After years of over-plucking and aggressive sculpting, full eyebrows are finally in style! Men and women across the country are embracing thick, dramatic eyebrows that frame their eyes and complement their hairstyles.
While eyebrow pencils and brow mascaras are useful for creating the look you want, some women want a longer-lasting option. They also want to increase the fullness of their eyebrows, even if they’re currently very thin.
There are two popular options to consider when looking into eyebrow cosmetic treatments: eyebrow lamination and microblading. Learn about these options to determine which one is right for you.
EYEBROW LAMINATION IS A NEEDLE-FREE TREATMENT OPTION
One of the first things to consider when choosing an eyebrow treatment is your comfort level with the procedure. While many people experience some discomfort when visiting the spa (like sitting through a waxing appointment) most customers enjoy feeling pampered and relaxed when they are resting in the chair.
If you like your spa time to be part of a relaxing day out, then you might prefer the eyebrow lamination option over microblading.
MICROBLADING USES MICRONEEDLES
Microblading is a semi-permanent eyebrow treatment that uses multiple microneedles (up to 14) in the shape of a blade. The needles make tiny incisions in the hair follicle while ink gets deposited into the dermal layer. This gives the eyebrows a thicker, fuller look.
Microblading is done under local anesthesia with a cream applied 30 minutes before the procedure. This prevents the customer from experiencing any discomfort.
LAMINATION IS A PERM FOR YOUR EYEBROWS
Instead of using needles to change the look of your eyebrows, lamination uses a series of chemical treatments to take control of your current hair follicles.
Many people battle with their eyebrows in the mirror each morning. Hairs sprout in all directions and even clump together. Lamination straightens and pulls the eyebrows in the same direction in a semi-permanent formation. The result is similar to that of microblading.
And don’t worry if the word “perm” brings back flashbacks of ‘80s music videos. There’s no curling involved with eyebrow lamination.
MICROBLADING LASTS LONGER
One of the main concerns for customers who are considering a semi-permanent eyebrow treatment is the duration. Few people have the time to visit the spa every week, but that doesn’t mean they want a permanent eyebrow style (especially if this is their first time trying eyebrow sculpting).
MICROBLADING LASTS UP TO 18 MONTHS
Microblading is considered a long-term eyebrow treatment. It can last up to 18 months depending on how long you care for your eyebrows. If you keep your face out of the sun and follow your aftercare guidelines, you can continue to enjoy thick eyebrows without returning to the chair.
LAMINATION LASTS SIX WEEKS
Lamination offers a shorter-term solution than microblading. However, some patients prefer to go with the short-term option when seeking an eyebrow treatment.
If you like to change your hairstyle and want your eyebrows to match your hair, then you may want to seek out lamination instead. Also, if you are new to the world of eyebrow treatments, lamination might be the better option because you don’t have to commit to a long-term look.
LAMINATION REQUIRES LESS AFTERCARE
While both microblading and lamination are semi-permanent eyebrow treatments, both require aftercare. This is the basic upkeep to protect your eyebrows immediately after the treatment and in the weeks following.
LAMINATION NEEDS 24 HOURS TO SET
Like most perms, eyebrow lamination needs time to set in your eyebrows. This means the first 24 hours after your appointment will require the most upkeep. You will need to avoid steam, hard workouts, and sleeping directly on your eyebrows.
However, a few days after your appointment, your brows are set and you will only need to touch them with a mascara wand daily to brush them into place.
MICROBLADING REQUIRES A WEEK OF UPKEEP
The first day is also critical to preserve your microblading look. You will need to keep your eyebrows dry and should absorb any excess fluid that oozes from your brows. It’s recommended that you use a blotter to absorb this.
In the week following (up to the next 10 days), you will need to follow a diligent cleaning and moisturizing treatment plan. You will also need to avoid products that contain acids or exfoliants.
START WITH A BASIC UPKEEP OPTION
If you aren’t familiar with post-treatment aftercare, then you may want to opt for lamination for your first eyebrow sculpting experience. This can help you learn how to care for your eyebrows in the days following your appointment.
YOUR ESTHETICIAN CAN PROVIDE EYEBROW ADVICE
While personal preference certainly plays a role in the types of eyebrow treatments you choose, your beauty specialist may recommend one option over another based on your current eyebrows.
MICROBLADING FILLS IN THINNER EYEBROWS
If your eyebrows have grown thin from years of overplucking, then you might not be able to use chemical treatments to make them fuller. With microblading, the needles can create hairlike strokes where there isn’t any hair to treat. This allows you to have a feathery, hairlike look even if you don’t have any follicles.
LAMINATION HAS VEGAN OPTIONS
It’s not uncommon for customers to wonder about the chemicals used in brow lamination. Ask your esthetician if the chemicals are vegan or if they can use specialty vegan products. Many companies create at-home lamination kits that are vegan, specifically to help these audiences.
While at-home lamination is possible, you will want to visit a spa for your first few treatments – if not all of them. A professional will know how to sculpt the eyebrows and make them look amazing!
PUT YOUR BEST BROWS FORWARD
Regardless of whether you choose lamination or microblading, you want to arrive prepared at the spa. Let your eyebrows grow out for at least a week before your appointment. Avoid trimming and plucking as best as you can. This will give your technician a clear picture of your eyebrow situation so they can fluff them to the max.
DECIDE WHAT IS BEST FOR YOUR BROWS
If you want thicker-looking brows, there are multiple resources at your disposal. Lamination offers a more flexible option because it doesn’t last as long. It’s also ideal for customers with a fear of needles. Microblading is a longer-lasting solution, which also means it is more difficult to change your look.
Use these pros and cons to guide your eyebrow sculpting decisions. If you are interested in eyebrow lamination, contact the professionals at Beauty Ritual Skincare in Fort Myers to schedule an appointment!