If you’re an active follower of the beauty or makeup scene, chances are you’ve seen what laminated brows look like. They are brushed-up brows that look voluminous and lifted hairs, creating a polished appearance. Are you wondering if this beauty procedure is worth investing in? Explore the benefits of brow lamination, how the process works and what people say about it.
What Is Brow Lamination?
Brow lamination is the process of achieving sleek, brushed-up brows that last days. It uses a perm solution and other items to redirect brow hairs in a certain direction. Many people get this beauty service to make naturally thin or sparse brows look fuller. It’s an excellent service, especially if you want thicker brows and cut down preparation time in the morning.
It’s called lamination because it requires a plastic layer to keep treated brows in place. Like laminating a paper, it sets the brow hairs in place.
Brow Lamination vs. Microblading: What Are the Differences?
While both services have the same goal, — that is fuller-looking brows — they have different processes.
Brow Lamination
This treatment requires chemical solutions, which are generally safe but might cause allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin, affecting around 71% of adults. In severe cases, it might trigger infection. Laminated brows can last for a month, but can be shorter or longer depending on how you take care of your brows after the procedure.
Because it requires chemical ingredients, it may have potential risks and side effects, such as swelling, peeling, itching, redness and bumps. It may not be recommended if you have sensitive skin, eczema, rosacea, a history of contact dermatitis or are pregnant. It’s always best to consult your doctor first to ensure it’s safe for you.
Microblading
On the other hand, microblading is a type of semi-permanent tattoo. It's ideal for people who have little to no eyebrows who want a more defined look. The professional will use the manual tattoo technique to make tiny hair-like strokes in the brow area using special pigments that mimic natural hair color. The brow tech will apply numbing cream, but there still might be slight discomfort.
It’s semi-permanent and waterproof, so it won’t smudge and will last for months. You can choose your desired brow shape or ask the professional which best fits your face.
Which Brow Treatment Is Better?
It depends on your goal. Choose brow lamination if you have existing hair and want to improve its shape and fullness. If you have sparse or thin brow hairs, microblading may be a better option. There’s also a huge gap between the prices of both treatments — the cost of brow lamination ranges between $50-$100 per session, while one microblading session costs $400 to $1,400, depending on the artist’s expertise and your location.
What’s the Brow Lamination Process?
Wondering what to expect during your first brow lamination session? Here are the steps:
1. Brow Preparation
The artist will let you settle in a reclined seat or a bed. Once you are settled and relaxed, the professional will clean your brows using a gentle cleanser to remove makeup, dead skin cells, bacteria and oil.
The brow tech will then apply a cream to soften your brow hairs, making them pliable so it’s easier to form your desired brow shape. Using a spoolie brush, they will brush your hair upwards and toward the desired direction.
2. Lamination Process
The brow tech will apply plastic wrap over your brows, which will be left depending on the thickness of your brows. Afterward, a setting cream called a neutralizer will be used to set the hair into its new form and direction. Again, using a spoolie brush, the artist will brush the hair into the desired position. The brushed-up look often seen on social media is currently the most sought-after shape.
3. Final Phase
If you want darker brows, your brow tech might apply a tint. Some professionals like to pluck stray hairs or cut long hairs carefully. Once complete, a hydrating treatment will be used all over the brows. This is to seal the treatment and eliminate unwanted residue.
5 Aftercare Tips
Here are some brow lamination aftercare tips to keep in mind.
1. Keep Your Eyebrows Dry
This means you should not wash your face, shower, or engage in strenuous activities for 24 hours after the treatment. You should also avoid putting skin care products on your brows and the surrounding area.
2. Avoid Contact With Heat
Refrain from going under the sun, sunbeds, steam rooms and saunas for the next two days after your procedure. If going out is inevitable, apply sunscreen with at least broad-spectrum SPF 15 to protect your brow area from the sun.
3. Don’t Put Makeup
Wait at least 24 hours after treatment for the chemical products to set properly. Then, you can apply makeup as you please.
Is It Worth It? Here’s What the Internet Says
Is eyebrow lamination worth it? The Body+Mind team visited online forums to find out the people’s verdict.
In the subreddit r/beauty, user babyytome asked if it’s worth it and if the procedure will allow their brows to be more low maintenance.
According to user __mentionitall__, brows are easier to style, thanks to brow lamination.
“I’ve been getting brow laminations done for six years and I love the results. The laminations soften the brows, making it easier for me to style. I use a conditioning gel from my brow tech, which conveniently doubles as a styling gel.
It’s worth it because it’s low maintenance — just brush the hairs up, use the gel, brush again and then you’re done. Fewer products involved but my brow goal was achieved.”
Meanwhile, user justintime107 loves the results but thinks they don’t need it since they have thick, dark eyebrows.
“I love it, but do I need it? No! My eyebrows are naturally thick and dark. However, I would do it 2-3 times a year for special occasions. They become even more maintenance, and mine stays in place after I brush them.”
Get Your Brows Laminated Today
If you’re tired of dealing with sparse, unruly brows, try brow lamination. By lifting, setting and shaping your natural hairs, this procedure can dramatically enhance your appearance and save you time from doing your brow makeup daily.
