PLATE 05 · SHADED FOLIO
Combination Brows Course
Two drawings on one brow. Crisp hair strokes define the front and upper edge, while soft shading adds depth through the body and tail. This course teaches you to plan both layers from a single map so that they read as one finished brow.
PLATE 05 · A
How Strokes and Shading Fit Together
A combination brow is not a hair-stroke brow with powder added at the end. The two layers are planned together, so every stroke leaves room for the shading and every shaded area supports the strokes. The drawing legend below shows how the layers divide the work.
LAYER I · STROKE
Hair-Stroke Front
Fine strokes at the head of the brow and along the top line, following natural growth direction.
Related foundation: Plate 02 Microblading
LAYER II · BLEND
The Transition Zone
The area where strokes open into shading. This is where most of the judgement in a combination brow happens.
Mapped first, worked last
LAYER III · SHADE
Shaded Body & Tail
Soft, built-up shading that adds density and definition towards the arch and tail.
Related foundation: Plate 04 Powder/Ombre
PLATE 05 · B
Five Steps, One Map
Each step follows the order of work on a real brow, from measurement to refinement.
Techniques Taught & Course Structure
The course follows the order you work in on a real brow, from the first measurement to the final layer.
01 · Mapping Both Layers
Brow mapping and symmetry, then marking where strokes stop and shading begins, all before you pick up a tool. The Brow Mapping Guide is useful reading beforehand.
02 · Skin & Hair-Stroke Direction
Reading skin and natural growth patterns so that strokes sit convincingly among existing hairs.
03 · Stroke Placement
Building clean, spaced strokes at the front of the brow and along the upper line with control and consistency.
04 · Shading & Blending
Layering soft shading through the body and tail, and feathering the transition so no hard edge shows between techniques.
05 · Refining Your Practice
Reviewing your work against the map, adjusting the balance between strokes and shading, and planning your next practice brow.
Current course dates, duration, training format and inclusions are confirmed when you enquire.
PLATE 05 · C
Who This Course Is For
Combination work asks you to control two techniques at once. Coming in with some hair-stroke or shading background makes the most of the course. If you are unsure where you fit, read Choosing a Brow Course.
PLATE 05 · D
Trainers & Student Work
Our trainers teach combination brows the way it is drawn: measure first, then build each layer with a clear reason behind every stroke and every pass of shading. Feedback focuses on the balance between the two techniques, which is where combination work succeeds or fails.
Meet the team and their teaching approach on Our Trainers, and view genuine student results in the Student Work Gallery.
Reference photograph: brow measurement in progress.
PLATE 05 · E
Combination Brows Questions
More answers in the Brow Course FAQ, or contact the academy.
How is a combination brow different from powder brows?
Powder brows are shaded throughout. A combination brow uses hair strokes at the front and top edge, with shading through the body and tail, so the result looks both textured and defined.
Do I need prior brow experience?
A background in hair strokes or shading helps, because you will be working with both. Tell us your experience when you enquire and we will suggest the most suitable starting plate.
Is brow mapping covered?
Yes. Mapping is the first step, and in combination work it also sets where strokes end and shading begins.
Where can I find dates and inclusions?
Send an enquiry through the Enquire or Enrol page and the academy will confirm current details for this course.
PLATE 05 · F
Related Plates
Begin Plate 05
Ready to draw strokes and shading as one brow? Send an enquiry and the academy will be in touch about the Combination Brows Course.