Step-by-step Guide
Step-by-Step Video Brow Lamination Procedure
Below, you’ll find three detailed video demonstrations to complement your step-by-step guide. The first video is a full brow lamination demonstration, giving you a clear, start-to-finish view of the treatment in real time (14 minutes). The second video takes it further by showing the full lamination process along with how to safely incorporate brow shaping and tinting into the procedure (30 minutes). The third video is a sped-up lamination demo that highlights each product and demonstrates exactly how to use them (14 minutes). Watching these videos alongside the written guide will give you a complete understanding of both the technique and the tools used.
Written Step-by-Step Brow Lamination Procedure
Once consultation is complete and suitability is confirmed, follow these professional steps to carry out the treatment safely and effectively:
Step 1: Cleanse the Brows
- Begin by thoroughly cleansing the brow area using an oil-free cleanser or micellar water.
- Remove all traces of makeup, oil, and residue.
- Pat dry with a clean cotton pad or tissue.
💡 A clean surface ensures better product absorption and longer-lasting results.
Step 2: (Optional) Light Exfoliation
- Use a gentle brow exfoliator or micro-exfoliating wand to lightly exfoliate the area.
- Only remove dead skin lightly - avoid aggressive scrubbing, as lamination involves chemicals that could irritate sensitive skin.
- Skip this step on clients with sensitive or compromised skin.
💡 Light exfoliation helps the brow lift hold longer and allows tint to grip better, but the goal is gentle preparation, not irritation.
Step 3: Apply Lifting Solution
- Apply a thin, even layer of lifting solution directly onto the brow hairs.
- Keep product strictly on the hairs - avoid spreading onto the skin around the brows. This helps prevent unnecessary skin sensitivity, especially if waxing or shaping is performed later.
- Cover with cling film/brow wrap
- Set the timer for the recommended processing time ( eg. Fine hair: 5-6 min, Medium hair: 6-8 min, Coarse/resistant hair: 8-10 min)
- Do not leave the brows unattended, check after 2 minutes:
- Brush through the hairs to see if they’ve started to relax and lift
- Hair may be thinner than expected and may not require the full processing time
💡 Active checking helps prevent over-processing and damage
Step 4: Remove Lifting Solution
- Use a dry cotton bud or pad to gently remove the lifting solution.
- Wipe in the direction of hair growth to maintain shape.
Step 5: Apply Neutralising (Fixing) Solution
- Apply a generous, even layer of neutraliser to the brows.
- Again, keep application neat and on the hair only, the neutraliser is also a chemical solution and shouldn’t be left sitting on the skin.
- Re-cover with cling film if recommended by your product brand.
- Processing time should match the lifting solution timing.
Setting the Brows Safely:
- This is when the hairs lock into their new shape. Gently brush into position if needed.
- Do not over-shape hairs that naturally grow downward (often in the mid-brow or tail). Brushing them fully upward can stress the hair and cause breakage, since the root direction remains unchanged. Focus on lightly aligning visible hairs into the intended style.
- Check the brows after 2 minutes, hair may be thinner or more delicate than expected, so adjust timing or brushing accordingly to avoid over-processing.
💡 Neutraliser reforms the disulphide bonds and sets the new brow shape safely.
Step 6: Remove Neutraliser
- Remove all product gently using a clean, dry cotton pad or bud.
Step 7: (Optional) Brow Mapping
- Map the brows before tinting using a mapping pencil, thread, or calipers.
- Mapping provides structure and symmetry for precise tint application.
💡 Especially useful for clients wanting a sharper finish or if tinting sparse areas.
Step 8: (Optional) Brow Tint
- Apply tint carefully to the mapped shape (if used), or directly over brows.
- The lamination process opens the cuticle, so watch the timing closely.
- Processing Time: 1-3 minutes, depending on brand and desired depth.
💡 Always perform a patch test before tinting.
Step 9: Remove Tint
- Use a dry cotton pad to gently wipe away tint.
- If some residue remains, brush through a small amount of nourishing oil/serum and wipe off again.
- Assess colour and symmetry.
Step 10: (Optional) Brow Shaping
- Shape the brows using waxing, threading, or tweezing.
- Focus on cleaning up stray hairs while maintaining the laminated shape.
💡 Optional Waxing Notes
- There are no strict guidelines on whether shaping should be done before or after lamination.
- Many professionals prefer waxing after, as this avoids placing harsh chemicals on freshly waxed skin.
Step 11: Apply Nourishing Serum / Oil
- Apply a nourishing oil, keratin serum, or castor oil to condition the hairs.
- Use a spoolie to brush brows into their final shape.
💡 Helps replenish moisture and improves retention.
Step 12: (Optional) Skin Blur Application
- Apply a small amount of skin blur balm or cream around the brows.
- This soothes the skin, reduces redness, and provides a smooth, polished finish.
💡 Ideal for clients heading to work or events immediately after treatment.
Final Step: Aftercare Advice
- Give the client a brief overview of what to avoid in the first 24-48 hours and how to care for their brows at home.
- Proper aftercare maintains results and keeps brows healthy between appointments.
💡 Offer printed aftercare cards or set up automated reminders via your booking system.
*Full aftercare and maintenance are covered in the next module.
Brow Lamination Complete! Clients leave with fuller, defined, and sleek brows that last up to 6 weeks with good home care.
Key Recap:
- Always follow manufacturer instructions
- Tailor timing to hair texture
- Add optional extras (mapping, tinting, skin blur) to elevate results
- Aftercare = long-lasting results + happy clients