Combo Brows in San Francisco
Hair strokes and soft shading in one design. Combo brows pair the texture of individual strokes with the fuller definition of soft shading.
What are combo brows?
Combo brows, sometimes called hybrid brows, blend two approaches in one design: hair-stroke detail, usually toward the front of the brow, with soft soft shading through the body and tail.
The strokes can be created by hand, as in microblading, or by machine, as in nano brows. We recommend the approach after assessing your skin.
Who might consider combo brows?
You may like combo brows if you want visible hair texture but also more definition than strokes alone provide, or if you are torn between hair strokes and a more filled-in look. Your skin, existing brow hair and any previous pigment all guide the plan.
Design comes first
Bring photos of brows you like and of how you fill in your own. We discuss where strokes and shading should sit, how dense you want the healed result, and the color direction before any pigment is placed.
Fresh and healed results are different
Strokes and shading both change as the skin heals. Follow your written aftercare and judge the result at your healed review. Combo brows are tattooed pigment; maintenance varies and complete fading cannot be promised.
Combo Brows pricing in San Francisco
Combo brows: hair strokes plus soft shading.
Annual color refresh.
In-person consultations available.
Combo brows combine two techniques in one design, so the appointment takes more time than strokes alone. Ask us what follow-up visits are included for your treatment.
See all prices →Your combo brows appointment, step by step
Combo brows are planned as one design: we decide where the hair strokes should sit and where soft shading adds fullness before anything is applied.
- 01ConsultationWe talk through your goals, look at your skin and any previous brow work, and recommend the technique that suits you.
- 02Brow mappingYour shape is measured and drawn on, balanced to your features. Nothing is tattooed until you approve the design in the mirror.
- 03ComfortWe talk through comfort options before we begin. Tell us about any allergies or past reactions to topical products.
- 04Pigment placementHair strokes are placed toward the front of the brow, then soft shading is built through the body and tail for definition.
- 05AftercareYou leave with written aftercare instructions for your treatment and a way to reach us with questions.
- 06Healed reviewOnce your brows have settled, we review the healed result and refine anything that needs it.
Combo Brows by skin type
Skin type is one of the biggest factors in how brow work heals. These are general patterns; your consultation decides what is right for you.
Normal to dry skin
Combo brows work well when you want hair texture plus more fullness than strokes alone give.
Combination skin
A common fit: shading helps the brow hold definition while strokes keep the front natural.
Oily skin or large pores
Shading can help the healed brow look even. Strokes may be done by machine for a more predictable result.
Sensitive or mature skin
We keep density and pressure gentle, and may recommend a softer design after assessing your skin.
Combo brows vs. nano brows vs. microblading
| Combo brows | Nano brows | Microblading | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Look | Strokes plus soft shading | Fine machine hair strokes | Fine hand-drawn hair strokes |
| Fullness | Most defined | Natural texture | Natural texture |
| Price at our studio | $850 | $850 | $695 two-part series |
Not sure which suits you? Compare techniques in our brow guide, or see nano brows and microblading.
Recent brow results from our studio
See before & after →
Combo Brows questions
Not sure which technique fits you?
Compare microblading, nano and combo brows → Take the brow quiz →Are the strokes done by hand or machine?
Either can be used. We recommend manual or machine strokes after assessing your skin and goals.
How long do combo brows last?
Fading and maintenance vary with your skin, the pigment and the treatment. Ask us about realistic expectations for your brows.
Can combo brows go over old brow tattooing?
An assessment is needed first. Existing pigment can limit the design or call for a different plan.
How much do combo brows cost in San Francisco?
Combo brows at SF Microblading are $850, and an annual color refresh is $425.
Are combo brows the same as nano combo brows?
Nano combo brows use machine strokes for the hair-stroke part. We can do the strokes by hand or by machine, depending on your skin.
Explore your options in Union Square
Visit us at 391 Sutter Street, Studio 301, San Francisco, CA 94108 to discuss your goals and review examples of our work.