What are Nano Brows? How are they different from microblading? Read on to learn all about them, why they’re better than alternatives, and the difference that RealTint® machines can make.
Eyebrows are the most important part of the face.
The eyes are said to be the windows to the soul, and eyebrows frame them. The eyebrows are the first features we see when we look at a face. They frame the rest of our facial features, commanding each expression as they display our emotions, personality, and character. The prominence of a well defined pair of eyebrows makes a compelling impression, and conversely, the same impact can be noted in their absence.
Before I co-founded Hyper Real Academy, I was an editorial makeup artist with publications in the top magazines such as Vogue, Allure, and L’Officiel. Editorial makeup is defined by its purpose of storytelling through art and aesthetic. Eyebrows and eyebrow styles are utilized in editorial makeup to convey mood, energy, character, and intensity. I firmly believe that learning proper Eyebrow Design is key; my students master the technique before they even touch their tattoo machines. My Nano Brows class is the best in the industry because of my careful focus to ensure that my students are well versed in design before they even start to practice.
What is the Nano Brows Permanent Makeup Technique?
Nano Brows is a method of tattooing for enhancement and refinement of the eyebrows.
Nano Brows and RealTint® Nano Brows are products of the evolution and innovations of permanent makeup. Nano Brows is the PMU technique for the eyebrows in which hair strokes are tattooed with a machine so that the tattoo will either blend in with the client’s natural eyebrows, or simulate lifelike eyebrows if the client has sparse to no hair. Nano Brows is a technique used by many PMU artists in 2024.
RealTint® Nano Brows PMU is a signature Nano Brows technique developed by Anna Sun, founder of Hyper Real Academy. RealTint® PMU machines are designed to create the highest quality tattoos in the hands of a permanent makeup artist of any level of experience or skill.
Nano Brows vs Microblading; What is the difference?
Microblading and Nano Brows are both tattoo methods for the eyebrows, with an important difference; the tool used.
Microblading is an eyebrow PMU technique in which hair strokes are created with pigment deposited into the skin by creating fine cuts using a handheld tool that holds a row of needles. The pigment enters the skin through each cut and is expected to remain in place after the skin heals.
Nano Brows utilize the tattoo machine to control the implementation of pigment into the skin. The needle speed, depth, and power are typically controlled by the machine settings. This results in a less invasive and therefore safer experience for the client, with minimal risks of infection and no bleeding during the procedure. We frequently hear that our customers were not aware of nano brows (but have heard of microblading), so we do our best to spread awareness of this improved technique.
Are Nano Brows Better Than Microblading?
Microblading is considered an obsolete permanent makeup skill as of 2024. The standards of safety, pigment implementation, longevity, and overall tattoo quality have increased significantly due to the advancements of PMU machine technology. Microblading is no longer considered a safe or reliable method of creating cosmetic eyebrow tattoos, as nano brows provide superior results with minimized risk.
Are Nano Brows the Same as Eyebrow Tattoos?
Permanent makeup is a specialized branch of tattooing that many professionals choose to differentiate from body art tattooing, and is our primary focus at Hyper Real Academy. The most important distinction is that Nano Brows tattooing is not the same technique and does not use the same equipment as a body tattoo.
Cosmetic tattooing in 2024 requires the pigment to be deposited into the epidermal-dermal junction, as per the official USA board regulator, the American Academy of Micropigmentation (AAM). Tattoos for the body will typically utilize a machine with a higher power and needles that aim to deposit pigment into the dermal layer of the skin, deeper than in PMU tattooing.
In the past decades, before the invention of PMU tattoo machines, a traditional tattoo machine may be used to create permanent makeup for the eyebrows. Unfortunately, the results are not ideal because the deep implementation of the pigment will often shift the color to an unnatural and unflattering blue-gray color. Traditional cosmetic tattoos and body art tattoos are expected to last a lifetime as they are created in the deeper layer of the skin.
Modern PMU does not involve the same limitations as traditional cosmetic tattooing or body art tattooing. It is important for many modern PMU artists to make this distinction, therefore many adopt or create new terms for more modern tattooing techniques.
Is Nano Brows the Same as Nanoblading?
Nano Brows is not the universally accepted term for modern cosmetic tattooing for the eyebrows. Hyper Real Academy refers to Nano Brows as tattooing hair strokes, however other PMU practices may use terms such as “nanoblading”, “micropigmentation”, “eyebrow embroidery”, “machine microblading”, “hair strokes tattoo”, and many more niche phrases for the same technique.
We have adopted the term “Nano Brows” as it is the most commonly accepted term for this technique.
Who Should Get Nano Brows?
Nano Brows are ideal for people of all genders and ages. Though most Nano Brows clients are looking to enhance and refine their natural eyebrow shape, this PMU technique can also camouflage scars in the eyebrows and correct hair loss of the eyebrows.
Nano Brows can be used as a solution for hair restoration for men and women experiencing hair loss from alopecia, over plucking, side effects of medical treatments, genetics, and age.
What Are the Benefits of Nano Brows?
Eyebrows directly affect the characterization of a person’s face and any alterations can make a transformative impact. Altering the eyebrows may be beneficial to add intensity, convey youth, and to soften or harden the appearance. Altering the eyebrows may also be used to feminize the face or convey a more masculine appearance.
When a client gets a Nano Brows PMU procedure, he/she gets a semi-permanent to permanent solution for eyebrow enhancement. Nano Brows eyebrow patterns are custom designed for each client.
Similar to a tattoo, Nano Brows eyebrows will not wash off. Typically, eyebrow makeup takes 10-15 minutes per day. Nano Brows will save money, time, and effort for clients that want perfectly groomed eyebrows. Nano Brows designs are created by professional PMU artists, and are often superior to a makeup application done at home.
While corrective cosmetic tattooing can be done on people of all ages, it is recommended to explore the option of PMU after the client is 18 years old.
How Long Do Nano Brows Last?
Nano Brows last for up to a year, as the ink used for the tattoos is absorbed in the blood stream (a completely safe but scary sounding process) and eventually disperses. Nano Brows require an annual touch up to maintain crisp lines and flattering color.
Do Nano Brows Procedures Need a Touch Up?
The Nano Brows tattoo method is designed to be completed in two sessions. Every person’s skin will heal differently, and in most cases small corrections need to be made in order for the eyebrow hair stroke pattern to retain pigment evenly. The touch up appointment should be completed in 4-6 weeks following the initial appointment. Skipping the touch up session is not recommended as the tattoo will be incomplete and less likely to last for one year.
What Skills Are Needed to do Nano Brows?
A top PMU artist will need 5 key tools and skills to ensure excellent Nano Brows technique:
- Eyebrow Design
A good tattooer is not always a good makeup artist. In cosmetic tattooing, a top artist must be both. Mastery of eyebrow design is essential to mastery of the Nano Brows technique. Eyebrows must be designed to flatter the client’s face, reflect the client’s personality and style, correct asymmetry, and create balance with the rest of the client’s facial features. - The Machine
A quality machine should be easy to use and facilitate the tattooing experience for both the artist and the client. RealTint® PMU machines include built-in stabilization, customizable settings, and custom needle configurations for the best possible tattoo work with strong longevity. - Mapping for Symmetry
Eyebrow mapping is an important skill for all Nano Brows artists. Mapping is a great way to ensure symmetry and balance when creating an eyebrow design for clients. - Anatomical Knowledge
Anatomical knowledge ensures that the artist will be prepared to work with a diverse clientele. Different skin types, skin tones, and skin conditions require different machine settings to ensure successful PMU. - Color Knowledge
Color theory is an extremely important part of every artist’s PMU education. Knowledge of color families, undertones, and how colors interact with one another is the key to creating a successful custom color for Nano Brows.
How Much Does a Nano Brows Procedure Cost?
One Nano Brows procedure costs between $600 and $1200 in 2024. It is normal to see students and less experienced artists to price their services lower than the average, hence the large variance in cost.
Top artists are expected to create superior work with many examples of successful healed results. Similar to prominent tattoo artists, top PMU artists may charge several times the average price because of the quality of their work.
Hyper Real Academy offers professional nano brow procedures, but don’t just take our word for it; you can review our past works here. When you are ready to book, you can do so here.
How Much Money do PMU Artists Make?
Superior PMU results speak for themselves. RealTint® artists enjoy the highest earning power in the entire permanent makeup industry. The combination of quality education and innovative new technology is instrumental in the development of each artist’s career.
Many graduates of Hyper Real Academy make a six-figure salary with no need for a college degree. The vast majority of students are debt-free in 1-2 months time following their licensing and certification.
