What is Eyebrow Lamination?
Image Left: Brow Lamination Before and After with Hybrid Tint (Stain)
Whether you follow the trends, stick to the classics, or move to the beat of your own [fashion] drum…eyebrow lamination can be an excellent way to elevate ANY style. But what exactly is it…and why should you get one?
Lamination, sometimes referred to as a“brow lift”, allows the brow hairs to be brushed up and sculpted without the use of brow gels or pomades. The effect can last up to 8 weeks! This styling technique can make the brows appear fuller, voluminous, and more defined. It also has a lifting affect on the entire face and takes the groomed and polished look to a whole new level. Lamination is highly versatile! It can be customized to be light and airy for a natural, minimal makeup look or paired with tint or hybrid stain for a bold and glamorous look. It’s also a fantastic treatment to tame those curly, unruly brow hairs.
What is the Process?
Lamination is typically done in 3 steps and is completely painless (minus the shaping…hair removal can be mildly uncomfortable for some). The first step is applying a chemical solution to the brows to loosen the hair bonds so they can be manipulated into the desired shape.
Image Right: Brow Lamination Before and After
In the second step, the brows are set into place with a neutralizing solution. The third step is a keratin conditioning treatment which is intended to nourish and condition the brow hairs. If a bold makeup look is desired, tint or hybrid stain is typically added before the conditioning treatment. The total processing time is roughly 30 minutes but the appointment is typically 1 hour since it involves consultation, mapping, shaping, and styling the brows.
Is It Safe?
Contraindications do exist…we’ll discuss more on that later. The lamination system used at Sun Siren Brow is specially selected from a company that formulated and manufactures their product in Italy. The relevance of procuring cosmetics from the EU is that they specifically regulate and ban cosmetic ingredients that are known to be harmful and/or carcinogenic; the US does not. The product itself is safe when used properly (not to exceed max processing time), even for sensitive skin. But if you have VERY sensitive or reactive skin, a patch test can be done 24hrs prior to ensure your safety prior to the full treatment.
What is the Post-Care?
For the first 24-48hrs after the treatment, you do not want to get your newly laminated brows wet or expose them to any heat, sun, or excessive moisture. The chemical process is still occuring up until 48hrs after the treatment and moisture will ruin the results while the loosened bonds are still setting into the new shape. If you are a side or stomach sleeper, friction from bedding or pillows can also ruin the brow shape in those first 24-48hrs as well. Following the aftercare instructions is very important. For the health of your brows, it is recommended to wait at least 4-6 weeks in between appointments. Some will have really long lasting results and some will not, it often depends on the hair type and lifestyle of each individual. You can always schedule a refresh in between appointments to remove any hair growth and re-tint or stain your brows. You want to keep in mind that with lamination, your brows hairs are going through a chemical process which can dehydrate the brow hairs. The keratin treatment is intended to replenish moisture but at home moisturizing is recommended after the initial 24-48hrs has passed. Some facial moisturizing products can double to benefit brow hairs. Facial oils such as jojoba or argan are great for face and brows. At Sun Siren Brow, we offer an aftercare oil specifically formulated for brows that pairs excellent with lamination to keep brow hairs nourished and conditioned. It also promotes hair growth. It is important to note however, that if you had your brows tinted or stained with your lamination, you want to wait until the stain has completely faded from the skin before applying any oils to your brows.
Image Left: Brow Lamination Before and After Lamination over Combo Brow
Who Should Not get a Lamination?
There are instances when a brow lamination is not suitable. Some examples of contraindications include excema, psoriasis, alopecia, sunburn, accutane, etc. Some medical conditions and medications may require clearance from your physician. It is important to consult with your physician or contact your technician ahead of time with any concerns prior to scheduling an appointment. A lamination is not recommended for those that have VERY sparse, patchy, asymmetrical, or wide obvious gaps. In these cases, a brow lamination can actually make those issues more pronounced. Pairing tint or hybrid stain is often thought to fix those areas but it will almost always look uneven. Stain and tint are never as dark on the skin as they are on the brow hairs. Those with brows in this category are best suited for permanent makeup; there are many options to include Nano which is one of the specialties at Sun Siren Brow! Brow lamination can be done over Nano too!
Lamination can transform your brows from ordinary to extraordinary! Its ability to restructure and redefine the brows, providing a sleek and polished appearance, makes it a highly sought-after treatment at Sun Siren Brow and an overall fun service to perform on my clients. If you pair your lamination with tint or stain, the brows can be really dark initially which lightens after the first wash. If you are planning on attending an event or doing it for a special occasion, tell your artist ahead of time so they can adjust the processing time of the tint or stain.
Thanks for reading and I hope you found this information helpful! If you have any questions or would like to suggest a topic for the blog, feel free to send a message to hello@sunsirenbrow.com.
