Laminated Eyebrows: The Secret To Effortless, Sculpted Brows

Beauty trends come and go, but laminated eyebrows seem to be here to stay. For the unfamiliar, brow lamination (sometimes referred to as an eyebrow perm) is an in-salon treatment that can make your arches look full, thick, and neat—without the pain or long-term commitment of other trendy techniques, such as microblading.

If you’re interested in brow lamination but aren’t quite sure if it’s right for you, keep reading. Here, we’ll answer a few common questions about the popular brow styling technique and explain how to recreate a similar laminated brow look at home with makeup.

What is Brow Lamination?

Eyebrow lamination is a professional cosmetic service akin to a perm for your arches. Done properly, the treatment can help your brows appear fuller and thicker, with a defined, well-groomed finish that lasts several weeks. Brow lamination has gained popularity because it’s a noninvasive, pain-free alternative to other cosmetic eyebrow treatments, such as microblading and tattooing. Additionally, the brow lamination process is quick, typically taking around 15 minutes from start to finish.

First, your aesthetician will cleanse the brow area and apply a chemical relaxant to help soften the hair. When the relaxant is done processing, they’ll wipe your brows clean and use a spoolie brush to coax your brows into a neat, well-groomed shape. Finally, they’ll apply a setting cream to “lock” the brushed-up look into place. If you’re getting a brow lamination and tint, your aesthetician will also apply a specially-formulated dye to your brows to give them a more uniform, defined color. Once your brows are set, you can go on with your day as usual—though you’ll want to avoid getting your newly laminated eyebrows wet for about 24 hours.

How Long Does Brow Lamination Last?

On average, laminated eyebrows last between four and six weeks, depending on your skin type, brow hair texture, and aftercare routine. As the weeks go by, your brows will gradually return to their natural state. Scheduling regular touch-ups with your brow stylist is a great way to ensure your laminated eyebrow look lasts.

What brow lamination aftercare looks like

For the first day after your eyebrow lamination, try to keep your brows dry and avoid using any heavy creams or oils around the area. You’ll also want to limit how often you touch your brows to ensure they can settle into their new shape without any interference. After that initial period is over, you can resume your skincare routine as usual, though it’s still a good idea to avoid manipulating your brows too much.

To maintain your laminated eyebrow look, you’ll want to schedule touch-ups roughly every month and a half. While brow lamination is safe when performed by an experienced professional, people with very sensitive skin might experience irritation after treatment. As such, it’s always a good idea to consult with a dermatologist before undergoing any skin or hair treatments. Finally, remember that these are only general guidelines. You should always follow the aftercare instructions outlined by your brow stylist to keep your arches looking their best.

What Are The Benefits of Brow Lamination?

Beyond the aesthetic payoff, brow lamination has several practical perks that make it worth considering, especially if you like your brows to look effortlessly put-together.

• It enhances your shape: Brow lamination can temporarily give unruly, thin, or sparse brows a fuller and more defined appearance.
• It has a pain-free application: Unlike microblading—which can be uncomfortable—brow lamination is virtually pain-free. The only sensation you may feel during the brow lamination process is that your brows are being glued down (because, in a way, they are).
• It’s quick and time-saving: The brow lamination process itself takes about 15 minutes from start to finish. Better yet, once your brows are set, they’ll stay in place for weeks, cutting down on the time you’d otherwise spend grooming your arches in the morning.
• It’s cost-effective: Compared to pricier treatments like microblading, which can cost several hundred dollars depending on the artist’s experience and your location, laminating eyebrows is fairly budget-friendly. Typically, you can expect to pay $40-$120 per session.
• The upkeep is easy: As long as you follow your aesthetician’s aftercare guidelines, there’s nothing you need to do to maintain your laminated eyebrows. As your brows grow out, you can easily refresh the look with an at-home touch-up before going back to the salon.

How To Get a Laminated Eyebrow Look at Home

If you’re not ready for a salon visit but love the look of laminated brows, you can use makeup to achieve a similar lifted, sculpted effect.

Start by brushing your brows upward using a clean spoolie brush. If needed, use tweezers to remove any errant hairs that fall outside of your natural brow shape. You can also trim longer brow hairs with brow scissors, if needed, for a neat, groomed look.

Once you’re happy with your brow shape, lock your brows in place with a clear brow lamination gel, such as the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up To 24HR Brow Lamination. This high-hold gel sets brows instantly and keeps them in place for up to 24 hours without a crunchy finish or flaky residue. To use it, simply brush the clear gel through your brows to shape them. Let the gel dry down completely before touching your brows to ensure a flawless-looking finish. At the end of the day, you can remove the gel easily with makeup remover and your favorite facial cleanser.

What Other Products Can You Use For Fuller-Looking Brows?

You can use your clear brow lamination gel alone for a lifted brow look, but for added definition, consider adding one of these brow favorites to your daily lineup. [H3] L’Oréal Paris Faux Brow Hair-Like Brow Filling Pen

This easy-to-use brow pen is about as close as you’ll get to having a professional brow artist in your pocket. What we love most about this product is the applicator: Instead of a traditional felt tip, the pen features a dual-tipped applicator that makes creating precise, hair-like strokes a breeze. We suggest starting by filling in any sparse areas. Then, add definition as needed to the illusion of naturally full, flawless brows.

L’Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Shape & Fill Mechanical Pencil

If you tend to favor brow pencils over pens, give this mechanical pencil a try. It comes in five shades to flatter an array of hair colors and boasts a unique, triangular-shaped tip that you can use to outline, shade, and fill in your brows for a customized look that lasts. If you prefer a more natural look, use the attached spoolie brush to blend out your strokes for a soft, diffused finish.

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Volumizing 24H Wear Brow Mascara

If you’re looking to thicken, tint, and define thin, unruly arches in one simple step, reach for this tinted brow mascara. The long-lasting formula contains fibers that cling to your brow hairs, instantly giving thin arches a thicker, more voluminous appearance. The brow mascara’s 3D microgrip brush, meanwhile, ensures you can easily coat every brow hair for maximum fullness. Apply it like you would a brow gel, starting at the front of your brow and moving outward in short, upward strokes until you reach the tail.

Tips for creating the brow lamination look with makeup

The right technique is essential for creating a faux laminated eyebrow look at home. These tips will help you achieve a soft, natural effect that lasts throughout the day.

1. Always brush brows upward before applying product

Brushing your brows upward creates a lifted, airy look that mimics salon-laminated eyebrows. It also allows you to visualize any stray or errant hairs, so you can easily clean up your brow shape with tweezers for a more polished-looking finish.

2. Use a spoolie to blend for a fluffier effect

After applying your pencil or mascara, use the spoolie again to soften harsh lines. This step blends the product evenly through your brows. It also boosts volume and gives a more natural, feathery finish that enhances the laminated eyebrow effect.

3. Avoid heavy or overly precise lines

The beauty of brow lamination lies in its softness. Instead of sharp angles or dense color, aim for diffused edges and a brushed-up feel. This keeps the brows looking effortless and full.

4. Optional: Highlight just under the brow arch for an extra lift

Adding a touch of highlighter, like the L'Oréal Paris Lumi Le Glass Highlighter Stick, below the arch can enhance the laminated eyebrow effect. You can also try using a bit of concealer, like the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Skin Ink 2-In-1 Foundation Concealer, to clean up the edges and create a sharper, more defined brow shape. It’s a subtle but effective way to elevate your overall look and make your brow lamination look stand out.

The benefits of a makeup-laminated brow

Recreating the laminated eyebrows effect with makeup has its own set of perks. It allows for flexibility and creativity, especially if you love to switch up your style. For anyone curious about what brow lamination is but not quite ready for the real thing, faking the look with makeup is a great way to test the waters. It’s easy to achieve, budget-friendly, and totally customizable to your preferences. Plus, if you decide that laminated eyebrows aren’t for you, there’s no lasting commitment—you can just wash away your makeup for a total reset.

Next Up: How To Get Ombré Brows With Makeup

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris