Everything You Need To Know About Brow Lamination
Have you ever marveled at perfectly groomed and shaped eyebrows, wondering how to achieve such enviable arches? Enter brow lamination, the treatment that has taken the beauty world by storm. With its ability to transform even the most unruly and sparse brows into sleek, defined masterpieces, brow lamination has become a go-to solution for achieving picture-perfect eyebrows. So, what exactly is brow lamination, and why has it gained so much popularity? Join us as we dive into the details of this trend and explore everything you need to know.
Brow lamination — or, as some call it, eyebrow lift — is a noninvasive procedure that reshapes and sets the eyebrow hairs to create the desired look. "When done correctly, the brow will lay in a more aesthetically pleasing shape, with the brows looking fuller and more lifted," lash expert Sarah Maxwell reveals to Allure. Whether you have unruly hairs that grow in different directions or simply desire a more polished and put-together look, brow lamination can work wonders. It allows for customization so that your brows suit your face shape and enhance your eyes.
Get ready to unlock the secrets of stunning brows as we explore the process of brow lamination, discuss the aftercare needed to maintain your fabulous brows, and uncover the amazing benefits that make brow lamination a game-changer.
How is brow lamination different from microblading?
Fuller, thicker brows are very in style, and both brow lamination and microblading can help you achieve this look, but there are some key differences. Brow lamination differs from microblading because there are no needles or dyes involved, so it's more wallet-friendly and takes a shorter time than microblading. Microblading is more long-lasting and won't require as frequent follow-ups as brow lamination. Sometimes, it can be hard to differentiate between the two as both results are equally impressive.
What's more, Dr. Pallavi Sule, dermatologist and aesthetic physician, tells Vogue, "Microblading is a rewarding procedure especially for people have very fine eyebrows or no eyebrows." It's a great way to frame your face and feel more beautiful; however, people with specific health issues or allergies to tattoo inks should avoid it, so check with your physician first.
According to Real Beauty School, brow lamination is better for those who want a fuller brow look or someone with out-of-control brows as it sets them in place and looks feathered. It's much cheaper than microblading and painless. With either choice, your brows will look on-point, and it'll save you time getting ready every day as they'll always be ready for your next selfie.
How to prepare for brow lamination
Before you dive headfirst into the world of perfectly sculpted eyebrows, there are a few things you need to do to prepare yourself (and your brows) for this fabulous makeover. First things first, let's talk about the golden rule of brow lamination prep: Thou shalt not tweeze or pluck thy brows for at least two weeks before the treatment.
Yes, you heard it right — you need to let your brow hairs grow wild and free! Brow lamination works its magic by reshaping and repositioning your natural brow hairs so it's best that they are at their full potential. Any hairs that do need to be trimmed or plucked can be dealt with afterward.
Since your brows and the skin underneath them will be treated with chemicals, ensure you don't exfoliate or use retinoids on that area about one week before your appointment to avoid any possible irritation. On the day of your appointment, make sure your eyes are free of any makeup, and if you wear contact lenses, remember to remove them before your brow lamination treatment.
Here's what happens during a brow lamination appointment
As you settle into the salon chair, your brow technician will start with a friendly chat to understand your brow goals and preferences. It's time to spill the beans on the shape, thickness, and overall look you desire for your eyebrows. After all, no two clients are the same, which is why sharing what you want your eyebrows to look like is crucial — and having reference photos is always a plus.
Once you're done with the consultation, the technician will likely cleanse your brows, ensuring they're free from any oils, makeup, and skincare residue. After that, they will apply the first formula to your brows. This solution works its magic by softening the hair and allowing it to be molded into your desired shape. Once the designated time has passed, they will brush the eyebrows into the desired shape and apply a setting lotion or cream.
After each application, they might put a piece of plastic wrap on top of your brows to keep them in place. Once the second solution has been on your brows for long enough, they will remove the residue and apply a specially formulated serum or oil to nourish your brows. A brow lamination takes between 15 to 20 minutes. If you asked for an eyebrow tint alongside the lamination, the technician would also dye your brows before going forward with the nourishing step, and this would likely add an additional 10 to 15 minutes.
Eyebrow lamination aftercare
While eyebrow lamination allows you to have effortlessly perfect brows as soon as you wake up, there are a couple of things you should keep in mind. The first rule you need to follow is to avoid getting your eyebrows wet for the first 24 to 48 hours after your appointment — something your technician should also mention. And yes, this means you should skip any workouts that cause you to sweat.
Apart from the water rule, there are a couple of tips that can help you get the most out of your brow lamination. One thing you should avoid is touching or rubbing your laminated brows, especially if you're someone who frequently touches their face. However, you should brush your brows daily to help them keep their shape for as long as possible.
Ensure you always use a clean spoolie for this, and be very gentle — you don't want to accidentally pull out any hairs. If you want to go the extra mile, consider investing in a moisturizing brow serum that will help keep your brows healthy and strong, thereby preventing them from falling out quickly.
Benefits of brow lamination
One of the greatest advantages of brow lamination lies in the time-saving aspect. With perfectly shaped and set-in-place brows, you'll save precious minutes in your morning routine, allowing you to relax more — maybe have an extra cup of coffee or a few additional moments of beauty sleep — without the need to fill in, shape, and tame your brow hairs. A brow lamination is the ultimate beauty hack that keeps you looking effortlessly polished for weeks.
Aside from the time-saving benefit, perfectly laminated brows boost your confidence as they draw attention to your eyes, making you instantly ready to conquer the day. And let's not forget that brow lamination is a dream come true for those who want perfectly-sculpted brows without the often painful alternatives, like microblading. Plus, you also don't have to worry about any eyebrow makeup smudges. Whether you're hitting the beach or dancing at an outdoor summer event, your perfectly laminated brows will stay in place all day and night long.
How long does a brow lamination last?
The longevity of your brow lamination can vary depending on individual factors as well as aftercare. However, you can expect the effects of brow lamination to last upwards of six weeks. It's important to note that everyone's hair growth cycle is unique, so individual experiences may vary.
To ensure that your laminated brows stay fabulous for as long as possible, following the aforementioned aftercare practices is crucial. Using a nourishing brow serum can also help maintain the shape and health of your laminated brows, prolonging their growth cycle — meaning that they will stay put for longer.
As time goes on, you may notice a gradual return to your brows' natural state as new hair growth occurs. At this point, you can schedule another appointment with your brow technician to refresh the lamination and keep your brows perked up.
The cost of brow lamination
Brow lamination is the new alternative to microblading and is considerably cheaper, though it lasts for a shorter amount of time. The cost of brow lamination depends on your city and the artist performing it. If you live in bigger cities like Miami, Florida, it's slightly more expensive than if you lived in a smaller town.
According to PMUHub, the average cost of brow lamination in the U.S. is about $85. However, it can be anywhere between $35 to $250, depending on "the location, demand for the treatment, competition in the area, technician's experience and exclusivity of the salon." For example, PMUHub's research shows that it costs, on average, $53 in Olympia, Washington, and $130 in Los Angeles, California. The final price can also depend on whether you add waxing, threading, or tinting to the whole package.
Ultimately, the average cost in the U.S. ranges, but one fact remains: It's cheaper than microblading.
Potential side effects of brow lamination
Brow lamination is done so close to the eyes with chemicals that you must practice caution. Since the skin around the eyes is "the thinnest, most delicate of the body," Shari Marchbein, a New York City dermatologist, tells Allure, "it is especially prone to irritation, so harsh chemicals from this brow lamination could cause eczema, which is characterized by red, dry, itchy, and inflamed skin."
Marchbein also adds that using chemicals on your brow hairs too often could damage them the same way hair suffers if you are a fan of bleaching or chemically processing the hair on your head. Therefore, you have to be extra careful and only use quality products.
Like any treatment that uses chemicals, there are always some risks involved. TatBrow notes that you could experience swelling, redness, and irritation if you have sensitive skin or are allergic to the chemicals used. Since you're "perming" your brow hairs to straighten them, it could damage or dry your brow hairs. Do your research and only trust a licensed artist for your brow lamination.
Is everyone a candidate for a brow lamination?
Brow lamination is a fantastic option for many, but it's important to consider certain factors before undergoing the treatment. According to Mrs.Highbrow, individuals with "very irritated" or severely acne-prone skin should avoid brow lamination until the condition improves, as the treatment may further aggravate the skin. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals are also advised to hold off on brow lamination due to potential safety concerns. Similarly, those who have recently undergone microblading or permanent makeup services should wait for about six to eight weeks after their procedure before considering brow lamination.
Additionally, individuals with certain medical conditions or recent treatments may need to exercise caution. Those using blood-thinning medications or antibiotics should wait for at least two weeks before undergoing brow lamination (via Tan by Zoe). The treatment is not suitable for individuals with conditions like psoriasis, eczema, alopecia, or moles around the brows. It's crucial to consult with the professional and provide accurate information about your medical history and current treatments to ensure the suitability of brow lamination for you.
Can you do brow lamination at home?
While it's possible to find DIY brow lamination kits on the market, it's generally recommended to leave the brow lamination process to the experts. "Just like you could probably perm or dye your hair at home — but shouldn't — it's the same thing with brows," celebrity brow sculptor René de la Garza tells Glamour. Brow lamination involves using chemical solutions and precise techniques to reshape and set the eyebrow hairs — and getting those perfect results requires quite a bit of expertise and experience.
By opting for a professional brow lamination treatment, you're not only benefiting from the technicians' knowledge but also their ability to assess your unique brow shape and tailor the lamination process to your specific needs and wants. Professionals also have access to high-quality products and tools that may not be available in at-home kits, ensuring a more effective and long-lasting outcome.
By entrusting your brows to the hands of professionals, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the pampering experience while knowing that you'll leave with stunning laminated brows. However, if you're brave enough to go for it, it is possible to laminate your brows at home with the proper steps. And for those looking to get stunning, not-so-permanent results in a pinch, luckily, there are ways to fake a brow lamination at home.