If you have oily skin and every brow artist you have asked has warned you that microblading may not hold, you have already met the reason nano brows in Kathmandu exist. Nano brows use a digital machine and a single ultra-fine needle to place pigment with more control and less trauma than a hand blade — which is why they heal crisply on skin types that blur microblading strokes within months. Here is the 2026 price, the honest comparison, and how to tell whether you are a nano candidate.
What nano brows are
Nano brows (also called machine hair strokes or nano hair strokes) are a permanent makeup technique in which a rotary PMU machine drives one very fine needle in and out of the skin thousands of times per minute. Each stroke is built from a series of tiny points rather than a single cut, so the artist controls depth precisely and the skin is disturbed far less.
Compare that with microblading, where a hand tool with a row of blades makes a small incision and pigment is worked into it. Microblading is a beautiful technique on the right skin, but it is a cut, and cuts spread in oily or thin skin. Our PMU Nano Brows service costs NPR 32,500, takes 120 to 150 minutes and lasts two to three years.
Why oily skin changes everything
Oily skin has larger pores, higher sebum production and a faster cell turnover. Three things follow:
- Strokes blur. Sebum pushes pigment sideways in the dermis, so crisp microblading lines soften into a shaded look — often within six to nine months.
- Pigment is expelled faster. Skin that renews quickly pushes pigment out with it, so retention is lower.
- Healing is less predictable. More of the result depends on how the artist manages depth, and a machine gives more control over depth than a blade.
If your forehead shines by mid-afternoon or you have visible pores through the brow area, an honest artist will steer you toward nano brows or a shaded technique. Being told “microblading works on every skin type” is a warning sign — it does not.
Nano brows vs microblading vs microshading
| Technique | Best for | Look | Price (NPR) | Lasts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nano Brows | All skin types, including oily | Crisp, fine, natural hair strokes | 32,500 | 2–3 years |
| Microblading | Normal to dry skin | Textured, hand-drawn hair strokes | 15,000 | 1–3 years |
| Microshading | Oily skin, mature skin | Soft powdered fill, like a pencilled brow | Quoted at consultation | 2–3 years |
| Brow Lamination | Full brows that grow unruly | Lifted, brushed-up natural hair | From 2,500 | 6–8 weeks |
The price gap between microblading and nano brows is real and it reflects the equipment, the needle cost, and the length of the appointment. A professional PMU machine such as the Goochie M8 costs NPR 121,900, and single-use nano cartridges are consumed with every client. If someone offers you “nano brows” at microblading prices, ask which machine and which cartridge they are using.
Does it hurt more or less?
Less, in most clients’ experience. Because the needle enters and exits vertically rather than dragging across the skin, there is less pulling and usually less bleeding. Topical numbing is applied before and reapplied during the session. Most people rate it two to three out of ten, and describe it as a vibration rather than a scratch. Less trauma also means less swelling and, generally, a shorter, cleaner heal.
The healing timeline
- Days 1–3: Brows look darker and sharper than the final result. Expect minimal swelling.
- Days 4–7: Light flaking. Do not pick — pulling a scab pulls the pigment with it.
- Days 8–14: The ghosting phase. Strokes look faint or gone. The pigment is under a new layer of skin.
- Weeks 3–6: Colour resurfaces and settles to its true tone.
- Week 6–8: Touch-up. Density, symmetry and any light spots are perfected. This is included in the treatment, not an extra.
For the first 10 days keep the area dry: no swimming, sauna, steam or heavy gym sweat, and no makeup on the brows. Afterwards, sunscreen is the single biggest factor in how long the result lasts. Avoid retinol and AHA or BHA exfoliants directly on the brow area for the life of the pigment — they are designed to speed up cell turnover, which is exactly what pushes pigment out.
Are you a nano brows candidate?
You are a good candidate if you have oily or combination skin, large pores in the brow area, previously faded microblading you want redone properly, sparse or over-plucked brows, or asymmetry you want corrected. You are not a candidate if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, on Accutane or within 12 months of stopping, undergoing chemotherapy, keloid-prone, have uncontrolled diabetes, or have active eczema or psoriasis in the brow area. Recent Botox in the forehead and blood thinners need to be discussed at consultation.
Already have old microblading?
Bring photos and come in for a consultation before booking. Existing pigment changes what is possible — old work that has shifted warm or grey may need colour correction or lightening first, and no honest artist can quote that from a text message. Nano can often be worked over faded microblading beautifully, but it needs to be assessed in person.
Learning nano brows in Nepal
Nano is the technique most PMU artists in Nepal want to add, because it is the one clients with oily skin actually need. Our 14-day Ultimate Brows Masterclass costs NPR 1,65,000 and includes full nano machine training, premium pigments and needles, live model sessions, a certificate, internship support and a master kit box worth NPR 75,000. If you are starting from zero, the one-week Microblading and Microshading course at NPR 95,000 is the usual first step — compared side by side in our guide to microblading and PMU training in Nepal. International students can take the 3-day Nano Brows and Microblading intensive for USD 1,450 via the international page.
Frequently asked questions
How much do nano brows cost in Kathmandu?
PMU Nano Brows at Artistry Academy cost NPR 32,500 and take 120 to 150 minutes, with a touch-up at six to eight weeks included. Microblading is NPR 15,000 and lip blush PMU is NPR 21,500 for comparison.
What is the difference between nano brows and microblading?
Nano brows use a digital machine with one ultra-fine needle to build each stroke from tiny points, while microblading uses a hand blade to make a small incision. Nano causes less trauma, gives more depth control and holds on oily skin, where microblading strokes tend to blur.
Are nano brows good for oily skin?
Yes — this is the main reason clients choose them. Oily skin spreads pigment sideways and blurs bladed strokes, but the vertical, controlled implantation of a nano needle heals far crisper and retains better on oily and large-pored skin.
How long do nano brows last?
Two to three years for most clients, longer than microblading on the same skin. Sun exposure, oily skin and retinol or acid exfoliants used near the brows are what shorten it. Daily sunscreen is the most effective way to extend the result.
Do nano brows hurt?
Most clients rate it two to three out of ten, slightly less than microblading, because the needle does not drag across the skin. Topical numbing is applied before the session and reapplied during it.
Can nano brows be done over old microblading?
Often yes, but it must be assessed in person. Faded pigment that has shifted warm or grey may need colour correction or lightening before new strokes are placed, so bring photos and book a consultation rather than booking the procedure directly.
Book a nano brows consultation in Kathmandu
We are at Sohrakhutte Chowk, Kathmandu, open every day 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Consultations are free: we assess your skin type, map your brows while you are sitting upright, and tell you which technique will actually hold on your skin — even when that is not the most expensive option. Book online or call +977-9708274017.
