Brow lamination — for brows in need
We love the look of a soft and fluffy brow, but not every set of brows is willing to behave the way we’d like — at least, not without some assistance. Brow laminations make it easier to achieve your ideal brow shape, whether that’s a bushy and brushed-up Brooke Shields brow or a more sleek and subtle look.
What is brow lamination?
Brow lamination refers to a process rather than a specific look. Much like hair perms or lash lifts, brow laminations are chemical treatments that relax brow hairs and shape them as desired.
Think of how full and defined your brows look when you brush or gel them upward — by setting your hair into the ideal shape, brow laminations can achieve a comparable result, and they last for weeks rather than hours. In other words, brow laminations don’t add hair, instead grooming the ones you’ve got.
Those of us with unruly, bushy and sometimes temperamental brows often struggle to keep them in check, but brow lamination can create a smooth and sleek look that reduces the need for constant upkeep. And while brow laminations are often associated with the classic brushed up or fluffy look (à la Zendaya or Cara Delevigne), brow technicians can customize your treatment and suit a range of styles, from soft and natural arches to big and bold brows. If your brows exist on sparser planes or are naturally a little thinner you can likewise enjoy sleek results.
Brow lamination benefits
Look, we’re not trying to start a brow lamination cult. Really. (Unless… ) In all seriousness, laminations are a game-changer for many people. Here’s why:
Fuller, thicker. Like a fluffy miracle. Brow lamination creates the illusion of more voluminous, defined, and luscious brows by lifting and arranging the existing hairs. It’s especially impactful for those with sparse brows since the process straightens, strengthens and fans out the hairs.
Long-lasting results. Results last for about 4 to 6 weeks, depending on your hair growth cycle and general care. We like that.
Low maintenance magic. Prepare yourself for weeks of low-maintenance brow care. Whether your brows are naturally rowdy or you’d rather not fuss over them throughout the day, lamination keeps them looking shapely in ways that brow gels can’t always achieve. That’s like, at least 5 more minutes of your day you can spend reading fairy smut novels.
Personalized style. Bold, fluffy, sleek, defined, natural, soft, etc — brow lamination can adapt to your preferred style. A skilled tech works with your natural brow shape, eyes and other facial features to zhuzh your look and complement your aesthetic.
How does brow lamination work?
Brow lamination involves a perm solution, neutralizing lotion and nourishing treatment to reposition your brows, giving them a fuller, more polished look that can last for weeks. It isn’t a semi-permanent service, such as microblading or powder brows, but sticks around long enough to last you through vacations, special events and other occasions over an extended period.
When designing your brows, your technician will likely consider these key elements:
Balance and symmetry between brows.
Tailoring the size and shape to proportionately suit your facial features.
Working with your shape and growth direction for a natural and flattering result.
Aligning with your everyday makeup or overall style.
If you’re after a more neat and tidy look, your tech can style the brow hairs arcing sideways, creating a softer, more defined shape, with a tapered finish at the ends. This is perfect if you want a more structured, well-groomed, and classic brow without a bold impact.
If your natural hairs tend to grow downward, lamination can help create an eye-opening lift by brushing them upwards, which draws attention to the eyes and gives you an instant lift.
What happens during a brow lamination service?
Consult. The technician assesses your natural brow shape and discusses your desired outcome. Let them know whether you want a more defined shape, a bushier look, or to correct any gaps in your brows.
Prep. The brows are cleansed to remove any makeup, oils, or impurities from the skin and hair, ensuring the lamination products work effectively.
Perm. A chemical solution containing keratin or protein is applied to the brows to break down the protein bonds in the hair, making the hairs more soft and pliable. This allows the technician to manipulate them into the desired position.
Set. Brows are brushed into place, a neutralizer/setting solution is applied to set the hairs in place. This locks in the new shape and gives the brows a polished, lifted look. Once the brows are chemically straightened, they can be re-positioned into a full, lifted shape. Because brow lamination removes the natural bend or curve of the hair, the hairs can easily be repositioned and fanned out, which helps give the illusion of fullness for 4 to 6 weeks. After applying the perm solution and neutralizing lotion to the hairs, the brow area is overlaid with plastic wrap to boost the chemical reaction and achieve the groomed end result.
Nourish. A nourishing serum or oil is applied to the brows to help restore moisture and protect the hair after the chemical treatment.
Final touches — voila!!!! Lamination is often combined with other brow services to further refine the look — tinting, for example, emphasizes the presence of finer brows without darkening the overall tone. Once the solutions have treated the brows, the lifted and laminated brows are groomed by waxing and tweezing to perfection by styling the new shape. Finally, your brows are unveiled in their gloriously fluffy final form. Keep in mind that brow laminations look a little intense immediately after treatment since they’re still setting, but they soften significantly over the following 24 hours and more gradually afterwards.
Brow lamination aftercare — make ‘em last
Brow lamination results typically last 6 to 8 weeks, depending on your individual hair growth cycle and how well you care for your brows. Brow hairs gradually return to their natural state over this time — if you’re smart with your aftercare and upkeep, however, you may be able to stretch out the effects of brow lamination.
Avoid moisture. For the first 12 hours, avoid getting your brows wet (no washing your face directly over the brows, swimming, steam, or sweat) to avoid disrupting the solution’s setting process.
No touchy. Resist the urge to touch, rub, or sleep on your brows for the first 12 hours to prevent disrupting the new shape. That includes applying makeup on or around your brows.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Adding a nourishing oil or brow serum to your daily routine helps keep your brows soft and hydrating, strengthening the hairs and better maintaining their shape.
Get some spoolies. Use a clean spoolie brush to gently comb through your brows every day. Avoid overbrushing your brows.
Wait approximately 8 weeks to schedule another lamination treatment. Even if your lamination has dissipated, it’s important to wait a full growth cycle to avoid reprocessing the same hairs.
(you’ve been warned)
Should you get a brow lamination?
Are you a person? Do you have eyebrow hairs? Then you can get them laminated. People who benefit most from brow lamination are generally those with unruly brows resistant to taming with waxing, brow gel, or other grooming methods, but most brow types can benefit from lamination.
This treatment is especially beneficial for clients with specific concerns they want to target (as a lower-commitment alternative to cosmetic tattoo), such as:
Thinning hair that may occur with age
Unruly hairs that stray in different directions despite diligent brushing
Uneven brow shape
Blonde brows and other lighter tones
Keep in mind that, while brow lamination enhances fullness and shape, it can’t compensate for lacking brow hairs where you want them. If you need a more significant change to the shape of your brows, it might be time to consider cosmetic tattoo.
FAQs
How do I prep for brow lamination?
To get the best results from brow lamination, prep your brows and the surrounding ahead of your appointment. On the day of your treatment, arrive with clean and makeup-free brows.
Avoid trimming, tweezing or other shaping in the weeks ahead of your appointment — hairs that grow in after your lamination may affect the overall result. Likewise, avoid retinoids or harsh exfoliants in the week before lamination since they make your skin more sensitive and prone to irritation.
Where should I go for a brow lamination?
Brow lamination services are usually offered at salons or brow and lash studios. Look for professionals with a strong reputation and portfolio of brow laminations. Even better, choose a studio that specializes in brow shaping and enhancement services — they usually have more in-depth experience and training than more generalized service providers.
Who shouldn’t get a brow lamination?
While brow lamination is generally safe for most people, there are some cases where it may not be suitable:
Sensitive skin: If you have especially sensitive or reactive skin, particularly around the eyes, the lamination process may cause irritation.
Broken skin or scarring: If you have cuts, abrasions, or any form of active irritation in the brow area, it’s best to avoid brow lamination until the area is fully healed.
Allergies: Some individuals have allergies to the treatment ingredients. Notify your technician of any known allergies or sensitivities.
Can I DIY brow lamination?
Technically, sure, you can DIY brow lamination — but we don’t really recommend it. In general, you shouldn’t handle these chemicals without proper training. Like hair perms, brow laminations involve chemicals that can cause dryness, breakage, and other issues without proper handling, particularly if you’re using lower-quality DIY kits and potentially exposing your eyes. As an alternative, you can mimic the look of brow lamination with certain techniques and products, such as brow gels.
How much is brow lamination?
Brow lamination prices vary depending on your location and the studio you visit, typically ranging between $80 and up to $250. A brow lamination at Studio Meraki costs $110 and includes tinting and shaping.
Can I wear makeup on laminated brows?
You can wear makeup on laminated brows, but avoid it for at least 24 hours immediately following the treatment.
Can I get a brow lamination if I’m pregnant?
Some sources recommend avoiding brow lamination during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to the chemicals used in the process. These hormonal changes can make your skin more sensitive to brow lamination and similar treatments.
Can brow lamination look natural?
Brow laminations have a soft and natural look, especially if your technician styles them carefully according to your features and preferences. A natural finish largely depends on the individual — a fluffy brow can look natural on certain people but less so on others depending on numerous factors.
