What is Combination Brows?
Combination brows, also known as hybrid brows, represent the perfect connection between two eyebrow tattooing techniques: microblading and powder brows (also called ombré brows). This innovative approach combines the precision of microblading, which creates fine, hair-like strokes with the soft, filled-in appearance of powder brows to deliver the best.
The technique involves using microblading to create individual, natural-looking hair strokes in the front and arch of the brow, while applying a powder-like pigment across the tail and throughout the brow to create a fuller, more defined appearance. The result is a brow that looks naturally groomed, polished and long-lasting.
In Australia, combination brows have become popular among those seeking a low-maintenance beauty solution that delivers stunning, semi-permanent results. Whether you're in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or Perth, beauty professionals across the country are now specialising in this hybrid technique.
How Long Do Combination Brows Last?
The key advantages of combination brows is their impressive longevity compared to conventional makeup. Most people can expect their combination brows to last between 18 to 24 months, depending on several factors.
Factors Affecting Longevity:
The duration of your combination brows depends on your skin type, lifestyle, sun exposure, and aftercare routine. Those with oily skin may find their brows fade slightly faster, around 18 months, while those with normal to dry skin might enjoy results for closer to 24 months.
Your habits also play a crucial role, regular sun exposure without protection, frequent swimming, or intense workouts can cause pigment to fade more quickly. Certain medications and skincare products containing retinoids or acids may accelerate fading.
Touch-Up Schedule:
To maintain the desired look, many beauticians in Australia suggest to get touch-up treatment every 12 to 18 months. These sessions are less expensive and help refresh the pigment on your skin with shape refinement.
Benefit and Disadvantages of Combination Brows
- Benefits of Combination Brows
Natural Yet Defined Appearance - Combination brows offer the best of both techniques, providing naturally-looking individual hairs blended with a polished, defined finish that enhances your facial features.
Reduced Daily Maintenance - Say goodbye to drawing on your eyebrows every morning. With combination brows, you wake up with perfectly shaped, filled-in brows ready for the day.
Customisable Design - Your technician can adjust the ratio of microblading to powder strokes based on your preferences, face shape, and skin type, ensuring a personalised result that complements your unique features.
Long-Lasting Results - With results lasting 18-24 months, combination brows are more cost-effective than regular eyebrow makeup over time.
Suitable for Various Skin Types - Unlike microblading alone, which can struggle on oily skin, the hybrid approach of combination brows works well across different skin types, including oily, dry, combination, and sensitive skin.
Enhanced Confidence - Many people report feeling more confident with fuller, well-defined brows that frame their face beautifully.
- Disadvantages of Combination Brows
Initial Cost - You can consider the upfront investment for combination brows in Australia ranges from $400 to $800, which is higher than temporary makeup solutions. While long-lasting, this requires a substantial initial commitment.
Commitment to a Shape - Once applied, you're committed to your chosen brow shape for up to 24 months. If trends change or you want a different look, you'll need to wait for the pigment to fade naturally.
Potential for Poor Results - Results depend on the skill and experience of your technician. Choosing an inexperienced or unqualified professional could result in asymmetrical, unnatural-looking, or poorly placed brows.
Slight Discomfort During Procedure - While numbing cream is applied, some people still experience mild to moderate discomfort during the treatment, which can last 2-3 hours.
Possible Allergic Reactions - Though rare, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to the pigments or numbing agents used, resulting in itching, swelling, or redness.
Fading Variability - The pigment doesn't fade evenly, some areas may fade faster than others, resulting in an uneven appearance before your touch-up appointment.
Healing Period - During the healing process of about 7 - 14 days, brow may look darker and feel tender. It may need you to follow unavoidable aftercare instructions for optimal results.
Conclusion
Combination brows is the Australia’s trusted brow treatment. The reason is they offer a properly balanced blend of natural hair strokes and soft shading; it gives a fuller, polished glowy look without makeup. The treatment require upfront cost and commitment, but the long lasting results prove it to be worthy.
Before taking this treatment, ensure you have researched well about choosing a qualified artist who have a good understanding of skin type and style you prefer. A skilled professional may not object to customise the design that looks suitable at your face and hold results for long. Your combination brows can provide reliable and low-maintenance results with proper care and touch-ups.
FAQs
Q1: Is the combination brows procedure painful?
While numbing cream is applied before the procedure, many clients report feeling slight pressure or mild discomfort during the treatment. The level of discomfort varies from person to person and depends on individual pain tolerance. Most describe it as uncomfortable rather than painful, and the entire process lasts 2-3 hours.
Q2: How should I care for my combination brows after the procedure?
Proper aftercare is essential for optimal results. Avoid water, sweat, and makeup on your brows for the first 10 days. Keep them dry and clean, apply the provided aftercare balm, and avoid touching or picking at the area. Don't sleep on your face, avoid sun exposure, and refrain from swimming or strenuous exercise for at least a week.
Q3: Can combination brows be removed or corrected if I'm unhappy with the results?
While permanent removal is challenging, correction is possible once the initial pigment has faded or settled. If you're unhappy with your results, discuss options with your technician at your touch-up appointment. Laser removal is available but can be expensive and may require multiple sessions.
Q4: Will combination brows look natural, or will people be able to tell they're tattooed?
When performed by a skilled professional, combination brows should look naturally groomed and defined. Most people won't be able to tell they're tattooed, they will look like you have naturally beautiful, well-maintained brows. The microblading component creates realistic hair strokes that blend seamlessly.
Q5: Are combination brows suitable for sensitive skin?
Yes, combination brows can be suitable for sensitive skin. It's essential to inform your technician about your skin sensitivity before the procedure. They can perform a patch test with the pigment and numbing agents to check for allergic reactions and may recommend specific aftercare products suitable for sensitive skin.
Q6: How much do combination brows cost in Australia?
The cost of combination brows in Australia ranges from $400 to $800 for the initial procedure, depending on your location, the technician's experience, and the salon's reputation. Touch-up sessions cost $100 to $300. Prices vary between major cities like Sydney and Melbourne tend to be more expensive than regional areas.
Q7: Can I get combination brows if I have very oily skin?
Yes, combination brows are an excellent choice for oily skin. The hybrid technique combines microblading with powder strokes, and the powder component tends to hold better on oily skin than microblading alone. Your results may fade faster, and you might need touch-ups every 12-15 months instead of 18-24 months. Ensure your technician has experience working with oily skin types.

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