Brow Lamination Vs. Microblading: Which Is Best?

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With the eyes being the windows to the soul, it’s no wonder that many of us want perfect eyebrows.

After all, they can help frame our faces and give us a boost of confidence.

Of course, there are tons of options out there that can help us achieve our desired brow look. From gels and pencils to powders and pomades, the possibilities are endless.

But what if we want something a little more permanent?

If that’s the case, we’re usually left with two popular options: brow lamination or microblading.

So, which is the best option for you? We’ll take a closer look at the two procedures below so you can make the best decision for your needs.

Microblading Vs. Brow Lamination Comparison Table

What Is Brow Lamination?

Brow lamination is a process that helps to tame unruly brows and gives them a more polished, uniform appearance.

The treatment involves using a special solution to straighten the brow hairs, much like a keratin treatment for the hair on your head.

The solution bonds with the hairs and restructures them so they lie flat against the skin. The results are temporary but can last up to eight weeks.

Brow lamination is becoming increasingly popular as more people seek ways to achieve perfect brows.

For those with naturally bushy or unruly brows, lamination can help to create a neater, more polished look.

The non-invasive treatment is also popular with people with sparse brows, as it can help make them look fuller and more defined.

What Happens During a Brow Lamination Treatment?

A brow lamination treatment usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour.

Here is a rundown of what you can expect during the treatment:

1. The procedure begins with a consultation, during which your aesthetician or brow artist will assess your brows and discuss your desired results.
2. Next, your brows will be cleansed with a special solution to remove any oils or dirt.
3. A cream will be applied to your brows to “lift” the hairs and make them more pliable.
4. A cling film is placed over your brows to keep the cream in place.
5. After about five minutes (or 10 minutes for thicker brow hairs), the neutralizing solution is applied, which helps set the brows in their new shape.
6. Finally, a nourishing serum is applied to help hydrate and protect your brows.

Some providers also have additional treatments, such as brow tinting or waxing, that they may recommend during your consultation.

Benefits of Getting a Brow Lamination

More people are choosing brow lamination over other treatments, such as microblading, due to its many benefits.

Some of the top benefits of getting a brow lamination to include:

A Relatively Quick and Painless Treatment

Unlike other brow treatments, no recovery time is needed after a brow lamination. It is also a pain-free treatment, a big plus for many people.

If you are scared of needles or have low pain tolerance, brow lamination may be your best option.

Lasts Up to Eight Weeks

While the results of brow lamination are not permanent, they can last up to eight weeks.

This is much longer than other treatments, such as pencils, gels, and pomades, which usually only last a day or two.

Natural-Looking Results

Since your brows are just being rearranged and not actually changed, the results of a brow lamination look very natural.

People usually can’t tell you’ve had the treatment done unless you tell them.

Affordable

A brow lamination treatment is also much more affordable than other options, such as microblading.

The average cost of a brow lamination treatment is $50 to $200, while the average price of microblading is $500 to $800.

So, if you’re on a budget or want to try out a brow treatment, lamination is a great option.

Side Effects of Brow Lamination

While brow lamination is a relatively safe and low-risk treatment, there are some potential side effects that you should be aware of.

Some of the most common side effects include:

• Redness and irritation
• Small bumps
• Itchiness
• Peeling

People with sensitive skin or who are allergic to certain chemicals may be more likely to experience these side effects.

Additionally, individuals with the following conditions should not get a brow lamination:

• Psoriasis
• Eczema
• Dermatitis
• Active acne or pimples

You can consult with a healthcare provider, such as a dermatologist, to see if you have any of these conditions.

If you don’t have any of the conditions listed above and want to try brow lamination, be sure to consult with a qualified aesthetician or brow artist.

Brow Lamination Aftercare

Since chemicals are used during a brow lamination treatment, it is vital to take care of your brows afterward.

This is to avoid any irritation, infection, or other complications.

Here are some tips for taking care of your brows after a lamination treatment:

• Avoid wetting and rubbing your brows for at least 24 hours after the treatment.
• Don’t use makeup, lotions, or oils on your brows for at least 24 hours.
• Don’t use retinoids or other exfoliating products on your brows for at least one week.
• You can apply a conditioning serum to your brows to help keep them hydrated.

Be sure to follow any other instructions your local salon or brow artist gives you. If you experience any redness, irritation, or other side effects, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

What Is Microblading?

Microblading is a semi-permanent makeup used to fill in sparse or thinning brows.

The procedure involves using a small handheld tool to make tiny cuts in the skin and then depositing pigment into the cuts.

Hair-like strokes are then drawn to mimic the natural direction of your brow hair.

The epidermis layer of the skin heals over the cuts within a few days, and the pigment remains in the skin for up to two years.

While it is scary to think about cutting your skin, microblading is a popular and relatively safe procedure that can give you beautiful, natural-looking brows.

What Happens During a Microblading Treatment?

Unlike brow lamination, a relatively quick and painless procedure, microblading is a bit more involved.

The treatment usually takes about two hours from start to finish.

1. A consultation is usually done beforehand to discuss your treatment goals and ensure that you are a good candidate.
2. As soon as you sit in the chair, your aesthetician will assess your brows and determine your best shape.
3. Once you’ve agreed on a shape, the artist will draw the brows with a pencil to give you an idea of what the final result will look like.
4. The next step is numbing your brows so the microblading doesn’t hurt. A topical numbing cream is usually applied 30 minutes before the procedure begins.
5. Once your brows are numb, the artist will start making small cuts using a blade-shaped tool to implant the pigment into your skin. You will be able to feel the strokes being made, but they shouldn’t hurt.
6. The artist will then go over the brows with another pass to ensure that the strokes are symmetrical and even.
7. Once you and the artist are happy with the results, they will apply a layer of ointment to your brows and send you on your way!

It is important to note that microblading is not a one-time treatment. A mandatory touch-up is required at least 30 to 60 days from the initial procedure. Additionally, you will likely need to have touch-ups every six to 12 months to keep your brows looking their best.

This is also called the “perfecting session” because it allows the artist to fix any areas that may have healed unevenly or not taken to the pigment as well as hoped.

Touch-ups are usually much cheaper than the initial treatment since less time is needed.

Benefits of Getting a Microblading Procedure

While it is a more invasive procedure, here are several benefits of getting a microblading treatment:

Long-Lasting Results

Since it is a semi-permanent treatment, microblading can last up to three years.

For individuals who are looking for a more permanent solution, then this might be the best option for you.

You can see our microblading before and after here.

Saves You Money in the Long Run

If you are constantly filling in your brows or getting them waxed/threaded, then microblading can help you save time and money in the long run.

You won’t have to worry about doing your brows every morning or making sure you have an appointment booked for a touch-up.

Gives You Natural-Looking Brows

Similar to brow lamination, microblading gives you natural-looking brows.

The strokes are made to mimic your natural brow hair, so it will look like you were born with perfect brows!

It also fills in gaps and sparse areas to give you a fuller brow.

Side Effects of Microblading

While microblading is a popular and safe procedure, there are some potential side effects that you should be aware of:

Infection

Since the artist is making cuts in your skin, there is always a risk of infection.

Make sure you do your research and only go to a reputable and certified artist.

The needles should also be sterilized and disposed of after each use.

Allergic Reactions

There is also a risk of allergic reaction to the pigment or numbing cream used.

A patch test is usually done beforehand to test for any allergies.

If you experience any redness, swelling, or itching during the treatment, let the artist know immediately.

Scarring

Microblading can also cause scarring, especially if you have sensitive skin.

The risks of scarring can be minimized by ensuring that you go to a certified artist and follow the aftercare instructions.

Uneven Results

Since microblading is a semi-permanent treatment, it is not uncommon to experience some uneven results.

And note that it is not easy to fix if you are unhappy with the results.

This is why it is essential to do your research and make sure that you are 100% happy with the artist before booking an appointment.

Pigment Migration

Pigment migration occurs when pigment spreads beneath the skin’s surface, creating a blurring effect. People with excessively oily skin are more prone to this. Because of this migration, previously crisp lines and strokes may lose their definition.

This is occasionally caused by very deep pigment implanting or the use of a low-quality pigment.

Microblading Aftercare

After getting your microblading treatment, it is essential to follow the aftercare instructions to ensure that you heal properly and avoid any infection.

Some of the things that you should do include:

• Gently blot your brows with a clean cotton pad soaked in distilled water.
• Avoid touching or picking at your brows.
• Apply a thin layer of ointment to your brows.
• Keep your brows dry and free from makeup for the first week.
• Limit sun exposure and avoid saunas, steam rooms, and swimming during the healing process.
• Do not use retinol or glycolic acid products for at least one week after the treatment.

You need to take extra care of your brows after a microblading treatment to ensure that you heal correctly and avoid infection.

Microblading vs. Brow Lamination: What Is the Most Effective Eyebrow Treatment?

While people are choosing brow lamination over microblading for several reasons, it is essential to know that both options have pros and cons.

Which one is the most effective way to deal with your brows depends on your situation.

If you’re looking to raise your arch or add some fullness, brow lamination is probably the best option.

It is also a bit more budget-friendly than microblading.

However, if your goal is to have natural-looking brows that require little maintenance, then microblading is the way to go.

Since microblading is a semi-permanent treatment, the results will last up to three years with proper care.

No matter which route you choose, make sure you do your research and find a reputable artist who can give you the results you’re looking for.