Microblading vs. Machine ‘Nano’ Hairstroke Brows: What’s the Difference?

I’ve had many conversations with women thinking about getting their brows done or had them done, and one question that always comes up is:

“What’s the difference between microblading and machine hairstrokes?”

It’s such a common one — and it’s no surprise, because microblading is the technique most people have heard of. When it first became popular, it was everywhere and was praised for giving natural-looking results. But what a lot of people don’t know is that ‘nano brows’ is an advanced alternative to microblading, offering the same hair-stroke effect but in a gentler, more skin-friendly way.

Let’s break it down so you can feel confident choosing what’s right for you…

What is Microblading?

Microblading is a manual technique that uses a handheld tool with tiny blades to make small cuts in the skin, pigment is then implanted into these cuts to mimic brow hairs. It became incredibly popular because it gave that instantly recognisable “natural hair stroke” look. However, because the blade physically cuts the skin, it can be more traumatic than machine methods — especially for mature, sensitive, or thin skin. Over time, repeated microblading can cause issues like pigment blurring or even scar tissue, particularly if the skin wasn’t the best match for the technique in the first place.

What Are Machine “Nano” Hairstroke Brows?

Nano brows are created with a digital machine that uses a super-fine needle to implant pigment by making tiny punctures in the skin, building up the look of delicate brow hairs. At first glance, the results can look similar to microblading, but the technique is much softer on the skin. Instead of cutting, the machine implants pigment with precision and minimal trauma. This makes it a fantastic option for all skin types — but it’s especially beneficial for mature, oily, or sensitive skin where microblading may not heal as well.

Another key difference is the finish. Microblading tends to give a more crisps, “perfect” shape — very popular amongst those under 40s. Nano brows, on the other hand, are all about hyper-realism. The hairstrokes aren’t uniform or overly structured. Instead, they’re placed to mimic the randomness of natural hair growth. The result is softer, giving the illusion of fullness without looking “done.”

So… which one is better for mature skin?

From my professional experience, nano brows are the better choice for mature clients. As we age, the skin becomes thinner, more delicate, and often doesn’t heal as well from invasive techniques. Because microblading cuts the skin, it can cause more trauma and can lead to poor healing on ageing skin.

One of my clients, Susan, who’s in her 60s, came to me after noticing her brows had thinned and lost their shape. She initially wanted microblading simply because that’s the treatment she’d heard of and believed would give her natural results. After our consultation, I explained how nano brows could achieve the same realistic effect but in a gentler way, especially for her mature skin. She decided to go ahead with nano hairstrokes, and after her treatment she messaged me,

“…Kannika, I’m so pleased with how my eyebrows turned out and how smoothly the treatment went. It wasn’t as painful as I thought, now I actually feel confident looking in the mirror again they look so natural”

Why I Specialise in Machine Brows

When I trained in semi-permanent brows, I explored both microblading and machine techniques. But as I worked with more clients, especially those with mature skin, I saw how much better nano brows healed and how natural they looked over time. That’s why I now focus on machine brows — nano hairstrokes and powder brows. They’re consistent, suitable for all skin types, and give results that look natural and stand the test of time.

Still Unsure?

If you’re still not sure which technique is right for you, that’s completely normal. Everyone’s skin and preferences are different. That’s why I always recommend starting with a consultation whether decide on microblading or machine brows, I will always give you a recommendation.

Want to see some real results? Head over to my case studies or Instagram @canvasretouch and see the difference for yourself.