Nano Brows vs Hairstroke Brows vs Microblading: Same Thing?
Nano brows, machine hair strokes and hairstroke brows are the same technique: a machine with a single fine needle draws hair-like strokes. Microblading is different: it makes the strokes by hand with a blade-like tool. At Claire Beauty in Sinchon, Seoul, nano brows are our main service.
Three names, one technique
Nano brows, machine hair strokes and hairstroke brows are names for the same thing: a digital machine with a single, very fine needle places pigment in thin strokes that imitate individual brow hairs. Studios and clients use the names interchangeably. You may also see “nanoblading”.
Where microblading is different
| Nano brows (machine hair strokes, hairstroke brows) | Microblading | |
|---|---|---|
| Tool | Digital machine with a single fine needle | Hand tool with a row of tiny needle blades |
| How strokes are made | The needle deposits pigment in tiny, controlled movements | Shallow, hair-thin cuts in the skin, filled with pigment by hand |
| Skin | Less skin trauma for most clients; suits a wider variety of skin types, including oily or delicate skin | Can look very crisp on suitable skin, usually normal to dry skin with some brow hair |
| Semi-permanent; usually fades gradually over 1–3 years | Semi-permanent; about 1–2 years | |
| Regular price | ₩250,000 |
Results vary with skin type and aftercare.
Not the same: combo and ombre brows
Combo brows mix hair strokes at the front with soft shading through the body and tail. Ombre brows (also called powder brows) use shading only, for a soft, makeup-like look, with no individual hair strokes.
See the difference
Claire shows both tools on practice skin in a short video on Instagram: Microblading vs nano brows, explained by Claire. The same video, with captions, is in our nano brows vs microblading guide.