What is Brow Lamination, and How Long Does It Last?

"Brow Lamination is a treatment designed to redirect your brow hairs so that you get the most fullness out of your natural growth," says Patel. Think Brooke Shields [7]'s iconic brows in the '80s.

Brow lamination is a very straightforward process and one that involves chemically treating and "restructuring brow hairs to keep them in their desired shape," says Piper. And though its purpose is to realign brows, it leaves hairs flexible so that you can still style them however you like. The best part? It's super low maintenance and lasts for up to eight weeks, eventually fading away in line with your natural brow hair growth cycle.

Who Should Get Brow Lamination?

"Brow Lamination works for all brow types, including brows that have gaps," Piper tells POPSUGAR. "Brow Lamination doesn't just have to give the brushed-up brow look — in fact, brows can be brushed into any position you desire." That being said, Patel believes that people who have unruly or patchy brows will notice the biggest difference.

Though Gushina points out that brow lamination is a great alternative to more permanent options, Piper notes that anyone who has very sparse brows or little-to-no brows at all will likely find microblading [8] more suitable.

How Much Does Brow Lamination Cost?

The price of brow lamination varies based on a number of factors like where you are located and what service you require. At Blink Brow Bar in London, for example, brow lamination without a tint costs £50, while brow lamination with a tint is £60. Hi Brow Lamination at Lash Perfect in Essex, on the other hand, starts at £30, increasing by £5 per additional service (brow shape, brow tint, etc). As a general rule, you shouldn't be paying more than £75 for the full package.

What Can I Expect During the Pretreatment Consultation?

To ensure that you fully understand the brow lamination process, a pretreatment consultation is necessary. It's a great opportunity to discuss the look you want to achieve with your technician and ask any questions — so come prepared and bring photos if possible.

"A patch test is [also] required if you would like to have an eyebrow tint as part of your treatment," says Piper. It must occur at least 48 hours before your treatment, and if you suffer from a reaction in the form of redness or irritation, unfortunately, you won't be able to get the brow tint.

How Long Does Brow Lamination Take, and What Can I Expect During the Treatment?

Depending on the salon, brow lamination generally takes 45 minutes to an hour and follows a four-to-five step process.

The first step involves fixing the brows into your desired style and shape using brow adhesive. The second step is all about relaxing the hair cuticles using a styling lotion. According to Piper, this step is necessary as it makes the brows "softer and more malleable." Following this, a setting lotion is applied to restructure the brow hairs, setting them in their new place. Shortly after, a brow tint is applied for those who want it, then to finish, a hydrating keratin serum is applied to nourish and strengthen the hair.

Do I Really Need a Brow Tint?

Tacking on the brow tint "is up to you," says Piper. Ultimately, "if your brow hairs are already very dark, you wouldn't necessarily need a tint," claims Patel. "Those with fairer brows will see a much bigger difference if the treatment is combined with a tint, as hairs will not only be realigned but also darkened to achieve maximum fullness," she tells POPSUGAR.

What About Aftercare?

Just like the treatment, upkeep for brow lamination is simple. For the first 24 hours, you'll need to avoid water, steam baths, and saunas. After this, all you need to do is brush your brows into your desired style using a spoolie brush or clean mascara wand every morning. "You will find they will easily sit in the right place without too much effort," says Piper.

Both Patel and Gushina also recommend using a daily nourishing oil to condition the brows as the hair may have weakened after the chemical treatment. "It helps them to stay hydrated," says Gushina, adding that "you can [also] use any other oil instead such as castor or peach oil that you can get in any pharmacy."

What Are The Downsides to Brow Lamination?

While there are many pros to brow lamination, it's important to be aware that there are also some cons. According to Lorena Öberg, skin repair expert at Lorena Öberg in London, you should always be extra cautious when trying beauty treatments that are trending, especially if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin.

"For example, [brow lamination] might be less invasive than microblading, but the chemicals and bleach used in brow lamination may cause harm to your skin," Öberg says, listing hair loss, dryness, inflammation, and scarring as potential side effects. Her advice? Research, research, research. "There are too many inexperienced practitioners performing treatments, and time and time again, I see people who come through my clinic doors with horrific after results."

Is DIY Brow Lamination Recommended?

"As with any treatment, we would recommend getting it done at a reputable salon to ensure your skin and brows are protected at all times," Patel warns. Piper agrees. "If carried out incorrectly, [it could] cause undesirable results or cause damage to your natural brow hairs."

While DIY [9] brow lamination is not recommended, it's also important to research the salon of your choice before you make an appointment. Read reviews, look at their social media profiles, and don't feel pressured to make an appointment if you feel uncertain after your pretreatment consultation.