Brow Lamination vs. Microblading: Which Is Best for You?
Let’s be real, we all love a clean, sharp looking brow. Between soap brows, powder brows, eyebrow lamination, microblading and just your simple brow shape and tint, it seems like the options are never ending. But when it comes to your skin and your desired look, which option is best for you?
We’re here to break down everything brows and go over two of the most commonly discussed brow services: brow lamination and microblading.
What is microblading?
Microblading is the process of obtaining thicker, feather-y looking brows by introducing pigment to the top most layers of the epidermis. This mildly invasive treatment is accomplished by applying pigment onto a sharp instrument that deposits the pigment into the skin – similar to a tattoo, but not quite as deep.
How many touch ups are required with microblading?
The number of touch ups can vary depending on your skin, but generally one to two every 6-8 weeks after your initial appointment will be needed for the best results.After that, an annual touch up is suggested to keep the pigment vibrant. In most cases, touch ups are pretty much obligatory to the service and should be thought of as the second step in a two part process. Without this additional appointment, your brows will not reflect the intended results.
What is brow lamination?
When we think of brow lamination, we want you to think of perms for your eyebrows. No, you’re not going to leave the building with lucious curly brows, but the concept of getting a perm and getting your eyebrows laminated are practically the same thing. During a brow lamination, your eyebrow hairs are manicured to perfection before being set in place through the use of a few different creamy solutions.These solutions help to relax the hair follicle, aiding to realign the direction of growth to achieve a more voluminous and wispy look. Once the lamination process has been completed, you will have natural looking brows that look fuller and require minimal upkeep for several weeks.
Does brow lamination have the same effect as microblading?
Both services achieve a well manicured and fuller-looking brow, but each have their own different looks. For example, getting a brow lamination will leave you with a natural, fluffy looking brow that gives off the same vibe as the viral soap brows. Brow lamination can also give you the look of "strokes" of microblading utilizing your own natural hair. Microblading, on the other hand, provides dense looking brows – as if you’ve woken up and already put on your brow gel for the day. Think eyebrow tinting and fuller brows combined into one.
Comparing brow lamination and microblading
Obviously, each treatment has its own benefits. Taking a look at each service side by side will offer a better understanding of how they contribute to your eyebrows, and which will be a better fit for your desired brow look!
Which treatment is more painful?
We want to start off by clarifying: there is no pain associated with getting a brow lamination service. This service requires no needles or penetration of the skin, and is completed by applying a set of specific lotions to set the strands of hair. If you find yourself concerned about any potential side effects and skin irritation, feel free to reach out to your esthetician and we can guide you through any questions you may have. A patch test can even be performed prior to your appointment.
With microblading, there is slight discomfort. Since the service relies on depositing pigment into the skin through the use of thin needles, the process will not be completely pain free. With that being said, most estheticians will choose to apply a numbing cream on the brows prior to treatment to mitigate any discomfort that may occur during your microblading session.
How long do the results last?
Since laminating your eyebrows is not an invasive treatment, the results will only last as long as the lifespan of your hair. As your eyebrows grow out, and as they shed, the treatment will slowly begin to lose its effectiveness and another session will be needed. Generally, brow lamination lasts for four to six weeks depending on your hair growth cycle and how well you maintain your brows.
The longevity of microblading stands out as the service lasts for around a year. The results are highly dependent on proper touch ups and effective aftercare.
Who is best suited for each treatment?
For those looking for their morning routine to be simplified, but aren't sure if they want to commit to a permanent change, getting a brow lamination is going to be the perfect fit. There is no down time and minimal aftercare, making it the best option for those with a busy lifestyle.
Alternatively, those who suffer from hair loss or those who know what they want from their brows and dont mind a more costly and extensive process, microblading may be the best solution. This option is best for those who are okay with touch ups, needles, and following great aftercare in order to obtain the best results.
Transform your brows with illume!
Want brows that wow? Need help correcting your skin tone and texture? Come transform the way you look, here at illume! We take passion in making you feel confident in your skin, and offer a wide range of facial, brow, and lash services to cover everything you may need.
Pamper yourself today, and bring that glow from within straight to your skin.
