Never Heard of Brow Lamination? Here's the Scoop
Not one to maintain a 12-step skincare routine? Me neither. Same with all the wild beauty trends on social media: eyelash extensions, freckle tattoos, lip injections. Seems like a lot of work. There is one thing, though, that’s got me thinking: brow lamination. Why? Because I’m tired of looking at my thin brows. Not only does brow lamination fill in sparse eyebrows, but it makes the eyes appear lifted and bright, and it adds definition to facial features. Simply choose your desired shape, and voila! Beautiful brows.
Read on to learn all there is to know about this popular beauty treatment, including what it is, how it’s done, and more.
What is eyebrow lamination?
Eyebrow lamination — also known as a “brow lift” or “brow sculpting” — is a “brow hair texturizing treatment” (or perm) for your natural brow hairs. Performed by a brow specialist, it’s a process wherein the brow hair follicle is softened with a chemical-based brow gel and shaped into a smooth and lifted eyebrow shape. The result is perfect brushed-up brows that appear fuller, uniform, and defined.
Is eyebrow lamination the same as microblading?
Not exactly. While the results appear similar, the processes are different. Microblading is a more invasive and permanent makeup procedure that can last up to two years. Brow lamination, on the other hand, is a temporary treatment performed by a makeup artist that keeps the eyebrow permed for four to eight weeks.
So, what does the brow lamination process look like?
The eyebrow lamination process is similar to lash lift. That said — and depending on the application the brow technician uses — steps can vary. Here’s the gist:
After cleansing your brows and eye area, your brow services technician will map out a shape and style that flatters your face.
A lifting cream will be applied and brushed through your brow to make the hair more malleable and easier to move and shape. This cream will be covered in plastic wrap for a few minutes.
The lifting cream is then removed, and a setting lotion is applied. This chemical solution mutes the lifting cream and holds hairs in their new shape.
After a few minutes, the setting cream is removed and replaced with a nourishing oil or hydrating cream to infuse newly shaped brows with moisture and shine.
This procedure will vary a bit by salon, but it typically takes 30 to 45 minutes from start to finish.
Once completed, your technician will advise you on aftercare, but as a general rule, it’s important to avoid getting your eyebrows wet for 24 hours following treatment. This means no showering, playing in the rain, or getting sweaty — but daily combing of your brows is encouraged.
Can brow lamination be done at home?
Because eyebrow lamination has become increasingly popular in recent years, it’s not uncommon to see DIY kits sold online. While you can definitely laminate your own brows from the comfort of your own home, it’s not recommended — especially if this is your first time using perming solutions. To laminate your brows safely, make an appointment with a licensed esthetician, cosmetologist, or technician. If needed, ask friends for recommendations. After all, when it comes to your face, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
What are the benefits of eyebrow lamination?
As simple as the eyebrow lamination process is, it has several benefits. These include:
It combats the appearance of thinning hair.
Whether due to aging, fluctuating hormones (hello, perimenopause), or excessive plucking, thinning eyebrow hair is a common complaint among women. Fortunately, brow lamination treatment can change the direction of hair growth to fill gaps and create a more uniform look and promote new brow hair growth. So, if thinning eyebrow hair is wreaking havoc on your self-confidence, consider making a brow lamination appointment.
It’s easy to maintain.
Maintaining your gorgeous brows after they’ve been laminated is fairly simple:
Avoid rubbing eyebrows for 24 hours following treatment.
Tweeze stray hairs above and below the brow line to maintain a clean, polished look — just try not to over-tweeze.
Use a brow brush to define and shape eyebrows.
Apply a quality moisturizer to eyebrows each night to restore nutrients to the hair. (Brow lamination can be super drying.)
It’s virtually painless.
Can’t bear the pain of threading? Does the thought of hot wax send a chill down your spine? Is tweezing your kryptonite? While “beauty is pain,” the brow lamination process is not. Eyebrow lamination is a surprisingly gentle procedure that’s free of pulling and tugging. For the best brow lamination experience, hire an experienced brow artist who is familiar with brow trends and has a roster of happy clients.
It adds depth and dimension.
Another benefit of brow lamination is that it adds depth and dimension to the face. This is especially good news for women experiencing collagen loss due to aging. Collagen provides structure and support to the skin, but as we get older, our natural collagen production slows. This causes the skin’s structure to weaken, resulting in sagging skin and the appearance of sunken cheeks.
While we can’t turn back the hands of time, brow lamination gives structure, depth, and dimension to brows, which in turn, adds shape and contour to the face. The result is a more balanced, youthful appearance.
The Final Word
Of all the beauty trends out there, eyebrow lamination is among the easiest and most effective. Brow lamination is quick, easy, and relatively painless, and it turns sparse eyebrows into full, lifted eyebrows that give depth and dimension to the face. In other words, thinning brows and the effects of aging are no match for eyebrow lamination.
That said, every face is different, so if you’re thinking about giving this popular treatment a try, talk to a dermatologist first — especially if you have any chronic skin disorders. While brow lamination is generally regarded as safe when performed by an experienced professional, it’s not advised for those with eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea.
