How Brow Lamination Works

An Option If You've Lost Eyebrows Due to Medication or Illness

Brow lamination is an increasingly popular nonpermanent cosmetic procedure also known as brow perming. Brow lamination has benefits including increasing the look of eyebrow fullness and thickness, but there are some potential health risks.

Learn more about how brow lamination works, whether brow lamination is safe, and how long it lasts to help you decide if brow lamination is right for you.

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Brow lamination involves enhancing your existing eyebrow hairs. For the procedure, consider finding a licensed aesthetician or makeup artist trained in brow lamination to prevent possible complications and ensure safety.

The aesthetician may recommend you avoid the following activities in the days leading up to your first blow lamination session:

Arriving to your brow lamination appointment with a freshly washed face is recommended. At the appointment, you can expect the following:

Aftercare of your laminated brows is important to maintain the look for as long as possible. Proper after care includes:

Additional measures may help you get the most from your brow lamination service and prevent possible complications. For two weeks after your lamination session, it’s recommended you:

Brow lamination generally is considered safe, especially when compared to microneedling or microblading for brows. However, as with any cosmetic procedure, there is some risk. Potential risks involved with brow lamination come from the chemical cream solution used in the procedure. It can cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction.

Skin irritation looks like:

Any chemical procedure near the eyes poses a risk to eye health and vision, including the possible risk of blindness. The FDA warns that the eyebrow dyes and tints used in brow lamination are not regulated or approved for safe use in cosmetic procedures.

Lamination is like a straightening and thickening perm for your brows. It is very different from other procedures.

Tinting uses a semipermanent dye rather than a perming solution to reach desired effects. Tinting is quicker and color lasts for about three to six weeks.

Microblading is a procedure in which makeup is tattooed onto the skin using a tiny needle. The procedure takes much longer than lamination (several hours) but so do the results (several years). Microblading is also known as microshading or microfeathering.

Threading is a noninvasive procedure for shaping the brow line with a woven thread and removing stray hairs. It is a quick procedure, similar to brow waxing or plucking, that lasts until the hair grows back.

While it is possible to buy DIY brow lamination kits online for at-home brow lamination, doing so is not recommended. The FDA advises against trying home kits to enhance brows or dye or tint your eyebrows at home. The agency reports that this can hurt your eyes and cause permanent skin discoloration. It also puts you at risk for potential blindness if the chemical solution gets into your eye.

At this point you may be wondering, is brow lamination worth it? Generally speaking, it is a cost-effective and painless way to try the look of brow enhancement.

Brow lamination has the following characteristics to consider:

Brow lamination is suitable for people looking for a short-term and cost-effective procedure that lasts about four to six weeks. It also works after a single session, meaning you get fuller, thicker-looking brows the same day you have the procedure. You can get your brows done and not worry about daily brow makeup or the makeup washing off when you exercise, swim, or shower.

Brow lamination will wear off over time. Those desiring a permanent makeup or brow tattoo look without undergoing permanent procedures can get regular touch-ups with brow lamination.

Cost depends a little on where you get your brow lamination services done. However, the average cost for brow lamination is around $100 a session or less depending on location.

Brow lamination is a noninvasive cosmetic brow enhancement procedure. It works like a perm for your brows. It involves a chemical cream that helps lift the hairs from the skin and straighten them. Then, the aesthetician will brush and gel your eyebrows into perfect placement. You can add on tinting services. The FDA warns that tinting dyes are not regulated or approved for cosmetic procedures near the eye area.

While brow lamination is safer than microblading and tinting because it does not involve needles or permanent dyes, it still uses a chemical cream that can cause eye damage and possible blindness. You can avoid risk by using professional services and following all before- and after-procedure protocols. This service differs from other brow enhancement procedures and will cost around $100 per session for four to six weeks.

Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana. Brow lamination.

Food and Drug Administration. Tattoos and permanent makeup: Fact sheet.

American Academy of Ophthalmology. Know the risks of eyebrow and eyelash enhancement.

By Michelle PugleMichelle Pugle, MA, MHFA is a freelance health writer as seen in Healthline, Health, Everyday Health, Psych Central, and Verywell.