Defined brows can beautifully frame your face. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance way to achieve fuller, fluffier eyebrows for weeks at a time, an eyebrow lamination procedure may be right for you. This semi-permanent treatment uses a chemical solution to set the hairs in place so your arches maintain their shape. But how long does a brow lamination actually last?
An eyebrow lamination can transform your sparse or unruly brows for up to 8 weeks. However, results vary based on your individual hair growth cycle and how well you care for your brows post-procedure. By understanding what brow lamination does, how the chemical solution works, and what to expect during healing, you can help your new brows last as long as possible.
What Does an Eye Brow Lamination Procedure Do?
An eyebrow lamination is a non-invasive treatment that uses a chemical solution to sculpt the brow hairs up and out for a fuller, fluffier appearance. The procedure takes 45 minutes to an hour and can be performed at salons, spas, or brow bars.
First, a technician brushes the eyebrow hairs up and applies a perming solution to “break” the bonds in each strand. Then a setting chemical solution is applied to reform the bonds so they take the desired lifted shape.
The brow hairs are carefully brushed into the ideal position and allowed to set for 10-15 minutes. After neutralizing and removing the solutions, technicians may trim any uneven hairs for a clean finish.
How Does the Brow Lamination Chemical Solution Work?
The solutions used in eyebrow lamination contain active ingredients that penetrate and alter the inner structure of each brow hair temporarily. When applied, the first chemical solution breaks apart the hydrogen bonds that hold the keratin amino acids together in a helix/spring shape.
After the bonds are broken and the hair is repositioned, the second setting solution allows new hydrogen bonds to form while the hair is brushed upward and outward. This sets the texture, angle, and curl pattern of the brow hairs semi-permanently. As the hair grows out naturally over the next 6-8 weeks, the treated sections will retain the changed pattern.
What to Expect During the Healing Process
It’s normal for brows to appear slightly darker and more dramatic immediately after an eyebrow lamination. Treated hairs may also feel stiff from the chemical solution. Within 24-48 hours the brows soften considerably. It takes 5 to 7 days for the skin to fully heal.
During this time, clinicians recommend avoiding water on the brows as much as possible. Moisture can cause hair bonds to revert temporarily. Avoid sweating heavily, swimming, or washing your face too vigorously as well. Light scabbing or dry flakes around the brows are common but resolve quickly. Use a gentle cleanser if needed.
How Long Do Brow Lamination Results Last?
On average, the lifted shape and texture of laminated brows lasts 4 to 6 weeks. However, results can last up to 2 months depending on your skin and hair type. Individuals with oilier skin tend to observe shorter-lasting eyebrow laminations, while those with drier skin and finer, sparser hairs retain the effects longer.
With proper at-home care, you can extend your fresh brow lamination for another couple of weeks. Avoid rubbing or picking at the brows during healing or once hardened residue appears. Gently apply brow gel only in the direction of hair growth to boost longevity.
Some clinics offer laminating touch-up services between 4 to 8 weeks post-procedure as well.
What Factors Influence Longevity?
How long your eyebrow lamination lasts depends largely on your natural hair growth cycle and adherence to aftercare guidelines. Because not all hairs are in the same phase at once, your results will gradually soften versus disappearing all at once. The new hair growing in from dormant follicles will grow downward, rather than maintaining the lifted pattern.
Health conditions like hypothyroidism and hormonal changes can accelerate the rate of hair growth and renewal. Frequent washing, sweating, and exposure to oils from hair and skin also break down the bonds faster. Results last longest in those who avoid moisturizing products immediately after the procedure and prevent moisture on the brows in the weeks following.
Conclusion
An eyebrow lamination can give you lush-looking eyebrows for an average of 4 to 8 weeks. This popular semi-permanent procedure uses a chemical solution to reshape the hair for added fullness and lift. Immediately after, the brows may appear slightly darker and feel stiff from the chemicals. Within a few days, these effects subside leaving you with naturally defined arches.
While a skilled technician sets the pattern and shape, maintaining your new brows depends somewhat on at-home care. Avoid washing the brows excessively, sweating heavily, and rubbing or picking at any residue during the first week post-procedure. The treated hairs need time to fully harden in the new position without any moisture interference.
Once healed, continue keeping your brows dry as much as possible and brush the hairs only in an upward, outward direction. This helps reinforce the lifted pattern. Depending on your skin type, hair growth cycle, and aftercare routine – results typically last 4 to 6 weeks. Some achieve perfectly perked brows for up to 2 months.
If you love your lush lamination but don’t want to repeat the process monthly, ask your technician about a lash lift or lash extensions to complement your fresh brows. The added definition can help distract as your arches gradually soften over time. Have you tried brow lamination yet? How long did your results last?
