Combination Brows in Melbourne

Combination brows (also called hybrid brows) are a semi-permanent makeup style in the cosmetic tattooing category that combines two brow procedures: microblading hair strokes at the front of the brow and soft shading through the body and tail.

It’s the best of both worlds — hair-like strokes give you that natural, fluffy start, while shading adds depth and definition that lasts. The result? Brows that look softly filled in without the daily eyebrow pencil battle.

Here’s how they stack up against other brow tattoo styles:

Why Melbourne clients love them: Our climate swings from humid summers to dry winters, and combo brows tend to hold up better over time than a full brow tattoo. The powder shading helps with colour retention, especially on skin types that fade.

If you’re torn between microblading and powder brows, combo brows are the best of both. Here’s why:

• Natural-looking eyebrows with just the right amount of definition
• Better longevity — shading helps pigment last longer than microblading alone
• Suitable for more skin types, including combination and slightly oily skin
• Customisable results — from barely-there softness to full glamour

A 2025 beauty trend report shows that over 64% of Melbourne cosmetic tattoo clients now request a hybrid brow for improved healing and colour stability.

Not everyone is a candidate for combination eyebrows. Avoid or delay your appointment if you have:

• Active skin issues (eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis) near the brow area
• Uncontrolled diabetes or blood-clotting disorders
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Recent brow procedures like Botox within 3–4 weeks
• Recent brow tattoo removal in the (must wait until skin has fully recovered)

If unsure, get a skin assessment before booking.

Combo brows are perfect if you:

• Wear brow makeup daily, but want a natural-looking eyebrow tattoo
• Have sparse, uneven or asymmetrical brows
• Have slightly oily skin, where microblading hair strokes will fade quickly
• Want a shape that will last through Melbourne’s seasonal extremes
• Need to refresh or correct faded brow tattoos

Real client example: One client came in after a previous microblading job had blurred within a year. Switching to combination eyebrows gave her a shape that’s still going strong two years later.

Preparation is just as important as the actual tattooing — it can make or break your healing process and long-term results.

At my Melbourne studio, Face Figurati, every client gets a personalised pre-care guide to make sure their skin is ready.

One week before:

• Stop using retinol, strong exfoliants or active skincare ingredients on the brow area — they can make the skin more sensitive and affect pigment retention.
• Avoid facials, chemical peels or laser skin treatments near the brows.
• No tanning, spray tans or sunburn — uneven skin tone can cause inconsistent pigment healing.

24 hours before:

• Avoid alcohol, caffeine or blood-thinning medication — these can increase bleeding during the cosmetic tattoo procedures, making it harder for pigment to implant evenly.
• Stay hydrated — well-hydrated skin takes pigment more effectively.
• Avoid heavy exercise or sweating, as this can open pores and affect pigment uptake.

On the day:

• Come with clean, makeup-free skin so we can work directly on your natural brow zone.
• Bring reference photos if you have a preferred brow style — this helps us align on shape, density and arch placement.
• Wear something comfortable — sessions can take up to two hours, and you’ll want to be relaxed.

Here’s what to expect from a Combination Brows Melbourne at Face Figurati:

Consultation – We chat about your brow goals, assess your skin type, and decide on your ideal combination of strokes and shading. I’ll also advise on colour choices based on your undertones and hair colour.

Brow Mapping – I map your brows using precise measurements to ensure symmetry and proportion. Your facial architecture guides the design — no cookie-cutter stencils here.

Numbing Cream – A topical numbing agent is applied so you stay comfortable throughout your cosmetic tattoo procedures.

Hair Stroke Creation – I create realistic, hair-like strokes at the front with a microblading tool for a natural, fluffy start to the brow.

Shading – I softly shade the rest of the brow with a tattoo machine to add structure, definition and depth. This blends seamlessly with the strokes for that signature hybrid effect.

Finishing Touches – We check colour balance, symmetry and overall flow and make micro-adjustments so both brows look like twins — not distant cousins.

Aftercare Guide – You’ll leave with a written aftercare guide tailored to your healing process, including tips to protect your new brows from Melbourne’s sun, wind and unpredictable weather changes.

Pro tip: Don’t book your session right before a beach holiday or special event — your brows will go through a healing phase that includes darkening, flaking and softening over several weeks.

Every skin type heals differently, but the typical healing process looks like this:

One of the most common questions I get at Face Figurati: “Is it normal for my brows to look lighter after healing?” Absolutely. During the first few weeks post-procedure, your combination eyebrows will naturally shed some pigment as the skin heals and regenerates. That 20–30% fade is not a sign something went wrong — it’s just part of how the skin accepts and retains pigment.

Think of it like colouring your hair: the first rinse always looks a little softer than that fresh-from-the-salon depth. Cosmetic tattoo pigments behave in a similar way — they settle and soften, creating that more natural finish you booked in for.

Your healing success is 50% the artist’s skill, and 50% how you look after your brows at home.

Melbourne’s climate can be unpredictable — dry one day, humid the next — so these aftercare steps protect your investment.

First 7–10 days:

DO:

• Keep brows dry — No splashing water over your face, even during a quick morning rinse. Instead, use a damp cotton pad around the brow area.
• Apply the provided balm as directed — this keeps the skin hydrated and supports even healing.
• Sleep on a clean pillowcase — preferably silk or satin to reduce friction.

DON’T:

• Rub, scratch, or peel flakes — these flakes are part of the skin’s natural repair. Removing them early can cause pigment loss.
• Apply makeup over brows — makeup particles can enter the healing skin and affect pigment colour.
• Swim, sauna, or sweat excessively — moisture and heat open pores, which can cause pigment to lift.

Long-term tip: Melbourne’s UV can be fierce year-round. Once healed, always apply SPF over your brows when outdoors — even in winter. This helps your cosmetic tattoo keep its fresh colour for longer.

Your retouch appointment isn’t optional — it’s essential. This is when we:

• Boost pigment in any lighter or patchy areas.
• Refine the shape or adjust the tone for perfect symmetry.
• Lock in results so they last up to 2–3 years instead of fading in 12 months.

Don’t skip this session — it’s like painting a wall with one coat — it will fade faster and look uneven. At Face Figurati, I always recommend booking your retouch the same day as your first session to secure your spot — Melbourne PMU artists book out quickly, especially in spring and wedding season.

On average, combo brows last 2–3 years before you’ll need a colour top-up.

If you live an active, outdoorsy Melbourne life — think paddleboarding on the Yarra or regular summer beach days — you’ll need to refresh your brows a little sooner.

When done by a qualified, experienced cosmetic tattoo artist, the risks are minimal. Still, as with any semi-permanent procedure, you should be aware of possible effects:

Short-term (common and temporary):

• Mild redness or swelling in the brow area (usually resolves within 24–48 hours).
• Light itching is part of the healing process.

Rare (but possible):

• Allergic reaction to pigment — a patch test can reduce this risk.
• Uneven healing or pigment retention — usually linked to not following aftercare instructions.

At Face Figurati, I only use certified, skin-safe pigments and disposable, sterile equipment, and I follow Victorian health regulations to the letter. Hygiene is not up for negotiation when it comes to your face.

The Combination Brows technique blends the natural hairstrokes of Microblading with the soft shading of Powder or Ombre Brows. This process creates definition and fullness while still looking natural — ideal for clients who want balance between realism and structure.

Compared to Microblading, Combination Brows appear slightly bolder and last longer thanks to the added shading. They’re also softer than full Powder Brows, which have a denser, makeup-like appearance.

Ombre Brows focus more on gradient shading and less on individual strokes, while Combination Brows maintain visible texture for a realistic yet polished finish. Nano Brows offer a similar result with machine precision, suited to delicate or mature skin.

During your consultation in Melbourne, your artist will assess your skin type and brow goals to determine whether Combination, Ombre, or Nano techniques fit your ideal look.