Brow shape trends are always evolving. In the past few years, fuller eyebrows ala Cara Delevingne or Lily Collins have taken center stage. For those who have sparse eyebrows, microblading became the next best option. However, not all are keen on this semi-permanent tattooing procedure.If you want full eyebrows without the needles, the road to thicker and fluffier brows just got a little easier. Enter brow lamination.

What is brow lamination?

According to Allure, brow lamination started in Russia and has quickly made its way to the US. It's considered the top alternative to microblading and lasts longer than soap brows which require daily maintenance. Soap brows, as its name suggests, is using clear soap to brush up the eyebrows to make them look thicker and help them stay in place.

Brow lamination is another non-invasive way of achieving full or fluffy eyebrows. However, it lasts longer and requires less touch-ups. Basically, it's like a perm for your eyebrows. Brow lamination experts use a setting lotion and a neutralizer to mold and reshape your eyebrow hairs. Once you're satisfied with the shape, the brow technician will add a nourishing oil to rehydrate the area after the chemical treatment.

ALSO READ: How To Safely Dye Sparse Eyebrows At Home

DIY Brow Lamination

As access to salons have been limited by Covid-19 protocols, many brow enthusiasts have resorted to DIY brow lamination kits. Glamour suggests Angel Brow Lamination Kit, Miya Lash 2 in 1 Lash Lift & Brow Lamination Kit, Sunsent Brow Lamination Kit or Ayasal Ultimate Eyebrow Lamination Kit. Whatever you choose, a patch test is highly recommended to avoid any allergic reactions. Once you're all set, follow these steps:

Step One

Celebrity esthetician and brow specialist René de la Garza tells Glamour that it's crucial to create a barrier for your skin before applying the chemical solutions. This is one step that isn't necessarily included in a DIY kit, but it will lower the risk of irritation. de la Garza advises using a protecting balm like Vaseline or Aquaphor. After making sure your face is well-cleansed and dry, apply the balm carefully around your eyebrows. Apply it a third of an inch above your eyebrows and just below it. Make sure to leave space above your brows since you'll be combing the hairs upward.

Step Two

Apply the lifting solution or anything labeled as step 1. The first solution is meant to make your eyebrow hairs more pliable. Apply the solution with a clean spoolie or disposable mascara wand and use upward motions. Make sure your brows are flat against your skin and are saturated with the product. At the salon, estheticians will cover your brows with some cling wrap to help speed up the process. You can do this at home, as well. Set your timer according to the kit's instructions.

Step Three

Remove the cling wrap and apply the perming solution. This solution allows you to mold your eyebrows into your ideal shape so make sure to brush them towards the right direction. Once you brush your brows in place, apply more solution with a brow brush to fully saturate your brows. Apply clean cling wrap over your brows again and set your timer for this step. De la Garza suggests leaving the solution one minute less than the suggested time to avoid overprocessing.

Step Four

If your kit comes with a neutralizer, apply that after the perming solution to stop the processing. Again, make sure your brows are saturated. Leave the neutralizer for as long as your left the perming solution, adds de la Garza. Wipe the neutralizer off with a dry cotton pad or with some water if that's what your kit suggests.

Step Five

For the final step, apply the serum to hydrate and soothe the eyebrow area. You can also use castor oil for this step if your kit doesn't include a serum. Make sure to keep your brows dry for at least 24 hours to allow them to set properly. de la Garza suggests continued use of the serum to maintain your brows. You can repeat the lamination process after two months.

RELATED ARTICLE: Microblading or Microshading? Spot the Difference