Brows

Microblading and Nano Brows are both semi-permanent eyebrow techniques designed to create natural-looking hair strokes, but they differ in their application, longevity, and suitability for different skin types. Microblading is performed using a manual handheld blade to create tiny incisions in the skin where pigment is deposited, resulting in soft, feathered strokes. It works best for normal to dry skin types, as oily skin can cause the strokes to blur over time. The results typically last 1-2 years, fading gradually. In contrast, Nano Brows use a digital machine with an ultra-fine needle to implant pigment, creating crisp, precise, and longer-lasting hair strokes. This technique is ideal for all skin types, including oily and mature skin, as it causes less trauma and retains pigment more effectively. Nano Brows generally last 2-3 years with proper care. If you have oily or sensitive skin, or want a more refined and long-lasting result, Nano Brows may be the better option. Both methods deliver stunning, natural-looking brows, tailored to enhance your unique features. Book a consultation to determine the best technique for you

What is the difference between microblading and tattoo? Microblading is a semi permanent makeup procedure that allows to dramatically correct or fully reconstruct lost eyebrows. this is the refined technique of manually depositing small and precisely placed, molecules of pigment directly into the dermis layer of the skin using sterile, disposable needles affixed to a specialized pen, it does not involve the use of a machine. The purpose of microblading is to accentuate the natural features of the clients face. Microblading is softer and more subtle than tattooing it is meant to be a natural-looking enhancement. Body tattoos use ink while microblading involves pigments. These pigments are designed to gently fade over time. Fading is desired as it allows the artist to make changes to colour and shape over the years as client’s natural colouration and facial changes occur.

Both Microblading & Nano Brows are semi-permanent cosmetic procedures, meaning they will naturally fade over time. On average, Microblading lasts between 12-24 months, while Nano Brows can last 2-3 years before requiring a color boost. However, longevity varies from person to person based on several key factors.

Factors That Affect Retention

• Skin Type – Oily skin tends to break down pigment faster, causing microblading strokes to blur and fade more quickly. Nano Brows, which use a machine technique, retain pigment better on oily skin and generally last longer.
• Lifestyle & Skincare – Frequent sun exposure, swimming, and use of exfoliating skincare products (like retinol or acids) can cause pigment to fade more quickly. Wearing SPF and avoiding harsh skincare products near the brows can help extend results.
• Pigment Color – Lighter pigments tend to fade faster than darker shades. Those opting for soft, natural tones may need a touch-up sooner than those with deeper brow colors.
• Aftercare & Healing – Following proper aftercare instructions, such as keeping brows dry during the healing process and avoiding picking at scabs, helps pigment settle properly. Poor aftercare can lead to premature fading.
• Immune System & Metabolism – A faster metabolism can break down pigment more quickly, meaning those who are very active or have a high metabolism may notice their brows fading sooner.
• Touch-Up Schedule – Regular color boost touch-ups (every 12-18 months for Microblading and 18-24 months for Nano Brows) help maintain shape, color, and definition over time.

Which Lasts Longer?

Since Nano Brows use a machine and ultra-fine needle to implant pigment deeper into the skin, they tend to have better retention than Microblading. If longevity is a priority, Nano Brows are the better choice, especially for those with oily or combination skin.

Regardless of which technique you choose, both Microblading and Nano Brows offer beautiful, natural-looking results that enhance your brows for years with proper care. Book a consultation today to find out which option is best for you!

Does microblading or powder brows hurt? A highly-effective, topical anesthetic cream and gel are used for numbing before and during your procedure. Pain threshold levels vary from person to person and every effort is made to ensure you remain comfortable for the entirety of the procedure. Having this service performed during your menstrual cycle may increase discomfort during your procedure. If you have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, be aware that this may affect your sensitivity tolerance to the procedure.

How do I prepare for my brow appointment? If you have an ideal shape and colour in mind, bring a few reference photos with you to your appointment. You may fill in your eyebrows as you normally would so we can take into consideration the shape you desire. If you regularly get your eyebrows shaped, waxed, threaded or tinted, please do so at least 3 days before your appointment. If there are any stray hairs that fall outside of our final shape, we can remove them. If you plan to go on a vacation, it is recommended to plan your trip a minimum of 14 days after the procedure. We require our clients to avoid any blood thinning medication for a minimum of two weeks prior to their appointment. This includes Vitamin E, Aspirin, Niacin, fish oil supplements, and Ibuprofen. Do not drink any alcohol the night before and day of your appointment and limit the amount of caffeine you consume. If you have been on prescription Accutane in the past, you MUST wait at least one year before considering this procedure (2 years is recommended). It is highly recommended that you avoid sun and tanning bed exposure for 30 days before and after your procedure as your skin exfoliates from a sunburn, it will take the pigment with it. If you drink a lot, take aspirin or use Retinol stop two weeks before your appointment. Retinol makes your skin thin and then you bleed more!

Healing Process for Microblading & Nano Brows

Both Microblading and Nano Brows follow a similar healing process, typically taking 4-6 weeks for full recovery. During this time, your brows will go through several phases as the skin heals and pigment settles.

Week 1: Initial Healing & Aftercare

• Your brows may appear darker and bolder than expected—this is normal as the pigment oxidizes.

• You might experience mild redness, tenderness, and slight swelling for the first couple of days.

• Light scabbing or flaking begins as the skin starts to heal. Do not pick at scabs, as this can cause pigment loss.

Week 2: Flaking & Lightening

• As the brows flake and shed, they may appear patchy or uneven—this is temporary!

• The pigment often looks lighter than expected during this phase, but it will resurface as the skin regenerates.

Weeks 3-4: Color Stabilization

• The brows start to look more even and natural as the pigment settles into the skin.

• Any areas that appear too light or faded will be corrected at the touch-up appointment.

Week 5-6: Fully Healed & Ready for Touch-Up

• Your brows are now fully healed, and the final color has settled.

• A touch-up appointment is scheduled to perfect the shape, fill in any areas where pigment didn’t retain, and make any necessary adjustments.

Differences in Healing: Microblading vs. Nano Brows

• Microblading causes more surface trauma, so it may have slightly more scabbing and flaking compared to Nano Brows.

• Nano Brows heal faster with less scabbing and pigment loss, as the machine technique is gentler on the skin.

• Oily skin types may experience more fading with Microblading, whereas Nano Brows tend to retain pigment more effectively.

Regardless of the method, proper aftercare is essential to ensure long-lasting, beautifully healed brows. Book your appointment today to start your brow transformation!

How will my microblading look in the future? During your appointment, we will analyze your skin’s undertone to anticipate how pigment colours will fade in the future. We will also mix pigments to ensure colour blends well with your existing eyebrow and hair colour. The majority of our clients’ Microblading stay true to color and lighten naturally over time. There are some cases, however, where colours may fade to different tones according to the individual’s response to the pigments (like lifestyle and iron deficiencies). Many factors affect these changes. At your next appointment, we will re-analyze how your body has responded to the initial colour. Special formula alteration to correct the colour and to prevent further colour change is made at this time. To keep your hair strokes looking good, a refresher appointment is suggested every 1 to 2 years. Results vary with each client.

Permanent Makeup (PMU) brows, including Nano Brows, Microblading, Powder Brows, and Combination Brows, are a great solution for enhancing your natural brows. However, the best technique for you depends on your skin type, lifestyle, and existing brow hair.

If you have extremely oily skin, traditional Microblading may not be the best option, as excess oil can cause hair strokes to heal with a diffused, softer appearance, often resembling a more powdered effect rather than crisp strokes. In this case, Nano Brows or Powder Brows are ideal since the machine method provides better pigment retention and a longer-lasting, more defined look for oily skin types.

If you have little to no natural brow hair, Microblading alone may appear more two-dimensional. In contrast, Nano Strokes can create more dimension and depth, mimicking the natural texture of real hair for a fuller, three-dimensional effect.

Your lifestyle also plays a role in how long your brows will last. For example, frequent smokers may experience faster pigment fading due to increased skin regeneration.

Have Previous Brow Tattoos?

If you have previously tattooed brows, cover-ups or corrections are assessed on a case-by-case basis. If the existing pigment is too dark, dense, discolored, or oversized, we may recommend tattoo removal before proceeding. Keep in mind that previously tattooed brows often require additional sessions for optimal results.

If you’re unsure which brow technique is best for you, contact us today for a consultation!

How old must I be to be to get microblading or powder brows done? You must be 18 years or older to receive any semi permanent makeup services at this salon.

Can I get microblading if I am pregnant or nursing? As a precaution, we do not perform microblading on pregnant or nursing women.

Is the salon equipment safe? absolutely! We pride ourselves on having an immaculate and sterile salon space. All needles are pre packaged, sterile, single use only and disposable. This means that each set-up for each new client is discarded safely afterwards.The Willow is routinely inspected by the Durham Regional Health Board and ways abides by and passes regulations (supporting documentation is happily provided upon request).

May I bring my children with me to my appointment? Due to the interest of health, safety and liability children under the age of 12 are prohibited from attending your appointment. You will be required to arrange supervision offsite and no exceptions will be made. Failure to abide will result in the cancellation of your appointment.

What methods of payment do you accept? We accept all major CREDIT CARDS, DEBIT OR CASH (applicable taxes do apply)

Proper aftercare is essential to ensure the best healing and long-lasting results for your new brows. Your brows will go through several healing phases over the next 4-6 weeks, so following these guidelines will help optimize pigment retention and overall appearance.

Immediate Aftercare (Days 1-7)

• Keep brows dry – Avoid water, sweat, and steam (including showers, saunas, and workouts).

• Gently blot brows with a clean tissue to absorb excess lymphatic fluid for the first few hours.

• Apply healing ointment (if instructed) using a clean cotton swab—less is more.

• Avoid touching, scratching, or picking at your brows to prevent pigment loss.

• No makeup or skincare products on or near the brows.

Healing Phases (Days 7-14)

• Brows may start flaking or peeling—this is normal. Do not pick at the flakes.

• Your brows may appear lighter or patchy during this phase, but the color will return.

• Avoid sweating, swimming, and sun exposure to prevent premature fading.

Fully Healed Brows (Weeks 4-6)

• By week 4-6, your brows will have fully settled, and the final color will be visible.

• A touch-up appointment (if needed) will refine the shape, color, and any minor fading.

• Continue to wear SPF daily to maintain color vibrancy and longevity.

Long-Term Care for Lasting Results

• Avoid excessive sun exposure and always wear SPF on your brows.

• Keep retinol, exfoliants, and chemical peels away from your brows.

• Stay hydrated and follow a healthy skincare routine to maintain your results.

Your brows are an investment! Following these aftercare steps will ensure beautiful, long-lasting results. If you have any concerns during healing, contact the studio for guidance.

CANCELLATION POLICY – 48 hours notice is required in the event you need to cancel or reschedule. Any rescheduled, or cancelled appointment with less than 48 hour notice will result in the forfeit of your deposit. If you do not show up to your appointment, your deposit will be forfeited. An additional deposit will be required to make a new appointment. If 2 appointments are missed, canceled, or rescheduled without the appropriate notice, payment in full for services scheduled will be due prior to the scheduling of another appointment and such payment will be subject to the same terms of forfeit for no show, cancellation or rescheduling as listed above. There are no exceptions to these policies. RESCHEDULING / LATE POLICY- To avoid unfair delays to clients, if you are more than 20 minutes late to your appointment it will be necessary to reschedule. This will result in the loss of your deposit and will require another deposit to schedule the next appointment. We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise that could force you to postpone/reschedule your procedure. Please understand that such changes affect not only your technician, but other clients as well. If you must reschedule an appointment, 48 hours is required in order to keep your deposit.