Nothing achieves a set of perfect feathered brows quite like beauty’s latest craze—eyebrow lamination
The return of the lush, ultra-bushy brow has been a source of frustration for those of us who spent our teenage years over-plucking. I had magnificently thick brows as a kid. But caving to trends, I plucked them into the thin, matchstick-like oblivion that was so trendy in the early 2000s. “They’re not going to grow back, you know!” I remember my dad telling me. Much to my chagrin, he was right.
Luckily, the beauty industry is one built on selling solutions. While microblading has become a common remedy for buffing up brows over the past few years, there’s a new hero in town that goes by the curious name of eyebrow lamination. Essentially a perm for your eyebrows, this increasingly popular procedure lifts and structures your existing hairs to create the look of a full and feathery set of brows, as envied on models such as Taylor Hill and Bella Hadid.
Unlike microblading, which can be uncomfortable and costly, not to mention a commitment, as the results last up two years, eyebrow lamination offers a needle- and commitment-free option. It also doesn’t require a healing period because unlike microblading, which works on the skin, eyebrow lamination works directly on the hairs to add depth and definition. The results last up to eight weeks.
See also: 4 Beauty Tips From Celebrity Make-Up Artist Sarah Tanno
Is there a catch?
Dermatologists have warned that those with sensitive skin might want to tread carefully, since the skin around the eyelids is some of the most delicate on the body. At least 48 hours before your treatment, avoid products that can sensitise the skin like retinol and topical acne treatments. If you really want to play it safe, ask to do a patch test to see how your skin responds. If you’re in the clear, go forth and conquer those brows.
How does it work?
Step 1
A lifting cream is painted onto the brow, creating a chemical process that relaxes the hairs, making them more malleable so they can be reshaped. Your beauty technician will shape and comb the hairs upward to achieve a feathered look. They are then covered with plastic wrap for 15 minutes, allowing the formula to set.