Eyebrow lamination is a relatively new procedure that focuses on creating shiny, smooth brows. Also sometimes called an “eyebrow perm,” the high-shine effects tend to be sought after by those who may be experiencing thinning or unruly brows. Unlike microblading, needles and coloring are not involved.

As a semi-permanent procedure, eyebrow lamination may also be a good fit if you want to keep your brows styled a certain way but are tired of using eyebrow gel every day. You will need to repeat the process at some point in the future to maintain your results, and there are risks involved. Read on to learn everything else you need to know about this trend.

Brow lamination involves the “perming” of your eyebrow hairs to provide a fuller, more even look. It can also help keep them in place after washing off any cosmetics you may wear.

Here’s what’s involved in the procedure:

  1. First, your provider will apply a cream to your brows that aims to “lift” up your hairs.
  2. Next, your brow hairs are brushed upward to help pull them in a uniform vertical direction.
  3. Then your provider will apply a neutralizer to help seal your brows into place.
  4. The last step is a nourishing oil to help prevent skin irritation and hair dryness that may be caused by the chemicals used during the perm.

In total, brow lamination takes 1 hour or less to complete. Optional add-ons to the procedure may include:

  • tweezing excess hairs
  • waxing to create your desired arch
  • tinting for color enhancement or changes

You will also want to apply a nourishing oil or cream every night to help prevent your brows from drying out.

Eyebrow lamination may help address a variety of concerns you may have with your own brows, including:

  • thinning hair that may occur with age
  • gaps in your brows from overplucking or overwaxing in the past
  • unruly hairs that tend to go different directions despite brushing them
  • a lack of shape or unevenness

Overall, brow lamination is said to make brows look thicker and fuller. Pulling the hairs up vertically may also make it look like you are experiencing new growth. The entire process is also completely non-invasive.

While brow lamination is not invasive compared to brow surgery, tattooing, or other related procedures, there are still some side effects to know before booking your appointment. Such risks are mostly related to skin irritation caused by the chemicals. These include:

  • swelling
  • redness
  • peeling
  • itching
  • bumps

The side effects may occur directly beneath and above the eyebrows, but they may also extend to your eyelids.

This procedure may not be recommended if you have:

Just as perming the hair on your head can lead to dryness and damage, brow lamination could potentially damage your eyebrows in the same way. Your chances are greater if you repeat the process too often, or sooner than 6 weeks.

Another more serious risk is eye damage. This may occur if the chemicals run into your eyes during the procedure.

A brow lamination is designed to give your eyebrows a thicker, smoother appearance. Check out the following before and after pictures to see what your own results may look like.

Perhaps the greatest downside to eyebrow lamination is that the effects are only temporary. To maintain your new brows, you will need to repeat the process every couple of months, similar to a traditional perm.

It’s also important that your provider applies a moisturizing oil or cream to your brows immediately after treatment. You may consider applying the same product at home to help keep your eyebrows healthy and damage-free.

Based on an average cost search, the price for an eyebrow lamination can range between $50 and $100 per session.

Compared to other brow procedures, brow lamination is considered extremely affordable. This is likely because the process involves little time and materials.

Still, it’s important to know that brow lamination costs may vary between providers. Ask about the costs up front before your procedure.

For a brow lamination, consider reaching out to an aesthetician or professional makeup artist. Ask prospective providers if they have experience with this procedure specifically.

You can also search for “brow studios” or “brow artists” in your area. These facilities primarily work with eyebrow treatments.

No matter which provider you choose, be sure to ask about their:

  • experience
  • licensing and credentials
  • costs
  • portfolio of work
  • advice for follow-ups and possible side effects

There are a number of brow area treatments that aim to help create a fuller appearance. Many of these procedures involve permanent coloring, which isn’t approved by the FDA for the eye area. Below is a preview of other popular alternatives to eyebrow lamination.

Microblading

Microblading is a professional eyebrow procedure that involves the use of small cuts into the skin beneath your brows via needles. Similar to tattooing, pigments are then inserted into these cuts to create a fuller look. Overall, the results last for about 12 to 18 months before the color starts to fade.

Microshading

While similar in principle to microblading, this procedure inserts pigments via small dots throughout your brows. The results of microshading are semi-permanent, lasting only a few months before you need to repeat the procedure.

Permanent tattooing

If you have a higher pain tolerance and want more permanent color results compared to microblading and microshading, you may consider permanent makeup tattooing. The color may still fade after several years, and there may be a greater risk for side effects due to the tattoo needles penetrating deeper layers of skin.

Tinting

A far less invasive way to achieve voluminous color is through eyebrow tinting. This involves the professional application of tinted color at a salon. Results last for several weeks before you may need to repeat the process.

Penciling

Another way to fill in sparse brows and add more volume is by using a colored eye pencil or powder. For best results, select a shade that matches your natural brow color. Use light strokes until you achieve your desired look.

Brow gel

If you’re looking to address unruly brow hairs over filling them in, consider a waterproof brow gel. The applicator is similar to a mascara brush and is designed to be applied directly to the brows in an upward-outward motion. Like penciling, brow gel lasts until you wash it off.

If you’re looking for longer-lasting results to keep your brow hairs in place, you may consider an eyebrow lamination procedure. The perming method used for this treatment may also make your brows look thicker and fuller, characteristics that are becoming increasingly popular.

As with any professional cosmetic procedure, it’s important to work with a licensed and experienced provider. You may also consider talking to a dermatologist if you have any chronic skin disorders that might flare up from the chemicals used during the lamination process.