Brow Lamination Bellevue & Kirkland

The eyebrows are one of the focal points of the upper face. People tend to notice if they are not there, are darker than expected, or are small. Therefore, altering the brows can make a dramatic difference in the look of the overall face. Brow enhancement usually comes in the form of temporary or semi-permanent. For example, brow makeup typically only lasts a day while microblading can last years. For those wanting something in between, brow lamination is the ideal option. Northwest Face & Body provides the best brow lamination Bellevue and Kirkland offers.

Overview: What Is Brow Lamination?

Brow lamination is the eyebrow equivalent of a lash lift. It perms the eyebrow hairs into the optimal positions to look fuller and enhance the shape. Using gentle lotions, brow lamination creates slick, neat looking brows. The treatment is great for those with bushy, unruly brows who want to obtain more shape and definition. 

Laminating the eyebrows works for all hair types and colors. Unlike microblading or some forms of makeup, the main objective of brow lamination is to tidy up the positioning and direction of the brows. This helps to enhance overall appearance. Patients can also undergo a brow tint or wax at the same time for the ultimate results.

Benefits & Risks

Brow lamination–like all similar treatments and procedures–comes with benefits and risks that all patients need to consider. Your master esthetician will review these with you during your consultation. However, having a good understanding of the basic benefits and risks of brow lamination can help you determine if it is the right treatment for you.

The benefits of brow lamination will vary from patient to patient. Some of the benefits and advantages of brow lamination include:

• Thicker, fuller looking brows
• Disguise patchiness and a thinning brow
• Create a neater, more defined brow shape
• Enhances overall facial appearance
• Saves time and money
• Quick treatment
• Painless
• Cost effective
• Few risks
• Can be combined with other brow services such as a tint or wax
• Performed by a qualified and experienced master esthetician

Brow lamination does come with a few risks. Though complications and side effects are rare, it is still important to know your history and background to gauge your individual risk. The risks of brow lamination can include:

• Dryness
• Damage to the brow hair or skin
• Irritation
• Allergic reaction
• Damage to the eyes

All of these are rare and generally, any adverse effect or reaction is mild and short-lived. Overall, brow lamination is a safe and effective way to enhance eyebrows.

Contraindications

Certain people may not be good candidates for brow lamination or are at a higher risk of complications. This is why your master esthetician will ask about your medical history and the medications you take. Some of the contraindications–or factors that may limit your candidacy for the procedure–can include:

• Alopecia (namely of the eyebrows)
• Psoriasis
• Eczema
• Sunburn or injury on the brow area
• Pregnant or nursing
• Recent eye or brow surgery
• Active infection of the eye or nearby skin
• Take blood thinners (not a barrier to treatment in all cases)
• Use of Retinol or harsh acne medications (Retinol should be stopped four to six weeks before treatment and acne medications should be ceased for a year)
• Certain brow anatomy not conducive to the treatment
• Recent cosmetic injections, chemical peels, or similar treatments in the area (wait two to six weeks for adequate healing)

Brow Lamination vs. Microblading

Between the two non-daily brow enhancements available, brow lamination and microblading, it can be hard to determine which one is right for you. Beyond a consultation with a master esthetician, research can help narrow down. The table below provides the major differences between the two brow enhancement techniques.

Brow Lamination

• Does not involve breaking the skin
• Takes less than an hour to perform
• Color matching is not necessary
• Subtler
• Works on all brow types
• Viable with all skin
• Cannot work with no eyebrows
• Lasts around four to eight weeks
• Not painful
• Needs regular sessions to maintain

Microblading

• Inserts ink into the skin
• Takes upwards of two hours
• Color matching involved
• More dramatic
• Not ideal for oily skin
• Works well for no brows
• Can last years
• Some pain
• Once yearly touch up maintains most people’s results

The two treatments do also have several commonalities. Bellevue brow lamination and microblading both can make the brows look fuller and more defined. They can also correct patchiness and create an enhanced facial appearance. Many of the same contraindications apply as well.

Before & After Brow Lamination

Consultation

Your initial consultation for brow lamination will start with a discussion with your master esthetician. They may ask about aspects of your medical history, lifestyle, and goals for the final results of your eyebrows. Following this, they may examine your eyebrows. This will help them determine your hair and skin type as well as what might be the best treatment to get you the results you want.

If brow lamination fits the criteria, they will provide an in-depth description of the procedure and what you can expect. You will also receive a finalized price quote and can schedule the procedure. In some cases, it may be possible to proceed with the brow lamination on the same day.

The Lamination Process

Your master esthetician will start your Bellevue brow lamination appointment by cleaning and disinfecting the brows and surrounding skin. This ensures there is no leftover makeup or debris on the brows. Then, they will apply the lifting lotion which allows your master esthetician to brush and manipulate the hairs easier. This sets for roughly five minutes depending on how thick your brow hair is. Your esthetician will place plastic wrap over the brows. This helps keep in heat and allows the lotion to fully saturate the brows.

Next, your master esthetician will remove the wrap and brush the natural brow hairs upward and/or in a certain direction. This needs to be done quickly and so it generally does not take long. After brushing it into the desired position, they will apply the setting lotion. Again, your master esthetician will apply the cling film over the brows and allow it to sit for about five minutes.

From here, if you desire a brow tint this can then be performed. Otherwise, the brow lamination process is complete. It is painless and often takes less than an hour. Your master esthetician will then provide aftercare instructions so you can enjoy your new brows for as long as possible. 

Aftercare

The aftercare for brow lamination is fairly minimal. Like other brow procedures, you will need to avoid water and sunlight. While your master esthetician will provide individualized instructions, the basic brow lamination aftercare consists of instructions like:

• Do not get the brows wet for at least 24 hours
• Avoid sun exposure, sweating, and hot environments for 48 hours
• Do not touch the brows for at least 24 hours
• Only apply makeup and skincare once the brow lamination has set (usually after about 48 hours, some may recommend up to a week)
• Limit or cease the use of some products such as fake tanners as they can affect the longevity of your results

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Reverse Brow Lamination?

Yes, but most people want to keep their results as long as possible. However, if you want or need to reverse them, it can be done by your master esthetician. Typically, washing and rinsing with water can reverse brow lamination within 24 to 48 hours.

How Long Does It Last?

The length of time that brow lamination lasts is up to several factors. These factors include the environment, the products you use, and your skin. On average, you can expect brow lamination to last around four to eight weeks. Some may only see it last as little as two weeks, while others could get as long as ten or twelve. 

Ultimately, the best way to promote long lasting results is to take good care of your skin. You should also protect your brows from the environment as much as possible.

Can Thin Eyebrows Be Laminated?

Yes, though you must have eyebrows to work with. People who have no eyebrows due to medical conditions or treatments will likely find more benefits in microblading. However, if your eyebrows are just generally thin or patchy, brow lamination may help make them look fuller.

Is It Okay To Apply Makeup To Laminated Brows?

Yes, but wait at least 24 hours before applying any brow makeup. Applying it too soon can affect the results and longevity of Bellevue brow lamination. However, after a day or two, it should be okay to apply makeup to your laminated brows.

The Best Brow Lamination In Bellevue & Kirkland

Northwest Face & Body is Bellevue and Kirkland’s premier plastic surgery clinic and medical spa. Offering a variety of services and procedures to help patients look their best, our surgical and non-surgical providers are among the best in Washington State. When it comes to brow lamination, only qualified master estheticians perform the service in a medical environment. This allows Northwest Face & Body to provide the best brow lamination Bellevue and Kirkland offers.

Using medical grade ingredients, Northwest Face & Body aims to help you achieve your ideal eyebrows. Along with brow lamination, the office also provides microblading, brow tints, and waxing services. To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 425-576-1700. You can also reach out online via Price Simulator, chat, or contact form.