Do you long for thicker, beautifully groomed eyebrows? And do you struggle with unruly, straggly or droopy brow hairs that no gel can hold firmly in place? Then brow lamination could be the solution you’ve been searching for.
Firstly, don’t be confused by the name. This isn’t a bizarre, stationary-inspired treatment that leaves brows encased in a shiny plastic coating. (For one thing, we can’t imagine how you’d even get them into a machine.)
It’s actually a salon treatment that gives brows a new and improved shape, of your choosing, then holds them in place for weeks at a time.
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As eyebrow guru Shavata Singh tells GH: ‘Brow lamination is a professional treatment that helps reshape and set your brows into a fuller, smoother and more defined look. It works by gently relaxing the brow hairs, allowing them to be styled exactly as you want them, with no effort.’ Intrigued? Here’s everything you need to know.
How is brow lamination done, exactly?
Lamination is a chemical process to restructure your eyebrows, explains Natalie Piper from Lash Perfect, which offers the treatment at salons nationwide. ‘First, we use an adhesive to brush your brows into the shape you want. Then we use two solutions to break down the bonds in your hair and set them in place.’
If this all has a familiar ring, you’d be right. Lamination is similar to a perm, only rather than curling your brow hairs, it smooths and sets them. It sounds familiar, and smells it too – if you’ve ever had a perm, you’ll immediately recognise the characteristic waft!
What are the benefits of lamination?
The biggest plus of lamination is that it leaves brows impressively groomed. ‘It restructures the hairs so they sit in a perfect uniform direction,’ says Natalie. It can be customised to your preferences: ‘brow hairs can be styled upwards or in your desired direction,’ says Shavata. ‘In our studios, our brow lamination results are polished yet with a natural finish.’
Does lamination make brows look thicker?
Absolutely! ‘By brushing the brows upwards, it immediately makes brows thicker and more uniform,’ says Shavata.
If you’ve got sparse brows, lamination acts rather like a comb-over. ‘It’s ideal if you’ve got gaps in your eyebrows because you’re brushing your hairs in a way that covers and “fills”them,’ Natalie says. ‘It’s a great way of maximising what you’ve got.’
Is lamination going to leave a ‘werewolf’ look?
Not unless that’s what you’re going for. That exaggerated, brushed-up-straight look has fallen out of fashion, says Sherrille Riley, founder of Nails & Brows Mayfair. ‘We’re seeing a much softer, natural look that translates into a flattering everyday look.
‘Our most popular treatment is the Brow Lift which combines shaping and tinting with a modern spin on lamination – where brow hairs are set into a long-lasting shape, but one that’s just beautifully groomed and very slightly lifted, not artificially brushed up,’ she says.
GH beauty director Lynne has tried this, and can confirm it’s the antithesis of the rockhopper penguin look that was briefly on trend in the early 2020s. ‘My eyebrows have a stubborn natural gap and lamination is the only thing that holds them in place all day – it’s brilliant.’
How long does brow lamination last?
Quite a while. ‘On average, a brow lamination will last between 6 to 8 weeks, depending on your hair growth cycle and how well you care for them at home,’ says Shavata. With the right aftercare, you can really maximise the results and keep your brows looking fresh for longer.
Is brow lamination suitable for everyone?
‘Most people can benefit from brow lamination, but it isn’t for everyone,’ says Shavata. ‘If you have very sensitive skin, active eczema, psoriasis or broken skin around the brows, it’s best to avoid it.’
‘Likewise, if your brow hairs are extremely fine or sparse, the treatment may not give you the result you’re hoping for,’ she says. (As some men’s shiny scalps prove, there’s a limit to how much a combover can do!) ‘That’s why I always recommend booking a free brow consultation with us first, we can advise you honestly on whether it’s the right choice for you,’ adds Shavata.
How can I keep brows looking their best after lamination?
Aftercare is key, advises Shavata. ‘Avoid getting your brows wet or applying makeup directly on them for the first 24 hours. After that, keep them hydrated - I recommend using our Brow & Lash Strengthener castor oil. Don’t overdo it with harsh cleansers around the area.’
Your brows should fall easily into place when brushed gently with a spoolie, and stay in good shape for 6-8 weeks.
Is lamination harmful to brows?
Bottom line, lamination is a chemical process. Done properly, the impact on brow condition is minimal but care is needed. Don’t repeat the treatment more often than six weeks, keep brows hydrated between sessions, and go to a reputable salon.
‘We use professional-grade products and tailor the treatment to your brow type, face shape and desired look,’ says Shavata. ‘You also have an expert guiding the process, which reduces the risk of over-processing or damaging the delicate brow hairs.’
While there are DIY kits available, Shavata advises caution. ‘They often don’t come with the same quality formulations or bespoke application. With us, you’re paying for both the results and the peace of mind that your brows are in safe hands.’
