Brows are known to make a big difference in someone’s appearance.
The quest for model-like eyebrows has led the masses to opt for eyebrow lamination.
Brow lamination is popular and well-known to give similar results to that of microblading.
It is a painless process that gives the eyebrows a much fuller look with that oh-so-fabulous feathery effect.
The non-permanent brow treatment has become the number choice for people who deal with asymmetrical eyebrows and don’t like to fill them in.
According to a recent report, bookings for brow laminations have grown by 2,300% in the past six months.
The trend is gaining huge popularity on social media apps, and you can’t predict how long it will last.
However, eyebrow laminations aren’t for every face, and you may find yourself stuck in a sticky situation realizing it doesn’t really suit your features after all.
But you don’t need to fret!
We have some secret tips and tricks up our sleeves that will help you get control over your brow situation.
Keep reading to find out more.
Contents
What is brow lamination?
Brow lamination is a cosmetic procedure that involves perming your eyebrows.
The process involves applying a solution to the brows and smoothing and straightening the hairs in an upward vertical motion.
The process helps in giving your eyebrows a much more fuller and defined look without the addition of any new hairs.
Since the process involves using your pre-existing hairs, it is much safer and quicker than other eyebrow procedures such as powder brows, micro-needling, etc.
Brow lamination does not involve the use of any pigments and needles.
The process gives you a very natural and subtle look and is suitable for people who don’t fill in their eyebrows too often.
But eyebrow lamination is not for everyone.
If you like to wear your brows naturally, then getting an intense eyebrow service can be shocking, and you may even regret it afterward.
But the good news is that the process lasts for only a couple of weeks, and you can look like your old self in no time.
Is Brow Lamination Worth It?
Any beauty junkie is well aware that there’s a plethora of options when it comes to brow products.
We’re not just talking about one or two products; we’re talking about pencils, gels, pomades, powders, and so much more. These products are all in existence to achieve the so-called ‘perfect brows.’
One trend that has been steadily growing in popularity over the last few years is brow lamination.
This process is also known as a brow perm or brow lifting, where the brow hairs are straightened to get a more polished look.
A brow lamination can last for several weeks (2 – 8 weeks), and depending on the level of success, that can be a great or terrible thing.
There are benefits to brow laminations, like the low maintenance once they’ve gone through the ‘aftercare’ procedure, and they remain neat and tidy for the majority of the lamination period.
The worthiness of brow lamination isn’t easy to determine. It depends on the person getting the lamination done.
The process can be pricy at $50 – $100 per lamination session.
You have to decide if you believe it’s worth it for you, and that comes down to the benefits, drawbacks, price, and results of the brow lamination.
What to Do if You Hate Your Brow Lamination?
If you don’t like your brow lamination, it’s okay!
Trust me we have all been there. Brow lamination is a chemical process, and it can be a little tricky to deal with.
Assuming you have the patience, we would suggest that you wait and allow it to grow out.
Since your eyebrows are already treated with a perm solution, your brows might feel brittle.
If you try to get rid of the permed hairs, you may end up further damaging them.
The effect of the perm solution is irreversible.
The best way to get rid of it is to just grow it out, which can take around 3-4 weeks
If you are not in the position of growing them out, then thankfully we have some tried and tested tips and tricks that can help you out.
But with each method, you must proceed with caution, so you do not end up putting your browse through the extra trauma.
Wash It Out!
If you have just reached home after your appointment and despise the results, then you can just wash it out.
Wetting your brows straight away will dilute the neutralizer and stop it from fully setting in.
However, be careful!
Your brows might still be swelled and sensitive due to the perming solution.
Washing your brows may add to your already existing list of issues.
Assuming that you effectively wash the solution out, your lamination won’t set in place, and you can go back looking like your old self.
Brush It Out
If you don’t like the shape of your brows, try brushing them out.
Unlike popular beliefs, your brows aren’t fixed in the laminated position forever.
It is suggested that you brush your brows to keep up with the laminated shape, yet you can brush them in a more ideal shape that suits your face.
If you have a fresh lamination, then your hairs are probably less flexible and a bit harder to deal with.
We advise that you brush through them gently by using a spoolie or a mascara brush.
As time goes by, you will have more control over your brow situation, and you can easily brush them in your original shape.
Condition Them
To add health and restore your original brows, try moisturizing them with an eyebrow conditioner or olive oil.
Incorporating olive oil and castor oil in your brow care routine will not only make them manageable but will also help in faster regrowth.
These oils are rich in vitamins A and D, which are known for faster hair growth.
Your eyebrows might not feel as soft as before, but it will certainly help in improving their condition and help them grow thicker and longer.
Use Exfoliants
The chances are high that the artist who worked on your brows gave you a list of guidelines to ensure you’re taking care of your eyebrows in the aftercare post-lamination.
This list recommends numerous things, such as:
- Don’t get your freshly laminated brows wet for 24 hours.
- Don’t touch your freshly laminated brows wet for 24 hours.
- Avoid exposing freshly laminated brows from all additional heat and moisture for at least 48 hours.
- Avoid sunlight on your freshly laminated brows for at least 48 hours.
- Don’t use any exfoliating skincare or anti-aging creams for at least 72 hours.
Well, forget about that. In the spirit of sabotage, you’re going to use exfoliants. Ignore the guidance of avoiding BHAs and AHAs and instead use them to disrupt the lamination’s final results.
We recommend not necessarily applying them directly to the eyebrows and instead using it around the brow area.
We want to avoid intense irritation and instead just disrupt the process. In time you’ll find the brows will just naturally fall with the increasing use of your various skincare exfoliants containing chemicals.
Book a Correction Appointment
The most secure choice to get your brows back on track again is to book a correction appointment with your beautician.
Your beautician has adequate knowledge regarding your brows, and she can ensure your brows remain healthy while toning down your lamination.
Brow correction does not cost the same as the lamination process.
So don’t worry about going over budget, but it is always a wise idea to get a price quote beforehand.
How Long Does Brow Lamination Last?
According to specialists, brow lamination lasts around 5 to 6 weeks.
However, this period depends on various factors such as brow type, lifestyle, skin type, and most importantly aftercare.
The key to making the process worth your investment is by taking great care of them.
It is advised that you avoid touching your brows, exposing them to sun and steam, and also do not get them wet at any cost.
Preparation and the quality of products that your stylist uses are also important and can also play a huge role in how long your laminated brows last.
What Are the Risks Involved With Brow Lamination?
Just like some other treatments, brow lamination additionally comes with a set of risks and can cause potential side effects.
Before you make a hasty decision, you must consider the risks involved and also the potential side effects if you plan to get rid of the lamination.
Over Processing
Over-processing is when your brow hairs curl up upward or in the opposite direction.
Instead of making your hair straight and smooth, it can leave your hair with a frizzy or chemically burned effect.
As a result, your brows’ hair may become weak and start falling off.
Skin Irritation
If you have sensitive skin, you should avoid going to a salon for brow lamination.
The perm solution used in straightening your brow hairs is not made from natural products, and many people have been found to develop an allergic reaction because of them.
According to doctors, repeated exposure to such chemicals can also cause sensitivities.
The chemicals do not only harm your hair but also affect the skin.
Your skin can become itchy, flaky, and even develop blisters due to an allergic reaction, especially if you have sensitive skin or suffer from a medical condition.
Since the procedure is done near the eye area, it can likewise lead to eye damage if the process isn’t completed cautiously.
Here is a short video of an eyebrow lamination transformation.
FAQs
Does Brow Lamination Damage Your Brows?
Brow lamination involves perming your hair.
Just like perming the hairs on your head can lead it to look dry and damaged, the same thing applies to your brows.
If you get your brows laminated very often (before 6 weeks), it can further increase the risk of damage. It can potentially lead to eye damage as well.
Does Brow Lamination Help in Filling Gaps?
Yes! Brow lamination helps in filling gaps.
The process generally involves lifting and straightening the eyebrow hairs by using a chemical.
This allows the hair to become more flexible, and you can then set them in your desired shape, thereby filling and hiding problematic areas and gaps.
Can I Apply Vaseline or Coconut Oil to My Laminated Brows?
It is recommended that you do not apply any creams, oil, or even makeup around your brows for at least 24 hours after your treatment. Let the products do their thing.
The process itself can cause your skin and hairs to dry out, so you can apply oils and creams to keep them moisturized but only after 24 hours of the treatment.
What Happens If I Get My Eyebrows Wet By Accident?
If you get your eyebrows wet by accident, then you’re going to suffer because this means the procedure won’t set, and they will lose some of their shape.
When you get your brows laminated, you need to take extra care to avoid that area.
We recommend avoiding situations where your face will be exposed to water just for a day or two to allow them to fully set without disrupting the setting.
Of course, this is in the event you’re happy with the brow lamination.
Final Thoughts
While many celebrities and influencers may flaunt their perfectly laminated brows, you need to understand it is not for everyone.
You may realize it the hard way but trust us it is not the end of the world.
Brow laminations are a semi-permanent process, and they last for only 5 to 6 weeks.
If you are very impatient and you can’t even manage to see your reflection in the mirror, then you can condition them, comb through them, wet your brows, or even use exfoliants.
But whatever you decide to do, proceed with caution, and you will go back to your original brow shape in no time.
