What Are Nano Brows?
You may have heard the word nano used in measurement, but in the world of permanent makeup, Nano Brows or just ‘Nano’ is the term we use to describe several digital device hairstrokes combined to achieve a hyperreaslistic cosmetic eyebrow tattoo. Nano brows are just beginning to popularize in the US compared to Europe, Canada, and Asia where the technique has its roots.
Left Image: Macro lens picture of Nano hairstrokes taken immediately after tattooing.
A ‘digital device hairstroke’ is essentially a tattooed line that looks like a singular brow hair. It’s characterized by being ultra thin (like a hair) and tapered at the ends of the hairstroke (like a hair), and sometimes a little thicker in the center of the line (you guessed it…like a hair!). Several of these tattooed hairstrokes are strategically placed and angled to form a natural looking eyebrow. It can be used to create a tail in brows that are missing tails, to fill in gaps and sparse areas, to define a shape, create balance, improve symmetry, and create the look of an actual brow on the face of someone who has no brow hair (i.e. alopecia). The best part is that it doesn’t wash, sweat, smudge, or wipe off. It is an absolute game changer and can last for 1-3 years before a touch up is needed.
We don’t call it simply an ‘eyebrow tattoo’ because we need a way to differentiate this specific technique from traditional body art tattoos. The machines, cartridges, inks, and length of time it remains in the skin is different from traditional body art tattoos. It’s still a tattoo…I just like to think of it as a special kind of tattoo.
So how does Nano differ from Microblading? The key difference is the technique. Microblading can have a very similar result, but it is a manual technique in which a pen-like device called a microblade is used. See my previous post all about Microblading here. Nano uses a machine and cartridge configuration much like a traditional body art tattoo. Nano is more suitable for oily, textured, and mature skin types. The way the ink is deposited into the skin can cause less trauma to the skin than microblading. It also seems to minimize pigment migration in oily skin types. In oily skin types or really active skin, pigment particles tend to spread (or migrate) which makes the lines look blurred over time. So while the hairstroke can appear really crisp and realistic right after the brows are done, months later, they tend to eventually spread and blur making the brow appear more like a powder (or filled in makeup) brow. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it’s good to understand so you know what to expect. The pigment can still migrate in Nano, it just tends to migrate less.
Right Image: Picture of Nano hairstrokes over faded Microblading
Is Nano better than Microblading? It depends on your skin type, skin characteristics, desired style, and the artist. The skill of the artist matters. I’m personally undecided. There are artists out there that exclusively do Nano because they believe it is better than microblading. Nano is still relatively new, especially in TX, and I just haven’t seen enough long-term healed results of both techniques to compare. But the reason I love Nano, and recommend Nano for most of my clients is because I can do more artistically with Nano to give my clients a really beautiful, natural looking brow. I love the flowy hairstrokes and the dimension I can build with the Nano technique. I also love that it is more universal and the results are more consistent for more skin types.
So what are the cons of Nano? It takes longer than microblading. It typically takes me an extra 30min doing Nano compared to Microblading w/ shading. It’s also more difficult to master. Nano is not an easy technique. I mean, neither is microblading, but Nano is a whole other level. There are a lot more variables in Nano. Microblading involves great mapping, pre-draw, correct skin depth, quality pigments, and how the artist travels in and out of the skin with the microblade. Nano involves the same but now add in machine speed, hand speed, hand movements, and needle length. From the perspective of the client, the cons are minimal but from the perspective of the artist, more variables mean more stress and skill required.
I personally love a challenge…so Nano it is. Ha! But seriously, I love the results I’ve been getting with the Nano technique. I pride myself in being one of the few artists bringing this incredible, globally popular, technique to TX. I can really customize and hone in on tiny details…it makes me a better problem solver for people really desiring a natural looking brow. It takes natural looking to a whole other level!
Top Image: Nano hair-stroke brow before and after.
I hope you find this information useful! At Sun Siren Brow, my mission is to make every client feel beautiful and confident about their brows. I strive to offer the best techniques this global industry has to offer in my humble Round Rock, TX studio. I love hearing from you so if you have any questions feel free to send a message to hello@sunsirenbrow.com.
