Microblading vs Nano Hairstrokes: Which Is Right for You?
Updated: 11 hours ago
If you've been researching semi-permanent brows in London, you've almost certainly come across both microblading and nano hairstrokes — and wondered what the actual difference is, and which one you should choose.
The honest answer: it depends on your skin, your lifestyle, and the look you want. Both can produce beautiful, natural-looking results. But they're not interchangeable, and the wrong choice for your skin type can mean a result that fades faster, heals less cleanly, or simply doesn't look as good long-term.
The short answer: Microblading uses a manual blade and suits normal to dry skin. Nano hairstrokes use a digital machine with an ultra-fine needle, tend to last longer, and are usually the better choice for oily, mature or thicker skin. At Brow Master London, both include a complimentary touch-up within 4 weeks if required.
This guide covers everything you need to know — without the marketing fluff.
What Is Microblading?
Microblading is a semi-permanent brow treatment where a fine manual tool creates tiny hair-like strokes in the upper layers of the skin and deposits pigment into them. Strokes follow your natural growth pattern and the shape is mapped to your bone structure first. Done well, it looks soft and natural, not like a block tattoo. It typically lasts 12–24 months.
What Are Nano Hairstrokes?
Nano hairstrokes, also called nano brows or nanoblading, use a digital machine with an ultra-fine needle instead of a manual blade, creating very fine, precise strokes. At Brow Master London, Anna uses her own method of nanoblading, called DeLuxBrow, designed for a soft, hyperrealistic healed result that looks natural in person and in photos. Nano typically lasts 18 months to 3 years..
Microblading vs Nano Hairstrokes: The Key Differences
Microblading | Nano hairstrokes | |
Tool | Manual hand blade | Digital machine, ultra-fine needle |
Stroke appearance | Fine, hair-like | Ultra-fine, very precise |
Best skin type | Normal to slightly dry | Most skin types, including oily and mature |
Typical longevity | 12–24 months | 18 months–3 years |
Skin trauma | Slightly more | Generally less |
Complimentary touch-up | Within 4 weeks if required | Within 4 weeks if required |
Cost at Brow Master London | £450 | £600 |
Which Works Better for Your Skin Type?
This is the most important factor — and the one most people don't think about before booking.
Normal to slightly dry: Both work well. Microblading holds its definition nicely, and nano is ideal if you want maximum precision or longevity.
Oily: Nano is almost always the stronger recommendation. Excess oil can blur microblading strokes and fade them faster, while the machine gives more consistent pigment placement.
Mature or thinning: Nano is generally gentler on delicate skin and tends to give a more predictable result.
Thicker or combination: Nano usually performs more reliably, as controlled machine pressure suits larger pores and uneven texture.
Very sensitive: Both need a patch test. Nano may suit better because it involves less mechanical pressure.
Which Lasts Longer?
Nano generally lasts longer, typically 18 months to 3 years against 12–24 months for microblading, because the machine places pigment more consistently. Longevity also depends on skin type, sun exposure, skincare (retinol and exfoliating acids can speed up fading), lifestyle and aftercare. See How Long Does Microblading Last?.
Do They Look Different?
In skilled hands, results can look almost identical: soft strokes that blend with your natural brows. Nano can be made finer and more consistent, which suits clients who want a very delicate, undetectable look. Poorly done versions of either can look heavy or “stamped on”, and artist skill matters more than the technique.
Does One Hurt More Than the Other?
Neither is particularly painful when done correctly. Numbing cream is applied beforehand and most clients describe mild discomfort. Nano is generally considered slightly more comfortable because the machine applies less mechanical pressure. Pain tolerance varies.
Which Is Better for Men?
For most men, nano is the recommended option. Men’s skin is often thicker and oilier, which suits the machine method, and nano may need fewer top-ups over time. Microblading can still work for suitable skin, and Anna assesses each client individually. See our Men’s Brows page
Which Is Better for Correcting Old Brow Work?
It depends on the existing pigment. Faded, warm or light older work can sometimes be refreshed with either technique. For darker, cooler or more saturated pigment, we often recommend laser lightening first, then nano to rebuild the shape, because the machine gives more control over existing pigment. Every correction starts with a consultation. See Brow Tattoo Removal & Correction.
How Much Does Each Cost?
At Brow Master London:
Microblading — £450 (includes initial session + perfecting touch-up)
Nano Hairstrokes (DeLuxBrow) — £600 (includes initial session + perfecting touch-up)
Current prices for microblading and nano hairstrokes with other services are listed on our booking page. Nano is priced higher than microblading, reflecting the more advanced machine technique. Both include a complimentary touch-up within 4 weeks if required. A later colour boost is chargeable and your decision, based on how well the pigment has stayed.
Be cautious of much lower prices elsewhere. Correcting poor work often costs more than the original saving..
So, Which Should You Choose?
Choose microblading if you have normal to slightly dry skin, you want a soft natural result, and you are happy with 12–24 months’ longevity.
Choose nano if your skin is oily, combination, mature or thicker, you want the longest-lasting and finest result, you are a man (in most cases), or previous microblading didn’t hold well.
Book a consultation if you are unsure. Anna will assess your skin in person and give an honest recommendation with no pressure.
Frequently asked questions
Is nano better than microblading? Not for everyone. It suits oily, mature and thicker skin and lasts longer, but microblading works well on normal to dry skin.
Is nano the same as nanoblading? Yes. Nano hairstrokes, nano brows and nanoblading all refer to the machine-based technique.
Which lasts longer? Nano typically lasts 18 months to 3 years, compared with 12–24 months for microblading.
Is nano less painful? It is generally considered slightly more comfortable, but both are manageable for most clients.
Ready to Book?
Brow Master London is a boutique, one-to-one studio based in Notting Hill, London. Anna is a multi-award-winning PhiBrows artist and 2025 UK WULOP Champion for nano brows, with over 10 years' experience and 5,000+ clients.
You can book directly online or start with a consultation if you'd like to discuss your options first.
