How Eyebrow Lamination Works (And Who It’s Actually For)

Let's have a real chat about brows. You know the ones. The ones that have a mind of their own, where one hair points north, the other south, and you spend what feels like half your morning wrestling them into submission with a spoolie and a prayer. If you’ve ever found yourself wishing you could just press a button and have them look effortlessly fluffy and perfectly shaped, you’ve probably stumbled across the term ‘eyebrow lamination’.

It’s one of the most popular treatments I offer at the studio, but it’s also one that comes with a lot of questions. What is it? Is it for me? Will I end up with brows that look glued to my forehead? Relax. I'm here to demystify the whole thing, friend-to-friend, so you can figure out if this is the glow-up your routine has been missing.

So, What on Earth is Eyebrow Lamination?

Think of it as a perm or a lash lift, but for your brows. The whole point of a brow lamination is to redirect your natural brow hairs, making them sit in a more uniform, desirable direction. It’s not about adding hair, but about working with what you’ve got to create a fuller, fluffier, and more defined shape.

By relaxing the hairs, we can easily coax them into a sleek, brushed-up look that makes your brows appear thicker and more polished. The best part? They stay that way. No more fighting with stubborn hairs every single day.

Who Should Get Eyebrow Lamination? (Let's Be Real)

Now for the most important question. Just because a treatment is trending doesn't mean it's for everyone. I'm always honest with my clients about what will and won't work for them. Lamination is a game-changer for some, but not the right fit for others.

You'll probably love it if:

  • Your brow hairs are unruly or coarse. If you have hairs that grow in different directions or refuse to be tamed, lamination is your new best friend.
  • You're packing on tinted brow gel every day. If your daily routine involves using a strong-hold gel just to get your brows sitting how you like them, this service will save you so much time and effort.
  • You want a fuller look. By brushing the hairs up, we can cover more surface area and create the illusion of density, making your brows look instantly thicker.
  • Your brow hairs grow downwards. Lamination can lift the hairs, instantly opening up your eyes and giving your face a fresher appearance.

You might want to skip it (or at least chat with me first) if:

  • Your brows are naturally tame. If you can easily shape your brows with a quick brush and a slick of clear gel, you might not see a huge benefit.
  • You have very sparse brows or significant gaps. Lamination works with the hair you have. While it can make brows look fuller, it can also highlight large gaps. We can sometimes work around this with a tint, but it’s something to consider.
  • You have super sensitive skin or conditions like eczema or psoriasis around the brows. The solutions can be irritating, so it's best to err on the side of caution.

Still on the fence? That's what I'm here for. Feel free to book in for a free consultation so we can have a proper look at your brows and decide together.

The Brow Laminating Process Explained, Step-by-Step

The magic happens in about 45 minutes to an hour. It’s a totally painless and pretty relaxing process. Here’s a little peek behind the curtain at what actually goes down in the studio.

  1. Consultation and Prep: First, we chat. We look at your brows, discuss your brow goals, and decide on the best shape for your face. Then, I give the entire brow area a thorough cleanse to make sure it’s free of any makeup or oils.
  2. The Lifting Cream: This is step one of the chemical process. I apply a gentle cream that works to soften the bonds in your brow hairs. This makes them flexible and easy to mould into their new shape. I’ll cover them with a bit of film to help the solution work its magic.
  3. The Shaping: Once the hairs are softened, I brush them into their new, perfectly sculpted position. This is where we create that signature fluffy, lifted shape. It’s all about precision and creating a look that’s flattering for you.
  4. The Setting Lotion: Next up is the neutralising or setting lotion. This is the crucial step that locks your brow hairs into their new shape, making sure they stay put for weeks to come.
  5. The Finishing Touches: This is my favourite part! We can add a custom tint to give the brows colour and definition, which really makes the lamination pop. I'll also do a quick wax and tweeze to clean up any stray hairs and perfect the shape. It’s these little details that tie the whole look together.
  6. Nourish and Protect: Finally, I apply a super hydrating keratin oil to the brows. This final step is essential for putting moisture back into the hair, keeping it healthy and shiny after the chemical process.

Your Top Questions, Answered

I get it, a chemical process near your eyes can sound a bit intimidating. Let’s clear the air on some common concerns.

Will it damage my eyebrows?

When done by a trained professional using high-quality products, the risk is very low. The integrity of the hair is altered, which is why aftercare is so important. We're essentially giving it a chemical treatment, so it needs a bit of extra love afterwards to keep it nourished. I highly recommend picking up an aftercare product at your appointment to keep your brows in top condition.

How long does eyebrow lamination last?

You can expect your brows to stay in that beautifully laminated state for about 6 to 8 weeks. This timing lines up with your natural hair growth cycle.

How often can I get it done?

I always suggest waiting at least 6 to 8 weeks between appointments. This gives your brow hairs time to go through their full cycle, so we're always working with fresh, healthy hair for the best and safest results.

What’s the aftercare like?

It’s super simple. For the first 24 hours, you need to keep your brows completely dry. No water, no steam, no sweating, no makeup. After that, all you need to do is brush them into place each morning (it takes two seconds) and apply a nourishing oil or serum to keep them hydrated.

Keeping Your Laminated Brows Looking Flawless

Towards the end of the 6-8 week cycle, you might notice a few new hairs growing in their original direction. This is totally normal! To keep everything looking uniform, you can use a brow soap to tame them. You can grab the JAG Studio Eyebrow Soap at your appointment, and I’ll show you exactly how to use it for a flexible, all-day hold.

If you also got a tint, you might find the colour has faded a little by week 4 or 5. A good brow pencil or powder is perfect for adding a bit of colour and filling in any sparseness between your appointments, keeping that fresh look going for longer.

The Final Word

Eyebrow lamination isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but for the right person, it’s a total game-changer. It’s for anyone who wants to wake up with effortless, full, and perfectly styled brows without the daily fuss.

If you're curious, I honestly think it's worth trying once to see if it’s for you. And remember, I'll always guide you on whether I think it's the best move for your brows. Ready to give it a go?

Book it in. You’ll thank yourself later.

Kiara

Kiara is the Director of JAG Studio, with over a decade of hands-on experience in the beauty industry. She specialises in soft glam and bridal makeup, brows, lashes, and dermaplaning.

https://www.jagstudio.au
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