Brows are one of the first things our eyes instinctively go to when glancing at a face. With all the shape and size variation, we're forever in search of a way to make them the focal point of our face.

Trends for eyebrows have a long and illustrious history of changing. Bid farewell to pencil-thin arches, a beauty must-have of '90s trends. Full, feathery eyebrows have become a staple, and everyone wants to have that perfectly groomed but naturally appearing brow.

Step in brow lamination, a treatment that's taking social media by storm as a go-to alternative to microblading. Because brow lamination is such a buzzword in beauty and is filling up your TikTok suggestions, we want to break it down to make it easier to understand how and why it is different from other treatments and if it is the best option for you.

Keep reading, as below we cover all of this and more!

What Is Brow Lamination?

Want to learn a little about brow lamination? Let's start with the basics. Brow lamination is a non-invasive, non-surgical treatment that will make your brow hair thicker and glossier by smoothing and fixing it in position. It's a little like a perm for your eyebrows, but in place of curls, you get perfectly groomed, lifted eyebrows that will stay in position for several weeks.

What makes brow lamination most unique is that it can produce that feathery, brushed-up look for you with no needles and no dye. And best of all? It's not a permanent fixture! How long does brow lamination last? Effects will generally last 4-6 weeks.

3 Reasons Brow Lamination is a Realistic Microblading Alternative

Feel like you're missing out? All anyone can seem to rave about is brow lamination as a newer "it" microblading alternative. Let us get you in the loop:

1. Non-Invasive & Painless

Unlike microblading, with its needle-thin injector of pigments into your face (gasp!), brow lamination is needle-free, period. It's simply your real brow hair being groomed and shaped with a mild chemical solution. No hurt, no downtime, but fabulous brows you have fantasized about.

2. Temporary but Versatile

Maybe you're not yet prepared for a long-term brow shape commitment. With brow lamination, you can experiment with a new, bold brow shape with no long-term repercussions. In 4-6 weeks, your eyebrows will return to their natural state unless you love the look and have another session.

3. Less Risk and More Natural Looking

Microblading can produce sharp, crisp lines, but over a period, colors will begin to fade out. Lamination for your brow creates your fullest, best, and fluffiest brow, with no regard for unmatching colors and uncomfortable healing phases. It's your brow, but even better, no?

Brow Lamination vs. Other Popular Brow Treatments

Are you curious about how brow lamination compares to other procedures? Here are a few comparisons to help you make the best choice for your style

Tinting

Brow lamination is used to reform and shape your brow hair for a fuller, lifted shape. It doesn't involve color as tinting does. Tinting uses a semi-permanent dye to darken and shape your brow hair. It is best for lighter or thinner-browed people but will not alter the direction and fullness of brow hair. Effects of tinting will last 3-4 weeks.

Waxing

While waxing removes hair to shape brows, lamination takes what you have and makes them more robust and defined, but it doesn't change the texture or the fullness. Lamination also sets and secures brow hairs in place, making your hair more robust and defined.

Brow Henna

Brow henna is a semi-permanent color. It is stained to your face to emphasize the brow you already have, making it look deeper and fuller. Most candidates have patchy areas in their brows they want to fill. Lamination targets the hairs themselves. Some clients will use both to create a stronger and more pronounced brow. The treatment can last about 6 weeks unless you attempt to remove the henna.

4 Brow Lamination Hacks and What to Expect

So, you're getting your eyebrows laminated? That's a smart decision! To make your brow lamination session a success, follow these four tips:

1. Know Your Brow Shape

What type of brows do you have? What do you want to achieve? Ask yourself these questions before going in for a session. It's a godsend for thin, unruly, and asymmetrical eyebrows. It can tame them and keep them close to the face, making them look more sculpted and slick.

If you already have full eyebrows and just want to clean them up or have some minor tweaks done. Waxing or another treatment might be best for you.

2. Choose a Qualified Technician

This isn't a DIY project. Get a trained technician, not a part-time work, out-of-the-home tech without proper training who learned how to do it from YouTube. Skill and practice, along with a meticulous sanitation routine, are needed for a perfect outcome.

A seasoned brow artist will shape your brow to make your face its best and not overwork your brow. And trust us, sanitary tools and proper techniques matter a lot, your brow (and your skin) will thank you.

3. Prepare for the Process

Don't wear any makeup or brow products pre-session for the best possible results. Show up with clean and bare eyebrows. This also makes sit easier for the brow tech as they won't need to spend time cleaning them off and possibly producing a less-than-perfect result.

Also, for one week before, make sure not to use any exfoliants and retinoids to prevent any irritation as well.

4. Aftercare Comes First

Treat your eyebrows like you would a wound. Make sure to keep them away from any water. This includes steam showers or any high-humidity situations. Also avoid getting your sweat on at the gym.

After 24 hours, moisturize your brow hair with oils like castor or argan oil to keep the hair hydrated. Also, don't keep touching the brows. We know it can be tough, but this can ruin the lamination. Also, no brushing! Let the lamination do its job, and trust the process.

Are There Any Risks or Side Effects?

The process is safe as long as it is not done haphazardly. However, here are some of the things to know about brow lamination.

Potential Irritation from Chemicals

The solutions that raise and shape your brow hairs contain chemicals that can make your face red, itchy, and irritated. This is definitely true if you have typically sensitive skin. Make sure to talk to your tech about this so they can take steps to avoid any unnecessary irritation or rashes.

Risks of Overprocessing

Leaving the solution for an extended period can cause brow hairs to become brittle and damaged. This will often make your brows look worse than when you arrive! Again, this is where we stress choosing an expertly trained practitioner.

Patch Testing is a Necessity

If you are new to brow lamination, make sure to let the salon know. A good brow technician will conduct a patch test at least 24 hours in advance of your session. This is the best way to make sure you won't have any bad reactions to the chemicals. Your brows will appreciate it!

Maintenance and Aftercare for Laminated Brows

Now that your brows are looking amazing, how can you make sure they stay this way? To keep that new, fluffed shape, maintenance is critical. Here are a few ways you can keep those brows looking great longer:

Daily Care Tips

Gentle Cleansing: Only use natural and light soaps and mild cleaners. Be careful with the brows and use a soft and gentle cloth when cleaning.
Moisturize: A little nutritive oil (e.g., argan or castor) can go a long way toward softening and healthy brow hairs. Apply it and leave it on overnight for maximum effect.
Spoolie Brush: Make sure to brush the hairs upward and outward. This will help to keep that shape and ensure they grow in the right direction.
No Harsh Products: Do not use any exfoliants, including any kind of retinoids, in your eyebrows, as these can irritate.

Keep Out of the Sun: Or at least wear a visor or hat. The heat from the sun can cause your eyebrows to dry out.
Don't Pluck: Resist temptation! Let your eyebrows have their best, fullest lives.

Why Ted D Bare Pain Co Loves Talking About Brows (Despite Not Offering Laminations)

Here at Ted D Bare, we love eyebrows! We don't offer brow laminations, but we share our space with incredible brow artists who can give you the perfect shape before your brow lamination. Contact us, and we can put you in touch. Why? Because, let's face it, eyebrows matter a lot!

Frequently Asked Questions About Brow Lamination

Is Brow Lamination Worth It?

If you're after fuller, more groomed eyebrows without committing to microblading, brow lamination could be your new best friend. It is one of the best options for brows that are hard to tame, sparse, mismatched, or have large gaps. The treatment will leave your brow looking polished and clean.

Can Brow Lamination Hurt Your Eyebrows?

Overall, it is generally safe when done correctly. Make sure to choose only a highly trained tech to avoid any issues. Overprocessing with harsh chemicals or leaving the solution on too long will cause an unfortunate result like dry and brittle eyebrows that can even break off!

A professional like our experts at Ted D Bare will know how to tailor the treatment to your specific hair type and skin sensitivity, minimizing any potential damage.

How Much Will Brow Lamination Cost?

The cost of brow lamination varies depending on your location and the experience of the technician. Don't be surprised to pay $50, $100, or even more per session. Choosing high-end salons or technicians with extensive experience will charge more but the trade-off is worth it. Only these brow-shaping artists will give your brows the look you want.

Who Is Not A Good Candidate For Brow Lamination?

If you have a cold, the flu, COVID-19, or any other similar ailment, make sure to wait until you feel better before booking a session. If you have any skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, sunburn, or ultra-sensitive skin, you should also steer clear. The chemicals used can further irritate or damage the skin.

If you've recently had semi-permanent brow work (like microblading), Make sure to wait about 6-8 weeks, as this will ensure full healing before another treatment. If you use skin-thinning treatments like retinol or Accutane, you should also hold off. Brow lamination is also not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to unpredictable results and potential skin sensitivity.

How Should You Sleep After Brow Lamination?

Make sure to sleep on your back if at all possible. Sleeping on your face or even on the side can misshape your eyebrows. If you don't have one, invest in a silk or satin pillowcase to prevent frizz in case you turn during sleep. Keep those thick blankets away from your face!

Final Thoughts: How to Get Fluffy Brows in a Correct Fashion

Brow lamination is dominating the beauty community with a non-invasive, flexible option for getting that full, feathery brow everyone posts about everywhere on social media. Ted D Bare in San Jose has the finest brow laminating options in San Jose. We don't have brow lamination but we're committed to providing your perfect brow through expert waxing and grooming.

Got brow concerns? Want to get your arches in shape? We aren't brow ninjas. But we have brow ninjas who can help you. Reach out at info@teddbare.com or (408) 805-4929.

Brow Lamination: Everything You Need to Know About the Microblading Alternative