Everything you need to know about brow lamination, according to an expert
Image via Get Fluffy
Words by Eloise Dalais
Including the importance of pre and post-care.
As someone who does precisely nothing to their eyebrows, getting them laminated has always seemed like a bit of a commitment. But seeing as our desire for thick, fluffy brows isn’t going anywhere (despite the trendiness of uber-thin ’90s brows), I thought it was time I found out what it entails. And if you’re someone who fills in their brows and uses gels or brow soaps to set them each day, then a semi-permanent solution like lamination will help streamline your morning routine.
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The treatment is basically like a lash lift but for your eyebrows and luckily for us, it can last up to eight weeks. Before diving into my first brow lamination, I spoke with Abbie Lawley, founder of Melbourne-based brow salon Get Fluffy, to get the lowdown on the treatment, including the all-important pre-care and aftercare.
Brow laminations seem incredibly popular, but how does a brow lamination actually work?
A brow lamination is a three-step chemical treatment. The bonds in the brow hairs are broken down, which allows us to manoeuvre the hairs into place and set them. Finally, a nourishing treatment is placed through the brow hairs to wear home for the next 24 hours.
When coming in for my first brow lamination, what are some pre-care steps I can take to achieve the best results?
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Firstly, make sure you have stopped using any retinol (or any form of vitamin A) two weeks prior to your appointment. Ensure you have not trimmed your brow hairs for approximately six to eight weeks. Make sure you leave two weeks after any cosmetic injectables or resurfacing facials – but always consult with your facialist/cosmetic practitioner. Please note [that] brow lamination cannot be performed if you are using any oral skin medication (Accutane/Roaccutane) or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
What steps should I take immediately after getting a brow lamination?
The two golden rules of brow laminations [are] no touching, and no getting them wet! This includes rain, showers, steam from a hot shower, sweat from working out, saunas and hot Pilates/yoga – all a no-go! It is incredibly important to ensure that your brows remain in the exact place they were positioned at your appointment for 24 hours.
This means no brushing through them with your spoolie, no pushing the top of the brow down (they are meant to be a little scary for the first 24 hours), and being careful when you are sleeping. Keep in mind your brows are still setting (they will continue to set for 24 hours post-treatment) so it’s important that you leave them be and trust the process. Try not to book any important nights out/meetings/dates for after your lam if you feel you might be a little self-conscious.
For someone who never touches their brows, what type of brow lamination would you recommend? Is it dependent on the person’s already existing brow shape?
There are no ‘types’ of lamination per se. Generally, when people refer to a ‘natural brow lamination’ they are referring to a lamination with no tinting (which can add a lot of definition, colour and therefore intensity to the brows). It really depends on the length, fullness and structure of the brow that you have as to the results that will be possible.
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I would recommend having a thorough consultation with your brow stylist to ensure that you are both on the same page when it comes to aesthetics and the results you are looking to accomplish. I recommend coming in with lots of pictures/inspo and having a think about the potential shape, structure, definition and colour you would like to achieve. If you are unsure about where to start, a lamination, sculpt and light tint is my go-to.
Are there any products or steps you can take to preserve your brow lamination as long as possible? Typically, how long should they last?
Castor oil is a brow lamination saviour – and extender! I recommend applying approximately three to five times per week, nightly, for best results. The best brow laminations are the ones that are well looked after. Along with applying castor oil, I would recommend styling them when they are wet and avoiding any active skincare on the brow area (think AHAs, BHAs, niacinamide, vitamin C, hyaluronic acids, salicylic acids, retinol – check your cleansers!) for the six to eight weeks post brow lamination.
How long is the aftercare for?
24 hours: No touching them, no getting them wet.
Six to eight weeks: Ensure that you refrain from using active skincare on the brow area.
Castor oil: Three to five times per week (post 24 hours).
What should I do if I don’t like my brow lamination? Are brow laminations reversible?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that a brow lamination gives you ‘fluffy full brows’. It does absolutely assist with that aesthetic, but what it actually does is make your brow hairs malleable, so that you can wear them as you like. It’s really about learning how to style them.
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If your lam has been done correctly, and you have made sure you adhere to the aftercare in the first 24 hours you should be able to style them in a way that you love. Can’t get the hang of it? If they are not your vibe post-treatment, you should be able to just brush them to the side – voilà, old brows back!
Is there any risk involved when getting a brow lamination? Can I lose all my brow hairs?
Only if they are completed too regularly. With good quality products and great aftercare, it is safe to get consistent brow laminations every eight to 12 weeks.
How can I tint and wax my eyebrows post-lamination?
I would recommend booking an appointment that incorporates all three in one, and then a follow-up appointment four to six weeks later for a wax and tint alone.
How soon after can I book my next brow lamination?
Eight weeks minimum.
For more on brow laminations, head here.
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