What is Brow Lamination? All About the Process
Are you wanting fuller brows without having to go the microblading route? Let us guess. You’re the patch test queen – you opt for semi-permanent solutions and avoid beauty treatments at all possible costs.
If that rings a bell (or even if it doesn’t), we’ve got just the treatment for you. Brow lamination is a fantastic microblading alternative that keeps your eyebrow hairs set with a chemical solution, and has zero side effects.
What is a brow lamination treatment?
Often referred to as a perm for your eyebrows, brow lamination is a treatment for your brows that manipulates the way those hairs lie with a special setting solution. People will often pair a brow lamination treatment with a brow tint to have a more visual ‘wow’ effect.
The benefits of brow lamination
Have you ever had a haircut that required little to no maintenance? The kind that works even when you roll out of bed and brush your teeth 20 minutes before work? Brow lamination has a similar effect in that it’s a set-and-forget option that keeps you looking fabulous while staying on top of time management – all while remaining a non-invasive treatment. Unlike microblading, brow lamination does not irritate the skin.
How long does brow lamination typically last?
Depending on your upkeep, and how well you follow your esthetician's instructions, brow lamination can last anywhere from four to six weeks, or even up to eight weeks if you’re mindful while getting ready.
How much does brow lamination cost?
At illume, you can expect to pay $150 for brow lamination services. The service includes tinting and shaping of the brows! Of course, you are welcome to select add on services while you’re booking to get the most out of your visit. The Illuminati Trois package offered by illume includes a 60 minute facial, lash lift and more! You can also select the Illuminati Deux package that includes brow lamination and a lash lift or even the most luxe of treatments, or the Illuminati Magnifque which includes brow lamination, lash lift, AND a 60 min customized facial!
The step-by-step process of brow lamination
It’s always a little nerve-racking to go into any type of treatment, no matter how minimal, when you don’t know what to expect. Let’s break down the step-by-step process of brow lamination and equip you with all the information you need to have a successful, stress-free treatment.
Preparing for your brow lamination treatment
Preparing for your brow, lamination appointment is a walk in the park. Be sure to avoid any exfoliants, retinoids, and any other active ingredients in your skincare products about a week before and after your brow lamination. You should skip tweezing for about 3 weeks prior to your session, and absolutely no trimming your brows at least a month before. Anything that irritates the skin is a no-go, and you can show up to your appointment with a bare face, sans makeup.
What to expect during a typical appointment
During your appointment, your esthetician will cleanse the brow area and sanitize their canvas (you!). The first solution relaxes the hair follicle so they are more malleable and the hair can be stretched to give a fuller look. The second solution is the setting lotion, to keep brow hairs in place. And finally, an oil serum is placed to not only hydrate and nourish the hairs, but to create a barrier from the elements as your brows set for the next 24 to 48 hours.
Best brow lamination aftercare tips to keep your brows healthy
The hardest part about getting your hair, nails, or face done is the grueling challenge of keeping them looking new, fresh, and healthy. Maintenance for your eyebrow lamination is easy, as long as you follow a couple of key tips before, during, and after your session.
Following a beauty treatment of any kind, maintenance and aftercare are key to keep your results fresh and healthy. Brow lamination is not no maintenance but it is low maintenance!
What to avoid for the first 24 hours
In the first 24 hours following your brow lamination appointment, avoid getting your eyebrows wet. All water is a no-no, but especially hot and steamy water. It will deactivate all the hard work we just did. In the kitchen, avoid cooking, dishwasher, and oven steam. In the bathroom, shower and bath steam. No sauna rooms, no hot yoga, no hibachi dates; you get the idea!
Trust and believe that you’ll be so happy you waited until after your brow treatment has settled in to get a little self-care in. We promise! Staying out of the sauna and gym is also key. High heat and lots of sweat can impact the integrity of your brows if not avoided during that first 24-hour period, post-treatment.
Brow aftercare products to use for brow upkeep
Brow aftercare is arguably the most important step once you leave your appointment. illume retails and always highly recommends the Lash Lift Serum from Elleebana, which can be used on both lashes and brows. It helps to replenish with a vitamin complex, hydrolyzed collagen, biotin, amino acids and proteins. It also helps to retain your tint longer!
Book a lamination refresh 4 to 6 weeks after your initial session
Whether you’re in a post-vacation haze or you’re itching to get into the studio for a touch-up, your brow lamination can last up to eight weeks. Generally speaking, it’s a good idea to head in for a refresh between weeks four and six as a midpoint between your lamination sessions. A lamination refresh at illume maintains your brow’s hair health, and includes tinting and shaping!
illume is Chicago’s brow lamination destination
If you’ve scoured Chicago’s streets looking for the perfect brow studio, we’re here to call off the search. At illume, your brows are perfectly shaped, individually, to compliment you!
Connect with us via our website to book your first appointment with us!
