Brow lamination is a relatively new procedure that focuses on creating glossy, smooth brows. Sometimes referred to as “eyebrow perms,” the high-shine effects are typically sought after by those suffering from thinning or unruly brows. Unlike microblading, needles and staining are not involved.

As a semi-permanent procedure, brow lamination can also be a good choice if you want to keep your brows styled a certain way but are tired of using brow gel every day. You’ll need to repeat the process at some point in the future to get your results, and there are risks. Read on to find out everything you need to know about this trend.

Instructions for laminating the eyebrows

Brow lamination involves “perming” your eyebrow hairs to create a fuller, more even look. It can also help keep them in place after you’ve washed off any cosmetics you may have worn.

Here is what is involved in the procedure:

• First, your provider applies a cream to your brows that aims to “lift” your hairs.
• Next, your brow hairs are brushed up to pull them in a uniform vertical direction.
• Then your provider will apply a neutralizer to seal your brows.
• The final step is a conditioning oil to prevent skin irritation and hair dryness that can be caused by the chemicals used during the perm.

Overall, brow lamination takes 1 hour or less. Optional add-ons to the procedure may include:

• plucking excess hair
• Wax to create your desired arch
• Tint to enhance or change color

You should also apply a nourishing oil or cream every night to prevent your eyebrows from drying out.

Benefits of Brow Lamination

Eyebrow lamination can help address a variety of issues you may have with your own brows, including:

• thinning hair that can occur with age
• Gaps in your brows from over-plucking or waxing in the past
• Unruly hair that tends to go in different directions despite brushing
• a lack of shape or bumps

Overall, the brow lamination is intended to make the brows look thicker and fuller. Pulling the hair up vertically can also appear as if you are experiencing new growth. The entire process is also completely non-invasive.

Possible risks and side effects

Although brow lamination is non-invasive compared to brow surgery, tattooing, or other related procedures, there are still some side effects that you should be aware of before booking your appointment. Such risks are mostly related to skin irritation caused by the chemicals. These include:

• swelling
• redness
• peeling
• itching
• bumps

The side effects can appear just below and above the eyebrows, but they can also extend to your eyelids.

This procedure may not be recommended if you have:

• sensitive skin
• rosacea
• eczema
• a history of contact dermatitis

Just as perming the hair on your head can cause dryness and damage, brow lamination can potentially damage your eyebrows in the same way. Your chances are greater if you repeat the process too often or earlier than 6 weeks.

Another more serious risk is eye damage. This can happen if the chemicals get into your eyes during the procedure.

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Before and after pictures

Brow lamination is designed to give your brows a thicker, smoother look. Check out the before and after pictures below to see what your own results may look like.

How long does brow lamination last?

Perhaps the biggest disadvantage of eyebrow lamination is that the effect is temporary. To maintain your new brows, you need to repeat the process every few months, similar to a traditional perm.

It is also important that your provider applies a moisturizing oil or cream to your brows immediately after the treatment. You can apply the same product at home to keep your eyebrows healthy and undamaged.

How much does brow lamination cost?

Based on average cost research, an eyebrow lamination can range from $50 to $100 per session.

Compared to other brow procedures, brow lamination is considered extremely affordable. This is probably because the process

How to find a provider

For brow lamination, consult an esthetician or professional makeup artist. Ask potential vendors if they have specific experience with this process.

You can also search for “brow salons” or “brow artists” near you. These facilities mainly work with eyebrow treatments.

No matter which provider you choose, be sure to ask about:

• experience
• Licensing and Credentials
• Costs
• Portfolio of the work
• Notes on aftercare and possible side effects
• Alternatives to brow lamination

There are a number of brow area treatments that aim to create a fuller look. Many of these procedures involve permanent coloring that is not FDA approved for the eye area. Below are previews of other popular eyebrow lamination alternatives.

microblading

Microblading is a professional eyebrow procedure that uses needles to make small incisions in the skin under your eyebrows. Similar to tattooing, pigments are then inserted into these cuts to create a fuller look. Overall, the result lasts around 12 to 18 months before the color begins to fade.

microshading

This procedure is similar in principle to microblading, but inserts pigment into your brows via small dots. The results of microshading are semi-permanent and only last a few months before you need to repeat the procedure.

Permanent tattoo

If you have a higher pain tolerance and want more permanent color results compared to microblading and microshading, you may consider a permanent makeup tattoo. The color can still fade after several years and there may be an increased risk of side effects as the tattoo needles penetrate deeper layers of the skin.