Brow lamination vs microblading: what’s the difference? Keep reading to see which is the best procedure for you.
Getting perfect, fluffy eyebrows has been a long, frustrating process ingrained in our makeup routines. However, now cosmetologists are finding many innovative ways to create these eyebrows with long-lasting results.
We will be delving into the differences between brow lamination and microblading to see which one is the ideal brow-perfecting procedure. Let’s dive in!
What’s the Difference?
Brow lamination, or an “eyebrow perm,” is a short procedure done to achieve thick, fluffy, and shiny eyebrows. Depending on the desired eyebrow look, brow lamination uses a keratin-based chemical solution so your cosmetologist can shape and thicken the brows.
On the other hand, microblading is a tattoo-like procedure that typically lasts much longer. A microblading artist uses a hand-held microblading tool to make precise, thin incisions resembling natural brow hairs. Then, a special pigment covers the incisions creating full, lush brows.
Brow Lamination vs Microblading: Overview
| Brow Lamination | Microblading |
| -Lasts 4 to 8 weeks -Procedure can last up to an hour -Creates a fuller shape using your natural eyebrows -Works on all eyebrows and skin types -Patch test is done before the procedure to ensure no reaction will occur -Costs between $50 and $150 -Painless procedure -Will need follow up appointments to keep the desired look | -Lasts 18 to 30 months -Procedure lasts 2 to 3 hours -Similar to the process of getting a tattoo -Best for people with normal to dry skin, but works on anyone -Costs between $400 and $2,000 -Little to no pain during the procedure – Must have a touch-up appointment 6 to 8 weeks out from the initial procedure – Optional touch ups twice a year to ensure results last as long as possible |
Brow Lamination vs Microblading
Now that we understand the basics of each procedure, let’s take a deeper look at the explanations:
The Procedures
Brow Lamination
Inspired by perms, eyebrow lamination is a procedure that enhances your natural eyebrows, lifting them up and making them smooth and shiny.
A couple of weeks before your procedure, you will typically take a Patch Test to ensure you will not have a reaction to the products used.
To begin the procedure, the aesthetician cleans the brows and then talks to the client so they know exactly what the client wishes to see.
Then, a special keratin-based cream is applied to the brows in order to lift up the hairs. From there, the aesthetician can move the hairs to all grow in the direction requested, primarily vertical. Finally, a neutralizer is applied to seal the shape and keep the brows in place.
Many aestheticians will put a nourishing oil on to prevent skin irritation and hair dryness from the products used.
You can add some brow enhancing procedures to this as well such as tweezing, waxing, or tinting to ensure the ideal shape and color.
This entire procedure takes 45 minutes to an hour and typically lasts about 4 to 8 weeks depending on how you take care of them.
Microblading
Rather than being a short-term procedure like brow lamination, microblading is a semi-permanent procedure that lasts 18 to 30 months and usually requires a couple of touch-ups during this timespan.
Similar to getting a tattoo, microblading uses specialty pigmented dyes and a small microblading tool to create the ideal brow shape and fill.
There is always a consultation before the procedure to ensure that you and the artist know exactly what you desire.
Before the microblading begins, the artist will numb your eyebrows with a topical numbing ointment. Most only feel a minimal scraping sensation as the procedure progresses, but some people report minor pain or discomfort.
Since microblading is a detail-oriented process, the procedure can take up to 2 to 3 hours depending on the desired result.
Right after the procedure, your brows will look less sparse and perfectly shaped. The exact look depends on what type of look you want. You can go for a more natural look that just makes your brows look thicker, or make it look like you’re always wearing makeup.
Here are a few examples:
Most people get their brows microbladed to eliminate the time they spend doing their eyebrow makeup every morning, or because they simply want to improve the look of thin eyebrows.
Your artist will give you aftercare instructions so you have as little discomfort as possible as your skin heals. Most microblading procedures require a couple of touch-ups every year unless you want it to fade.
Benefits
Brow Lamination
This procedure has many benefits, including making your brows look thicker and fuller. It lasts a decent amount of time (6–8 weeks), so your brows will require little to no upkeep in this period of time.
Plus, it is not an invasive procedure and lasts a fairly short period of time, which can be a positive if you’re not certain you want to keep the look for years.
Brow lumination also doesn’t use dyes, needles, or potentially harmful chemicals. It is a semi-affordable, relatively quick, and easy way to get the brows you’ve always wanted.
Microblading
Microblading lasts considerably longer than brow lamination at 12 to 30 months. A huge benefit of this procedure is the fact that your brows will always look the way you want them.
Many people with sparse eyebrows use microblading to help thicken them up.
This procedure boosts confidence and it is well worth the extra cost because it’s a long-lasting, low maintenance procedure, though it is a little more invasive.
Although microblading lasts a decent amount of time, this could be a downside if you’re not sure you want your eyebrows to look a certain way for more than a year.
Cost
Brow Lamination
Brow lamination only costs between $50 to $150 depending on the studio you go to.
It is recommended to go to a licensed professional to ensure long-lasting, high-quality results.
Each session afterward typically costs the same depending on if you would like a touch-up.
Microblading
Depending on the office you go to, microblading can cost between $400 and $2,000.
Even though most customers want to go with the cheaper option, it is recommended to go to a highly experienced professional for the best results.
Since it’s a semi-permanent procedure that you can’t just wash off, you don’t want to take any risks.
Each touch-up session typically costs between $200 to $300. The first touch-up appointment is required to ensure the initial procedure is healing properly.
However, you do not have to do another touch-up appointment if you don’t want to (although it’s recommended to maximize how long your new brows last).
In Conclusion
Between these two, brow lamination is the way to go when you are looking for a more affordable, non-needle procedure that is quick with results that don’t last more than 2 months.
However, if you are looking for more long-lasting results, microblading might be the answer to your eyebrow dreams. Just make sure you do your research and find the best microblading artist in your area – you don’t want to cheap out on a procedure like this!
