Microblading vs Machine Brows vs PMU Brows
Posted by Studio 17 Ltd on
If you're choosing training, this is the decision that shapes your whole service menu. The problem is the names get used loosely, so people end up booking the wrong course. Let’s make it clear and practical.
Quick answer
Microblading is manual hair-strokes using a blade. Machine brows use a PMU device and include styles like powder, ombré and combo. PMU brows is the category term most people use for machine brow work. If you want the most versatility, start with machine brows and add microblading later for suitable clients.
Microblading Machine brows PMU brows TrainingOn this page
1) What each term really means
Microblading
Manual technique using a blade to create hair-like strokes. Beautiful on suitable skin, but not ideal for everyone.
Machine brows
Created with a PMU device. Covers powder, ombré, combo and nano styles. Usually more versatile across skin types.
Where "PMU brows" fits
PMU brows is the category term. Most of the time, people saying PMU brows mean machine brows (powder or ombré). Microblading is separate.
2) Microblading: best for who
Microblading can look extremely natural, especially for clients who want soft definition and hair-strokes. But suitability matters. The wrong skin type or technique will blur and fade unpredictably.
Microblading tends to suit
- Normal to dry skin
- Clients who want soft hair-strokes
- People who don’t need heavy coverage
Microblading can be less suitable for
- Very oily skin
- Highly reactive or sensitive skin
- Clients prone to heavy fading or blurring
- People who want strong, shaded definition
Tip: if a trainer only shows fresh photos and never healed work, you can’t judge retention or stroke quality properly.
3) Machine brows: best for who
Machine brows use a PMU device, so you can create softer shading, stronger definition, or a mix of both. This is why machine technique is often the best foundation for beginners who want to build a flexible service menu.
Machine brows tend to suit
- Most skin types (including many oily skins)
- Clients wanting powder, ombré or combo brows
- People who want stronger definition and longer-lasting results
Common machine brow styles
| Style | Look | Who usually likes it |
|---|---|---|
| Powder brows | Soft shaded makeup effect | Clients who want a tidy, filled brow |
| Ombré brows | Lighter front, deeper tail | People who like structure but not harsh lines |
| Combo brows | Strokes plus shading | Clients wanting both hair detail and definition |
| Nano brows | Machine strokes (more controlled) | Clients wanting strokes with a softer healed look |
4) What should you learn first
If you want versatility and faster confidence
Start with machine brows (PMU). You’ll be able to serve more clients and styles, then add microblading later for suitable skin types.
If you only want hair-strokes
Microblading can be first, but choose a trainer who is strict about suitability and shows healed results across different clients.
What to avoid
Any course that sells microblading as suitable for everyone, or pushes you into advanced techniques without a solid foundation.
5) What a good course should teach (not just technique)
The real skill is decision-making. A strong course should teach consultation and safety alongside technique.
- Contraindications and client suitability
- Patch testing, consent and record keeping
- Hygiene and safe setup
- Mapping and design for different face shapes
- Healed result assessment and retention troubleshooting
- Aftercare instructions and touch-up planning
Find training by city
Browse UK training providers in our education directory by city: https://colour-touch.co.uk/pages/directorytraining
If you run an academy or offer training, message us with your city, what you teach, and your website or Instagram. We’ll confirm when your listing is live.
6) FAQs
Is microblading the same as PMU?
No. Microblading is manual with a blade. PMU brows is usually machine work (powder, ombré, combo, nano).
Which technique is best for oily skin?
Often machine brows perform better on oily skin. Suitability should be assessed case by case.
Can I learn both in one course?
Some academies offer combined programs, but make sure there’s enough time for proper practice and live model work for each technique.