Brow Lamination vs. Microblading—Which One Is Right For You?

While full brows are always a win, incorporating brow makeup into your daily routine can be time-consuming and exhausting. If you're aiming for brows that appear thicker and darker, both brow lamination and microblading offer a high-maintenance solution to a low-maintenance lifestyle.

We spoke to the experts to get all the details on brow lamination and microblading, including which brow treatment is the best fit for you.

What Is Brow Lamination?

Brow lamination is essentially an eyebrow perm that softens coarse or curly eyebrow hairs. “You end up with a fuller, slightly straighter look. It's perfect for individuals with unruly brows who want a more controlled appearance,” says Alleni Peterson, brow artist and owner of Dollhouse Lash and Brow.

Advantages of Brow Lamination

One of the key perks of brow lamination is that it's a painless, non-invasive procedure. The final brow shape depends on the client’s preferences and consultation. This method offers a versatile, one-size-fits-all approach—Peterson mentions some clients seek bold, voluminous brows, while others opt for a subtle, natural finish. Brow lamination can sculpt and enhance brows to make them appear fuller.

Things to Consider Before Brow Lamination

A consultation is an essential part of the brow lamination process. Peterson advises choosing a salon that provides a consultation before your appointment. This allows you to have an in-depth conversation with the artists about your desired look and whether it's achievable. It's also helpful to bring along inspiration photos.

During brow lamination, the product is applied to the brow hairs, but some residue may accidentally get on the skin. Therefore, it's important to conduct a patch test before the procedure to check how your skin will react. Peterson's clients typically come in 24 to 48 hours before their lamination appointment for the test. “We ask all clients to undergo a patch test because it’s a chemical treatment and we want to ensure there’s no allergic reaction,” Peterson states.

Peterson suggests waiting six to seven weeks after your first brow lamination for the next session. The effects last for about four to six weeks, but she recommends giving your brows a break in between. For aftercare, she recommends using argan or castor oil to keep the hair moisturized and prevent it from drying out.

What Is Microblading?

“Microblading is a semi-permanent tattooing technique. It involves a manual pen with multiple needles that form a blade. As artists, we dip the blade into ink and use it to create the illusion of fuller, more defined brows,” explains Carol White, owner of MainBrows. The microblading blade punctures the skin, allowing the ink to be absorbed.

Advantages of Microblading

Similar to lamination, microblading saves time and money by achieving your ideal brow look. While lamination is more focused on shaping, microblading enhances volume, giving the illusion of fuller brows. This technique also lasts significantly longer than lamination, making it ideal for those who want to avoid regular touch-up visits. White states that microblading can last between two and four years (four years for those with normal to dry skin, and two years for oily skin).

What to Consider Before Getting Microblading

White explains that microblading delivers the best results for normal to dry skin, as the ink tends to spread over time on oily skin. Ultimately, the procedure improves your natural brows by shaping them to create a fuller, thicker appearance.

Anyone who is pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medication that may impact skin healing should avoid microblading. White suggests speaking with your doctor first to determine if microblading is a suitable option for you.

Microblading vs. Brow Lamination

The choice between microblading and brow lamination depends on various factors such as budget, time, and the look you're after. If you're seeking a long-lasting, more permanent solution, microblading lasts anywhere from two to four years, while brow lamination typically lasts only four to six weeks. However, microblading comes with a higher cost compared to a single session of brow lamination. If you're after a temporary change, brow lamination may be more suitable, but for a one-time, lasting result, microblading is the better option.

It's also important to consider the outcome you desire. Brow lamination offers a sleek, brushed-up look, making it ideal for those with naturally fuller brows who want a more refined shape. For individuals with thinner, sparse brows who are looking for the illusion of more hair, microblading is likely the better choice.