. Combination brows give you that soft, feathered front that transitions into a more defined, makeup-like finish—exactly like you'd create with make-up, but permanent.

You're indecisive between microblading and powder brows. Most of the time, knowing there's an option to get combination brows is what makes clients finally decide on getting a treatment, especially when they can't decide between the two techniques. Why choose when you can have both?

You want brows that photograph beautifully. The dimensional effect of combo brows—with lighter, natural-looking fronts and more defined tails—creates stunning, photogenic brows that look amazing in selfies, professional photos, and everyday life.

The Honest Truth: Does It Hurt?

Let's talk pain—because we know this is a major concern for anyone considering permanent makeup. The good news is that combination brows are very manageable in terms of discomfort, and many clients find them comparable to or even gentler than microblading alone.

What does it feel like? The hair stroke portion feels similar to light scratching, while the shading portion creates more of a gentle vibrating or scratching sensation. From customer feedback, powder brows (which make up part of the combo technique) tend to feel more gentle on the skin than microblading strokes alone. Overall, the sensation is more annoying than truly painful, and most clients fall to sleep!

Numbing makes all the difference. For each procedure, the eyebrows are numbed two separate times to make the customer feel as comfortable as possible. As the procedure goes on, the brows usually become more numb. Professional artists use topical numbing creams strategically throughout the appointment to ensure you remain comfortable from start to finish.

Everyone's experience is unique. Your pain tolerance, anxiety levels, and even where you are in your menstrual cycle can all affect how you experience the treatment. Some clients relax completely during the procedure, while others feel more sensitive. The key is that it's temporary discomfort—typically lasting 60-90 minutes for the actual work—in exchange for beautiful brows that last over a year.

After the procedure, you might experience some tenderness, tightness, or mild sensitivity for a day or two, similar to a light sunburn. This quickly subsides, and most clients resume their normal routines immediately with just a few simple aftercare steps.

The bottom line? While there's some discomfort involved, combination brows are absolutely tolerable, especially with proper numbing and an experienced artist who works efficiently. When you weigh the brief discomfort against the confidence and convenience you'll gain for the next 12-18 months, it's a small price to pay for life-changing results.

Why Emily at Nixie Permanent Cosmetics Is Your Best Choice

Choosing the right artist for your combination brows isn't just important—it's everything. This is your face, and you deserve someone with exceptional technical skill, artistic vision, and the experience to deliver consistently stunning results. Emily at Nixie Permanent Cosmetics checks every single box, and here's why clients travel hours to see her:

Masterful Technique and Customisation

Emily doesn't believe in cookie-cutter brows. She understands that every face is different, every skin type behaves uniquely, and every client has their own vision for how they want to look. That's why she customises every aspect of your combination brow treatment—from the density of hair strokes to the intensity of shading—to suit your individual features, lifestyle, and aesthetic preferences.

When microblading hair strokes and powder brow shading are combined, it results in a fuller and more defined brow that still looks natural. The powder brow shading adds density and depth to the brows, while the microblading creates a realistic hair-like effect. Emily has perfected this balance, ensuring your brows look dimensional, natural, and beautifully polished.

With extensive training in multiple techniques—microblading, ombré powder brows, nano brows, and lip blush—Emily has the versatility and expertise to determine exactly which approach and combination will work best for your unique situation. She's not limited to one method; she adapts her artistry to deliver what YOU need.

Unmatched Natural Results

Emily's specialty is creating brows that enhance your beauty without screaming "I had work done." Her approach to combination brows focuses on seamless blending—the hair strokes look like real brow hairs, the shading mimics the soft finish of makeup, and the overall effect is cohesive and natural. You won't have blocky, uniform brows or harsh lines. Instead, you'll have brows that look like they belong on your face, only better.

Her portfolio consistently showcases transformations that are stunning yet subtle, defined yet soft, bold yet believable. Emily understands that the goal isn't to create Instagram brows if that's not your style—it's to create YOUR perfect brows, whether that's soft and natural or more structured and glamorous.

A Calming, Confidence-Inspiring Experience

Many clients arrive at Nixie feeling nervous about permanent makeup, especially if they've seen poorly done work online or heard horror stories. What sets Emily apart is her remarkable ability to immediately put clients at ease. Within the first ten minutes of your appointment, those anxious feelings typically disappear.

Emily takes time to listen to your concerns, explain the entire process step-by-step, and answer every single question you have—no matter how minor it seems. She walks you through what will happen during the appointment, including the order of steps, so nothing comes as a surprise. You're not just another booking on her calendar; you're a valued client whose comfort, satisfaction, and confidence matter deeply to her.

As clients consistently share: "I walked in feeling apprehensive and left feeling confident and thrilled. Emily's down-to-earth personality and genuine expertise made the entire experience so much better than I expected."

Outstanding Reputation and Reviews

Numbers tell a story, and Emily's track record speaks volumes. She boasts an impressive 99% referral rate from satisfied clients who enthusiastically recommend her to friends and family. Her Google and Facebook reviews consistently highlight her professionalism, knowledge, passion for her craft, and ability to deliver results that exceed expectations.

One particularly touching success story involved a client who had lost all her brow hair due to medical reasons and had been drawing them on daily for years. After her transformation with Emily, the client was moved to tears—not just because the physical results were stunning, but because Emily had restored her confidence and helped her feel like herself again. These emotional, life-changing transformations happen regularly at Nixie, and they're a testament to Emily's skill and genuine care for her clients.

Professional Yet Approachable

Emily strikes the perfect balance between being highly professional and refreshingly down-to-earth. She's not intimidating, pretentious, or too busy to care about you as an individual. Instead, she's relatable, personable, and genuinely invested in your journey. She remembers your personal stories, follows up on conversations from previous appointments, and makes you feel like a friend rather than just a transaction.

Her clinic reflects this unique personality—it's not your typical beige, sterile spa environment. Instead, Nixie Permanent Cosmetics has a stylish, welcoming atmosphere with personality and charm, more like a boutique studio than a clinical office. From the moment you walk in, you'll feel comfortable and confident that you're in expert hands.

Comprehensive Support Throughout Your Journey

Your relationship with Emily doesn't end when you leave your first appointment. She's committed to supporting you throughout your entire permanent makeup journey to ensure you achieve—and maintain—the beautiful results you deserve.

Here's what you can expect:

Thorough consultation during your Transformation appointment: Emily discusses your goals, assesses your natural brow situation, and recommends the best approach specifically for you
Custom design: She maps out your perfect brow shape, ensuring symmetry, proportion, and alignment with your unique facial features—you approve everything before work begins
The transformation begins: Your first full combination brow session where Emily creates your beautiful new brows
Follow-up touch-up (4-6 weeks later): A perfecting session to ensure flawless, long-lasting results as your skin completes the healing process
Annual refreshers: Emily wants to see you every 12-18 months for maintenance top-ups that keep your brows looking fresh and fabulous for years to come

Emily's goal is for you to be a client for life, not just a one-time visitor. She's invested in your long-term satisfaction, confidence, and results.

Addressing Your Concerns with Honesty and Expertise

Emily understands the fears and misconceptions that prevent people from booking. She knows you're worried about:

Looking unnatural or too bold: Emily specialises in realistic results that enhance rather than overpower—she'll never give you brows that look fake or drawn-on
Choosing the wrong technique: Her consultation process ensures she recommends exactly what will work best for your skin type, lifestyle, and desired look
The color being wrong: She's an expert in pigment selection and creates custom blends that perfectly suit your coloring and will heal beautifully
Pain during the procedure: She uses effective numbing techniques and works efficiently to minimise discomfort
Initial darkness: She educates you thoroughly about the healing process and what to expect, so you're never caught off guard. Your provided with a comprehensive aftercare kit, including a detailed leaflet explaining what to expect, what to do & not do, & materials that will help you get the best results possible
Making a permanent mistake: Semi-permanent makeup fades over 12-24 months, so nothing is forever—plus Emily's consultation ensures you're both aligned on expectations before any work begins

Emily has seen every concern imaginable and addressed them all with patience, expertise, and genuine care. She'll make sure you feel completely confident in your decision.

Real Results, Real Lives Transformed

Emily's work goes far beyond aesthetics—it genuinely transforms how clients feel about themselves and experience their daily lives. Here are just a few of the incredible benefits her clients enjoy:

Time Freedom: Imagine gaining back 10-30 minutes every single morning. No more stressing about drawing on symmetrical brows, no more worrying about whether they look even, no more checking mirrors constantly throughout the day. That's hours every week you can spend sleeping, exercising, enjoying breakfast, or simply not rushing.

All-Day Confidence: Whether you're at the gym, swimming, caught in the rain, or attending an important meeting, your brows look perfect 24/7. No smudging, no fading, no disappearing. You can face any situation knowing you look polished and put-together without any effort.

Cost Savings: While combination brows are an upfront investment, they eliminate the need for expensive brow products, regular tinting appointments, lamination services, HD brows, and professional brow shaping. Over 12-18 months, you'll likely save money while enjoying significantly better results.

Stress Relief: For those with medical conditions like arthritis, Parkinson's, MS, or vision problems that make makeup application challenging, combination brows provide a reliable solution that restores independence and eliminates daily frustration.

Photo-Ready Always: Whether it's your wedding day, a job interview, family photos, or just everyday selfies, you'll look amazing in every single picture without worrying about your makeup. Your brows are always "done" and always camera-ready.

Emotional Healing: For clients recovering from chemotherapy, managing alopecia, or dealing with other forms of hair loss, combination brows offer visible restoration that helps them feel like themselves again. It's not just about appearance—it's about reclaiming confidence and dignity.

Your Next Step: Book Your Combination Brow Consultation

Ready to experience the transformative power of combination brows with Emily at Nixie Permanent Cosmetics? Whether you're looking to enhance sparse brows, correct asymmetry, add definition, or simply wake up with perfect brows every morning, Emily has the expertise and artistry to deliver the stunning, natural results you've been dreaming of.

All combination brow treatments are priced at £350 and include your initial appointment plus your essential follow-up touch-up session (4-10 weeks later). This comprehensive pricing ensures you achieve optimal, long-lasting results without hidden costs or surprises.

What Happens When You Book:

Consultation and Assessment: Emily will discuss your goals, concerns, and expectations in detail. She'll assess your natural brows, skin type, and facial features to recommend the best approach for your unique situation.
Custom Design and Mapping: Emily will carefully map out your new brow shape, ensuring perfect symmetry, proportion, and harmony with your facial structure. You'll approve the design completely before any work begins—nothing happens without your enthusiastic yes.
The Transformation: Using her expert combination technique, Emily will create beautiful hair strokes at the front of your brows and seamlessly transition into soft, shaded definition toward the tails. The entire process happens in a comfortable, calming environment where you feel supported and cared for.
Comprehensive Aftercare Guidance: You'll receive detailed instructions on how to care for your new brows during the healing process to ensure optimal results. Emily will explain exactly what to expect as your brows heal and settle into their final appearance.
Follow-Up Perfecting Session: After your skin has healed (4-10 weeks depending on your individual healing), you'll return for a touch-up appointment that ensures your results are flawless, symmetrical, and long-lasting.
Ongoing Support: Emily is always available to answer questions and provide support throughout your journey. She'll see you again in 12-18 months for your annual refresh appointment that keeps your brows looking fresh, defined, and beautiful.

Don't Let Fear or Uncertainty Hold You Back

If you've been hesitating about permanent makeup because you've seen bad examples online, heard horror stories, or simply don't know if it's right for you—know this: Emily is not every other artist. Her proven expertise, outstanding reputation, genuine care for clients, and commitment to natural-looking results mean you're in the safest, most capable hands possible.

Your face deserves an expert. Your confidence deserves to shine. Whether you have sparse brows, uneven brows, no brows at all, or simply want to enhance what nature gave you with the perfect balance of natural and defined, combination brows with Emily can be genuinely life-changing.

Book your consultation today and take the first step toward waking up every morning with the brows you've always wanted—naturally beautiful, effortlessly defined, and entirely yours.

Frequently Asked Questions About Combination Brows

How long do combination brows last? Combination brows typically last 12-18 months before requiring a refresh, though this can vary based on your skin type, lifestyle, sun exposure, and skincare routine. The shading component often lasts slightly longer than pure microblading strokes. Emily recommends annual top-ups to maintain optimal results.

Are combination brows better than microblading alone? It depends on your goals and skin type. Combination brows work on different skin types, giving clients more options when it comes to enhancing their brows. If you want natural hair strokes with more definition and fullness, combination brows are often the superior choice. They're also better for clients with slightly oily skin who might struggle with microblading alone.

Will combination brows look too bold or obvious? Not with Emily! She specializes in natural-looking results and will customize the density of both the hair strokes and shading to suit your personal style. You can have combination brows that are soft and subtle or more defined and dramatic—it's entirely up to you and what Emily recommends for your features.

What's the healing process like? The healing time for combination brows is between 10-14 days, though they'll continue to settle and soften for about 4-6 weeks. During healing, your brows will go through various stages—initial darkness, light scabbing, color lightening, and then returning to their final healed appearance. Emily will guide you through each phase so you know exactly what to expect.

Can I still shape my natural brows after the procedure? You can maintain any hairs outside your combination brow area, but you should avoid plucking or waxing the brows themselves. The goal is for your combination brows to be your complete brow solution, working beautifully with any natural hair you have.

What if I have very sparse brows or no brows at all? Combination brows work wonderfully even if you're starting with very little natural hair. The shading component creates the fullness and shape, while strategic hair strokes add natural-looking texture where needed. Emily has extensive experience working with clients who have minimal brow hair due to over-plucking, medical conditions, or natural sparseness.

Will the hair strokes and shading fade at different rates? They may fade slightly differently depending on your skin type, but Emily designs your combination brows with this in mind. The goal is for the overall appearance to remain balanced and beautiful as they naturally lighten together. Your touch-up appointment ensures everything stays cohesive.

Can I work out or swim after the procedure? You should avoid heavy sweating, swimming, saunas, and excessive sun exposure for about 10 days while your skin heals. Most clients resume normal activities immediately otherwise, with just a few simple precautions during the healing phase.

How do I know if I'm a good candidate for combination brows? Almost everyone is! Combination brows are incredibly versatile and suit most skin types and lifestyles. During your consultation, Emily will assess your specific situation and let you know if combination brows are the best choice or if another technique might work better for you.

What makes Emily's combination brows different from other artists? Emily's commitment to natural-looking results, her ability to customize the technique to each individual client, her calming approach that puts nervous clients at ease, and her proven track record with a 95% referral rate set her apart. She doesn't just do combination brows—she creates beautiful, life-changing transformations that make clients feel confident and amazing.

Ready to transform your brows and your confidence? Contact Nixie Permanent Cosmetics today to schedule your consultation with Emily and discover why combination brows are the perfect solution for beautiful, effortless brows that last.

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Frequently asked questions

What are Combination brows?

Combination brows combine Microblading & shading.

Combination brows is the perfect mix of natural hair strokes & shading. Combination brows are best suited to people with dry, normal & combination skin. I use a powerful topical numbing cream, so the pain is minimal. I recommend a top between 12-18 months, but Combination brows can last for in excess of 2 years.

This treatment is ideal for those that suffer with thin eyebrows, hair loss, or over plucked brows, plus those who want to enhance & perfect the shape of their brows.

Hair strokes are created by using a hand held tool for ultimate precision, & to create a look specifically designed to your face shape & desired outcome. To create the shading, I use a soft shadowing needle to blend the strokes into a realistic, pencil-like filled brow.

Where are you located?

My clinic is in Retford, 108 Carolgate, DN22 6AS 📍

How long does it last?

If applied by a highly skilled PMU Artist, & your brows are properly cared for, Combination brows can last in excess of 2 years.

When will I need a top up?

I recommend a top up between 10-18 months, but Combination brows can last for in excess of 2 years.

How much does it cost?

In the UK, Combination brow prices range from approx £200 - £450. This depends on your location & other factors such as the Artisits overheads, level of skill & more.

The total cost for Combination brows treatment with Emily at Nixie Permanent Cosmetics is £350.

I offer split payments for my clients, whereby you pay either £25 or £50 deposit depending on which service you've chosen, you pay £250 on your Application appointment, & you pay £50 on your Top Up. I offer this service for convenience & ease.

How many appointments will I need?

The process is split over 2 appointments for your complete brow transformation, & over 1 appointment for your top up.

How long does it take?

I usually allow 30 mins for your Consultation, 2-3 hrs for your Application & 1-2 hrs for your Top Up.

If you're having a full brow transformation (2 appointments), you will need to book in 4-6 weeks from your Application for your Top Up.

What happens at my Application appointment?

Your application appointment consists of completing consent forms, mapping out your new brows or lips, choosing your desired colour & the application itself. You will also receive your complimentary aftercare pack, & we will thoroughly discuss your responsibilities for aftercare, so you get the best results from your treatment. We would use your deposit to reduce the cost of this appointment. We would have already discussed your cost breakdown at your consultation.

What happens at my Top Up appointment?

Your Top Up will take place approx 6 weeks after your initial Application. This is to ensure the area has healed fully. Your Top Up consists of discussing the healed results & touching up any areas in which we feel require it. This appointment will cost £50.

How do I best care for my new brows?

By following the aftercare instructions that I provide to you on your Application appointment. Aftercare is so important & will be the make or break of your new eyebrow tattoo. Your body needs time to heal, without proper healing, your results won't be as good (been there, done that!)

Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?

You're welcome to bring a companion to your Consultation appointment, but unfortunately, you must attend your permanent make up appointment alone. Also, due to insurance reasons, under 18's are not permitted in my clinic at any time.