What are Combination Brows ? 

Combination Brows, also known as Combo Brows or Hybrid Brows are a combination of the two most popular brow semi-permanent cosmetic tattoo techniques, Microblading and Microshading.

Microblading uses a manual disposable hand tool composed of very fine needles resembling the shape of a blade to draw each individual hair and simultaneously implanting specialised hypoallergenic pigment into the dermal layer (lower layer) of the skin. In Combination Brows, Microblading is used to outline and to create natural looking hairs at the front of the brows as well as the skeleton.

Microshading uses a specialised semi-permanent makeup cosmetic tattooing machine to create a powdery effect, which blends the Microblading from the middle section of the brow to the end of the tail.

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The benefits: 

The Combination Brow creates beautiful eyebrows using the Powder Brow technique, which includes accenting it with hair strokes in the bulb of the eyebrow for added detail. This is perfect for clients whose skin types are not suitable for a fully micro-bladed eyebrow, but still want accented hairstrokes.

Powder is typically the best option for Oily / combo skin types, larger pored skin, aging skin, acne prone skin, sensitive skin, and skin that has prior permanent makeup. It gives those who have alopecia or sparse brow hairs their confidence back and doesn’t smudge or wear off with exercise unlike make up.

 

Prior to the treatment: 

You’ll need to have a patch test at least 48 hours before your appointment. 

 

Combination Brows procedure: 

You can pre-numb topically before you arrive and it’s advisable to eat something before. The room will be sanitized before you arrive. When you arrive, we will go through the procedure, the desired outcome and health and safety which would have been discussed with you beforehand. You can ask as many questions as you wish before the treatment takes place. Age identification will be checked then before photos will be taken. You’ll be asked to wear a hair net and then your brow area will be cleansed and then sanitised. A topical numbing cream will be applied to your brow area for approximately 20 to 30 minutes., if you haven't used pre-numbing cream before hand.

 

Your brows will be precisely measured and designed, then you’ll be sat up to see if you’re happy. We can alter the shape until you’re happy at this stage. The pigment will be chosen and when you’re happy, the brow hair around the chosen brow shape will be removed with a disposable razor (Waxing, plucking or threading can’t be done due to the possibility of ink sitting in the skin where hair has been removed). The outline of your new brows will be defined first, followed by the definition of the skeleton of the brow using the Microblading technique, Using the cosmetic tatt0oing machine, the tails will be shaded in and then the brows will be alternatively worked on gradually filling in the brows towards the centre where the shading will be less intense in colour as it blends into the Microbladed hair strokes.

You’ll be sat up to see your beautiful fresh Combo Brows. An after photo will be taken and all aftercare advice will be reiterated to you and your aftercare pack will be provided to you. Please ask any questions you have. 

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Treatment frequency: 

You’ll need a top up in 6 to 8 weeks' time. The reason why a Top Up is required is because the skin will heal and may leave some patchy gaps.  

 

Possible side effects:  

Common:  

• Soreness  

• Redness  

• Irritation  

• Swelling 

 

Infrequent:  

• Bruising  

• Activation of acne  

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Rare:  

• Hyperpigmentation (patches of skin darker than your skin tone)  

• Hypopigmentation (patches of skin lighter skin than your skin tone)  

• Activation of herpes simplex  

• Scarring  

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Unfortunately, those with the following can’t have the Combination Brows treatment:  

• Skin cancer  

• Undergoing or having had within the last 18 months chemotherapy or radiotherapy  

• History of Keloid scarring  

• Pregnant or breast feeding  

• Haemophiliac  

• Psoriasis within 15cm or 6 inches of the desired area for the treatment  

• Eczema within 15cm or 6 inches of the desired area for the treatment  

• Are or within the last 6 months been taking Roaccutane  

• Using, or within the last 6 weeks have been using steroid cream within the desired area for the treatment  

• Pustular or Nodular rosacea  

• Fungal infections  

• Cold sores  

• Any contagious skin conditions  

• If you are taking any Anti-coagulant medication  

• If you are taking any medication which can cause photosensitivity  

• Under the age of 18 (identification in the means of a passport or driving licence will need to be shown if you’re lucky enough to look younger)  

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If you’ve recently had cosmetic treatment please allow the time guides below before booking your appointment for Combination Brows:  

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Botulinum toxin (Botox) - 2 weeks before and after

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Dermal fillers: 

• Hyaluronic Acid (HA) - Wait at least 2 weeks after to have your Combination Brows treatment.

• Vital / Hydrate - Wait at least 2 weeks after to have your Combination Brows treatment.

• Scalptra - Wait at least 6 weeks after to have your Combination Brows treatment.

• Radiesse - Wait at least 6 weeks after to have your Combination Brows treatment.

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Peels & Exfoliation: 

• Microdermabrasion - Wait at least 1 week after to have your Combination Brows treatment.

• Superficial peel - Wait at least 1 week after to have your Combination Brows treatment.

• Medium / deep peel - Wait at least 6 weeks after to have your Combination Brows treatment.

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Laser, light and RF 

• IPL - Wait at least 2 weeks after to have your Combination Brows treatment.

• Laser Hair removal - Wait at least 2 weeks after to have your Combination Brows treatment.

• Resurfacing / Ablative - Wait at least 6 weeks after to have your Combination Brows treatment.

• Radio frequency - Wait at least 6 weeks after to have your Combination Brows treatment.

  

Aftercare: 

The healing process is around 30 days but most clients will see the final results within a couple of weeks. The after care is incredibly important! 

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Key points: 

• Change your pillow case the day of your appointment and try not to sleep on your brows 

• Don’t touch your brows to avoid infection 

• Don’t pick your brows because it will lead to infection and scarring 

• Keep your brows dry for at least 10 days – this means don’t wash your brows (lean back while washing your hair), don’t go swimming, use saunas or steam rooms, don’t do activity that will break a sweat. 

• Don’t use products around and definitely not on, the brow area containing glycolic acid, lactic acid or AHA or any exfoliants. 

• You will be given an aftercare ointment, which only use if your brows are beyond itchy. Only apply the ointment with a clean cotton swab and only apply by dabbing a minimal amount to not leave a noticeable shine or film on the eyebrows. 

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The recovery process, which you may have all or none of or anywhere in-between: 

Day 1: Your brows will look perfect 

Day 2 to 5: They may look too dark and thick but this is normal 

Day 5 to 10: The brows may look like they’re changing shape and there may be flaking, but this is normal and please let the skin do it’s healing process and don’t pick it. 

Day 10 to 15: The brows may look like they’ve faded but this is normal 

Day 15 to 30. The brows starts to come back with their bold colour and beautiful shape. 

Touch up day: The final hair strokes and shading will be added for the ultimate Combination Brows 

 

You may on the day experience excess lymph fluid (lymph is a clear fluid-like substance which might slightly ooze from the skin), this is part of the normal healing process and you need to gently blot (don’t rub) the area with a clean tissue but don’t hold the tissue onto the area. Don’t let the lymph fluid dry on the brows and form a crust because when the crust falls off the pigment may come off with it. 

 

Frequently asked questions: 

Does procedure Combination Brows hurt? 

On a pain scale of 1 to 10 where 10 is the most pain experienced, most people say it’s a 3 or 4 towards the end of the treatment, where as the beginning of the treatment is painless, just the sensation of the machine tickling the skin. You can opt to use a topical numbing cream before your treatment.