The Pursuit of Natural Looking Eyebrows: Nano Brows, Microblading and Hyper-Realistic Techniques Explained

What looks more natural, Nano Brows or Microblading?

Almost every initial conversation with my clients begins with that same question, or something along the lines of:

“What is the new technique instead of microblading?”

“What is the most natural permanent eyebrow technique?”

“What is the most natural-looking eyebrow procedure?”

If it doesn’t begin with a question, clients will almost certainly soon express how absolutely petrified they are of having dark, angular, oversaturated, and so very “permanent” makeup. This is such a common concern, and I completely understand it—for truly beautiful, natural results are so difficult to spot. They don’t draw any attention; only the bad ones get noticed. It’s a bit of a paradox.

When I started as a microblading specialist 16 years ago, I was one of the very few specialists in permanent makeup in the area of Chiswick, and there were only a handful of people offering what today is called nano eyebrows or microblading in Richmond and across London, as a matter of fact. The permanent makeup industry has evolved so much since then. Back then, our choices of approved needle cartridges or reliable devices were very limited, and there were only a handful of pigment brands available. Today, the selection is so broad, it’s almost impossible to stick with just one brand—everyone wants to try new things, and the marketing is relentless.

What Does It Take to Create Natural-Looking Nano Eyebrows?

Achieving beautiful, long-lasting results in nano brows, microblading, or any permanent makeup treatment comes down to four key factors:

1. The Right Tools

   Whether using a nano cartridge or a nano blade, tools must be carefully selected and adjusted to match your skin’s unique characteristics—such as thickness, smoothness, presence of wrinkles, pores, or laxity. The right tool ensures both safety and natural results, especially for mature or sensitive skin

   
   

2. Expert Technique

   The angle and speed of application are critical. A skilled specialist adapts their technique to each client, ensuring precise, comfortable, and consistent results.

   
   

3. Controlled Depth

   Uniform, controlled depth is essential for both safety and appearance. The depth of pigment application is always adjusted based on skin age and condition, preventing trauma and ensuring color longevity.

   
   

4. Thoughtful Design

   Design is never one-size-fits-all. Options include classic hair strokes, modern “nano combo” (natural hair strokes blended with ombre shading), powder brows of varying intensity, and more. Each set of brows—or lips or eyeliner—is tailored to your face, preferences, and style, whether you want something bold, soft, regular, irregular, or uniquely you.

   
   

5. Skin Canvas:

   Every skin is unique—texture, thickness, age, laxity, smoothness or porousness, wrinkles, dryness, oiliness, moisture levels, alopecia, history of previous enhancements, medication, sun exposure, lifestyle, and overall condition all impact the technique and final results.

   
   

Over the years, we've seen new tools emerge—digital devices, nano cartridges, and refined blades. Even in the early days, I noticed that certain cartridge needles used with an electric machine pen could be trusted or relied upon for a crisp, natural hair stroke, but the same tool and technique would behave differently on different skin types. Now, with so many choices and tools all promising natural-looking eyebrows, it’s easy to believe that the right device is all you need. But is that really enough for truly natural nano eyebrows?

How are Nano Brows Done?-More on Tools Used

As mentioned above, the adaptation of cartridges with particular taper lengths and thicknesses has transformed what we can achieve as microblading specialists. Years ago, the options were limited and costly. The introduction of the microblade—a plastic pen housing a set of tiny needles—about a decade ago created a huge buzz, but it took time to be fully legalised in the UK. The term "microblading" became a massive trend, with many schools and brands promoting specific templates and designs. Yet, no matter how advanced the tools, bad results can still happen if the skills aren’t there. That is the reason microblading nowadays is often conflated with a permanent dark tattoo—because, without proper technique and experience, the results can look harsh and unnatural. Mastery comes only with practice, especially for those who want natural nano eyebrows.

Machine hair stroke created using a very fine Nano cartridge needle.

Templates (and Their Limits) for Natural Nano Brows and Microblading

Just like microblading, which absolutely can deliver natural-looking eyebrows when very thin, or flexible blades in various configurations and shapes are used, nano (otherwise marketed as hyper-realistic) brows can be created with fine cartridges operated by an electric pen. The "Korean brows" template, for example, follows a certain principle for a natural look. But regardless of the tool or template, the results depend on the artist’s ability, not just the product.

Depth of Application

Even a newly trained technician can buy the most sophisticated device, but it’s the control over the depth of application—blended with technique and experience—that determines the outcome. Tools are only as good as the hands that use them.

The Canvas: Your Skin

It takes years of practice working with different skin types, colours, and ages to learn how to adapt tools, speed, angle, and depth for each individual client. Every person is unique, and a true professional microblading specialist tailors their approach for every "canvas" that comes through the door.

Final Results & Aftercare

The end result is influenced not only by technique and tools, but also by aftercare, skin type, client diet, and lifestyle. This is a subject all on its own—how skin differences can affect outcomes, even when every other factor is identical. I’ll cover this more in a future post, but it’s important to remember: your skin is unique, and so are your results.

If you have questions about natural nano eyebrows, want to discuss natural-looking eyebrow techniques, or are seeking a microblading specialist who truly understands subtlety and artistry, I’m always happy to chat. Every client is different, and that’s exactly why I love what I do.