Your questions about at-home eyebrow lamination kits answered
What is the best eyebrow lamination kit?
Despite the bold promises, the brow lamination kits I tried did not slick my eyebrows up and hold them in place for longer than a week. Now this may be because I have stubborn and wiry hairs, or my application, so if you are looking for a strong hold and longer lasting results, I would advise investing in a kit that includes three to six sessions, such as Mylee’s the brow wow or Fleeky’s browlift lamination kit.
As far as home kits go, Mylee and Fleeky’s brow lamination kits remain my personal favourite bundles for home use because they are quick and easy to use for a novice, like me. Both sets had clear instructions, and offered a longer lasting hold than other brow lamination kits. While Mylee’s kit achieved a visible brow lift with a strong and longer lasting hold, Fleeky’s kit offered a subtle lift that held for numerous days.
What is brow lamination and how does it work?
Working similarly to a hair perm, a chemical solution is applied to the brows to break down the bonds making them malleable. From here, the weaker hairs can be brushed into shape, set with a neutralising solution and topped off with a nourishing oil to re-hydrate. The result should be thicker, fuller brows that point in an upwards direction, removing the need to fill or gel your eyebrows everyday.
Some things to note for those unfamilar with the treatment is that firstly, your brows don’t stay rigidly straight. They can be easily moved and brushed up or down depending on how strong you want the final result to be. Secondly, to achieve a perfectly sharp-looking brow you most likely will need to wax, pluck or trim to get the desired shape – just be sure to do this once the brows are fully dry to avoid any hair breakage or further irritation. And thirdly, it’s always advisable to do a patch test on any new product around 24 hours before to check for any sensitivity.
Are there any side effects or risks to brow lamination?
As I learned all too well, there are definitely risks that come with brow lamination, whether done at home or in the salon. Although the treatment is non-invasive, the chemicals used in the solutions can be strong and irritate the eyes and skin (especially if sensitive).
The main risks include redness, itching, irritation, swelling and bumps, according to Healthline, so it isn’t recommended for those who have sensitive skin, rosacea, eczema or contact dermatitis without consultation with an expert practitioner first. With being so close to the eye area, there is also risk associated with product entering the eye and causing damage. So please do proceed with caution and be sure to patch test 24 to 48 hours prior to application.
How long does brow lamination last?
Depending on who you ask or what kit you go for, results are claimed to last anywhere from a few weeks to six months. I personally found the former, although there are some tricks you can do to try and extend the longevity for as long as possible.
Firstly, cover your eyebrows with clingfilm for the first two steps of each process – each kit usually does recommend this, although clingfilm is not always included. This locks in the heat and allows the product to work through.
Secondly, don’t get your eyebrows wet with water, sweat or anything else for at least 24 hours post-treatment – 48 is even better.
And thirdly, be sure to regularly condition your brows with a brow oil or nourishing conditioner every few days to prevent them from drying out. Few kits come with enough oil to do this, so I again learnt this the hard way after my eyebrow hairs started snapping and falling out.
How I tested eyebrow lamination kits
I have been testing brow lamination kits for the past three months to find the best home brow lamination kit. I spread my testing out over several weeks to avoid damaging my eyebrows, but to also better assess the holding power of each lamination kit.
As a home brow lamination novice, I read the instructions for each kit thoroughly prior to use as the process, as well as the contents of the kits, can vary. I made sure I had all the equipment prepared, which occasionally meant seeking out extra cotton wool pads, cotton buds, and cling film not included in the kit, to help with the treatment.
When it came to the actual process I cleansed my face thoroughly before use, to remove any product from my face, though I avoided oil-based cleansers that could impact the brow lamination formulas, and dried my skin thoroughly. I combed through my bushy brows to ensure a smooth and seamless application before I set to work with each treatment.
During testing, I considered the following criteria.
- Hair and skin suitability: Prior to using any home brow lamination kit I read the instructions to ensure they are safe to use for my hair and skin type. This is important, as some kits may not be suitable for those with sensitive skin, so it is paramount you read the instructions prior to use.
- Ease of use: While I have tried and tested various beauty tools, treatments, skincare products and cosmetics, I am a novice when it comes to brow care, so I paid close attention to how easy each kit was to use. I noted if the kits were well signposted, had clear instructions, and were simple to use for a beginner’s DIY session.
- Smell: Some people warned me brow lamination kits can smell like bleach, or eggs. So I also observed whether the kits emitted any unusual and unpleasant scents.
- Duration: Time is a key factor for me, so I monitored how long the entire process took to perfect, how long the brow lamination lasted, and how frequently I needed to top-up throughout the three months for fluffy yet polished brows.
- Reactions: It is paramount to take care when applying certain formulas around the delicate eye area. And, as someone with sensitive eyes, I closely monitored my skin for any reactions around the brows and eye area after each application. I also kept a close eye on the colour of my dark eyebrows, as excessive use can dye the natural hair colour.
- Value for money: At-home brow lamination kits are designed to be an accessible and affordable alternative to in-salon treatments. While I assessed the price against rival home brow lamination kits, I also compared it to the cost of salon treatments to determine which is the best value for money.
- Results: The crux of my testing was to find a home brow lamination kit that could deliver salon-worthy results at home, and for less. I evaluated the immediate results, specifically the lift, holding power and longevity.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Maisie Bovingdon is a lifestyle journalist with more than a decade of experience across beauty, fashion, health and wellness. For IndyBest, she’s reviewed everything from hair straighteners and foundations to pilates equipment, thoroughly testing each product to bring you her honest opinions and help you track down the options that offer the best value for money.
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