Eyebrow Tattooing · St Kilda, Melbourne

Combination Brows Melbourne

Natural hair strokes at the front of the brow, blending into soft shading through the body and tail. Also known as hybrid brows: the softness of strokes with the definition of shading.

  • Appointment approx. 2 hours
  • Numbing cream applied

Not sure which brow technique is right for you? Compare all our eyebrow tattooing styles.

Combination brows tattoo before and after – Cosmetic Tattooing Melbourne, St Kilda

What are combination brows?

Combination brows, also called hybrid brows or combo brows, bring two techniques together in one brow. Fine, hair-like strokes are placed at the front for a natural, feathered start, then soft shading is built through the body and tail for fullness and definition.

The result looks natural up close but still gives you the polished shape of a filled-in brow. During your consultation we assess your natural brow, skin type and the look you want, and recommend the best technique, or combination of techniques, for you.

Combination brows are a great fit if you

  • want a natural front but more definition through the tail
  • have sparse or patchy brows that need both strokes and density
  • usually fill in the tail of your brows with pencil or powder
  • love the look of hair strokes but want a fuller finish

Another technique may suit you better if you

  • want only fine hair strokes: Nano Brows or Microblading
  • prefer an even, soft fill through the whole brow: Powder Brows
  • love a lighter front that builds to a deeper tail: Ombré Brows

We’ll look at your skin, natural brows and the look you want, and recommend the technique that will heal best for you.

Combination brows results

Real CTM clients. Every brow is designed for the client’s own face, skin and hair colour, and results vary with skin type and aftercare.

Combination brows tattoo before and after – Cosmetic Tattooing Melbourne, St Kilda

What to expect

  • Soft, hair-like strokes at the front
  • Gentle shading for fullness and shape
  • Colour matched to your hair and skin tone
  • A natural look up close with a polished finish

See more of our healed work on Instagram.

Your artists

Your combination brows are created by one of our senior artists, in our private St Kilda salon.

Shelley, owner and principal cosmetic tattooist at Cosmetic Tattooing Melbourne, St Kilda

Shelley

Owner · Principal Cosmetic Tattooist

17 years in the beauty industry, with regular advanced masterclasses here and overseas. Shelley uses only premium pigments and works to the highest clinical standards.

Irina

Irina

Cosmetic Tattooist

An internationally recognised artist with over 10 years of experience in permanent makeup, known for precise, natural-looking brows, lips and eyeliner.

How your appointment works

No plucking, waxing or shaving is needed before you arrive. We take our time so you leave with a brow you love.

Consultation & brow mapping

We talk about the look you want, check your skin and natural hair, then measure and draw your new shape. Nothing is tattooed until you are happy with the design.

Strokes & shading

We always apply numbing cream to keep you comfortable. Your artist places fine strokes at the front, then builds soft shading through the body and tail, matched to your hair colour.

Healing

Your brows look darker and sharper for the first week, then soften and settle as the skin heals.

Perfecting session

Once healed, we check how your skin has held the pigment and add strokes or depth where needed, the Baby Steps way.

  • Days 1–3: brows look darker and bolder than the final result. This is normal.
  • Days 4–10: light flaking and itching. Don’t pick; gently tap if itchy.
  • Weeks 2–4: the colour can look lighter or uneven while new skin forms over the pigment. The colour comes back.
  • Weeks 6–8: your true colour and shape have settled, ready for your perfecting session.

Combination brows aftercare

Good aftercare is what makes your combination brows heal soft and even, and last. Here is what we ask of you.

The first 2 weeks

  • Keep your brows away from water, sweat and steam for the first 5 days
  • Apply aftercare ointment only as directed; we recommend dry healing where possible
  • No soap, cleansers, makeup, swimming or saunas on the brows for 2 weeks
  • Don’t scratch or pick at flaking skin; gently tap if itchy
  • Avoid facials, anti-wrinkle injections, chemical treatments and microdermabrasion for 4 weeks

Long term

  • Apply SPF every day; sun exposure is the number one cause of fading
  • Keep glycolic acid, AHAs and active skincare away from the brow area
  • Check your moisturiser and cleanser; exfoliating or vitamin-enriched formulas fade pigment
  • Book a touch-up every 12–18 months to keep your brows fresh
  • You can’t donate blood for 6 months after any cosmetic tattoo
Our promise

The CTM Baby Steps Method

At CTM, we guarantee satisfaction through our Baby Steps Method. Rather than rushing to create the boldest colour in one session, we take a measured, considered approach, building the result gradually so there is no room for error. It is always easier to add to a tattoo than to remove it, and this philosophy ensures every client leaves happy with a result they can grow into confidently.

Why Choose Cosmetic Tattooing Melbourne?

When you visit Cosmetic Tattooing Melbourne, you can feel confident knowing you’re in experienced, professional hands.

17 Years of Beauty Industry Experience

Extensive experience in cosmetic tattooing, beauty and advanced treatments.

Over 8,000 Clients Serviced

Thousands of clients have trusted us for their cosmetic tattooing and beauty treatments.

Nearly 580 Google Reviews

Proudly backed by hundreds of Google reviews from our valued clients.

Highly Skilled in Cosmetic Tattooing

Specialising in eyebrow tattooing, nano brows, powder brows, ombré brows, combination brows, lip blush tattooing and eyeliner tattooing in Melbourne.

Committed to Infection Control & Best Practice

We follow strict hygiene and infection-control procedures so you can feel comfortable and confident throughout your treatment.

Fully Licensed & Certified

Professionally trained, licensed and certified, with a strong commitment to safe and high-quality treatments.

Continual Advanced Training

We are constantly upskilling our techniques, attending advanced masterclasses and travelling overseas to learn the latest cosmetic tattooing methods and industry innovations.

Diverse Tattooing Skill Set

Our extensive range of techniques allows us to tailor each treatment to your individual features, skin, style and desired result.

Personalised Results

Every cosmetic tattoo is carefully designed to enhance your natural features rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.

With 17 years of industry experience, more than 8,000 clients serviced and nearly 580 Google reviews, Cosmetic Tattooing Melbourne is proud to provide professional cosmetic tattooing from our St Kilda, Melbourne salon.

Payment options

Spread the cost of your treatment with interest-free payment plans.

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What our clients say

5
Based on 562 reviews
powered by Google
  • jo walsh Avatar
    jo walsh
    2 August 2026
    i have used the services of CMT and found to be very satisfying with work done on me , Shelley is a professional, goes out of her way to make... read more sure i was satisfied with her work . i would highly recommend Shelley to my friends 100%
    Lynn Nguy Avatar
    Lynn Nguy
    31 July 2026
    Shelley was great. Did my nano brows and they were amazing!!
    Bella Rees Avatar
    Bella Rees
    31 July 2026
    Shelly was absolutely amazing, explained the process extremely well and I’m super happy with the tooth gems 🤍
  • Penny Matthews Avatar
    Penny Matthews
    29 July 2026
    I had been considering cosmetic tattooing for a while and finally took the plunge! Shelley performed miracles with my eyeliner (top and bottom). My eyesight has been deteriorating at short... read more distance and now I no longer have to battle each day with the magnifying mirror to apply eyeliner - such a relief. Money definitely well spent and can only recommend that if you are considering this procedure you contact the lovely Shelley.
    Masooma Hussaini Avatar
    Masooma Hussaini
    29 July 2026
    Got my tooth gems done here and they LOOK AMAZING, shelley did such an amazing job and has an overall amazing vibe and is one of my favourite people ever
    Maddi Riley Avatar
    Maddi Riley
    25 July 2026
    Had Nano Brows done by Courtney while training with Shelly, Courtney did such an amazing job! Couldn’t be happier with the shape and colour.
  • Martina Tribuzio Avatar
    Martina Tribuzio
    25 July 2026
    Nick is excellent at removing tattoos and tattoo brows!!! Highly recommend
    Loui T Avatar
    Loui T
    25 July 2026
    Had nano brows done here, they came out very natural, thank you!
    Love Fleur Avatar
    Love Fleur
    24 July 2026
    I couldn’t be happier with my experience at Cosmetic Tattooing Melbourne. Shelley has done my Power brows and Plasma Treatment on my forehead, over the last 5 years and I’m absolutely... read more happy with the results. From the consultation through to the treatment, Shelley was professional knowledgeable and made me feel completely at ease, with a few laughs and jokes. She took the time to explain everything thoroughly and tailored my treatment to suit my facial features and my goals. My powder brows healed so naturally, I was also so impressed with the improvement with the plasma treatment. The salon is immaculate and the whole team is friendly and welcoming. If you’re looking for someone with years of experience and generally cares about achieving the best result, I highly recommend Shelley and her team at CTM. Even my mum goes to see her for her brows and Skin treatments.
  • Jennifer Ellen Avatar
    Jennifer Ellen
    23 July 2026
    Very talented, staff & super friendly… couldn’t be happier!
    harshini konda Avatar
    harshini konda
    22 July 2026
    Lovely Shelly! Always surprises me with her work … my colour is getting better each time! Experienced and very patient friendly! Highly Recommended👌
    Shane Guy Avatar
    Shane Guy
    18 July 2026
    Thanks Shelly and team for your professionalism and care. I’ll bring my wife next time!
  • Nik Farthing Avatar
    Nik Farthing
    18 July 2026
    Shelley did my teeth whitening and they look amazing!
    T Clear Avatar
    T Clear
    17 July 2026
    This is the best studio I have ever seen and experienced! Shelley is incredible, she makes you feel so relaxed and at ease with the best music taste!!!! I was... read more so nervous, but her kind and patient personality made me immediately feel comfortable. And the eyeliner results are better than I could ever imagine. Highly, highly recommend!!!!!
    Jess Kala Avatar
    Jess Kala
    17 July 2026
    Amazing!! So natural. Absolutely the best I have ever had
  • Dewi Witorz Avatar
    Dewi Witorz
    16 July 2026
    Had a wonderful experience with Shelli and the girls! Thank you for looking after me and making me feel very comfortable with having my new brows done.
    enya reilly Avatar
    enya reilly
    11 July 2026
    So happy with my results would highly recommend
    Anne Middleton Avatar
    Anne Middleton
    11 July 2026
    Shelley is a most meticulous tattooist. I wanted natural looking results and she never fails to deliver exactly that. Her colour mixing is excellent and she has a fine eye... read more for truly aesthetic results. Thanks Shelley for my eyebrows which I lost due to a medical condition. So grateful that I don't need to wear eyebrows pencil!
  • Elektra Westphal Avatar
    Elektra Westphal
    11 July 2026
    Great experience of eyebrow removal awesome work very pleased
    Sharon Hoffman Avatar
    Sharon Hoffman
    10 July 2026
    I adore Shelley! I won’t trust anyone else doing my brows. I have seen her a few times over the years & love the whole experience - from coming into... read more her beautiful clinic & having Sugar lay on my lap while we have the best conversations about life. She is definitely a master of her craft. 💗🙏🏽
    Courtney Mather Avatar
    Courtney Mather
    9 July 2026
    Investing in cosmetic tattoo training can be incredibly nerve wracking, especially when you’re making such a big financial commitment and want to be sure you’ve chosen the right trainer. Coming... read more from a traditional tattooing background, I wasn’t sure what to expect or how different the techniques and approach would be, but I’m so glad I chose this course with Shelley. I’ve felt nothing but supported, welcomed and genuinely encouraged to succeed. Shelley had the patience of an angel, all questioned answered and never felt rushed which has given me the confidence to keep improving. Definitely worth the investment and I’m very grateful for the experience and knowledge Shelley has shared with me! Can’t wait to continue to grow and learn with Shelley. Xx
  • Sasha Avatar
    Sasha
    9 July 2026
    I had a great experience getting my eyebrows done by Courtney! Shelley was also very helpful with making sure Courtney and I felt comfortable during the process! Very happy with the... read more end product 😁😁😁
    Larissa Thurley Avatar
    Larissa Thurley
    8 July 2026
    Shelley was so gentle with my lips and brows. I was really overly happy with how they both turned out . Highly recommend
    Louise McFarlane Avatar
    Louise McFarlane
    3 July 2026
    Fantastic service Such detail and a beautiful space Would highly recommend
  • A P Avatar
    A P
    2 July 2026
    Come here to get my tattoo on my back removed , after only 3 sessions it’s almost gone ! Shelly and Nick are both super friendly. Really cute spit in... read more general
    Jumaki Avatar
    Jumaki
    27 June 2026
    Got my Lip Blush and Brows done by Shelley and really happy with the results so far. Curious to see how it heals
    Silvia Mindová Avatar
    Silvia Mindová
    25 June 2026
    Love it!
  • Danielle Sestito Avatar
    Danielle Sestito
    25 June 2026
    Irena did my lips and they are perfect! Love them!!
    Kristie Avatar
    Kristie
    24 June 2026
    CTM is my go-to for Pico laser treatments! Nic and Shirley always take such great care of me, making every visit comfortable. Their attention to detail, and genuine care make... read more all the difference. It’s truly a one-stop shop (great lash life too!) Highly recommend CTM to anyone looking for exceptional service and amazing results!
    Samantha Astanin Avatar
    Samantha Astanin
    20 June 2026
    Professional. Great welcoming space and lovely vibe and chats during treatment

Combination Brows FAQs

Are combination brows the same as hybrid brows?

Yes. Combination, hybrid and combo brows are different names for the same idea: hair strokes and soft shading combined in one brow.

How long do combination brows last?

Eyebrow tattooing typically lasts 1 to 3 years, depending on your skin type, lifestyle, sun exposure and the technique used. Shaded areas generally hold their colour longer than hair strokes. We recommend a touch-up every 12–18 months to keep your brows fresh.

Combination brows or nano brows: which is better for me?

Nano brows are made entirely of fine hair strokes, for the most natural, hair-like finish. Combination brows add soft shading through the body and tail, so they suit clients who want more fullness and definition, or who usually fill in their brows with makeup.

Will my brows look natural?

Yes. The strokes at the front keep the start of the brow soft and hair-like, and the shading is built gradually. Your brows will look darker for the first week, then soften as they heal, and we can add more at your perfecting session if you would like.

Does it hurt?

Most clients describe it as mild discomfort rather than pain. We always apply numbing cream before and during your procedure, and your artist checks in with you throughout.

I have an old brow tattoo. Can you help?

Often, yes. Old brow tattoos that have turned grey, blue or red can usually be colour corrected with the right pigments first. If the old pigment is too dark or deep to correct, we may recommend PicoWay laser fading sessions, which we offer in-house, before fresh pigment is added.

How do I prepare for my appointment?

  • Avoid tinting, henna or brow lamination for 2–3 weeks before, so we can see your natural colour and shape
  • If you draw on your brows daily, wear them to your appointment so we can see your preferred style
  • Avoid laser treatments, anti-wrinkle injections or chemical peels for at least 4 weeks before
  • Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before and caffeine on the day
  • Stop blood-thinning medications (Aspirin, Niacin, Vitamin E, Ibuprofen) 24 hours before; consult your GP if you take these for medical reasons
  • Avoid tanning or intense sun exposure for 3 days before
  • If you have been on Roaccutane, you must be off it for the same length of time you were on it, with a minimum of 12 months recommended

Who should not have combination brows?

Please contact us before booking if any of these apply to you:

  • Keloid scarring tendency
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Recent anti-wrinkle injections (allow at least 2 weeks before and after)
  • Active skin conditions such as dermatitis, eczema or psoriasis in the brow area
  • Steroid or hormone replacement therapy
  • Chemotherapy (we can only treat clients who are in full remission)
  • Under 18 years of age

Can I have an allergic reaction?

Reactions are rare. If you have a known allergy to nickel, hair dye or latex, we recommend a patch test before your appointment to confirm suitability.

Ready for natural, defined brows?

Book your combination brows at our St Kilda salon, Suite 2/179 Barkly Street, or call us on 0412 144 015 for a chat first.