Brow Lamination Is the Secret to Thick, Fluffy Brows (2024)

Brow lamination is the beauty treatment I never knew I needed, but wow, did I need it. In my quest to achieve the thick, fluffy brows seen framing the eyes of every it-model on Instagram, I discovered brow lamination. I'm here to tell you everything about this nifty alternative to microblading, including what happened when I got the treatment for myself. I also tapped two brow experts to share all the finer details of the semi-permanent treatment—including how long it takes, and how long it lasts. Keep reading for the 411 on all things brow lamination and determine whether it's right for you.

What Is Brow Lamination?

An alternative to microblading, brow lamination is a semi-permanent treatment that uses a chemical solution to straighten the eyebrows and set them to lie in a vertical direction. Overall, brow lamination makes brows appear fuller, thicker, and fluffier.

Benefits of Brow Lamination

"This procedure [has benefits] for anyone who wants to make a thin brow appear full within 30 minutes, as well as [to make] a more full brow to appear fuller and more fluffy," says Melanie Marris, an eyebrow stylist and founder of Brow Code.

And I can attest to all of the above: For as long as I can remember, I've had to deal with brow hairs that have a mind of their own, sprouting out in different directions like siblings that drifted apart as they got older.

No matter how much I brushed them or saturated them in brow gel, they didn't look like the perfectly-groomed brows I'd see on Instagram. You know the brows—they adorn the models made over by the celebrity makeup artist Nikki Wolff. Despite having done microblading and buying a tin of Soap Brows, my brows still didn't have that certain je ne sais quoi.

In fact, last year, Wolff did my makeup and while it looked so good I was distraught to wash it off, my brows just didn't look like the models' brows she's famous for making over. What did they have that I didn't?

Turns out, it's brow lamination. Nina Nurian, the founder of Nurian Brow Experts, told me that women in Iran and Russia have been straightening their brows for years. Honestly, it makes sense. Given the results—natural-looking, fuller brows that last—I only wish that I had found out about the treatment sooner.

How to Prepare for Brow Lamination

Before the actual process, it's wise to conduct a patch test to check for allergies and sensitive skin. (As with any beauty treatment, the risks are lower if you choose a seasoned and cautious professional.) You'll also want to avoid retinoids for a couple of nights prior to your treatment to prevent further irritation. One more thing to keep in mind is that you can't get your brows wet for 24 hours post-treatment, so be sure to schedule your brow lamination at a time when you can avoid showering and exercising for the next day or so.

What to Expect During a Brow Lamination Treatment

After you've had a patch test and seen no averse reaction to the lotion, the whole brow lamination process only takes around 30 to 45 minutes. I had my treatment with Nurian, who started by cleansing my brows and marking out the shape we wanted to achieve. She then threaded any stray hairs to get a good baseline shape.

Next, she fluffed up my brows using a tool and solution that coaxed the hairs into a straight, neat shape. A straightening lotion came next: It was applied to the hairs, which were flattened under clear wrap and left to set for 30 minutes. The lotion opens the hair follicles, straightening and shaping the brows. After the allotted time, the lotion was removed.

The following step was the setting lotion, which was slicked on and left for eight minutes to set. Nurian then applied a hydrating oil serum to the treated area, and tinted my brows to help elevate the look of fullness.

Before and After Pics

Brow Lamination vs. Microblading

Both microblading and microfeathering involve needles —brow lamination does not. "Microblading adds tattooed hair strokes to the eyebrow to give the effect of more hair strokes in the brow, whereas lamination is a straightening treatment, which can allow the hairs to relax and sit neatly in your desired style whether it be full and fluffy or sleek and defined," says Marris. Simply put, eyebrow lamination is a more temporary way to get your desired brow style. Not to mention faster, and more affordable. (See more on the typical cost of brow lamination, ahead.)

Marris says that many people mistake laminated brows for microbladed ones because the effect is that impressive. According to her, "these are two completely different treatments and actually, brow lamination looks amazing on a healed microbladed brow— so you can have both."

At-Home vs. In Office Brow Lamination

At-home brow lamination involves using a kit with the same tools and bonders that are used in salons — and I can tell you it's pretty easy and quick. It's definitely a more affordable alternative to a professional treatment, as well as a convenient option if you want to stay home."DIY brow lamination can be safe if the guidelines and correct protocols are followed and the at-home user performs an allergy patch test prior [to treatment]," Marris advises.

Personally, I'm a big fan of the laminated brow look. For my first time trying the treatment, I definitely liked the more refined finish I got by working with a pro at iBrowBar.

Potential Side Effects

For some, a brow lamination has the potential to irritate the eye area. "Don't try it if you have had any kind of reaction to a perming solution or had sensitivity to any of the ingredients in brow lamination products," says Marris. It's also expected you may just get a little redness from the threading.

The Cost of Brow Lamination

The cost of brow lamination can vary based on multiple factors, including location and the provider. Here's some sample pricing from across the county. Brow Society NYC charges $100 for its brow lamination service, which incorporates Keratin. At KD Brows, which has outposts in Los Angeles and Miami, Brow Lamination costs $90 and can also be combined with other services like shaping ($120) and stain ($125). In Chicago, a brow lamination at Lash Lounge starts at $89.

How Long Does Brow Lamination Last?

The results from your brow lamination will last for five to eight weeks, depending on your hair. If you have thick hair, Nurian says you can get away with having the treatment every eight weeks. But if your hair is fine, you should leave it for 10 weeks. "We always check the brow hairs before giving a treatment to make sure they are strong enough," notes Nurian. She also told me that the treatment helps to coax your brow hairs, so they start to grow in the direction you want them to. The whole treatment is also meant to help boost hair growth, so eventually, you'll be able to extend the time between treatments.

Aftercare

After the treatment, avoid getting your brow area wet or sweaty for 24 hours so that the setting solution can work to its full efficacy. (Saunas, steam rooms, and swimming pools are a no-go for 48 hours.) You'll also want to avoid touching or rubbing the treated area for a day after the treatment.

Depending on your hair type, brow lamination can be slightly drying. That's why Marris emphasizes the importance of brow-nourishing products. "I recommend using our Brow Gold Growth Oil treatment each night to restore nutrients back into the hair. Our clients have never reported any dryness when following and using the correct aftercare," she says. (Browse more Byrdie-editor approved brow-growth oils and serums, here.)

To maintain the shape, all you have to do is give your brows a brush each day using a spoolie to ensure they look groomed. You shouldn't need to fill your brows, but you can use your brow soap or gel to add definition if you so choose.

The Final Takeaway

I'm still totally shocked that these are my brows. I usually wear glasses, but now I'm thinking about rimless alternatives because I can't bear to hide my brows behind frames. Let's put it this way: I've already scheduled my next brow lamination appointment.