Nanoblading: The Evolution of Microblading
What is Nanoblading(Nano) Brows?
In a nutshell, Nanoblading is a semi-permanent cosmetic make up technique to create more defined and hyper-realistic looking eyebrows, done 100% by free-hand(no machine usage)
With Nanoblading, I add ultra-fine strokes to your brow area that mimic the natural direction and shape of your own brow hairs. When complete, you get the most natural-looking brows possible.
1. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and blood thinners 24 hours before
2. Do not tweeze, wax, or tint brows for at least 5 days before
3. Arrive with no makeup or skincare products on the brow area
1. Keep the area clean: Gently clean the treated area with a mild, fragrance-free, and non-alcoholic cleanser. Twice a day for 15 days.
2. Avoid makeup: Refrain from applying makeup, especially in the eyebrow area, for 15 days after the procedure.
3. Use an ointment: We will provide an aftercare ointment or recommend one. Applying this ointment twice a day to help with healing.
4. Avoid sun exposure: Sun exposure can cause fading of the pigment, so try to keep your eyebrows protected from direct sunlight and use sunscreen when going out.
5. Avoid certain products: Avoid using products that contain glycolic acid, retinol, or other chemical exfoliants on the treated area, as they can cause premature fading.
6. Sweating: Avoid physical activities or excessive sweating for a period of three days.
7. Be patient: The color of your eyebrows will appear darker immediately after the procedure but will fade as the skin heals. It may take a few weeks to see the final result.
8. Follow-up appointment: The touch up is scheduled within two months of the initial procedure and is already included in the total price.
Key advantage of Nanoblading over other techniques for the most natural brows: Adding Movement to the strokes
While other techniques like “nano brows” use machines to add strokes to your brows, only with true Nanoblading, we are able to add movement to the strokes that we create. That is because only in true nanoblading, all the strokes are done 100% manually by free-hand instead of a machine. Doing everything by hand enables the artist to have full control over the direction of the strokes, whereas when using a machine, the control over the direction of the strokes is shared between the machine and the technician. Hence, in true Nanoblading, I am able to add movement to the direction of the strokes that makes them look more in harmony with the natural direction of your own brow hair which eventually boosts the naturalness of the look. In those other techniques, since there is a machine involved, that is not possible. Hence, only with true Nanoblading, we are able to achieve the most possible natural looking brows.
Nanoblading vs Nano Brows
Nanoblading and Nano Brows are two very different techniques, even though the names soundvery similar. Nanoblading is literally a form of art where the artist does the whole work 100% by free-hand only(so without any machine usage), hence with the Nanoblading technique, I have full control over each stroke, I am able to adjust their depth and add movement to each stroke which boosts the personalization and the hyper-naturalness of the look.
Whereas with the NanoBrows technique, a machine with a needle at its tip is used to insert pigment into your skin in vertical moves(invasive and puncture) with less control over depth, often times leaving empty dots in between and creating a standard, template look without the capability to add movement. In other words, in Nano Brows, the machine has control over the strokes, not the artist. And this is the core reason why I am able to create more natural-looking results with true Nanoblading.
Nanoblading vs Microblading
So how is Nanoblading any different than Microblading? Well, in a nutshell, Nanoblading is the evolution of Microblading:
Nanoblading | Microblading |
No migration of pigment, no blocky looks after a while(look stays the same as the 1st day) | Migration of pigment(blocky looking brows(thickened), color-change after a while |
More Natural and Realistic Look | Darker, many times make-up look |
Naturally fades out in about a year without any change in color(able to keep the 1st day look with annual refresher touch ups) | Lasts for years if not decades, however look changes to a migrated, blocky look(thickened), many times with color change as well(gray, blue, red or orange brows) |
Minimal discomfort, accelerated healing and enhanced skin health during and after the session | Potential scabbing and skin flaking after the session |
See the difference between true nanoblading vs microblading in the below photos.
Nanoblading Annual Touch Up Client - Before
Nanoblading Annual Touch Up Client - After
Vs. Microblading after a few years
Old Microblading Technique
So, in True Nanoblading:
- No migrated pigment
- No blocky look
- No color change
And could we maybe cover up your old microblading with new Nanoblading without doing removal first?
Well, the answer is a big Maybe!
Because it really depends on how saturated(how dark) your old microblading still is. If it’s too dark, then eventually the old pigment will eat up my new strokes and you will have wasted your money. So before you make a call, best to schedule a consult with me so that I can take a look at your brows and advise the best way forward.
To give you an idea of how your old microblading should look like to be suitable for a cover up with new Nanoblading, see below a client of mine that had well-faded microblading where we were able to do cover up, without going through removal first..
Old Well-Faded Microblading Covered by New Nanoblading
What kind of a look does Nanoblading create?
Nanoblading is best for adding shape and/or density to your brows while keeping the super-natural look(3D Illusion effect). If you want to have fuller, more defined or shaped brows and you still want them to also look super-natural, then nanoblading is the most advanced technique to make this happen. However, if you want a more standard, make-up look, there are other techniques out there like (Ombre) Powder where you still get a fuller, more defined look but it’s not tailored to your own brow shape and facial features.
What is the difference between Nanoblading and Microblading?
Nanoblading is basically an evolutionized version of microblading.
There are some key differences between Nano and Micro both in the results as well as the technique details.
1- Nanoblading vs Microblading Differences in The Results
Nanoblading | Microblading |
No migration of pigment after a while,no blocky looking brows | Migration of pigment, blocky looking(thickened) brows many times after a while |
More Natural and Realistic Look | Darker, many times make-up look |
Naturally fades out in about a year, no change in color | Lasts for years if not decades, however look changes to a migrated, blocky look(thickened) many times with color change as well(gray, blue, red or orange brows) |
Minimal discomfort, accelerated healing and enhanced skin health during and after the session | Potential scabbing and skin flaking after the session |
But why does Nanoblading not change color or shape, change to a blocky look within time whereas Microblading looks darker, less natural and often changes to a blocky look with many times change in color as well?
Well, the answer lies in the differences between the two techniques
2- Nanoblading vs Microblading Differences in The Technique
Nanoblading | Microblading |
Done in a single pass⇒each hair-like stroke done in a single movement of the hand | Often done in multiple passes⇒to make the pigment last longer, multiple passes on the same hair-like strokes that may also cause them to look darker than necessary |
Done at the upper layers of the skin, enhancing the natural look | Done at deeper layers of the skin(almost tattoo level deep) to make the pigment last longer(several years if not decades) |
Uses a thinner blade, enhancing the natural look | Uses a thicker blade |
So in essence, microblading is done at deeper layers of the skin, often in multiple passes and with thicker blades, resulting in looks that last longer but often changing shape and color, turning into a blocky, migrated look, losing that naturalness whereas nanoblading does not result in any of these issues because it’s done in a single pass for each stroke, on the upper layer of the skin and with thinner blades.
And because of these same reasons, microblading is likely cause more trauma and more damage to the skin like scabbing and flaking whereas we typically don’t observe these in nanoblading.
To show you these differences visually, here are some pictures of my nanoblading work:
Will my brows look darker after the initial session?
Yes, after the initial Nanoblading session, the brow hair strokes may appear up to 40% darker initially(because in essence we are depositing pigment into the brows), but it will gradually lighten as it heals. However, the motto in Nanoblading is always “less is more”. I always go light in first session, making sure there are no dramatic changes. The goal in the first session is to build a base in harmony with your existing brows and then waiting for how they will settle until the touch up after 6-8 weeks.
When you come to your touch up session, that’s when we check how the pigment has settled and depending on that, I adjust and make them darker if needed.
The goal is to always enhance your natural beauty, not build something totally different or unnatural looking.
Is the touch up session in 6-8 weeks after the initial session included in the price or will I have to pay for extra for the touch up?
No, you won’t have to pay extra for the touch up session in 6-8 weeks. Touch up is included in my price.
How long does it last?
The longevity of Nanoblading results can vary from person to person, but it typically lasts anywhere from six months to one year. If you like the look and want to keep it, you can always do so by getting an annual refresher touch-up. If you don’t like the look(which honestly doesn’t happen very often but still) or would like to try something different, you just let it fade out by itself and that’s it, it fades away by itself. So you don’t need to worry about painful and costly removal procedures with nanoblading either.
Will I have to pay the full fee for the annual refresher touch up as well?
No you won’t. My clients get 40% discount off of the full price when they come back for their annual refresher touch ups. So they get it at 60% of the full fee.
Is it painful, does it hurt during or after the session?
Nanoblading is the lightest technique available in the market to enhance brows. It is a very light pressure technique that is done only by hand, no machine work. Therefore, the pain is zero to none, many clients even fall asleep during the session. When I ask them about if they felt any pain, the answer is usually 2 or 3 out 10. However, rest assured, if you have very sensitive skin or feel some pain during the session, I have my numbing cream available all the time. I have used it maybe a handful of times out of the 400+ brows that I did so far but you never know so I keep it always there just in case! But, 99.9%, you will not feel anything 🙂
Is there any downtime after the session?
No, there is no ‘downtime’ after the session in the traditional sense. Many of my clients just walk out and go on with their daily life after their sessions. Because nanoblading is a very light pressure technique without any damage to the skin, there is no concern for downtime. Depending on your skin type, there may be a slight redness for the same day or maximum the next day but that is always the most. Many times, there is no redness at all either. So short answer, there is no downtime. However, if you want to feel super comfortable about the look and make sure you will have ample time before going back to office again, even though it’s not necessary, I suggest my clients to book their sessions for a Friday or Thursday so that they will have the weekend to themselves before going back to the office again.
How does the aftercare process look like?
In general, aftercare process is easy and straightforward with only a few key things to keep in mind without any impact to your day to day.
- Keep the area clean: Gently clean the treated area with a mild, fragrance-free, and non-alcoholic cleanser. Twice a day for 15 days.
- Avoid makeup for 15 days: Refrain from applying makeup, especially in the eyebrow area, for 15 days after the procedure.
- Use the ointment that I will give to you: I will provide an aftercare ointment or recommend one after the session. Applying this ointment twice a day will help with healing.
- No extreme sun(no beach or pool) for 7 days: Sun exposure can cause fading of the pigment, so try to keep your eyebrows protected from direct sunlight and use sunscreen when going out for 7 days. So if you are planning to go down south for vacay, best to have your nano session after you come back 🙂
- No extreme sweating(no gym) for 3 days: Avoid excessive physical activities or excessive sweating for a period of three days.
- Avoid certain products: Avoid using products that contain glycolic acid, retinol, or other chemical exfoliants on the treated area, as they can cause premature fading.
- Be patient and stick to the aftercare instructions that I will give to you: The color of your eyebrows will appear darker immediately after the procedure but will fade as the skin heals. It may take a few weeks to see the final result. So, trust the process, for any questions or concerns, always feel free to let me know, never hesitate and know that I am always here, I am not going anywhere.
- Your follow-up(touch up) appointment in 6-8 weeks: Your touch up session will be scheduled within two months of the initial session and is already included in the price. So rest assured, wait to hear from me for your touch up and no worries, if you see any issues or concerns, rest assured we will look into any and all of them in the touch up, make sure they are addressed.
Will there be scabbing, flaking or crusts forming around my brows after the session?
No, nanoblading is a very light pressure, gentle and delicate technique, resulting in a smooth healing process, and your eyebrows won’t develop scabs, flakes or crusts 🙂
Is there anything that I should avoid or be careful about before the session?
Yes! There are a few things that we need to be mindful of before the session.
First and foremost, if you will be getting any other aesthetic procedure like botox or filler on your face, especially around the brow area, make sure to get it done at least 2-4 weeks if not more before our nanoblading session, just to be on the safe side.
Also, do not pluck or tint your brows before the session and do not drink alcohol or energizing drinks on the day of the treatment.
If you had previous work on your brows and then had either chemical removal(saline or acid) or laserpeel sessions to get it out, make sure to wait at least 6 weeks after the removal session to allow the brows to heal properly before building new nanoblading on them again.
Are there any medical conditions that I need to be aware of before the session?
Yes! Avoid taking aspirin, niacin, Vitamin E or Ibuprofen at least 24 hours before the treatment as these contain blood thinners in them. If for some medical reason you need to take any of these medications before the session, let me know asap.
I am concerned that my brows will not look natural or too dark or too bold after the session. Is there a solution, what can we do?
Of course! There is a very effective solution to this and it’s a very easy one!
First of all, especially if it will be your first time doing your brows, it is absolutely normal that you are concerned with the final look! In fact, it is a good thing that you are concerned because it tells me you really care about your brows and want that perfect service!
That said, if you are concerned with the final look, the best and the easiest solution is to have a FREE Preview Drawing at my studio with pencil first where I take a look at your brows and draw a set of brows on you just like how I would do if we did the real session but this time only with a pencil instead of the pigment! And if you have a pencil that you normally use, it is best to do the drawing with that one so you can see the look you are familiar with!
This way, you can get a preview of the final look without committing to anything and hey, if you don’t like it, that’s absolutely fine, no pressure, all good!
Will I see a big change in look after the session?
No. In fact in Nanoblading, the motto is always Less is More. No dramatic changes in the 1st session. After that, we let the pigment settle in until your touch-up session in 6-8 weeks. When you come for yout touch up, that’s when we look at how the pigment has settled, we decide whether we need to do any adjustments and go darker or not, do those if needed, give it its final shape and move forward. So no, you won’t see any dramatic changes after the first session!
Are you able to make my brows look thicker?
To some extent yes, I am able to do that. But to keep in mind also, the goal in nanoblading is to enhance your own beauty and add shape and/or density in harmony with your own natural brows. If your brows are really thin for example, it might be a good idea to do a sanity check first and send me a close up picture of them so that I can advise how thick we could go. Because at the end of the day, while adding shape or thickness, we should also ensure we are maintaining the natural look. Otherwise, it may not look natural and others may realize which is something of course we don’t want. Even your bestie or partner should not be able to recognize the work.
So, if your main goal is to get thickness, best is to send me a picture through my Instagram page @daphne_nanoblading or WhatsApp or text at 647-505-3694 Click to Chat on WhatsApp and I can confirm.
In fact better if you can actually come for a FREE Preview drawing to my studio but I am aware of the traffic in GTA so if coming in person is not an option, I will be more than happy to look at your picture and advise.
I have very thin brows, can you make them thicker with Nanoblading?
Yes I could, to a certain extent. I have done many thin brows thicker so long that the final look still looks natural and in harmony with your own brow hair. Best to come for a FREE Preview drawing first and we can take a look together but if that would not be possible, we can start with a picture and I can advise how thick we could go.
Which colors can you do? I have a specific color in mind. Can you do any color?
Yes, I can do any color. My technique is based on a Mix and Match of a few base colors. We do the color choosing together with you before the session. That said, the color that we choose should be in harmony with the natural color of your brows. For example, if your brows are brown, we would shy away from choosing gray as the color(I know I am a bit exaggerating it here a bit but you get what I mean 🙂
So yes, we can do any color while finding the color that is closest to your own brow color and making sure my nano strokes will finely blend in with your own brow hair to ensure that super natural look!
How long does the session take?
First session takes around 2 hours. Touch-Up session in 6-8 weeks takes around half an hour to an hour.
For what type of skin types is nanoblading suitable?
It is suitable for any and all skin types as it is a very light technique and is not invasive(no puncture).
I have very oily skin, can I do Nanoblading?
For sure you can, no worries! Nanoblading is the lightest technique and works on any skin type.
I have very sensitive skin, can I do Nanoblading?
Absolutely you can! Nanoblading is the lightest technique, not invasive and if we needed(even though 9 times out of 10, we don’t), I also have my numbing cream available at all times.
I just had Botox/Dysport etc on my brow area, can I do Nanoblading?
Better to book your appointment at least 2 weeks if not more before and after your Botox session.
I just had laser/saline/acid brow tattoo removal, can I do Nanoblading?
Book your appointment at least 4 to 6 weeks after your removal session to give your brows sufficient time to heal before building new nanoblading on them.
I am blonde/light haired, have you ever done blonde brows?
Yes I have. Send me a message at 647-505-3694 or through my Instagram page and I can share with you my blonde before afters:)
Are there any medical conditions that would prohibit the application of Nanoblading treatment?
Yes, there are a few medical conditions that prohibit the application of the nanoblading technique(in fact any brows permanent make up technique), please see below:
1- Keloid scarring: If you have Keloid scarring, unfortunately I am not able to do nanoblading on you.
2- (God Forbid) Cancer Therapy: I have many clients that have completed their cancer therapy and came to me to have their brows again. However, God Forbid, if you are currently undergoing cancer therapy, we would need to wait for your therapy to be completed first before doing anything.
3- Any allergies to dyes or pigments: If you have known allergies to dyes or pigments or have other allergies but not sure about dyes or pigments, we will need to do a patch test first and get your doctor’s consent before moving forward.
4- Rouaccutane(Severe Acne Treatment): If you are using a medication called Rouaccutane currently, we will need to wait until your treatment is over.
5- Bloodthinner: If you are using bloodthinners, unfortunately I am not able to apply the nanoblading technique on your brows(in fact, no semi-permanent or permanent make up technique is suitable for this condition)
6- Pregnancy or Breastfeeding: If you are currently pregnant or breastfeeding your little one, enjoy the time and we can do your brows once your pregnancy and breastfeeding period is over.
Why is Nanoblading not suitable during Pregnancy or Breastfeeding?
While there are no scientific studies conducted on this matter, I avoid doing nanoblading on pregnant or breastfeeding women just to be on the safe side for the little one.
How is Nanoblading different than (Ombre) Powder Brows?
Nanoblading creates a super-natural look tailored to the shape of your brows while adding shape and/or density. (Ombre) Powder on the other hand creates a standard, make-up look that is not tailored to the original shape and features of your brows and face.
Other techniques like microblading or ombre powder last for a few years or longer, why does Nanoblading not last that long?
It is because nanoblading is not done as deep into the skin as those other techniques and it is done only in one pass by hand whereas those other techniques are done often in multiple passes to have the pigment sink deep and many times with a machine that is exerting vertical movements into the skin(puncture technique). But in exchange for the relatively shorter timeframe, you don’t worry about your brows changing to a different shape or color or to a blocky look later on and with that you don’t have to worry about having to get your old brow work removed either with painful and costly removal procedures.
I have previous microblading/nanobrows/powder/shading etc on my brows. Can I do new nanoblading on them without first getting the old work removed?
Depending on how saturated and dark your previous work still is, you might be able to get new nanoblading on your brows as is without getting removal first. But it’s really a case by case exercise where I ask for pictures of your brows first to assess whether my new nano strokes would be visible on top of your previous work as is or would eventually get eaten up within time. So, if you have previous work on your brows, best is to send me a close up picture of your brows under good lighting and without any make up or filter and I can take a look and get back to you.
To give you a better idea of how faded they should be to be able to build new nanoblading on them without removal, here is a before/after of my client that had previous microblading on her brows:
Do You Offer FREE Consultations?
Absolutely! In fact, the way I see it, starting with a consultation is always the best method as it takes a lot of the questions especially if it will be your first time! So for sure, please feel free to book a free phone, video or in-person consult through on my booking page which is here:
Is it going to look dark?
Yes, after Nanoblading, the hair strokes may appear 40% darker initially, but it will gradually lighten as it heals.
How long does it last?
The longevity of Nanoblading results can vary from person to person, but it typically lasts anywhere from six months to one year before a touch-up is needed.
Does it hurt?
Nanoblading can cause some discomfort, but it is not painful. Topical numbing can be applied to minimize pain during the procedure.
What to avoid before Nanoblading?
Before Nanoblading, it’s advisable to avoid any aesthetic procedure on your face 2 weeks prior your appointment.
Facts that would prohibit Nanoblading:
Certain medical conditions, such as active skin infections or irratation, and pregnant or breatfeeding.
Will my eyebrows scab?
No, our technique is gentle and delicate, resulting in a smooth healing process, and your eyebrows won’t develop scabs or crusts.
Where is your location?
I got 2 locations. One in Downtown Toronto(Rosedale) at 600 Sherbourne St, Suite 205(Inside the Rosedale Medical Centre Building) and the other in Richmond Hill at my home studio, 139 Windrow St. Parking is available at both locations(Toronto pay public parking, Richmond Hill free street parking).
Can I come with company to the session?
Since Richmond Hill studio is my home studio, I am not able to accommodate company or guests there. If you come to Toronto, I might but better to check in advance with me.
I have a disability, do you offer accommodations?
I might be able to depending on the accommodation needed. Let me know in advance and I can advise.
Do you provide your services at client’s location?
No, unfortunately due to hygiene reasons, I am not able to provide my services outside my two studios.
How long have you been doing this?
Since 2023. More than 400 clients so far.
What certificates do you have?
I have been trained by 6 different masters, up to the Master level. Let me know if you would like to see my certificates and I can send copies, no worries. Or you can see them when you come over for your consult or session on the wall 🙂
Do you provide discounts if I buy multiple treatments/services?
Yes I do! If you buy COMBO packages, meaning multiple services in one booking for the same day, you are getting $100 discount for the overall price!
Why are your rates where they are?
So first of all, the price range in the market is huge. There are artists that do this lower than me and also others that do it for higher and without including the touch up session in the initial rate(so it becomes extra). I believe, for the level of quality and before and after care support I provide to my clients, my rates are exactly at where they should be while still trying to keep them as reasonable as possible. I think, my client reviews and testimonials which you can see below are a testament to this 🙂
Where can I see your Client Reviews/Testimonials?
You can see them on my google page: Daphne Nanoblading Client Reviews/Testimonials as well as on my Instagram page in the Testimonials Highlight: https://www.instagram.com/daphnebeauty.ca/
I want to see more of your work, where can I see your Instagram page?
Here is the link to my Instagram page: @daphne_nanoblading
How can I reach you?
You can reach me at 647-505-3694 or [email protected] or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/daphnebeauty.ca/
This treatment is ideal for:
- Clients with sparse, thin, or uneven brows
- Those who have lost brow hair due to overplucking, aging, or medical conditions
- People wanting to save time on their daily makeup routine
- Anyone seeking long-lasting, natural-looking brows
What to Expect:
- Duration: 2 hours
- Healing Time: 7 – 14 days (initial), full healing up to 6 weeks
- Touch-Up: Recommended 6–8 weeks after the initial session
- Longevity: Up to 12 months depending on skin type, lifestyle, and aftercare
Time to Get Your Dream Brows
Not sure which technique is right for you? Before committing, let’s chat! I offer a Free 15-Minute Phone or Video Consultation to discuss your beauty goals, map out your brow journey, and answer any questions from the comfort of your home.
As the premier choice for Nano Brows Toronto, Nano Brows Richmond Hill, Nanoblading Toronto and Nanoblading Richmond Hill treatments, I use a semi-permanent makeup technique that has evolved from being stronger and more marked to a more natural-looking approach. The Nano Brows Toronto and Nano Brows Richmond Hill technique is performed in a different skin layer than traditional microblading, optimizing pigment retention and allowing the strokes to fade gradually over time. This prevents the ink from spreading underneath the skin, turning into a blocky look over time. With this technique being lighter than older techniques like microblading, it prevents the eyebrows from turning into unwanted shades of purple, blue, or red color, a common issue observed in older microbladed eyebrows. My Nanoblading Richmond Hill and Nanoblading Toronto service ensures you have more defined and fuller brows that look perfectly natural and blend seamlessly with your existing brow hair for long-term results.