Microblading and brow lamination are only two of the most popular types of cosmetic eyebrow services. Both of them have their benefits, but there are definitely some key differences between the two.
Microblading utilizes needles and pigments to create a fuller, more defined brow. Brow lamination works with the eyebrow hairs you already have. To laminate brows, a solution is used to shape them and keep them brushed upwards and in place for a shorter period of time.
What Is Microblading?
Microblading is a semi-permanent eyebrow tattooing technique that leaves the brows looking perfectly defined and filled in.
The eyebrow artist uses a handheld tool to draw fine, hair-like lines into the brow that resemble brow hairs.
The pigment is placed in these divots in the skin to create a more even and full appearance.
Microblading is perfect for people with patchy, uneven, or sparse eyebrows that need a little more definition.
The eyebrow artist will customize your microbladed brows according to color, shape, and size.
They determine these factors by both your personal inspiration photos and by analyzing your face shape.
The permanent makeup pigments used in microblading are called iron oxide-based pigments.
These pigments are completely safe to use on the skin and are made to gradually absorb into the skin and fade away over time.
For people with an allergy to iron, many artists also carry non-iron oxide-based pigments.
Microblading usually lasts for 1 to 3 years if you go to the recommended touch-up appointments, so it is much more suited for people who want a more permanent brow.
The longevity varies from person to person and is based on a variety of different factors such as skin type, brow type, and lifestyle.
What Is Brow Lamination?
Brow lamination is now an alternative to microblading. It involves taking the eyebrow hair and smoothing it upward in a vertical direction.
It is sometimes referred to as a perm for your eyebrows.
A lot of people choose to go the brow lamination route because it doesn’t utilize any needles or pigments and they’re easy to care for. It simply works with the brows you already have.
To create laminated brows, the eyebrow artist uses a solution to coat the brows 2 to 3 times.
This gives them a more defined and even shape, and it keeps all of your unruly eyebrow hairs in order, giving a smooth and polished finish.
Laminated brows need to be touched up every 6 to 8 weeks. For this reason, they’re great for people who just want to test the waters in getting their eyebrows done.
Benefits of Brow Lamination
Brow lamination is definitely one of the top trending services in the eyebrow space right now.
There are so many benefits to brow lamination over other, more invasive brow services.
Here are some of the reasons you might want to choose brow lamination:
Natural Look
One of the top reasons people choose to get their brows laminated instead of microbladed is because it creates a very natural look.
Since it doesn’t use pigments or needles or any other materials, it’s only working with the natural brow hairs.
So instead of adding color to your brows, it’s just enhancing the brows you already have, resulting in a fuller, fluffier eyebrow effect.
This is perfect for people who don’t do much to their eyebrows, but they want more definition to them.
Going through a whole microblading process can often be a shock for a lot of people who don’t regularly do their brows.
So even if you aren’t sure which one to go with, brow lamination is a great start.
Less Commitment
Laminated brows last 6 to 8 weeks, so there is not a huge commitment if you don’t like the look of them.
If you don’t like them from the beginning, there are even a few things you can do to speed up the process of removing laminated brows at home.
On the other hand, microblading lasts 1 to 3 years.
So if you don’t like your microbladed brows, there will be a much longer wait until they fade away.
This is another plus for people who aren’t sure if they’ll like the finished look of getting their eyebrows done.
It’s easier to choose brow lamination and not continue with it if it’s not your thing rather than paying hundreds of dollars for microblading.
Less Invasive
A lot of people tend to go with brow lamination over microblading because it’s so much less invasive.
It doesn’t involve any needles going into the skin, so there isn’t an extensive healing process that comes after it.
It also doesn’t cause any pain or irritation, which is great for people with sensitive skin or for people who are sensitive to pain.
The only thing you have to be careful of is washing your face for the first 24 hours as this can ruin the lamination.
Does Brow Lamination Work With Microblading?
Yes, brow lamination does work with microblading.
If you’re getting your brows laminated before microbladed, make sure to get them done a few days before.
If you’re going to get them laminated after you get them microbladed, you have to wait 4 to 6 weeks, as the microblading needs to be fully healed.
So as long as the microbladed brows are fully healed, it is perfectly okay to laminate on top of them.
However, this often isn’t needed in most cases unless you want the hairs smoothed down while also filling some sparse areas in between.
Microblading Vs. Brow Lamination – Which Is Best For You?
When choosing between microblading and brow lamination, you’re going to want to look at all of the pros and cons of each of these services.
They both do a fantastic job of filling in the brows and making them look more defined.
But they are two very different techniques that provide very different results.
Let’s talk about whether microblading or brow lamination is best for you:
Reasons To Choose Microblading
The great thing about microblading is that it lasts much longer than brow lamination.
On average, it usually lasts around 1 to 3 years with the recommended touch-up appointments.
Microblading can also do a lot more than brow lamination can.
If you have super sparse eyebrow hairs that you want to be darker and more defined, microblading might be your best bet.
When there is barely any hair left to work with, microblading is often a much better option than brow lamination.
Microblading makes getting ready in the morning so much easier. You won’t have to fill them in, as they will already be shaped and filled in.
They also won’t smudge or smear away.
Reasons To Choose Brow Lamination
Brow lamination also results in a very natural effect, but they tend to look fluffier and more uniform.
This is due to all of the hairs being brushed up and shaped in place.
For people who don’t want to make a huge commitment to their brows, brow lamination can be a great option to test the waters.
One of the main reasons people choose brow lamination is because it is less invasive than microblading.
It doesn’t involve any needles or pigment, so there isn’t any pain involved or trauma caused to the skin.
Also, if you have unruly eyebrow hairs, brow lamination can easily fix this.
It’s known for being a “perm” for the eyebrows, as it straightens them with a solution while keeping them in place for 6 to 8 weeks.
The finished look is sleek, polished, and fluffy in appearance.