How Brow Lamination Works

Brow lamination is an increasingly popular nonpermanent cosmetic procedure also known as brow perming. Brow lamination has benefits including increasing the look of eyebrow fullness and thickness, but there are some potential health risks.

Learn more about how brow lamination works, whether brow lamination is safe, and how long it lasts to help you decide if brow lamination is right for you.

Brow Lamination: How It Works

Brow lamination involves enhancing your existing eyebrow hairs. For the procedure, consider finding a licensed aesthetician or makeup artist trained in brow lamination to prevent possible complications and ensure safety. 

The aesthetician may recommend you avoid the following activities in the days leading up to your first blow lamination session:

• Sun exposure
• Cosmetic treatments on the face, especially the eye area
• Products that Exfoliate the skin, including antiaging products, in your brow area
• Tanning products or tanning beds

Arriving to your brow lamination appointment with a freshly washed face is recommended. At the appointment, you can expect the following:

• Your brows will be thoroughly cleansed to remove dry skin, dirt, or excess oil, allowing a clean surface for the laminate to set.
• A cream laminate solution that helps to lift the brow hairs and straighten them will be applied to your brows.
• After a few minutes, the brow laminate solution will be removed. The aesthetician will then set your brows in place with a brow brush and brow gel.
• A conditioning solution will be applied to your brow and brow skin to prevent drying and replenish moisture. 
• If more color is necessary for the desired effect, a tint can be applied in this step.
• Any stray hairs or brow areas that may need more attention will be addressed in the final step.

Aftercare of your laminated brows is important to maintain the look for as long as possible. Proper after care includes:

• Avoid touching, patting, or rubbing your brows for a minimum of 24 hours after the lamination.
• Avoid getting the brows wet for 24 to 48 hours.
• Avoid sun exposure.
• Avoid excess heat that will cause sweating, such as with saunas and steam rooms, for 48 hours.
• Leave the brow area makeup-free for 24 hours.

Additional measures may help you get the most from your brow lamination service and prevent possible complications. For two weeks after your lamination session, it’s recommended you:

• Avoid sun exposure. 
• If you do go outside, wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your brows from the sun.
• Do not wax, tint, pluck, or engage in any other brow modification.

Is Brow Lamination Safe?

Brow lamination generally is considered safe, especially when compared to microneedling or microblading for brows. However, as with any cosmetic procedure, there is some risk. Potential risks involved with brow lamination come from the chemical cream solution used in the procedure. It can cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction.

Skin irritation looks like: 

• Redness
• Swelling
• Itching or annoying sensation
• Skin peeling
• Bumps on affected area

Differences Between Brow-Enhancement Procedures

Lamination is like a straightening and thickening perm for your brows. It is very different from other procedures.

Lamination vs. Tinting

Tinting uses a semipermanent dye rather than a perming solution to reach desired effects. Tinting is quicker and color lasts for about three to six weeks.

Lamination vs. Microblading

Microblading is a procedure in which makeup is tattooed onto the skin using a tiny needle. The procedure takes much longer than lamination (several hours) but so do the results (several years). Microblading is also known as microshading or microfeathering.

Lamination vs. Threading

Threading is a noninvasive procedure for shaping the brow line with a woven thread and removing stray hairs. It is a quick procedure, similar to brow waxing or plucking, that lasts until the hair grows back.

How Long Does Brow Lamination Last?

At this point you may be wondering, is brow lamination worth it? Generally speaking, it is a cost-effective and painless way to try the look of brow enhancement. 

Brow lamination has the following characteristics to consider:

• It is not permanent but does last several weeks.
• It does not cause pain.
• It does not involve tattooing or microneedling.

Brow lamination is suitable for people looking for a short-term and cost-effective procedure that lasts about four to six weeks. It also works after a single session, meaning you get fuller, thicker-looking brows the same day you have the procedure. You can get your brows done and not worry about daily brow makeup or the makeup washing off when you exercise, swim, or shower.

Brow lamination will wear off over time. Those desiring a permanent makeup or brow tattoo look without undergoing permanent procedures can get regular touch-ups with brow lamination.

Summary

Brow lamination is a noninvasive cosmetic brow enhancement procedure. It works like a perm for your brows. It involves a chemical cream that helps lift the hairs from the skin and straighten them. Then, the aesthetician will brush and gel your eyebrows into perfect placement. You can add on tinting services. The FDA warns that tinting dyes are not regulated or approved for cosmetic procedures near the eye area.

While brow lamination is safer than microblading and tinting because it does not involve needles or permanent dyes, it still uses a chemical cream that can cause eye damage and possible blindness. You can avoid risk by using professional services and following all before- and after-procedure protocols. This service differs from other brow enhancement procedures and will cost around $100 per session for four to six weeks.