Nano brows are a semi-permanent eyebrow treatment in which a single ultra-fine needle, driven by a digital machine, deposits pigment as individual hair-like strokes. They typically hold for one to three years before a colour refresh, and they tend to suit oily and mature skin better than microblading, because a machine controls depth more consistently than a hand-held blade.
Nano brows are performed by Nancy Akbari at both Cosmetic by Banou studios — Beverly Hills, CA and Oceanside, NY.
Nano brows vs microblading vs ombre powder brows
These three treatments are often discussed as if they were interchangeable. They are not: they use different tools, they wear differently, and they suit different skin.
| Nano brows | Microblading | Ombre / powder brows | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tool | Digital machine, single fine needle | Hand-held blade | Digital machine, shading needle |
| Finish | Crisp individual hair strokes | Individual hair strokes | Soft shaded gradient, like brow powder |
| Best suited to | Most skin types, including oily and mature skin | Normal to dry skin with fine pores | All skin types, especially oily skin |
| Typical longevity | Around 1–3 years | Around 1–2 years | Around 2–3 years |
| Healed look | Natural, hair-like | Natural, hair-like | Defined, makeup-like |
Longevity figures are typical ranges, not guarantees. Skin type, sun exposure, retinol and acid skincare, and aftercare all move the number in either direction. If you are weighing the shaded option, see our ombre brow work; for the blade technique, see microblading before and after.
Who nano brows suit
- Anyone who wants brows that read as natural hair rather than as makeup.
- Oily or combination skin, where microblading strokes commonly blur and heal patchy.
- Mature or thinner skin, where a machine’s controlled depth is gentler than a blade.
- Sparse, over-plucked or naturally light brows that need definition rather than a full rebuild.
- Clients who have had microblading before and want a crisper result on the next round.
Who should wait or reconsider
Permanent makeup is not appropriate for everyone. Pregnancy and breastfeeding, active skin infection or irritation in the brow area, recent isotretinoin use, keloid scarring tendencies, uncontrolled diabetes and some blood-thinning medications are all reasons to postpone or to get medical clearance first. This is discussed at consultation, and it is the reason a consultation happens before any pigment is opened.
What the appointment involves
- Consultation and mapping. Brow shape is measured and drawn on before anything permanent happens, and it is not started until you approve the shape.
- Colour selection. Pigment is matched to your natural hair and skin undertone.
- The procedure. Strokes are applied with a topical numbing agent in place. Most appointments run around two to three hours including preparation.
- Healing. Colour looks noticeably darker for the first several days, then lightens as the skin heals.
- Touch-up. A follow-up session refines the result once healing is complete. This is a normal part of the process, not a correction of a mistake.
Aftercare in brief
Aftercare is the single biggest thing you control. Keep the area clean and dry as instructed, do not pick or scrub the flaking, keep the brows out of direct sun, and stay away from retinol, glycolic and salicylic acids on the brow area while healing. Our day-by-day brow aftercare guide covers the healing timeline in detail; the same principles apply to nano brows.
Book a nano brow consultation
Nano brows are available at both studios. Pricing depends on the work involved and is confirmed at consultation rather than quoted as a flat rate. Contact Cosmetic by Banou — Beverly Hills (310) 806-5522, Oceanside, NY (212) 470-7973.
Permanent makeup is a cosmetic tattooing procedure, not a medical treatment, and nothing on this page is medical advice. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration publishes general consumer information on tattoos and permanent makeup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are nano brows?
Nano brows are a permanent makeup technique that uses a single, very fine needle attached to a digital machine to deposit pigment into the skin as individual hair-like strokes. The result reads as natural brow hair rather than as a solid block of colour.
Are nano brows permanent?
No. Like all permanent makeup, nano brows are semi-permanent. The pigment sits in the upper layers of the skin and fades gradually, which is why periodic touch-ups are needed to keep the shape and colour looking fresh.
How long do nano brows last?
Most clients see their nano brows hold well for roughly one to three years before a colour refresh is wanted. The range is wide because oily skin, sun exposure, exfoliating skincare and how closely aftercare is followed all speed fading up or slow it down.
Are nano brows better than microblading?
Neither is universally better. Nano brows use a machine and a single needle; microblading uses a hand-held blade. Because the machine can control depth more consistently, nano brows are often the safer choice for oilier or more mature skin, where microblading strokes tend to blur. Skin type, not fashion, should drive the choice.
Do nano brows hurt?
Most clients describe it as mild scratching or pressure rather than sharp pain. A topical numbing agent is applied before and during the appointment.
How much do nano brows cost?
Pricing depends on the work involved and is confirmed at consultation rather than quoted as a flat rate. Contact the Beverly Hills or Oceanside studio for a quote for your brows.