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
Before Your Brow Lamination
Henna treatments should not be performed within four weeks of eyebrow lamination and brow tinting shouldn't be done within two weeks of treatment. Wallace explains that these treatments can compromise brows and lead to overprocessed brow hairs. Yikes. Clients should also avoid products with high pH levels because they dry out eyebrow hairs. To get ahead of the game, Wallace suggests conditioning brows daily before your appointment.
Before the brow lamination process begins, brow artists will consult with the client about the final result and what's achievable. A patch test should be performed 48 hours prior to treatment, according to Wallace. It is important to make sure there's no reaction because brow lamination involves a chemical process where the hairs are broken then reformed.
Image via @ilash_beauty_
The Brow Lamination Process
Von Freudenberg says that the first step is cleansing brows to remove any makeup. Next, a lifting solution is applied. This can be left on between six to ten minutes, depending on the hair texture of eyebrows. The solution will enable the brow technician to sculpt brows into the desired shape. Then a second solution will be applied for approximately the same amount of time. This "fixing" solution sets hairs in place. Von Freudenberg likens the steps to a perm for brows.
After that, an eyebrow tint can be added, if needed. And the brow artist can trim any long hairs that affect the brow shape. The final step of brow lamination is the application of a superhydrating solution. This moisturizes and seals hairs. It's the step that really gives the treatment its name. The solution restores the health of eyebrows and gives them a very shiny finish, according to Wallace.
Von Freudenberg says that the process can last between 20 to 45 minutes. It gets up to 45 minutes if the brow artist does a tint and shaping, according to Wallace.
Image via @browjam
