The most natural and dimensional brow result — hair-stroke definition at the front, soft machine shading through the arch and tail. Obsidian's most popular brow service.
Combination brows — also known as hybrid brows — represent the pinnacle of semi-permanent makeup brow artistry, blending two complementary techniques into a single, cohesive result. Manual microblading hair strokes are applied at the sparse inner brow front, creating realistic, textured definition where it is most needed, while machine powder shading is layered through the arch and tail to add depth, structure, and lasting colour.
The result is a brow that appears natural and dimensional from the front, with the feathered, individual-hair quality of microblading at the head, transitioning into a polished, defined body and tail. This versatility makes combination brows Obsidian's most requested brow service — flattering on most face shapes and suitable for the majority of skin types, including those where pure microblading may not be the optimal choice.
At Obsidian Clinics in Glasgow, combination brows are always preceded by a detailed consultation with our lead practitioner, who will assess your skin type, brow architecture, and lifestyle to create a fully personalised treatment plan. All combination brow treatments include a mandatory 6–8 week review and refinement appointment.
Skin type, face shape, and brow structure are assessed. The combination approach is tailored to where your brow needs definition versus depth.
Symmetry tools create your ideal brow shape; pre-drawn design is approved by you before any work begins.
Anaesthetic cream is applied to ensure comfort throughout both stages of the procedure.
Microblading hair strokes are manually applied to the inner brow front, creating natural, fine, individual-hair impressions.
PMU machine shading is layered through the arch and tail, building depth and structured colour to complement the hair strokes.
For many clients, yes. Combination brows offer the natural hair-stroke quality of microblading with the durability and structure of machine shading. The technique is more versatile across skin types and tends to age more gracefully than pure microblading, which can blur over time. Your practitioner will recommend the best approach for your skin and aesthetic goals.
Combination brows suit clients who want a natural brow front with a defined, polished arch and tail. They work well on normal and mildly oily skin, on clients with sparse or patchy brows, and on those who want a dimensional result that holds definition between appointments.
Because combination brows include both hand-stroked and machine-shaded areas, healing involves two distinct phases. The microbladed front may flake and appear to fade by days 3–7, while the shaded area may remain slightly more defined during this period. By weeks 4–6, both areas settle to a cohesive, natural result, fully assessed at the 6–8 week review.
A mandatory 6–8 week touch-up is included in the treatment cost. After this, a colour refresh is typically recommended every 12–18 months depending on skin type and lifestyle. Sun exposure and skincare habits (particularly retinol use) significantly affect longevity.
Minor adjustments to shape can be made at the touch-up appointment. Major shape changes are not typically possible at this stage, as the follow-up is primarily for colour refinement and healing assessment. If you wish to significantly alter the shape, discuss this at your initial consultation to ensure the correct design is mapped from the outset.
Clients with existing SPMU must disclose this at consultation. Depending on the pigment type, colour, and saturation, additional preparation or partial removal may be required before new work can be applied. Our practitioners will assess the condition of existing pigment and advise on the most appropriate course of action before any work is undertaken.
Combination brows at Obsidian Clinics, Beauty Beehive, Glasgow — natural, dimensional, long-lasting.
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