Both combo brows and ombre brows are forms of semi-permanent eyebrow tattooing techniques. They both create a long-lasting eyebrow look that appears fuller and more defined, but there are some key differences.
Combo brows and ombre brows have a lot of similarities, but they also have some key differences to keep in mind. They use different application techniques, as one uses a handheld tool and machine, and the other just uses a machine. Also, ombre brows are a bit more dramatic, while combo brows can be better customized to meet the client’s needs.
What Are Combo Brows?
Combo brows use both the microblading and ombre brows technique combined. It is the perfect solution for someone wanting a natural powdered-in look that isn’t too intense.
The microblading technique mimics natural hair-like strokes throughout the eyebrows.
This makes it look like you have more eyebrow hairs than you actually do, and it can help darken up the hairs in the brow if necessary.
With this technique, the appearance of the brow can be best customized to the client.
If you want them more defined, the artist will do more ombre shading and less microblading.
However, if you just want your eyebrows to be fuller with a little bit of extra pigment, the artist will microblade most of the brow and lightly shade in the mids and tail.
What Are Ombre Brows?
Ombre brows give a subtle ombre appearance that is perfect for people with sparse eyebrow hairs.
Compared to combo brows, ombre brows are much softer and more natural-looking.
Much like a traditional tattoo, to create ombre brows, the eyebrow artist utilizes a machine to deposit hundreds of tiny dots of pigment into the skin.
In order to get that ombre effect, the pigment is least saturated in the inner brow, and it gradually becomes more saturated towards the end of the brow.
Ombre brows are commonly known as a form of powder brows, as they give a powdered-in effect to the brows. These brows closely mimic a precise makeup application of eyebrow powder.
Depending on how light or dark you want your brows, artists will create a contrast from light to dark in the eyebrow.
Or if you prefer them to be one color, they’ll simply saturate it less in the inner brow, but they will use the same shade all throughout the brow.
It is always a good idea to do a patch test to make sure you’re not allergic to the pigment dye.
The Main Differences Between Combo Brows and Ombre Brows
Although there are a lot of similarities between combo and ombre brows, there are also plenty of differences.
These differences will help you decide which type of semi-permanent eyebrow tattooing is best for you:
1. Application Method
Combo brows utilize techniques from both microblading and powder shading.
With microblading, the artist uses a handheld tool to create hair-like strokes in the eyebrow.
With powder shading, the artist uses a machine, much like a tattoo machine, to deposit tiny dots of pigment into the brow.
When it comes to combo brows, the artist will use both of these tools to create the most natural-looking brow suited to your face shape and desired look.
With ombre brows, the artist only uses the machine to deposit the tiny dots of pigment into the skin.
This pigment will be the least saturated in the inner brow, and as the artist moves towards the end of the brow, it will be completely saturated and filled in. This results in a bold, defined look.
2. Pigment
Ombre brows follow the powder brows technique.
Instead of mimicking hair strokes, the eyebrow artist deposits tiny dots of pigment to perfectly fill in the brow as eyebrow makeup would.
To get the ombre effect, you’re likely going to have a lighter shade going into a darker shade.
This trend was made popular by Instagram and beauty influencers, and it likely won’t stay trending for long.
So if you want ombre brows, make sure you really like the way they look before making the commitment.
On the other hand, combo brows utilize both hair strokes and shading techniques to create the most natural-looking brow possible.
With combo brows, you do have to option to create a subtle ombre effect, but you can also just get them lightly shaded in with one shade.
So in terms of pigment, combo brows look a little more natural, while ombre brows have a more defined, dramatic look to them.
3. Longevity
Another key difference between combo brows and ombre brows is longevity.
For combo brows, the microblading technique using a handheld tool creates more shallow indents in the skin, so the color tends to fade a bit faster.
For ombre brows, the pigment tends to stay in the skin for a little bit longer. Since so much pigment is being deposited into the skin, it doesn’t fade as fast as combo brows would.
Depending on how much shading you get in your ombre brows, they could not last as long compared to ombre brows. However, with proper touch-ups, they both should last at least a few years.
4. Price
Something else to keep in mind is the price difference between the two methods.
Since the eyebrow artist is typically doing more work with combo brows, it usually is a bit more expensive.
However, both methods are fairly expensive, so if you can afford it, go for the method that is going to suit you best.
Also check out the difference between feather touch brows and ombre brows.
Combo Brows Vs. Ombre Brows: Which Is Better For You?
Both combo brows and ombre brows have their benefits, so it’s really just a matter of what is best suited for you.
They are both suited for all skin types, so this should not be an issue. The main difference we’re looking at here is how defined you want your eyebrows to be.
If you want a more natural look that looks like real eyebrow hairs, combo brows are the way to go. But if you want a look that is bolder, defined, and dramatic, ombre brows are going to be your best bet.
A few things to keep in mind include the price you’re willing to spend, which you should always talk to your eyebrow artist about first, and how long you want the brows to last.
Before making a decision, always consult with your eyebrow artist to see which method is best for you.