Thinking about trying brow lamination but not sure if it’s worth the hype – or if it’ll actually suit you?
Lamination has fast become the beauty world’s latest obsession – and for good reason. It’s a semi-permanent treatment that realigns and sets your brow hairs, giving you that trending “brushed-up” look with incredible volume and definition.
It’s the perfect solution for anyone wanting a natural yet perfectly-groomed finish that lasts for weeks with the right aftercare. To help clear up the most common questions, we sat down with two industry experts. Read on to find out if it’s time to book an appointment with your local salon.
What exactly is brow lamination and how does it work?
Almudena Bereciartua Martínez, beauty expert and Director of Madrid luxury lash treatment salon Pestañas Premium, explains that brow lamination is a “specialised treatment designed to smooth and groom the brow hairs for that ‘perfectly arched’ look”.
“The process involves straightening and tidying the hairs using a solution that temporarily reforms the hair structure,” she tells us. “They are then set into place, creating a look that lasts anywhere from 20 to 30 days.”
Who is the best candidate for a brow lamination?
According to Almudena, brow lamination is the ideal treatment “for anyone with poorly-defined, either sparse or unruly brows who wants that ‘set’ look without the hassle of using brow gel or make-up every single morning.”
She adds that while the treatment doesn’t actually “fill in” missing hair, “The ‘optical illusion’ helps to disguise thinner areas, as we can brush the hairs over any small gaps to create a much fuller appearance.”
Brow lamination vs. microblading: The non-invasive alternative explained
The reason so many people are choosing lamination over microblading, the expert explains, is mainly because it’s non-invasive and completely reversible. However, she stresses that “the two treatments aren’t an ‘either-or’ choice, as they actually do very different things.”
“If a brow is extremely sparse with hardly any hair, lamination alone won’t create that much-needed volume,” she says. “Microblading, on the other hand, allows us to build definition, volume and a ‘perfect’ shape from scratch. We can also complement [microblading] with lamination to set those more unruly natural hairs in place, giving you a full, defined look without the need for make-up.”
“Ultimately, microblading allows us to create a ‘perfect’ brow whether the client has sparse brow hair or not, whereas with lamination, you really need a decent starting point to get the best results,” Almudena adds.
Combining treatments: Should you choose hairstrokes or shading?
According to brow microblading and micropigmentation expert Mónica Aránguez, founder of her eponymous aesthetic clinic in Spain, “Brow lamination works beautifully with both techniques – it really just depends on the look you’re going for.”
“Microblading allows us to create a ‘perfect’ brow whether the client has sparse brow hair or not, whereas with lamination, you really need a decent starting point to get the best results”
“With the hairstroke micropigmentation technique, we’re able to mimic natural brow growth by implanting pigment to create a hyper-realistic, 3D effect,” Mónica explains. “On the other hand, shading creates a soft, powdery finish. This gives you a much more defined brow and is the go-to for anyone looking for extra density and fullness.”
The perfect sequence: Why the order of your brow treatments matters
Mónica suggests getting your brow lamination done first. “Lamination is a temporary way to align the hairs and give them a much-needed lift,” she explains. “It’s all about smoothing and setting the hairs to create a tidier, fuller look. Micropigmentation, however, is a semi-permanent procedure where we implant pigment to create a defined, long-lasting shape that enhances your natural brows.
“If you get the micropigmentation done first, it can sometimes clash with the way your natural hairs want to sit once they’re laminated later,” she notes.
Be sure to speak to your brow technician about the safe waiting period between the two procedures to allow proper healing time
Does this mean that if you laminate first and then go for the ‘micro,’ you’re stuck with ongoing lamination appointments forever? Not exactly. However, Mónica warns that the order of play really does matter for the final result.
“Because lamination reshapes and sets the brow hairs, it can subtly change the natural shape of the brows. If we apply the pigment after the lamination, we are working with hairs that are already perfectly positioned. The key is that lamination works with the natural hair shape and direction,” says Mónica.
© FilmMagic“This ensures the two treatments stay in harmony; by aligning and setting the hairs first, the micropigmentation can then perfectly highlight that new, defined shape without fighting against the original hair direction.”
Essentially, you get the best of both worlds. Once your micropigmentation is healed and finished, there’s no rule saying you must keep up with the lamination.
Important note: Be sure to speak to your brow technician about the safe waiting period between procedures to allow proper healing time.
And another word of caution: if you do decide to laminate later on down the line, your technician needs to be careful to respect the tattooed shape. Because lamination shifts the hairs, it can accidentally ‘mask’ that crisp, pigmented design if they are brushed in the wrong direction.
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