Brow lamination: what it is, who it suits and how long it lasts

Brow lamination is one of the treatments clients ask about more and more often in salons. Afterwards the brows look fuller, tidy and brushed upwards, without daily styling with gel. If you want to learn this treatment, it helps to first understand what happens to the hairs during the process, who lamination really suits and how to advise the client on aftercare.

What is brow lamination?

In lamination, the first product softens the structure of the hairs so they can be brushed into the desired direction. The second product sets the new shape, and the final step gives the hairs back care and moisture. The result is hairs that stand more upright and evenly, so the brow looks denser even though there are no more hairs than before.

Processing time depends on the thickness and condition of the hairs: fine and light hairs usually need less time than dense, coarse ones. Always follow the instructions of the manufacturer of the products you use. Leaving the products on too long can dry out the hairs and leave a frizzy, untidy look.

Who lamination suits

Lamination is a good choice for clients with unruly hairs that grow downwards or in different directions, and for those who want fuller, naturally groomed brows. It works best when the client has enough of her own hairs. With very sparse brows or visible gaps, lamination does not add hairs, so before you start it is important to explain realistically what result is possible.

When it is better to wait

Before the treatment, ask the client about allergies, sensitive skin and recent treatments in the brow area. Do not laminate irritated, damaged or inflamed skin, sunburnt skin, or if you notice a change you are unsure about; in that case advise the client to see a doctor. Many manufacturers recommend a patch test at least 24 to 48 hours before the first treatment, especially if you combine lamination with tinting.

How long it lasts and what aftercare to recommend

The effect usually lasts about six to eight weeks, depending on hair growth and care. For the first 24 hours, the client should not get her brows wet, expose them to steam or a sauna, apply makeup to them or rub them. After that, she should gently brush them into shape every day and use a nourishing brow oil or serum. Recommend another lamination only once the hairs have grown out, usually no more often than every six to eight weeks, so you do not overload them.

Lamination or shaping and tinting?

Lamination changes the direction and look of the hairs, but not their colour or the shape of the brow. Brow shaping and tinting uses tweezers to define the shape and enhances the colour, which often makes the bigger difference for light or sparse brows. In practice the two treatments often complement each other, so it is worth mastering both. Before you work on the shape, agree with the client on the look she wants; our article Eyebrow shaping: how to explain the look you want will help.

How to learn the process

The brow lamination course shows the process step by step: from preparing the workspace, tools and client and cleansing the brows, through the three lamination steps, to shaping with tweezers and advising the client after the treatment. Practise on volunteers first, note the processing times and photograph the result before and after. If you want to master lashes, makeup, facial care and nails as well as brows, take a look at the Complete Beauty Pro bundle, which includes all 17 LearnBeauty courses.