Brow Lamination: What to Know About the Microblading Alternative

The result of damaged brows can cause exactly what lamination aims to fix: dry, unruly, frazzled-looking brows.

For this reason, it’s recommended to only get brow lamination once in a while versus regularly. And both brow experts we spoke to emphasized the importance of going to someone well-trained. “Always make sure to do your research when booking any treatment which involves a strong chemical and ensure the artist will take into consideration the condition and growth plan of your brows for the future,” says Aynsley. “If all these factors have been considered and you’re confident that brow lamination is the best treatment for your brows then I’m sure the results will be perfect.”

When it comes to eye and skin health, Shari Marchbein, MD, a New York City board-certified dermatologist, also has some words of warning about the treatment. First and foremost, she’s concerned about the eyelid skin itself, as it’s the thinnest, most delicate of the body. “Therefore it requires special care and attention from the skin-care products that we use,” she says. “It is especially prone to irritation, so harsh chemicals from this brow lamination could cause eczema, which is characterized by red, dry, itchy, and inflamed skin.”

Another concern she brings up is the possibility of getting these caustic chemicals in contact with the eye itself, which could cause “potentially irreversible damage,” she adds. Both of these worries are why brow tinting is frowned upon by experts and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Of course, people in the U.S. still continue to keep getting their arches tinted, so if you choose to proceed with the treatment, please do so with caution. 

Can I do a brow lamination at home?

Many beauty treatments are done by professionals for a reason, including brow lamination. At-home kits aren’t as strong as professional kits, however, the formulations still have the potential to damage brow hairs long-term, especially if done incorrectly. Not to mention that it’s never a good idea to be using chemicals you haven’t been trained in that close to your eyes. You’ve only got one face, friends, so please be careful.

How much does brow lamination cost?

The cost of brow lamination varies dramatically depending on the brow artist’s location, skill level and the service. Oftentimes brow lamination is an additional service so you’ll be paying for more than just the perm. Generally cities are more expensive than local towns, ranging from $75 up to $250.

What does brow lamination aftercare look like?

Aftercare is important to follow with brow lamination as it can undo the hard work your brow tech has done, meaning a total waste of money and time on your part. “I always suggest not getting the brow area wet for 24 hours, so washing around the area is best,” Maxwell advises. This also includes not using a steam room or getting excessively sweaty at a workout class.