Trend Alert! - Nano Brows

Do you know about nano brows? This new trend in permanent makeup (PMU) has been making waves, and for good reason! But, what exactly are nano brows, and how can you add them to your list of services? And most importantly—can you create nano brows without a machine?

Let’s break it down and explore why everyone’s talking about this technique!

What Are Nano Brows?
The term “nano brows” emerged from the microblading trend, but the technique itself has been around much longer. When people refer to nano brows, they’re usually talking about a machine method that tattoos individual hair strokes using a single needle.

Nano brows are gaining popularity because they differ from microblading in how pigment is implanted into the skin:

- Microblading uses a manual tool with a row of fine needles to gently abrade the skin and implant pigment at the same time, creating a hairstroke effect.
- Nano brows use a PMU machine to implant pigment one tiny poke at a time. Machines move at high speed, allowing these small dots to connect, creating a line that mimics the look of natural brow hairs.

Why Are Nano Brows Trending?
Several years ago, microblading exploded in popularity; clients began requesting this service left and right. PMU artists rushed to learn the technique to meet demand, but many lacked experience in proper tattooing methods. As a result, some issues arose:

- Pigment implanted too shallow or too deep
- Skin damage from poor technique
- Long-term results that didn’t age well

It often takes several years for the long-term effects of a PMU trend to become clear. At first, microblading seemed like the perfect solution, but after some time many saw less-than-ideal healed results.

***Side note: microblading still has its place in PMU. Some artists have refined their techniques to create stunning results that last longer and don't damage the skin. These skilled microbladers have moved beyond the hype and developed real expertise.

But for those looking for an alternative? Enter nano brows.

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

Out of the challenges of microblading came machine hairstrokes, also called “nanoblading.” While machine hairstrokes have actually been around for a very long time, they needed a rebrand to set them apart from microblading.

Nano brows offer several advantages:

• Less trauma to the skin -due to the difference in implantation, nanoblading is generally more gentle than microblading.
• Longer-lasting results - microblading often fades or blurs within a year, while nano brows can last longer with proper application and care.
• More precision in pigment implantation - machines used for nano brows have settings that can be adjusted for speed and depth.

However, like microblading, nano brows require skill to apply correctly. No matter what tools or techniques are used, the final result depends on the artistic ability of the technician.

Are Microblading & Machine Nano Brows the Only Options for Hairstrokes?

Not at all! There’s another, fantastic way, to create hairstroke effects. ;)

While most people associate nano brows with PMU machines, the same technique can be done by hand using the SofTap method. Hand-tapped nano brows have actually been around for a long time as well!

Nano Brows with the SofTap Method

SofTap uses a manual tapping motion to implant pigment—just like how a PMU machine works, but instead your hand applies the power. However, unlike machine nano brows, you don’t use a single-needle point (that would take forever!). Instead, you use a single-row needle. Some of our favorites are:

• 7 Regular for soft strokes
• 16 Fine Curve for delicate hairstrokes
• 17 Nano for ultra-fine details

To do nano tapping you essentially take the basic tapping technique, but use one of these single-row needle configurations and tap extremely precisely, in the exact same spot, about 15-25 times per "hair." 

With nano tapping you can control the look of your hairstrokes to be baby fine, crisp, or softly defined (much of this will depend on your needle choice). Hand tools give you the ability to have complete control over where pigment is placed on and in the skin.

SofTap nano brows are also ideal for mature, or delicate skin as you can easily adjust the pressure of your taps depending on how you skin respond while you're working. Hand-tapping hairstrokes is preferred for these types of clients over microblading, as microblading has more potential to cause scarring or pigment migration.

A big advantage of nano tapped hairs vs machine nano is the experience for the client - we often hear from clients that have had previous machine work that they are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable and quiet the procedure is.

By nano tapping you end up having a lot of control in pressure and placement, which means you can easily adjust how deep pigment is planted depending on a client's skin type.

Why Choose SofTap for Nano Brows?

Many PMU artists associate hairstrokes with microblading or machine nano brows, but the SofTap hand method offers a beautiful, manual alternative. Here’s why:

✅ Less Trauma to the Skin: The gentle tapping motion is the most gentle way to apply hairstrokes for eyebrows.
✅ Quiet & Relaxing for Clients: No buzzing or vibration creates a more spa-like experience.
✅ Great for Sensitive Skin: Perfect for thin, delicate, or mature skin.
✅ Precision & Control: Manual application allows for greater control over depth and placement, as you can feel direct feedback from the skin with each tap.
✅ Long-Lasting, Natural Results: Proper technique ensures seamless blending with natural brows.

If you're already familiar with microblading or powder brows with the hand method, adding SofTap nano brows to your skillset should come naturally and enable you to provide another style of brow for your clients. SofTap nano is especially great for artists who want to provide a hairstroke effect, that isn't microbalding, without investing in a PMU machine. This microtapping technique is a breath of fresh air for those who enjoy the intimacy and artistry of the hand method.

Which Technique Is Best For You?

Machine nano, SofTap nano, and microblading all have different advantages, what you choose to do for your clients depends on several factors:

• Client Skin Type - Oily skin types may retain nano strokes better than microblading, while dry or mature skin retains all hairstrokes easily, but require the more delicate touch of nano tapping for ideal pigment implantation and long term healing.
• Desired Look - Microblading usually creates very fine, crisp hairstrokes, while machine and manual nano usually result in a softer look.
• Your Skill Level & Preference - Whatever tools you are most comfortable using to create the best look for your client is the ultimate deciding factor in which technique is best for you!

Training & Certification: How to Get Started

As with any technique, if you want to master it then proper training is essential. If you're new to the industry you'll want to make sure that your class includes:

• Skin anatomy and healing
• How to choose the right pigments and needles
• Hair patterns & brow mapping
• Techniques to produce good healed results
• Hands-on practice

If you're interested in learning how to SofTap nano brows check out our training website at the Official SofTap Training site to see available workshops, coaching, and the new SofTap Academy.

Aftercare for Nano Brows

Regardless of how you apply hairstrokes, proper aftercare is crucial for beautiful, long-lasting results. Outside of your own preferences for aftercare, you should advice your clients to:

• Avoid water coming in contact with the brows for 24 hours.
• Avoid excessive sweating and sun exposure during healing.
• Apply a very thin layer (super thin!) of healing ointment (we love Recoverall) to keep the brows from completely drying out.
• Do not pick at, scratch, or rub the brows during healing.
• Come in for a touch-up appointment at about 4-6 weeks after the initial procedure to check how everything healed and apply any finishing touches.

You can learn more about aftercare for PMU in our Aftercare blog: How To Care For Your PMU

The Future of Nano Brows in PMU

Nano brows are here to stay! As the permanent makeup industry evolves there will be new and improved ways to give our clients the very best in cosmetic tattooing. Nano brows have been around for a long time, but we've learned so much that the way they are done today is more hyper-realistic with minimal skin trauma. Whether done by machine or by hand, nano brows are an essential technique for all permanent cosmetic artists to look into.

So, how do you create hairstrokes? Share your style in the comments below!

Happy Tapping! ❤️