Brow Lamination vs. Microblading: What’s the Difference?

Posted by Thomas Kakin on June 13th, 2023

If you are looking for a way to enhance your eyebrows, you might have heard of brow lamination and microblading. These are two popular techniques that can help you achieve fuller, more defined and more beautiful brows. But what are they exactly and how do they differ from each other? In this article, we will compare brow lamination vs. microblading and help you decide which one is best for you.

What is brow lamination?

Brow lamination is a non-invasive procedure that involves straightening and tinting the brow hairs with a chemical solution. The solution breaks down the bonds in the hair, allowing the cosmetologist to shape and lift the brows in the desired direction. The tint adds color and depth to the brows, making them look thicker and darker. The result is a fuller, fluffier and more natural-looking brow that lasts for about 6 to 8 weeks.

Brow lamination is ideal for people who have unruly, sparse or downward-pointing brows and want to achieve a more groomed and polished look. It can also help cover gaps or scars in the brows and create a more symmetrical appearance. Brow lamination is a quick and painless procedure that takes about 30 to 45 minutes and does not require any downtime or aftercare.

What is microblading?

Microblading is a semi-permanent tattooing technique that involves depositing pigment into the skin with a fine blade. The blade creates tiny strokes that mimic the natural hair of the brows, creating a realistic and long-lasting effect. The pigment does not go as deep as a regular tattoo, but it still stays under the skin for up to 2 years.

Microblading is ideal for people who have thin, uneven or missing brows due to overplucking, aging or medical conditions such as alopecia. It can also help enhance the shape, color and density of the brows and create a more defined and expressive look. Microblading is a more invasive and expensive procedure than brow lamination, as it requires numbing cream, multiple sessions and touch-ups.

Differences between brow lamination and microblading

Brow lamination and microblading are both effective ways to improve your eyebrows, but they have some key differences that you should consider before choosing one of them:

• Duration: Brow lamination is a temporary treatment that lasts for about 6 to 8 weeks, while microblading is a semi-permanent treatment that lasts for up to 2 years.
• Cost: Brow lamination is typically cheaper than microblading, ranging from to 0 per session, while microblading can cost from 0 to 0 per session. However, brow lamination might become more costly in the long run if you repeat it frequently.
• Pain: Brow lamination is painless and does not require any numbing cream or anesthesia, while microblading can cause some discomfort and bleeding during the procedure.
• Risks: Brow lamination has minimal risks of irritation or allergic reaction to the chemical solution, while microblading has higher risks of infection, scarring or pigment fading due to the use of needles.
• Results: Brow lamination gives a fuller, fluffier and more natural look, but it works with the eyebrow hairs you already have. Microblading gives a more defined, precise and realistic look, but it can create a brow without existing hair.

Which one should you choose?

The choice between brow lamination vs. microblading depends on your personal preference, budget, pain tolerance and eyebrow goals. Here are some questions you can ask yourself to help you decide:

• Do you want a temporary or permanent solution?
• Do you want a subtle or dramatic change?
• Do you have enough eyebrow hair or do you need to fill in gaps?
• Do you mind needles or do you prefer a non-invasive procedure?
• How much are you willing to spend on your eyebrows?

If you are still unsure about which technique is best for you, you can consult with a professional cosmetologist who can assess your eyebrows and recommend the most suitable option for your needs.

How to take care of your eyebrows after brow lamination or microblading?

Whether you choose brow lamination or microblading, you need to take good care of your eyebrows after the procedure to ensure the best results and avoid any complications. Here are some tips to follow:

• For brow lamination, avoid getting your brows wet, applying makeup or touching them for the first 24 hours. After that, you can use a brow brush to comb them in place and apply a nourishing oil or serum to keep them hydrated and healthy.
• For microblading, avoid getting your brows wet, applying makeup, sweating or exposing them to the sun for the first 10 days. After that, you can use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer to keep them clean and soft. You might also experience some scabbing, itching or flaking during the healing process, but do not pick or scratch them as this can affect the pigment.
• For both techniques, avoid using harsh products or exfoliating your brows as this can fade the color or damage the hair. You can also use a sunscreen or a hat to protect your brows from UV rays.

Conclusion

Brow lamination and microblading are two different techniques for enhancing the eyebrows. Brow lamination involves straightening and tinting the brow hairs with a chemical solution, while microblading involves depositing pigment into the skin with a fine blade. Brow lamination gives a fuller, more natural look, but lasts shorter than microblading, which can last from one to three years. Microblading might be more suitable for people who have lost their eyebrows due to alopecia, as it can create a brow without existing hair. Brow lamination works with the eyebrow hairs you already have.

If you are interested in learning more about these techniques or becoming a certified brow specialist, you can enroll in an online brow lamination course or an online microblading course. These courses will teach you everything you need to know about brow anatomy, hygiene, safety, tools, products, techniques and client consultation. You will also get access to video tutorials, live demonstrations, practice materials and feedback from experienced instructors. With these courses, you can start your own brow business or enhance your existing skills and services.

Brow lamination and microblading are both great ways to transform your eyebrows and boost your confidence. Which one will you choose? Let us know in the comments below!