Eyebrow treatments are one of THE most heavily requested salon services. From the everyday waxing treatments, to the rising popularity of microblading, and now a new demand for brow lamination – it’s safe to say that brow trends aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.

The microblading alternative taking over England fills in gaps in brows and gives them the illusion of fullness and growth in a fast, noninvasive way.

Although brow lamination and microblading might have a similar end result, they are two completely different brow treatments.

Microblading is a more invasive and permanent eyebrow transformation that one might invest in for a brow look that will last for about 1-2 years. Brow lamination is more of a quick and temporary (6-8 weeks) perming treatment that might be a more affordable solution to achieve the brow look you’re going for.

What is Microblading?

Let’s start out with our more well-known brow service, Microblading. Microblading, also known as eyebrow feathering, is a form of permanent makeup to enhance and add to your existing eyebrows. Using a handheld tool composed of about 6-14 microneedles that are in the shape of a blade, a semi-permanent color plants pigment into the epidermis to create the perfect eyebrow shape. The end result is natural-looking, hair-like strokes, that give you fuller and semi-permanent eyebrows.

Benefits of Microblading

Just about everyone can benefit from microblading, even those who already have naturally full brows. However, those who suffer from conditions that might cause hair loss (such as alopecia, trigonometric, etc.) will benefit greatly from this treatment as the end result will give you realistic and fuller looking eyebrows. The additional benefits of choosing microblading are as follows:

• Realistic and full eyebrows 
• Your natural-looking, microbladed to perfection brows, will last about 18 months. The lifespan depends on aftercare and environmental factors such as sun exposure, etc. 
• Microbladed eyebrows reduce the amount of time it takes to get ready in the morning. You can skip filling in your brows to make them look “presentable”! You’ll be able to wake up every morning with perfectly shaped eyebrows. 
• Your microbladed brows will not smudge or smear. Following the first 10 days after your microblading appointment, you can resume normal activity without the worry of your brows being negatively affected.

Microblading Aftercare

The aftercare steps following a microblading treatment are a bit more involved than brow lamination as it is a more invasive procedure.

The first day following a microblading appointment involves keeping the treated area dry and absorbing any and all excess fluid. We recommend gently blotting the area with clean tissue until all oozing has stopped to prevent any buildup or scabbing.

In days 2-10 following the treatment, you must be diligent about keeping the eyebrows clean. One must wash the treated area gently every morning and night with water and antibacterial soap (we recommend using a Cetaphil cleanser). It’s also best to avoid using any products that contain acids or exfoliants.

For 3-10 days following the treatment, it’s important to keep the area moisturized. Using a cotton swab, apply a rice grain amount of aftercare ointment provided by your esthetician to the brows. Be sure not to over-apply as this can delay the healing process. 

What is Brow Lamination?

Now let’s switch gears to brow lamination. Eyebrow lamination is more of a perm for your existing eyebrows to restructure the brow hair. The service involves applying two to three solutions to your current eyebrow hair to give them a more set and uniform shape for an extended period of time. Instead of the typical curls, you think of when getting a perm for your hair, we use a setting lotion to help the brow hair stay “brushed up” and lifted upwards for about six to eight weeks.

Benefits of Brow Lamination

Eyebrow lamination is best suited for those who want to make their existing thin eyebrows appear more full within a short time period. It’s also best for those who might not want to fully commit to their new brow look, as the treatment only lasts for about six weeks (vs microblading which lasts about 18 months). The added benefits of choosing a brow lamination are as follows: 

• The end result is a very natural look
• The treatment will give you fuller and “fluffier” looking brows
• Brow lamination is a needle-free, non-invasive procedure
• The semi-permanent treatment lasts from 6-8 weeks depending on aftercare

Brow Lamination Aftercare

Although adhering to the provided aftercare steps following your brow lamination is important — it is not as involved as microblading.

It’s best to avoid the following in the first 24 hours following your appointment: avoid heat, steam, hard workouts, or sleeping directly on your eyebrows.
Within 48 hours after your lamination appointment, you may apply castor oil or another hydrating balm to the brows daily.
After showering, we recommend using a mascara wand to brush the brow hair into place to “set” the brows into place.