The Ultimate Guide to Eyebrow Enhancement in Melbourne

Your eyebrows are one of the most defining features of your face. They frame your eyes, communicate emotion, and shape the overall balance of your appearance. Whether you have naturally sparse brows, over-plucked arches from the early 2000s, or simply want to wake up every morning with perfectly defined brows, modern eyebrow enhancement techniques can help you achieve the look you have always wanted.

This comprehensive guide covers every major eyebrow technique available in Melbourne — from microblading and nano brows to ombré powder brows and combination brows. We will walk you through how each method works, who it is best suited for, what to expect during and after your appointment, and how to choose the right option for your unique face shape, skin type, and lifestyle. Consider this your one-stop resource for making an informed decision about eyebrow enhancement.

Understanding Your Eyebrow Options

When it comes to enhancing your brows, the options broadly fall into three categories: temporary, semi-permanent, and permanent.

Temporary options include pencils, pomades, gels, and brow tinting. These are applied daily (or, in the case of tinting, every few weeks) and wash off over time. They are a great starting point if you are experimenting with different shapes and styles, but they require consistent effort and can smudge or fade throughout the day.

Permanent options include traditional cosmetic tattoos. While these last for years, they come with significant risks — older tattoo inks and techniques can shift in colour over time, sometimes turning blue, grey, or green. Correcting a permanent brow tattoo that has gone wrong is considerably more difficult.

Semi-permanent techniques — including microblading, nano brows, ombré powder brows, and combination brows — have become the gold standard in eyebrow enhancement. They use modern pigments specifically formulated for the face, which fade naturally over 12 to 24 months. This means your brows evolve with you. If trends change, your face changes, or you simply want to adjust your look, you have that flexibility. Semi-permanent methods also deposit pigment into the upper layers of the skin rather than deep into the dermis, resulting in a more natural appearance and a gentler healing process.

At Melbourne Designer Brows, we specialise in semi-permanent eyebrow techniques that deliver natural, flattering results tailored to each individual client.

Microblading — Natural Hair Strokes

Microblading is one of the most popular semi-permanent brow techniques worldwide, and for good reason. It uses a handheld tool with ultra-fine needles to create individual hair-like strokes that mimic the pattern of natural brow hair. The result is a remarkably realistic, fuller-looking brow.

This technique is ideal for anyone who wants to enhance their brows while maintaining a very natural appearance. It is particularly well-suited for filling in gaps, adding definition to sparse areas, or reconstructing brows that have been lost due to over-plucking or medical conditions.

The Microblading Process

Your microblading appointment typically takes around two hours. The process begins with a thorough consultation, during which your technician discusses your desired shape, colour, and overall look. Using precise measurements and your natural bone structure as a guide, the brow shape is mapped onto your face before any pigment is applied. You will have the opportunity to review and approve the design before the procedure begins.

A topical numbing cream is applied to minimise discomfort. Your technician then uses the microblading tool to create fine, crisp strokes in the direction of your natural hair growth. The pigment is carefully selected to match your hair colour and skin tone for the most natural result possible.

For a detailed walkthrough, see our complete guide: What Is Microblading? A Complete Guide.

Ideal Candidates for Microblading

Microblading tends to work best for clients with:

• Normal to dry skin — the strokes heal most crisply on skin that does not produce excess oil
• Sparse or thin brows that need realistic hair-stroke fill
• Over-plucked brows that have not fully grown back
• A preference for a natural, no-makeup look

Clients with very oily skin may find that microblading strokes soften and blur more quickly. In those cases, nano brows or ombré powder brows may be a better fit.

Price: From $600

Nano Brows — Precision Machine Work

Nano brows are the next evolution in semi-permanent brow technology. Rather than a handheld blade, this technique uses a single-needle digital machine to create ultra-fine hair strokes with exceptional precision and consistency.

The key advantage of nano brows is their versatility. Because the machine allows for precise control over needle depth, speed, and pressure, nano brows can produce incredibly fine, crisp strokes that work well across a wider range of skin types — including oily skin, which can cause traditional microblading strokes to blur over time.

Nano brows also tend to be less invasive than microblading, as the single-needle configuration creates less trauma to the skin. This often translates to a more comfortable healing process and longer-lasting results, with many clients enjoying their nano brows for 18 to 24 months or more before a touch-up is needed.

How Nano Brows Differ from Microblading

While both techniques aim to create natural-looking hair strokes, the differences lie in the tool and the precision it offers:

• Tool: Microblading uses a manual blade; nano brows use a digital machine with a single nano needle
• Precision: The machine provides more consistent depth and pressure, resulting in uniform strokes
• Skin suitability: Nano brows are better suited for oily and combination skin types
• Longevity: Nano brows typically last longer due to the way pigment is deposited
• Healing: Generally involves less skin trauma and a gentler healing process

For a detailed comparison, read our guide: Nano Brows vs Microblading.

Who Should Choose Nano Brows?

Nano brows are an excellent choice for:

• Clients with oily or combination skin
• Anyone who wants the longest-lasting hair-stroke result
• Those with sensitive skin who want a gentler procedure
• Clients seeking maximum precision in their brow strokes

Price: From $750

Ombré Powder Brows — Soft Gradient Effect

Ombré powder brows use a shading technique to create a soft, powdery finish that resembles the look of filled-in brows — similar to the effect you might achieve with brow powder or pencil, but without any daily effort.

The technique involves using a digital machine to deposit thousands of tiny dots of pigment into the skin, creating a gradient effect that is lighter at the front of the brow and gradually deepens toward the tail. This produces a soft, diffused look that adds density and definition without the appearance of individual hair strokes.

Ombré powder brows are one of the most forgiving techniques for oily skin, as the shading method is less affected by excess oil than hair-stroke techniques. They also tend to heal very well and maintain their appearance for a long time.

The Powder Brow Technique

The process begins, like all our treatments, with a thorough consultation and brow mapping. Once the shape and colour are agreed upon, the technician uses a digital machine to build up layers of soft, pixelated colour. The result is a beautifully blended, makeup-like finish.

The gradient effect — lighter at the front and more defined toward the arch and tail — creates a natural transition that avoids the harsh, blocky look that older permanent brow tattoos were known for.

For everything you need to know, see our detailed guide: Ombré Powder Brows: Complete Guide.

Who Should Choose Ombré Powder Brows?

This technique is ideal for:

• Clients with oily or combination skin — the shading technique holds up exceptionally well
• Anyone who regularly fills in their brows with powder or pencil and wants to save time
• Those who prefer a soft, makeup-like finish rather than individual hair strokes
• Clients with mature skin, as the shading technique tends to complement ageing skin beautifully

Price: From $700

Combination Brows — Best of Both Worlds

Combination brows — sometimes called combo brows — blend the hair-stroke technique of microblading or nano brows with the soft shading of ombré powder brows. The result is a brow that has the natural, realistic appearance of individual hair strokes at the front, with added depth and dimension through the body and tail.

This technique is ideal for clients who want maximum definition and a multidimensional look. The hair strokes at the front of the brow create a soft, natural beginning, while the shading through the body and tail adds fullness and a polished finish.

How Combination Brows Work

Your technician will typically begin by creating hair strokes using either a microblading tool or a nano needle machine at the front and top of the brow. Then, the ombré shading technique is applied through the body and tail to add density and a gradient effect. The two methods are blended seamlessly together to create a cohesive, natural-looking result.

The combination approach allows your technician to customise the balance of strokes and shading to suit your individual preferences. Some clients prefer more strokes and lighter shading, while others want bolder shading with subtle strokes at the front. This flexibility makes combo brows one of our most popular choices.

For a full overview of this technique, read our guide: Combination Brows Technique Guide.

Who Should Choose Combination Brows?

Combo brows are a great fit for:

• Clients who want both natural hair strokes and the fullness of shading
• Anyone looking for maximum definition and dimension
• Those who want a versatile result that combines the best elements of multiple techniques
• Clients with any skin type — the combination can be adjusted to suit your skin

Price: From $700

Brow Corrections — Fixing Previous Work

Brow corrections are for clients who have had previous eyebrow tattooing or semi-permanent work that they are unhappy with. Over time, brow tattoos can fade unevenly, shift in colour, lose their shape, or simply no longer match the client's desired look.

When You Might Need a Brow Correction

Common reasons clients seek corrections include:

• Colour changes — older tattoos shifting to unnatural tones such as blue, grey, or orange
• Shape issues — brows that are uneven, too thick, too thin, or poorly positioned
• Symmetry problems — one brow healing differently from the other
• Faded or patchy results — previous work that has not held up well over time
• Style updates — wanting a different shape or look from what was originally done

What Can Be Corrected?

A skilled brow correction specialist can address a wide range of issues, including colour correction, reshaping, and improving symmetry. The process typically involves an initial assessment to determine the best approach, which may include colour neutralisation, lightening, reshaping, or a combination of techniques.

It is worth noting that corrections can be more complex than a first-time treatment, and some cases may require multiple sessions to achieve the desired result. A thorough consultation is essential to set realistic expectations.

Price: From $600

Other Cosmetic Tattooing Services

While eyebrows are our speciality, Melbourne Designer Brows also offers a range of other cosmetic tattooing services to enhance your natural features:

• Lip Blush — a semi-permanent technique that adds a soft wash of colour to the lips, enhancing their natural shape and symmetry. It is perfect for defining lip borders, adding a subtle tint, or creating the appearance of fuller lips. From $690.

• Eyeliner Tattoo — semi-permanent eyeliner defines the lash line for a subtle, eyes-open look or a more dramatic style, depending on your preference. Wake up every morning with perfectly defined eyes. From $550.

• Cosmetic Tattooing — our broader cosmetic tattooing services cover a range of enhancement options tailored to your needs. From $450.

These services complement your brow work beautifully, creating a cohesive, polished look with minimal daily effort.

Choosing the Right Technique for Your Face Shape

Your face shape plays a significant role in determining which brow style will look most flattering. The right brow shape can balance your proportions, soften or define your features, and enhance your overall appearance.

Here is a brief overview:

• Oval face: Soft, gently angled brows tend to complement the balanced proportions of an oval face
• Round face: A higher arch can add vertical dimension and create the appearance of a longer face
• Square face: Strong, defined brows with a structured arch balance angular features
• Heart-shaped face: A rounded, soft arch creates balance with a narrower chin
• Long face: Flatter, more horizontal brows can add width and balance

For a comprehensive breakdown with visual examples, read our dedicated guide: Eyebrow Shape Guide for Every Face Shape.

Skin Type Considerations

Your skin type is just as important as your face shape when choosing a technique:

• Dry skin: Most techniques work beautifully on dry skin. Microblading strokes tend to heal very crisply, making it an excellent choice.
• Oily skin: Excess oil can cause hair strokes to blur or soften over time. Nano brows, ombré powder brows, or combination brows are typically recommended for oily skin types.
• Combination skin: A combination technique — such as combo brows — can be tailored to address the different needs of oilier and drier areas of your brow region.
• Sensitive skin: Nano brows tend to involve less skin trauma and may be more comfortable for those with reactive or sensitive skin.
• Mature skin: Ombré powder brows and combination brows often complement mature skin, as the shading technique works well with the natural changes in skin texture.

During your free consultation, your technician will assess your skin type and discuss which technique is most likely to give you the best, longest-lasting result.

What to Expect: Before, During & After

Understanding what happens before, during, and after your eyebrow enhancement appointment helps you prepare properly and achieve the best possible outcome.

Before Your Appointment

Proper preparation can make a real difference to your results. In the days leading up to your appointment, you will typically be advised to:

• Avoid blood-thinning substances (such as alcohol and certain supplements) for at least 24 to 48 hours before your treatment
• Avoid sun exposure and tanning on the brow area
• Arrive with a clean face and no makeup on the brow area
• Bring reference images of brow styles you admire

For a full preparation checklist, see our guide: Preparing for Your Microblading Appointment.

During Your Appointment

Most appointments take between one and a half to two and a half hours, depending on the technique. The process typically follows these steps:

1. Consultation and brow mapping — your technician discusses your goals, maps the ideal shape using facial measurements, and selects the pigment colour
2. Approval — you review and approve the mapped shape before any pigment is applied
3. Numbing — a topical numbing cream is applied for your comfort
4. Pigment application — the chosen technique is performed with care and precision
5. Final review — you see your new brows and receive detailed aftercare instructions

After Your Appointment

The healing process is an important part of achieving your final result. In the first week or two, you can expect:

• Some initial darkening of the pigment, which will soften as the brows heal
• Mild flaking or peeling as the skin renews itself (it is important not to pick or scratch)
• Gradual lightening of the colour over the first few weeks

Your brows will typically go through a full healing cycle of four to six weeks, during which the colour will settle into its true shade. For detailed aftercare instructions, see our guide: Microblading Aftercare: Complete Guide.

To understand the full healing journey with realistic expectations, read: Microblading Before & After: What to Expect.

The Perfecting Session

A perfecting session is scheduled six to eight weeks after your initial appointment. This follow-up allows your technician to assess how the pigment has healed, make any necessary adjustments to shape or colour, and fill in any areas that may have healed lighter than expected. The perfecting session is an essential part of the process and ensures your brows look their absolute best.

Perfecting session price: $250

Pricing Comparison

To help you compare techniques at a glance, here is an overview of our eyebrow enhancement pricing:

Prices are indicative and may vary based on individual requirements. For a detailed breakdown of all our services and pricing, visit our pricing page.

For a deeper look at what influences the cost of eyebrow enhancement in Melbourne, read our guide: Microblading Cost in Melbourne: What You Need to Know.

Why Choose Melbourne Designer Brows

Choosing the right practitioner is just as important as choosing the right technique. At Melbourne Designer Brows, we bring years of dedicated experience in semi-permanent eyebrow enhancement, with a focus on natural-looking results tailored to each client.

Experience and Expertise

Our team specialises exclusively in cosmetic tattooing, with particular expertise in eyebrow enhancement. We stay at the forefront of the industry by continually refining our techniques and investing in the latest tools and training. Every treatment is performed with meticulous attention to detail, from the initial brow mapping to the final stroke.

Recognised Quality

Melbourne Designer Brows has been featured on A Current Affair as a trusted microblading expert. This recognition reflects our commitment to delivering safe, high-quality treatments and our standing within the Melbourne cosmetic tattooing community.

Two Convenient Locations

We operate from two studios across Melbourne, making it easy to find a location that suits you:

• Richmond: Level 1, 382A Bridge Rd, Richmond VIC 3121
• Springvale: Shop 4, 218 Springvale Rd, Springvale VIC 3171

Client Satisfaction

We take pride in the feedback we receive from our clients. You can read real experiences and see our reviews to understand the level of care and quality we deliver.

Free Consultations

We offer free consultations to every prospective client. This no-obligation appointment gives you the opportunity to discuss your goals, have your skin assessed, see examples of our work, and receive a personalised recommendation — all before committing to a treatment.

Book Your Free Consultation

Ready to take the first step toward your perfect brows? We would love to help you find the right technique for your unique features and lifestyle.

Book Your Free Consultation

Get in Touch

• Phone: 0418 188 277
• Email: info@mdbrows.com.au

Visit Us

• Richmond: Level 1, 382A Bridge Rd, Richmond VIC 3121
• Springvale: Shop 4, 218 Springvale Rd, Springvale VIC 3171

Results may vary. Consult with your practitioner for personalised advice.