Your eyebrows frame your face and can make or break your look. For those desiring a fuller, more defined brows without daily maintenance, brow lamination has become an increasingly popular option. However, the outcome of this treatment heavily relies on how well you care for your brows after the procedure. Knowing the basics of brow lamination is the first step, but what comes next can make all the difference in maintaining those perfect brows.
Proper aftercare ensures that your laminated brows stay in place and retain their polished look for as long as possible. From keeping them dry to avoiding certain skincare products, each step in the aftercare routine plays a role in preserving the results. Without the right care, the effects can diminish quickly, leading to disappointment and the need for more frequent touch-ups.
What is Brow Lamination?
Think of brow lamination as a perm for your brows. This treatment uses a chemical solution to break down the structure of your brow hairs, making them flexible and easy to manipulate into the desired shape. Once they’re set in place, another solution is applied to “lock” them in. The result is a polished, groomed look that lasts for weeks.
The process works by softening the keratin in your brow hairs. The protein keratin gives your hair, skin, and nails structure. When the keratin bonds are temporarily broken down during lamination, the hairs can be reshaped and then re-hardened in their new position. This creates that smooth, lifted look that’s so in demand right now.
Immediate Aftercare (First 24-48 Hours)
Do Keep Your Brows Dry: For the first 24 to 48 hours, avoid getting your brows wet. This means no washing your face, no heavy workouts that cause sweating, and certainly no swimming. Water can interfere with the setting process, making your brows lose their new shape prematurely. The chemical bonds in your brow hairs need time to fully harden, so it’s best to steer clear of moisture during this crucial period.
Don’t Touch or Rub the Brows: As tempting as it might be, avoid touching or rubbing your brows. The skin around your eyebrows is more sensitive after the lamination process, and touching it can lead to irritation or even infections. Plus, rubbing your brows can cause the hairs to move out of place before they’ve had a chance to set, leading to a less-than-perfect finish.
Do Avoid Makeup and Skincare Products: Hold off on applying any makeup or skincare products near your brows for at least 24 to 48 hours. Makeup, especially products that contain oils can break down the chemical bonds in your brow hairs, causing them to lose their shape. Skincare products, particularly those with active ingredients like retinoids or acids, can irritate the sensitive skin around your newly laminated brows.
Ongoing Aftercare (Days 3 and Beyond)
Do Brush Your Brows Daily: Just like the hair on your head, your brows need a little daily TLC to stay in top shape. Use a clean spoolie brush to gently comb through your brows each morning. This helps to keep the hair aligned and looking polished. Brushing also distributes natural oils from the base of the hairs to the tips, which helps keep your brows looking healthy and shiny.
Do Use Conditioning Serums: Incorporate a conditioning serum into your daily routine. Look for serums that contain keratin, biotin, or vitamin E—these ingredients help to nourish and strengthen your brow hairs. Regular use of a conditioning serum keeps the brows soft, smooth, and less prone to breakage, helping to extend the life of your lamination.
Don’t Expose Brows to Excessive Heat or Sun: Whether it’s from a hot shower, a sauna, or
direct sunlight, excessive heat can cause the bonds in your brow hairs to break down, leading to a shorter lifespan for your lamination. When washing your face, use lukewarm water and avoid getting your brows wet directly. If you’re going to be out in the sun, consider wearing a hat to protect your brows from UV damage, which can weaken the chemical bonds holding your brow hairs in place.
Long-Term Maintenance
Do Schedule Regular Maintenance Appointments: Brow lamination isn’t permanent—it typically lasts 4 to 8 weeks, depending on your hair’s natural growth cycle and how well you follow the aftercare instructions. To keep your brows looking their best, schedule regular touch-up appointments with your brow specialist. These sessions allow your specialist to trim and reshape your brows as needed, ensuring they stay looking groomed and defined.
Do Use Aftercare Oils: Beyond conditioning serums, using nourishing oils like castor oil or keratin oil can help keep your brows hydrated and healthy between lamination sessions. These oils not only moisturize the hair but also strengthen it, reducing the risk of breakage. Regular oil treatments can also enhance the shine and smoothness of your brows, giving them a more polished appearance.
Don’t Exfoliate or Use Harsh Products on Brows: Be mindful of the products you’re using on your face, especially around the brow area. Avoid exfoliants and skincare products that contain strong acids or retinoids, as these can strip the moisture from your brows and irritate the sensitive skin around them. Stick to gentle, hydrating products that support the health of your skin and hair.
How Long Does Brow Lamination Last?
Brow lamination typically lasts between 4 to 8 weeks, though the exact duration can vary depending on individual factors such as hair growth cycles, skin type, and aftercare practices. The longevity of the treatment is closely tied to how well the aftercare instructions are followed. For instance, keeping the brows dry during the first 24-48 hours post-treatment and avoiding harsh products can help extend the lifespan of the lamination.
The treatment works by altering the structure of the brow hairs using a chemical solution that softens the keratin bonds within the hair. Once the hairs are reshaped and set, they will maintain their new position as they grow out. However, as new brow hairs emerge, the effects of the lamination will gradually diminish, which is why the treatment needs to be repeated periodically to maintain the desired look.
Takeaway
Maintaining the results of your eyebrow lamination requires more than just following a few aftercare steps. The success of your brow lamination before and after relies on how well you protect and nurture your brows in the days and weeks following the treatment. From keeping your brows dry initially to incorporating daily brushing and nourishing serums into your routine, every aspect of brow lamination aftercare contributes to the longevity and appearance of your laminated brows.
If you’re ready to experience the full benefits of brow lamination and want results that last, Elle Aesthetics in Utah is here to help. Our team ensures your brows look their best from the moment you walk out of our clinic to the weeks after your treatment. Book your appointment today, and let us guide you through every step of your brow lamination journey, ensuring you leave with beautifully defined brows that turn heads.
