There are many ways to get yourself the full, bushy brows of your dreams — no matter what sparse arches you were born with. Microblading has been the go-to method for those looking for longer lasting results than brow gels and other eyebrow products. But there's a new eyebrow technique that's blowing up: Eyebrow lamination. Brow lamination has quickly swept across Europe, leaving behind feathery, natural-looking brows to rival Cara Delevingne's signature arches. And now it's getting buzz closer to home, so we reached out to some experts to get all our brow lamination questions answered, stat.
Image via Imaxtree
What Is Brow Lamination?
Brow lamination is simply a way to redirect the growth of brows to create the desired flow. "You can redirect brows to go upwards for a more feathery look, as well as reposition hairs to cover sparse areas," says eyebrow specialist Elke Von Freudenberg. The process can also straighten curly or kinky hairs, eliminating the need to cut them.
It's called "lamination" because the brows are being sealed into a flat position, according to Browjam Owner Janine Wallace. Furthermore, Von Freudenberg says that the superhydrating ingredients used in brow lamination create glossy (read: laminated) brows. Think about that trendy patent finish of vinyl pants — but on eyebrows.
For some backstory, the brow lamination trend started in Russia approximately three years ago, then it spread across Europe. It's still considered very new in the United States. But, that is likely to change as more are introduced to it. Von Freudenberg is already seeing two to five brow lamination clients a day and they're returning. "Clients are loving it and I love that there's a new type of service for the brow professional," she says. "My company also certifies and distributes the products and technique to professionals in the USA and Canada and we're having a hard time keeping up with the demand. I've never seen anything like it.
Image via @browjam
Brow Lamination vs. Brow Microblading
Enviable flawless eyebrows are the goal for many brow treatments. Brow lamination and brow microblading have similarities, especially with the full and flawless end results. The distinction with brow lamination is that it focuses on a client's natural eyebrow hairs. In a brow lamination service, the client's natural hair flow is disrupted to achieve the desired look. This is typically an ultratexturized, fluffy, airy style, according to Wallace.
In contrast, other brow treatments, like henna and tinting, focus on giving more definition by adding color. Are you a bit intimidated by the idea of microblading? Wallace says that brow lamination is a good alternative because it offers a hair-stroke effect brow without the whole tattooing thing. Brow lamination achieves a similar look because it separates and swells hairs via a chemical process.
Image via @royalsclinicaustralia
Who It's Best For
Got unruly eyebrows? Sick of brushing brows up with brow gel only for them to fall 10 minutes later? Brow lamination can help tame wild brows. Anyone wanting to change the direction of their brow hair or make eyebrows appear thicker, more voluminous and texturized can try brow lamination, according to Wallace.
Von Freudenberg says that the service actually works great for all kinds of brows because eyebrow technicians are able to customize the look based on a client's wishes. That can be anything from a soft and subtle look to a more extreme upwards lift.
Generally, it works best if you have longer brow hairs. However, Von Freudenberg notes that she has worked on clients with very sparse, short hairs and was very pleased with the end result.
The finished look can be quite dramatic on brows that grow sideways or downwards. Intrigued? There is plenty of photographic proof online.
Image via @plushwink
Finding a Brow Lamination Technician
Since it's still rather new in the Unites States, there might not be a ton of experts in your area yet. But, it's important not to go to anyone: Both experts say that the brow artist should be certified in brow lamination. It's even better if the technician has a good reputation and portfolio and they can explain in great detail what the treatment is, according to Wallace. "Brow lamination isn't suited to everyone due to their hair type, skin type or medical issues and a knowledgeable artist should know this," reports Wallace. If it's possible to see a portfolio of the artist's work, look for brow hairs no higher than a 45 degree angle and analyze whether hairs are straightened and flat.
Image via @browsbyhaley_az
