Combo Brows Guide: How It Works, Benefits & More
Here’s everything you need to know about these hybrid brows!
What are combo brows?
Combo brows—also known as hybrid brows or shaded brows with hair strokes—combine the best elements of microblading, nano brows, and ombre powder brows.
Using either a handheld tool or a tattoo machine, your artist will create delicate hair strokes in the front of the brow and blend them with soft shading through the body and tail. This gives your brows structure, depth, and a natural gradient that complements your features.
There are multiple ways to create combo brows:
Microblading + Shading
Manual Nano Brows + Shading
Machine Nano Brows + Shading
All are beautiful—it’s just a matter of what’s best for your skin and goals.
DAELA Cosmetic Tattoo: Where Confidence Begins
DAELA Cosmetic Tattoo is more than a studio—it’s a movement redefining beauty through precision, artistry, and compassion. Founded with a mission to help people feel confident in their own skin, DAELA brings together the country’s most talented cosmetic and paramedical tattoo artists under one luxurious roof.
With multiple studios in the U.S., DAELA sets the gold standard in cosmetic tattooing. From soft, natural lip blush and perfectly shaped brows to 3D areola restoration and scar camouflage, every treatment is performed with intention, skill, and heart. What makes us different? We offer every style of every service and guide you to the best technique for you. No guesswork. No one-size-fits-all.
Our commitment to cleanliness, artistry, and outstanding client care has earned us thousands of five-star reviews—and the trust of those who return again and again. Whether you’re simplifying your beauty routine or restoring what was lost, DAELA is a place where you’ll feel seen, celebrated, and in the very best hands.
What are Combo Brows Best For?
These brows are ideal for those who want:
The natural look of hair strokes with a little extra density
Brows that last longer than microblading alone
More definition without going full makeup-look like ombre brows
A brow solution tailored to sparse, patchy, or uneven natural brows
Results that work for all skin types, including oily or mature skin
Not sure if these brows are right for you? Don’t worry—our artists will help you decide during your consultation.
Combo Brows Vs Other Techniques
Combo Brows vs. Microblading:
Microblading is all hairstrokes, created by a hand tool. Adding shading creates fullness and longer-lasting results—especially helpful for those with sparse or uneven brows.
Combo Brows vs. Ombre Powder Brows:
Ombre powder brows use only shading to create a soft, makeup-like look. Incorporating both hairstrokes and shading, gives you the best of both: natural and defined.
Combo Brows vs. Nano Brows:
Nano brows use a machine to create ultra-fine hair strokes. While nano brows alone are stunning, adding shading gives the look more structure and works better for certain skin types.
What are the Benefits of Combo Brows?
Are you tired of filling in your eyebrows every day? Brow tattoos could be your solution.
Say goodbye to traditional brow makeup and enhance your beauty effortlessly.
The benefits of shading + hairstrokes include:
- Minimally invasive, minimal pain
- Creates a very full and defined look
- Creates shape and definition
- Work on those with oily skin
- Can be done on those with thinner skin, a perfect option for mature skin
Who Is a Good Candidate for Combo Brows?
Almost everyone over the age of 18 is a good candidate!
This technique works on many different skin types, including mature skin.
Some skin types will benefit from combo brows using a machine tool to create the hairlike strokes while others can achieve combo brows just as successfully with a handheld microblading tool.
How are Combo Brows Done?
Combo brows, or hybrid brows, are created by a cosmetic tattoo artist using a machine tool that creates a powder look as well as a machine tool or hand tool that creates hair-like hairstrokes.
The look can be extremely natural or bolder depending on the clients’ goals!
Combo Brows: The Best of Both Worlds
Natural Hair Strokes + Soft Shading for Your Perfect Brows
Looking for a brow tattoo that gives you the most natural hair-like strokes and the soft definition of shading? Hybrid brows are the ultimate solution. This versatile technique blends the look of microblading or nano strokes with gentle shading to deliver fuller, more dimensional brows—tailored just for you.
At DAELA Cosmetic Tattoo, our master artists specialize every brow tattoo technique. That means we can create a custom solution based on your skin type, brow goals, and natural growth pattern.
How to Prepare for a Combo Brow Appointment?
Proper preparation is key to achieving the best results from your Combo Brow appointment.
Preparing for your brow appointment is essential because it can help prevent complications or issues during the procedure and ensures your eyebrows are in optimal condition, which leads to a longer-lasting outcome.
Prepare for your combo brow treatment with these simple steps (see here for even more details):
- No caffeine day of
- No alcohol 24 hours prior
- No blood thinners or painkillers within 24 hours
- No fish oil or vitamin E one week prior
- No filler or injections 3 weeks prior
- No chemical peels in brow area 2 weeks prior
- No antibiotics 2 months prior
How Long Do Combo Brow Sessions Take?
Your brow appointment will take about 2 hours.
This will include consultation, color choices, shape drawing, and client approval.
The actual tattoo process will involve topical numbing creams to alleviate almost all discomfort.
Combo Brow Aftercare: How to Care for Combo Brows
After your brow appointment, let your eyebrows relax for 24 hours, making sure to keep them dry.
After 24 hours, you can wash them gently each morning and evening. Also, apply a supplied aftercare cream.
Until they are completely healed, you will want to avoid the following. Also, consult with your artist for other do’s and don’ts.
- Applying makeup to the brows
- Scratching and picking the brows
- Use of exfoliants
- Avoid sweating for 10 days
- Avoid swimming and saunas for 10 days
- UV exposure or tanning beds
Combo Brows Before and After
Compare the Combo Brow before and after photos.
See the dramatic transformation and natural-looking results you can achieve with this popular beauty treatment.
How Much Do Combo Brows Cost?
Combo Brows will range from $600 to $1000.
The price range can be dependent on the state as well as the skill level of the artist.
Where to Get Combo Brows?
Get the perfect eyebrow look with DAELA Cosmetic Tattoo trusted brow tattoo services.
With multiple Daela Cosmetic Tattoo studios to choose from, you can trust our team of skilled artists to help you achieve your desired look!
Check out our online reviews and you will see that thousands of customers have honored us with 5-Star reviews. Our customers travel from all over the world to see us and DAELA Studios have seen over 20,000 customers. Come see us and you understand that we truly care about our customers results.
Why Choose DAELA Cosmetic tattoo Studios?
DAELA Cosmetic Tattoo’s trusted artists and services offer several benefits to our clients:
- Outstanding customer service: You will be well cared for before, during, and after your procedure. DAELA has served over 20,000 customers and has earned over 2000 5-Star reviews.
- Competitive Pricing: We offer competitive pricing because setting the standard for customer service, studio cleanliness and quality of artists doesn’t mean you have to over-pay!
- Full-service studio: You can have all your cosmetic tattoos done by trusted artists.
- Training: All of our artists are master artists or trained by master artists.
- Natural products: We use natural products with pigments chosen for endurance and lack of color change.
- Financing: We accept all major credit cards. We offer financing through a third-party provider and an easy in-house prepayment plan free of interest or other fees.
Ombre Powder Brows FAQ
Find answers to common questions about our combo brow services.
What are combo brows?
Combo brows are a type of brow tattoo that combines hair-like strokes (from microblading or nano brows) with soft shading. The result is a natural, full brow with both definition and dimension.
Are combo brows the same as hybrid brows?
Yes! Combo brows and hybrid brows are two names for the same technique. Both describe the combination of hairstrokes and shading to achieve a natural yet polished brow look.
How long to combo brows last?
Combo brows typically last 1 to 3 years, depending on your skin type, skincare routine, and lifestyle. Annual touch-ups are recommended to keep them looking fresh.
Do combo brows hurt?
Most clients say combo brows are very tolerable. A topical numbing cream is applied before and during the procedure to ensure comfort. You may feel slight pressure or scratching, but it shouldn’t be painful.
Are combo brows better than microblading?
Combo brows may be a better option for many people—especially those with oily skin, thin skin, sparse brows, or uneven growth. They offer more longevity and a fuller look than microblading alone.
What's the difference between combo brows and ombre powder brows?
Ombre brows are fully shaded and have a soft, makeup-like appearance. Combo brows add hairstrokes to the front of the brow for a more natural, dimensional effect while still benefiting from the structured look of shading.
Can combo brows look natural?
Yes! Combo brows are designed to look very natural. The hairstrokes mimic real brow hairs, and the soft shading blends in to give fullness without harsh lines.
How do I know if combo brows are right for me?
If you have thin, patchy, or uneven brows and want a natural look with extra fullness and better retention, combo brows may be perfect for you. Your artist will help you decide during your consultation.
What is the healing process like?
Expect light flaking around days 4–7, followed by softening of color. Brows may look darker right after treatment but fade into a more natural tone as they heal. A touch-up is needed at 6–12 weeks.
Can combo brows work for oily skin?
Yes, combo brows are ideal for oily or combination skin types, where microblading alone may not last. The added shading helps with pigment retention and overall brow balance.
What is the difference between machine nano brows and combo brows?
Nano brows use a tattoo machine to create precise hair strokes. Combo brows may use machine or manual strokes, plus shading for more fullness. If you want strokes + depth, combo is the way to go.
Will combo brows damage my natural brows?
Not at all. Combo brows are a superficial tattoo placed in the upper layers of the skin and do not affect natural brow growth. In fact, many clients experience more confidence as their natural brows grow in.
Can I wear makeup over combo brows?
Yes! After your brows have fully healed (usually after 2 weeks), you can apply makeup around or even over them if desired. But many clients find they don’t need brow makeup anymore!
What do combo brows cost?
Pricing varies by studio and artist, but brows usually range between $600–$1000, including your initial session and a follow-up touch-up. DAELA’s pricing reflects the expertise of our master artists and includes full care.
