Combo Brows
From $750

Combo Brows & Hybrid Brows
The perfect fusion - natural hair strokes meet soft powdered depth for dimensional perfection
The Ultimate Brow Technique
Combo brows, also called hybrid brows, represent the pinnacle of semi-permanent eyebrow artistry - a sophisticated technique that combines the best aspects of microblading and powder brows into one stunning result. This advanced method delivers the most natural, three-dimensional appearance possible in cosmetic tattooing.
The technique begins with precision microblading to create delicate, hair-like strokes throughout your brows, giving you that realistic texture and definition. Then, we add subtle powder shading between and behind the strokes to create depth, dimension, and fullness. The result? Brows that look like perfectly groomed natural brows with just the right amount of definition - realistic texture with beautiful fullness.
Combo brows are ideal for clients who want the natural appearance of microblading but need more fullness and definition, or those who love the filled-in look of powder brows but want realistic texture. It's truly the best of both worlds. Available at our Richmond and Springvale studios, serving Melbourne's inner east and southeast communities with premium hybrid brow artistry.

The Technical Artistry of Combo Brows
Understanding how two techniques combine for superior results
The Two-Phase Technique
Combo brows require mastery of two distinct techniques performed in strategic sequence. First, we create hair strokes using either a manual microblade or digital nano needle (we typically prefer nano strokes for their precision and longevity). These strokes are placed at the front of the brow and throughout the body, following natural hair growth patterns.
Next, we switch to a shader needle configuration and apply soft powder shading between and behind the hair strokes. This shading fills gaps, adds depth, and creates the "shadow" effect you see in full, naturally dense brows. The key is blending these techniques seamlessly—the shading should enhance the strokes, not compete with them.
Strategic Placement Zones
The brow is divided into zones, each receiving different treatment:
- Front/bulb (first 1cm): Hair strokes only, very sparse—mimics the naturally soft, feathery start of real brows
- Body/arch area: Hair strokes with light-to-medium shading behind them—builds fullness while maintaining texture
- Tail: Denser shading with fewer hair strokes—natural brows are more solid here, less individually hair-like
- Borders: Soft, diffused edges using the gradient technique—avoids harsh "drawn on" appearance
Why This Combination Works Best for Most Clients
Pure microblading can look sparse as it heals and may not provide enough definition for clients with very thin or patchy brows. Pure powder brows look beautiful but lack the hair-like texture that makes brows look completely natural. Combo brows solve both limitations:
- The hair strokes provide texture, dimension, and the appearance of individual hairs
- The shading provides fullness, definition, and staying power (especially important for oily skin)
- Together, they create depth—strokes appear to "emerge" from the shaded background, just like real hairs
- The shading helps the strokes last longer by providing a supportive base of pigment
Healing Considerations
Because combo brows involve more work than single-technique procedures, the healing process requires careful attention. The stroked areas and shaded areas may heal at slightly different rates, and initial darkness will be more pronounced. Trust the process—by week 4-6, the techniques blend beautifully into a cohesive, natural result.
The touch-up session at 6-8 weeks is particularly important for combo brows. It allows us to assess how each technique has healed on your specific skin and make targeted adjustments—perhaps adding more strokes where shading dominates, or deepening shading where strokes have softened more than expected.
Why Combo Brows Are Special
Most Natural Looking
Three-dimensional appearance mimics real brows with both texture and depth
Best of Both Worlds
Combines realistic hair strokes with soft shading for perfect balance
Universal Technique
Works beautifully on all skin types - oily, normal, dry, or combination
Long Lasting
18-24 months of beautiful results with proper aftercare and touch-ups
The Combo Brows Procedure
Dual technique requiring expert precision and artistry
First Appointment (2.5-3 hours)
- Comprehensive Consultation: We discuss your desired look, analyze your facial features, natural brow pattern, and skin type to design your perfect combo brow strategy.
- Precision Brow Mapping: Using the Golden Ratio and facial measurements, we map out your ideal brow shape, determining where strokes will be placed and where shading will add depth.
- Custom Color Formulation: We blend the perfect pigment shades for both your microblading strokes and powder shading, ensuring seamless integration.
- Comprehensive Numbing: Premium topical anesthetic applied and continuously reapplied throughout the procedure for maximum comfort during both techniques.
- Microblading Strokes: We create natural, hair-like strokes using a manual microblade, following your natural hair growth pattern for realistic texture.
- Powder Shading Application: Using our digital machine, we add soft shading between and behind the strokes to create depth, dimension, and fullness.
Healing Period (4-6 weeks)
- Days 1-3: Brows appear 40-50% darker than final result - this is normal
- Days 3-7: Flaking and scabbing as the skin heals (never pick!)
- Days 7-14: Flaking completes, brows appear lighter
- Weeks 2-4: True color develops over 4-6 weeks as pigment settles
Perfection Visit (6-8 weeks after initial)
This critical follow-up session allows us to:
- Perfect both the strokes and shading
- Balance the techniques for optimal harmony
- Ensure even, long-lasting results
- Adjust shape or intensity if needed
Important: The perfection visit ensures perfect harmony between microblading strokes and powder shading for the most beautiful, natural results.
Benefits of Combo Brows
Most Realistic
Three-dimensional appearance closely mimics how natural, perfect brows actually look
Versatile Style
Works with or without makeup - natural enough for minimal days, defined enough for glam
All Skin Types
Universal technique that works beautifully on any skin type or condition
Maximum Definition
Combined techniques provide both texture and fullness for complete brow perfection
Investment in Your Confidence
Premium technique, exceptional value
Combo Brows
- Microblading + Powder shading
- Bespoke brow mapping & design
- Custom color formulation
- 2.5-3 hour appointment
- Aftercare kit included
Perfection Visit
- 6-8 weeks after initial
- Perfect strokes & shading balance
- Adjust shape if needed
- 1-2 hour appointment
- Ensures long-lasting results
Maintenance
- Within 12-24 months
- Refresh both techniques
- Maintain perfect balance
- 1-2 hour appointment
- Keep brows looking fresh
Combo Brows Aftercare Guide
Proper aftercare ensures the best results for both techniques
First 10-14 Days (Critical Phase)
- Keep brows completely dry for the first 24 hours
- Cleanse gently twice daily with provided solution
- Apply thin layer of healing ointment as directed
- Avoid makeup on or around brows
- No swimming, saunas, hot tubs, or excessive sweating
- Don't pick, scratch, or rub brows - let flakes fall naturally
- Sleep on your back to avoid pressure on brows
Long-Term Maintenance
- Apply SPF daily to prevent sun fading
- Avoid harsh exfoliants and retinoids on brow area
- Chemical peels and laser treatments near brows may lighten pigment
- Book maintenance touch-ups every 12-18 months
See Our Work
Browse our portfolio of natural, beautiful combo brows results
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Discover all our professional brow enhancement techniques
Visit Our Melbourne Studios
Two premium locations serving Melbourne's inner east and southeast
Frequently Asked Questions
Combo brows, also known as hybrid brows, is the most advanced semi-permanent eyebrow technique that combines two methods: microblading hair-like strokes at the front and through the brow, with powder/ombré shading to add depth and fill. This creates the most natural, three-dimensional appearance possible - the realistic texture of microblading with the fullness and definition of powder brows. It's truly the best of both worlds, giving you brows that look like perfect natural brows enhanced with subtle makeup.
While microblading creates only hair-like strokes, combo brows add powder shading in addition to the strokes. Microblading gives you a very natural, hair-like appearance but can look sparse if you have very little natural hair. Combo brows combine those natural-looking strokes with subtle shading that adds fullness and dimension, creating a more complete, polished look that still appears incredibly natural. Think of it as microblading that's been perfected with strategic shading for depth.
It depends on your preference and natural brow situation. Combo brows offer more versatility and the most natural-looking dimension because they combine realistic hair strokes with soft shading. They're ideal if you want texture and definition with fullness. Powder brows alone give a softer, filled-in makeup look without individual hair strokes. Combo brows tend to look more realistic because of the hair-stroke texture, while powder brows look more like perfectly applied brow makeup. During your consultation, we'll help you decide which technique best suits your goals.
With our continuous numbing protocol, most clients experience minimal to no discomfort. We apply premium topical numbing cream before the procedure AND continuously reapply throughout the entire session—not just at the start like many other studios. This comprehensive approach means most clients rate their comfort level at 1-2 out of 10, and many are so relaxed they actually fall asleep during their appointment. The sensation is typically described as light pressure rather than pain. Because combo brows involve both microblading and machine work, the procedure takes slightly longer, but our continuous numbing ensures you remain completely comfortable throughout.
Combo brows typically last 18-24 months, which is between the longevity of microblading (12-18 months) and powder brows (18-30 months). The powder shading component lasts longer, while the microblading strokes may fade slightly sooner. This creates a beautiful evolution where your brows remain full and defined from the shading even as strokes soften. Longevity depends on your skin type, lifestyle, sun exposure, and aftercare. We recommend touch-ups every 12-18 months to maintain optimal results.
The healing process for combo brows takes 10-14 days. Initially, brows will appear darker and more intense - typically 40-50% darker than the final result. Days 3-7 you'll experience flaking and scabbing (more than powder brows alone, but managed well with proper aftercare). The strokes may appear crisp while shading looks softer. By day 10-14, flaking is complete and brows appear lighter. The true color and final result develops over 4-6 weeks. A perfection touch-up at 6-8 weeks ensures the perfect balance between strokes and shading.
Our combo brows start from $750, which includes the initial treatment combining both microblading and powder techniques. A perfection touch-up session at 6-8 weeks is $250. Maintenance touch-ups are $350 within 12 months, or $450 within 12-24 months. While combo brows are our premium technique and cost more than microblading or powder brows alone, they deliver the most natural, dimensional, and versatile results - truly the best investment for perfect brows.
Yes! Combo brows are excellent for all skin types, which is one of their biggest advantages. For oily skin where microblading alone might fade quickly, the powder shading ensures your brows remain full and defined. For normal or dry skin, both techniques work beautifully together. For very thin or sparse brows, combo brows provide both the realistic hair texture and the fullness needed. This versatility makes combo brows our most popular technique.
Combo brows are ideal if you want: the most natural-looking, three-dimensional results; both hair-stroke texture and filled-in fullness; versatile brows that work with or without additional makeup; the longest-lasting semi-permanent solution; or if you can't decide between microblading and powder brows. They're particularly perfect for clients with sparse brows who need both definition and fill, or anyone wanting the most realistic yet polished appearance possible.
The combo brows procedure takes approximately 2.5-3 hours, slightly longer than microblading or powder brows alone since we're performing two techniques. This includes consultation, brow mapping, numbing, both the microblading stroke work and powder shading, and aftercare instructions. We take our time to ensure perfect results - the combination of techniques requires precision and artistry to achieve that perfect balance.
Ready for the Ultimate Brow Technique?
Book your combo brows consultation today and discover the perfect fusion of natural and polished
