Brow Lamination: What It Is and How To Get the Laminated Brow Look at Home

Beauty trends come and go, but the laminated brow look seems to be here to stay. For the unfamiliar, brow lamination is an in-salon treatment that can make your arches look full, thick, and neat—without the pain or commitment of other trendy techniques like 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 (starting with the most obvious: What is brow lamination?) 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. Plus, the brow lamination process is quick—usually 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. 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?

Brow lamination is a long-lasting, but temporary treatment that typically lasts anywhere from four to six weeks. The exact amount of time that brow lamination will last depends on factors like your natural brow hair growth cycle and how well you follow your pro’s aftercare routine. Generally, you’ll want to avoid touching your brows or applying any skincare or makeup around the brow area for about 24 hours after your treatment. You’ll also want to take care to keep your brows dry for about one day—so save the sweaty workout for another time.

To keep up with the look, you’ll want to come back for a new lamination treatment about every month and a half. While brow lamination is safe with the guidance of a pro, people with very sensitive skin might experience irritation, especially if you overprocess the hair follicles more frequently than recommended. It’s always a good idea to consult with a dermatologist before jumping in with any new skin or hair treatment.

What Are The Benefits of Brow Lamination?

As an alternative to microblading, brow tattooing, and other more invasive techniques, brow lamination comes with a variety of benefits:

• It enhances your shape: 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 or thousands of dollars depending on the artist’s experience and your location, brow lamination is a budget-friendly option.
• 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 brows. In most cases, you can basically forget about your brows until your next appointment.

How To Get a Laminated Brow Look at Home

Even with all the benefits of brow lamination, you may want to achieve a fuller and more voluminous look without the commitment. That’s where L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24H Brow Lamination comes in. Inspired by the salon service, our long-lasting brow product lifts and holds brows for a fuller look that lasts all day long. The formula is also lightweight and sweat-resistant, and it dries down without a sticky residue. And while at-home lamination may seem intimidating, this product is an easy-to-use gel that swipes right on (and washes right off when you remove your makeup). Wear it alone, or pair it with your favorite brow makeup. Speaking of which…

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

Below are some of our go-to brow products to complement your laminated look.

L'Oréal Paris Unbelieva-Brow Longwear Waterproof Brow Gel

The L’Oréal Paris Unbelieva-Brow Longwear Waterproof Brow Gel is one of our best brow gels for a laminated look. The unique formula contains waterproof polymers that help seal the gel’s pigment in, giving your brows a natural-looking tint that won’t smudge or transfer if you sweat (or get caught in the rain).

To use it, first choose a shade that closely matches your natural brow color (if you’re stuck between two shades, we recommend opting for the lighter one). Then, dip the angled brush into the gel and use the pointed tip to draw thin, hair-like strokes wherever you’d like more definition. Once you’re satisfied, flip the brush around and use the attached spoolie to blend and help set your brows into place.

Editor’s tip: Try outlining your finished brows with concealer for an ultra-clean, defined look (just don’t forget to blend the concealer in with the rest of your base makeup).

L'Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Definer Waterproof Eyebrow Mechanical Pencil

If a natural (yet defined) brow look is what you’re after, reach for the L’Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Definer Waterproof Eyebrow Mechanical Pencil. The pencil’s ultra-fine tip makes it easy to draw precise, hair-like strokes for a your-brows-but-better effect. Plus, the long-lasting, waterproof formula resists smudging and fading even in humid or sweaty conditions. And, if you need a quick touch-up, the retractable tip and built-in spoolie make it a breeze to maintain the look of brow lamination while you’re on the go.

Editor's Tip: Starting with shaped eyebrows will help create a believable laminated brow look. So, pluck away any stray hairs before filling in your brows.

L'Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Micro Ink Pen, Up to 48HR Wear

This easy-to-use brow tint 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 comb-tip applicator that creates precise hair-like strokes for an ultra-clean finish. We suggest starting by filling in any sparse areas. Then, add definition as needed to create a laminated brow look that’ll wear for up to 48 hours without smudging or transferring.

Editor’s tip: Use more pressure for a bolder, more intense effect, or use light pressure for a softer, more natural look.

L'Oréal Paris Infallible Volumizing 24H Wear Brow Mascara

If you’re looking to thicken and define thin, unruly arches, reach for L'Oréal Paris Infallible Volumizing 24H Wear Brow Mascara. The long-lasting formula contains fibers that cling onto your brow hair, 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.

Editor’s tip: If you accidentally get a little bit of product on your skin, there’s no need to start over. Grab a cotton swab and makeup remover to clean up any mistakes.

Next Up: How To Groom Bushy Brows: A 7-Step Routine