The dynamic beauty industry is coming up with new trends more often than ever and it seems they’re getting especially creative with brows. The latest brow trend that is bound to become very popular is eyebrow lamination, a pain-free, less permanent permanent makeup alternative to microblading.
So if you’re considering having a bit of work done on your eyebrows, brow lamination is certainly worth looking into. Here’s all you need to know!
So, What Exactly Is Brow Lamination?
Brow lamination is a semi-permanent eyebrow styling method that originated in Russia and has slowly but surely made its way to Europe and America. It’s also been dubbed “eyebrow perm” and “eyebrow lift”.
Brow lamination is a non-invasive chemical procedure for the eyebrows that straightens and lifts every individual brow hair to achieve a volumized yet neat look similar to the results of microblading. The difference is, though, that the technician works with what you’ve got, without any additions.
Optionally, the brows can be tinted, to get an illusion of even more volume.
The results are neat, polished and elegant eyebrows, as opposed to effortless and bushy. Think less Emilia Clarke, more Taylor Hill.
What Does the Procedure Look Like?
As we said, it’s totally non-invasive, quick and simple. Here are the steps:
First Step: Consultations
The first step in any beauty procedure are consultations. The technician you choose will go over the procedure with you, and you’ll go over what you want with them.
It’s important to be vocal and particular about the look you want achieved, but take into consideration the tech’s advice and recommendations; after all, they’re the professional.
Second Step: Getting Ready for the Treatment
The next step is preparation. Technically, this phase starts a few weeks prior to the treatment, as it’s advised you grow out your brows. So put down those tweezers!
Once you get to the salon, you’ll be settled in on a comfy reclining bed and the tech will thoroughly clean your eyebrows and the area around them.
Third Step: Applying the Chemical Solutions
The perming solution is applied and the hairs are combed and shaped (some tech’s do this the other way round). The chemicals will make them flexible and easy to move around.
The main idea is to get all the hairs go in the same direction and to shape the arch into a desired outline.
The solutions are gentle and usually vegan-friendly, although the brand used varies from salon to salon.
Then, a plastic cling wrap is placed and left on for a short while.
After several minutes, this solution is cleaned off, and a setting solution is applied. They may be covered with cling wrap again, depending on the product used. It’s supposed to neutralize the previous chemical and set the brows into their new, straight state.
Again, several minutes is usually enough, but the tech will asses when your brows are ready for the next step, which is a hydrating serum.
It will nourish the hairs and give them hydration. If you’re also tinting your brows, the serum will be applied after that.
Fourth Step: Tinting, If Necessary
Then, the tinting. Of course, if you’re happy with the natural color of your eyebrows, this step can be skipped.
The color choice is particularly important, so it’s a good idea to listen to your technician. They know a thing or two about matching the shade to your skin tone and hair color.
Aftercare and Maintenance
Unlike microblading and similar procedures, there is no strict aftercare routine with eyebrow lamination. But there are certain things you should do to keep your lamination looking its best.
You should avoid getting your brows wet for 24 hours, so no washing your brow area, steam-baths or excessive sweating, but that’s about it.
Maintenance comes down to combing through your brows once a day. The wet look you get right after the treatment will fade within a day, but if you’d like to recreate it, there are plenty of products you can use. A simple hair wax will do just fine.
How Long Does the Procedure Last?
Brow lamination lasts from 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on whether you go for the tinting or not. The results are achieved in one session, so there is no need for touch ups.
How Much Does Brow Lamination Cost?
Brow lamination is a lot less expensive that microblading. The cost of the procedure is up to $100, depending on the salon. Here’s a more detailed overview of the brow lamination cost.
How Long Do the Results Last?
The results of eyebrow lamination last around 6 weeks, depending on the length of the growth cycle of your hairs.
Here’s more information about the longevity of brow lamination.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Brow Lamination?
The clients that most often seek brow lamination either have very bushy, long and disobedient brows that defy any regular makeup product and need to be tamed, or very light arches that are barely visible and tend to look cartoonish and unnatural if enhanced by makeup.
But the best part about this customizable treatment is the fact that a crafty technician can make it work for anyone. Brow lamination works on this brows, too, but the enhancement won’t be as dramatic as it is on thick brows.
Eyebrow tattooing and microblading are certainly not for everyone. Some people are not willing to go through the pain, to hassle with the strict aftercare routine, to stress over the possibility of a botched job, or simply cannot handle the needles.
Brow lamination eliminates all these factors, so it’s perfect for anybody who wants to step up their brow game, but is reluctant to go under the microblade or needle for whatever reason.
Plus, the solutions used are usually hypoallergenic, and there are no health restrictions like with microblading and other permanent makeup that features breaking the skin.
Overall Benefits
This brow trend is a great addition to the range of permanent and semi-permanent brow styling techniques that have been emerging in the past decade.
Brow lamination is the best option for taming long and bushy brows with hairs that grow in random directions.
It also takes care of any sparse patches and arch asymmetry, giving a more polished look than many other treatments. You also have the option of tinting, which is a great solution for anyone who uses pencils, powders, and gels every single day to get their brows to match their hair.
Compared to more permanent options such as microshading, microfeathering, ombre brows etc. brow lamination is a lot less invasive, a lot less expensive, doesn’t hurt, but the results aren’t long-lasting.
There is no pain involved; all you might feel is slight tingling.
Final Thoughts
The brow lamination procedure might be the perfect gateway to some of the more invasive procedures, so if you’re considering them, think about experimenting with brow lamination first.
Cover image source: Freepik
