Just when we thought we have heard it all and that there is not a trend around that could surprise us, one appears that blows our minds.

In this case, we are talking about eyebrows and a new trend that has become all the rage – brow lamination. Lamination?

What?

Yes, you heard it right.

If you have been admiring and pining for Cara Delevingne’s eyebrows, then this is the procedure for you. It is fresh, it is new, and it will give you the authentic look you have always dreamed about. Let’s see what all this fuss is about.

The Shift

There hasn’t been a decade that hasn’t put some sort of emphasis on eyebrows. They have always drawn special attention, because, let’s face it, they round up every look. No professional makeup artist would leave your precious eyebrow unattended, and for good reason too.

For years and years, we have watched thin eyebrows be the desirable shape everybody should aspire to have. However, in the past couple of years, the trend completely changed. Having thick, bushy, fluffy eyebrows became an absolute must.

Unfortunately, years and years of over-plucking your eyebrows have taken their toll. Now you are dealing with a different problem – your eyebrows just not being able to grow back. Some holes need to be filled, hairs that just started growing in different directions than they are supposed to. You just seem to not be able to deal with them appropriately.

Luckily, in the past few decades, there has been an increase of all sorts of eyebrow procedures that could help you achieve the desired fuller, bushier look.

Microblading

Microblading came as a perfect, more permanent solution to thin eyebrows. It is still going strong, because of its ability to make your eyebrows seem fuller, with the definition and tone everyone needs.

The treatment consists of adding small lines onto the brow that appear like hair. It is similar to tattooing. The technician inserts pigment into the upper layers of the skin, which allows you to change the shape of your eyebrows. It is perfect for covering hairless patches and adding darker colors to your eyebrows.

It is a very good solution for everybody who has some problems with hair loss, like alopecia, or for those who just want their eyebrow to look bigger.

Don’t worry, it isn’t painful, since a numbing solution is applied before the procedure to reduce any pain. The effect will last from 12 to 18 months, after which the colors start to fade and you need a touch-up.

With microblading, it is also essential to remember that you need to find a skilled technician. In case you put your eyebrows in the hands of an unskilled technician, it can lead to permanent scarring and many other adverse effects. You wouldn’t want that, would you?

Tinting

This procedure includes enhancing the brow color you have. It consists of applying a semi-permanent dye, whose color is very similar to your natural color.

As with microblading, the result is eyebrows that get a fuller, thicker look. It is a very quick treatment, and after doing it, you won’t have to think about your eyebrow makeup for quite some time.

Brow Extensions

The procedure is similar to having eyelashes or hair extensions. The technician outlines the new shape of your brows, so you can see whether you like them or not. Then they use a special solution to glue the extensions to your natural hairs or the skin, one by one. This process lasts about an hour and you need a do-over every two to four weeks.

However, to do this sort of procedure, you need to have your eyebrow hair, so that the technician has something to work with. It is a more delicate procedure, and it is not as invasive as microblading. In addition, it requires no healing time, which can last a while in the case of microblading. You will also experience no redness or pain, which is yet another negative side of microblading.

It is excellent for filling spots with no hair that bothers you. You can choose the shape of eyebrow you can get – a higher arch, more curve, less curve, anything your heart desires. 

Threading

As opposed to microblading, tinting, and brow extensions, threading is all about hair removal. This method works by using thin twisted threads that gently remove the hair from the roots. It will give you a clean look that you can achieve very quickly and efficiently.

It is not permanent, but which treatment ever is?

Micro-Waxing

This is yet another hair removal technique. You carefully apply warm wax and then remove the wax and the hair using paper strips. It efficiently removes all the unwanted hair and makes your eyebrow look tidy.

The difference between threading and micro-waxing is that micro-waxing is a bit painful, but only momentarily.

Brow Lamination – the New Kid on the Block

This procedure represents a more natural way of dealing with your eyebrows, and it became increasingly popular in the past few years. It is, let’s say, an easier and more natural alternative to microblading and tinting. It is a treatment designed to redirect the hairs of your brows so that you can achieve fullness with the set of hairs you already have.  

It is a quick solution to all your eyebrow problems since it firms the eyebrows and makes them more manageable. Instead of using a soap bar and a spoolie, it uses a laminating solution and a fixing powder which helps to create eyebrows that you can move whichever way you want. This is helpful when you want to grow your eyebrows back, but need time, and want to cover the existing holes.

It is a perm for your eyebrows that restructures the hairs. This way, you can keep them in the desired shape for a long time. You get a set of perfect, feathery eyebrows that will stay that way for long.

How Does Brow Lamination Work?

The process itself lasts from 45 minutes to an hour, depending on how “difficult” your eyebrows are. The technician first checks the area for any impurities and if there are any, removes them. Then, they use a wax pen to mark the brow area, so that the chemical solution is not dispersed and spilled over the other parts of the skin.

After this, two different solutions are applied, the first one serves to soften the hairs enough so they can be put in the desired shape, and the other one fixes them in the new, lifted state. Each solution needs to stay on the eyebrows from 10 to 15 minutes, again, depending on the coarseness of your hair. The coarser the hair is, the longer the process, because it takes more time for thicker eyebrows to soften, so that they can be managed properly.

After the first solution, the technician will put the brow hair in the desired shape, and once they have finished this part of the treatment, the second solution is applied to firm the eyebrows. Afterward, a conditioning treatment is put on the brow hairs. This again lasts for several minutes. This last part of the procedure serves to enrich your eyebrow hair with keratin so that it can go back to its original form. You can always ask for an additional trim, or a bit of extra shaping to finish off the look.

What Should I Do After the Brow Lamination Procedure?

There are a few basic rules to taking care of laminated eyebrows in the first 24 hours. These rules include no water, no heat, and no oil. After these first 24 hours, you are free to do with them what you want, and manage them in the way you see fit. Brushing them upwards? That would be Cara Delevingne’s style. Feel free to try it.

The best thing about it is that they are so easy to manipulate after the treatment that you can experiment all day, every day.

As we said, since most women do this procedure to cover the holes in their eyebrows and get a bushier look, it wouldn’t be the worst idea to apply some brow oil now and then, to stimulate hair growth and nourish the roots.

How Long Does the Brow Lamination Effect Last?

Again, it depends on the structure of your hair, the thickness, and the coarseness. It usually lasts between five and eight weeks. The coarser the hair, the shorter it will last. However, you certainly have nothing to despair about, since it will last a month in the worst-case scenario.

Imagine that, a whole month of not having to worry about your eyebrows. Just put this hair here, this one here, and ta-da – perfect feathery eyebrows!

How Often Can I Have My Eyebrows Laminated?

It is advised to repeat the procedure after six to eight weeks, because, like eyelashes, your eyebrows, too, go through growth cycles that have to be taken into consideration. You will notice that your hair is going back to normal after six to eight weeks and that is the right time for you to come and repeat the procedure.

In addition, overusing the chemicals and allowing your brow to go through this procedure too often could lead to damaging the eyebrow hair and singing it. However, if you stick to the set schedule, you’ll be fine.

Could Brow Lamination Harm My Eyebrows?

Not at all.

This procedure is similar to getting a perm on your hair. As with your hair, you will need to pay special attention to the brows in the first 24 hours, and afterward, you just need to pay attention to hydrating your brows properly. Anything that has been through a chemical treatment needs some additional looking after, but there is nothing to worry about.

Can Anybody Have Their Eyebrows Laminated?

As with any procedure, it is not advised for people with skin problems, such as dermatitis or eczema. The procedure includes chemicals that might influence the state of your skin and worsen the existing condition.

Regarding the look itself, although you are free to do with your body whatever you please, it is still smart to listen to the professional in the process of deciding whether to do the procedure or not.

Brow lamination is not for everyone. For example, if you have many wrinkles or an asymmetrical, somewhat coarser face, laminated eyebrows will only make it additionally messy and disheveled. Some faces just need clean eyebrows, which are not too wide.

In the case you still decide to do it, we support you, it is a simple procedure with an expiration date. So, even if you make a mistake, it will all go back to the way it was in six to eight weeks. Life is too short not to take risks once in a while, so, go wild and feel free to experiment. No regrets!

What Products Should Be Used After a Brow Lamination Treatment?

It is recommended that you should use a clear gel that doesn’t have a firming effect. You want to hydrate your eyebrows, not dry them out.

Can I Do Eyebrow Lamination at Home?

Well, you can do anything at home if you set your mind to it.

The real question here is whether it is a good idea or not.

And, as you may have guessed – not really.

It is not advised to use homemade products and chemicals on any part of your body, because you are not trained for that. Making your solution could not only damage your hair but your skin, too.

On the other hand, you could always buy a lamination kit at the store. However, it is important to remember that every kit comes with a set of instructions that you need to follow word for word. In our opinion, it is still best to schedule an appointment with the professionals and avoid any risks of getting injured. 

Is There Anything That Should Be Done Before a Brow Lamination Treatment?

You must remove any eyebrow makeup you might have before an appointment. The treatment is strongly advised against in the case of pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Have you ever had your brows laminated?

Let us know your thoughts on this treatment in the comments section below!