Are you interested in reshaping your lips or eyebrows? Whether you have thin eyebrows or unevenly shaped lips, cosmetics can help you achieve your desired look. But maybe you prefer a semi-permanent cosmetic solution?

Nanoblading for eyebrows and lips can create the look you want without the daily upkeep. Keep reading to learn more about this procedure, including how it differs from microblading and how much it costs.

Nanoblading is a semi-permanent cosmetic tattoo technique that uses a fine nano needle. The purpose of nanoblading differs depending on whether a makeup technician performs the treatment on your eyebrows or your lips.

Nanoblading for eyebrows

Nanoblading for eyebrows fills in scarce, thin eyebrows for a thicker appearance. The procedure involves the use of pigmented ink and a super fine needle to create hair-like tattoo strokes. These strokes look like natural hair.

This technique doesn’t only thicken the appearance of eyebrows, it can also change the shape of your brows.

Nanoblading for lips

Nanoblading for lips is a slightly different process. It’s also a semi-permanent tattoo procedure. However, while nanoblading for eyebrows uses tattoo ink to fill in brows, nanoblading for lips uses tattoo ink to apply semi-permanent lip liner or full lip color.

The lip liner procedure is often used make uneven lips more even and to appear fuller. Full lip color, on the other hand, can change the color of your lips. You can choose a natural lip tone or a color shade, so that it looks as if you’re always wearing lip color.

Nanoblading is similar to microblading. The difference is that nanoblading uses a smaller needle than microblading. Precision and accuracy improves because of the smaller needle, allowing for more natural looking results.

A smaller needle also means less pain and bleeding. Another difference involves how long results last. Microblading may only last up to 12 months, whereas nanoblading may lasts up to 3 years.

Nanoblading is a two-step process: the initial procedure and a follow-up, perfecting session. You’ll schedule two sessions with your makeup technician. Your consultation with the technician usually takes place during the first session.

To prepare for your treatment:

  • Don’t wax or tweeze your eyebrows a week prior to treatment.
  • Avoid alcohol, caffeine, ibuprofen, aspirin, and fish oil supplements at least 24 hours prior to treatment.
  • Don’t get a facial at least 2 weeks prior to treatment.
  • Don’t sunbathe or tan the day of your procedure.
  • Don’t use retinol or Vitamin A products 1 month prior to treatment.

Before your first session, your artist may do a patch test on your skin to make sure you’re not allergic to the pigment ink.

Procedure for nanoblading eyebrows

You’ll start by discussing the desired shape and color of your eyebrows with your makeup technician. They’ll then draw out the desired shape, removing excess hair and making adjustments for symmetry.

Once you agree to the shape and color, your technician will apply numbing cream to the area being bladed. They’ll then use the needle and pigment to create hair-like strokes and fill in your brows.

After the initial session, you’ll return for a follow-up session in about 8 weeks at which the technician will perfect the look. They might add additional strokes and tweak the shape of your brows. This is known as the perfecting session.

Healing time for eyebrow nanoblading

It takes about 4 weeks for nanobladed eyebrows to heal. Initially, your brow color may be darker than expected. You may also have swelling, soreness, and redness.

The color will lighten as your eyebrows heal and new skin develops over the area. It will take 3 to 4 weeks for tattoo eyebrows to blend with your natural hair.

Post-procedure care for eyebrow nanoblading

Here are some post-procedure tips for eyebrow nanoblading:

  • After the procedure, keep your eyebrows as dry as possible.
  • Wipe your eyebrows daily with a damp cloth, and then apply moisturizing cream provided by your nanoblading artist.
  • Avoid sweating, saunas, and hot baths for the first 7 days.
  • Don’t wear makeup around your eyebrows for at least a week.

You should also avoid tanning beds, light therapy, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels for the next 30 days.

Procedure for nanoblading lips

You’ll discuss the desired lip shape and/or lip color with your technician during the first session. If you’re getting lip liner, your technician will first draw out the shape on your lips. If you’re getting full lip color, you’ll choose a shade for your lips.

The technician will first apply numbing cream to the lip area being worked on. They will then use the nano needle to either apply the semi-permanent lip liner or the full lip color.

Healing time for lip nanoblading

You can expect some soreness, redness, and swelling for up to 5 days after your initial session. It will take up to 4 weeks for your lips to heal. Your makeup technician will schedule your perfecting session about 8 weeks later.

Post-procedure care for lip nanoblading

Here are some post-procedure tips for eyebrow nanoblading:

  • After treatment, avoid spicy, citric, and salty foods so as not to irritate your lips.
  • Keep your lips as dry as possible by using a straw for drinking.
  • Avoid touching your lips with your hands to prevent irritation or infection.

Nanoblading results can last 1 to 3 years. For the best results, you’ll need to schedule a touch-up or maintenance treatment after the first year or year and a half.

Nanoblading is a minimally invasive procedure, so you can expect some pain. The discomfort is more than the discomfort of tweezing or waxing, but less than the comfort of microblading or getting a tattoo.

Your technician will apply numbing cream to your lips or eyebrows before starting the procedure, but you can still expect soreness afterward. Take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication to reduce pain after the procedure is completed.

Common side effects of semi-permanent makeup techniques include swelling, itchiness, and redness. These side effects should resolve within a few days.

Be mindful of the risk of an allergic reaction to the pigment or numbing agent. Let your makeup technician know if you have sensitive skin.

There’s the risk of injury if the needle goes beyond the upper layer of skin, and the risk of a skin infection in an unsterile working environment.

See a doctor if you develop signs of an infection after nanoblading (blistery skin, severe swelling, increased pain).

NOTE: If you have a history of fever blisters, cold sores, or HSV-1, take prophylactic antivirals prior to the procedure, or have them at the ready. Nanoblading can stress the lip area, which may stimulate the virus, causing an outbreak.

Nanoblading is a cosmetic procedure, so it’s not covered under insurance. Costs vary, but nanoblading of the eyebrows can range from $500 to $800 for both sessions. You might pay $300 for a yearly touch-up.

Nanoblading for lips may cost $250 (or more) for lip liner and $400 (or more) for full lips. Touchup treatments can range from $100 to $300.

It’s important to choose a makeup technician with experience and one who’s licensed to perform this treatment. To find a reputable technician, get recommendations from friends or family. You should also visit several local reputable review sites.

When meeting with the technician, observe the working environment. Does it look clean? Do you feel comfortable? Before getting started, ask to see pictures of the technician’s work.

You can also visit the Society of Permanent Makeup Technicians website to find a makeup technician in your area.

Nanoblading is a convenient procedure to change the shape of your eyebrows or lips and enjoy semi-permanent results. It’s important that you know what to expect from this procedure.

Make sure you choose a makeup technician with a good reputation in the community, and ask questions about the procedure and the expected results.