Nano Brows vs Microblading: Which Treatment Is Best for You?

Nano Brows vs Microblading At a Glance

Nano brows and microblading are both semi-permanent eyebrow treatments, but they use different techniques. Microblading uses a manual handheld tool, while nano brows typically use a digital machine with a fine needle.

There is no single best option for everyone. The right treatment depends on your skin type, natural eyebrows, preferred finish and your practitioner’s professional assessment.

What Is Microblading?

Microblading is a semi-permanent brow treatment that uses a small handheld tool to create fine, hair-like strokes in the skin before pigment is deposited. The idea is to mimic the appearance of individual brow hairs, adding definition and the illusion of fullness without creating a solid, block-colour finish.

Microbladed eyebrows can look fuller and more defined while still allowing your natural brow hairs to remain part of the overall look.

What Are Nano Brows?

Nano brows are another semi-permanent brow treatment designed to mimic individual eyebrow hairs, but the technique is different.

Instead of using a manual microblade, nano brows are generally created with a digital permanent make-up machine and a very fine needle. The artist builds individual hair-like strokes to create a detailed, natural-looking result.

You might also see people searching “what is nanoblading” or “what is nano brows”. Terminology can vary between salons, so always check exactly which technique and equipment your artist uses rather than relying on the treatment name alone.

Nano Brows Vs Microblading: What’s The Difference?

The biggest difference between nano brows and microblading is how those tiny brow strokes are created.

Microblading uses a manual handheld tool, while nano brows typically use a machine and fine needle. Both aim to recreate the appearance of natural eyebrow hairs, but machine-created nano strokes can allow an artist to build particularly fine and intricate patterns.

That doesn’t mean one technique automatically creates better eyebrows. Your skin, existing brow hair, desired finish and, importantly, the experience of your artist can all affect the final result.

How Much Is Microblading?

Across the UK, a useful guide is around £200 to £400 for microblading, although prices can sit below or well above this depending on your location and artist.

For microblading in London, prices can vary considerably. Current examples range from around £350 for a first session at one London clinic to £595 at another specialist, while marketplace listings can be cheaper.

Nano brows tend to cost more. Current UK guides place nanoblading at around £300 to £700, while London examples can be higher depending on the artist.

Rather than choosing based on price alone, check the practitioner’s qualifications, experience, healed work, hygiene standards and what’s included in the cost, such as consultations or follow-up appointments. The NHS recommends researching cosmetic procedures carefully and consulting an appropriately trained practitioner before going ahead. To search based on reviews and cost, it’s best to look on apps such as Treatwell or Fresha in your local area.

Nano Brows Vs Microblading For Different Skin Types

Normal to dry skin: Microblading can be a good option for creating crisp-looking hair strokes and is commonly recommended for normal to dry skin.

Oily or combination skin: Nano brows may be worth discussing with your artist. Some specialists recommend machine hairstrokes across a wider range of skin types because microbladed strokes can heal softer on oilier skin.

Mature skin: Your artist should assess your individual skin rather than applying a blanket rule based on age. Skin condition, sensitivity, previous treatments and the result you want all matter.

Whatever your skin type, an experienced professional should assess your brows and skin before recommending a technique.

Which Looks More Natural: Nano Brows Or Microblading?

Honestly, both can look incredibly natural when performed well.

Microblading is known for creating individual strokes that blend with existing brow hair. Nano brows can allow for particularly intricate stroke patterns, giving artists plenty of control over direction and placement.

But the treatment name isn’t the secret ingredient to a natural result. It all depends on your brow shape, pigment colour, existing hairs, the placement of each stroke and your artist’s skill.

Top Tip: Don’t only look at the fresh, after treatment photos. Try to look for healed results too to get a gauge of how they will look in the long term and match this with your desired result.

The decision to go for microblading or nano brows is a personal decision based on many factors; there isn’t an outright winner between the two. 

Microblading could be worth exploring if you have normal to dry skin and want defined, natural-looking hair strokes created using a traditional manual technique.

Nano brows could be worth exploring if you want very fine, detailed hairstrokes or your artist feels a machine technique is better suited to your skin.

And if you still don’t know? That’s completely normal. You don’t need to become a semi-permanent brow expert before booking a consultation. A qualified, experienced artist should be able to explain which technique they recommend for you and, importantly, why.