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
Post-Brow Lamination Procedures
No Water: Anyone who has had their eyebrows microbladed will be aware that there are some specific aftercare steps, including no water. Brow lamination is similar. There should be absolutely no water on brows for 24 to 48 hours after treatment. The goal is to keep the moisture the artist put on brows in place for as long as possible to allow brows to properly set. "We tell clients no saunas, hot baths, steamy showers or splashing your face with water for two days," says Von Freudenberg. Wallace seconds this. The experts also recommend avoiding makeup for 24 hours, because you can't wash it off.
Brushing Brows: What you can do is brush newly laminated brows. In fact, Von Freudenberg gives clients a brow spoolie brush and instructs them to brush brows in the morning and before going to bed. She also suggests readjusting brows with the brush if they have been rubbed or moved. If eyebrows are left out of place, they could potentially set in the wrong position. #Awkward
Beware of High pH: As with the prep steps, Wallace suggests avoiding any skin care products with high pH levels.
Image via @pmubymarie
