How Do Microblading & Brow Lamination Compare?

Putting these eyebrow transformations head-to-head, so you can pick the best one for you

Co-authored by Alicia Ramos and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: February 26, 2023 References

What is microblading?

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What is brow lamination?

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Differences

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What brow transformation should you have?

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What is brow tinting?

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Warnings

Are you tired of filling in your brows every morning? Wouldn’t it be great if you could wake up with perfect brows? If you answered “yes,” then a brow transformation may be for you! Microblading and brow lamination are two of the most popular eyebrow procedures. They both make your brows full and lush, but how do you know which is best for you? We’ve put together everything you’ve ever wanted to know about brow lamination and microblading in this article. So, which one will it be? Keep reading and make your choice.

Things You Should Know

Microblading is like a temporary tattoo for your brows, while brow lamination is a brow straightening treatment.
Microblading is a semi-permanent treatment that lasts up to 2 years, while brow lamination is temporary and lasts between 6 and 8 weeks.
Brow lamination is typically cheaper than microblading but can become more costly with repeated treatments.

Section 1 of 5:

What is microblading?

Microblading is a semi-permanent tattoo for your brows. In this procedure, an aesthetician uses a tool with tiny needles to deposit pigment under the skin along the brows. The pigment doesn’t go as deep as a regular tattoo but leaves similar lines that help brows appear fuller and darker for longer.
- This brow treatment can last up to 30 months, as the pigment won’t wash away because it’s under the skin.
- Microblading comes with a few risks because it is a more invasive brow transformation. Infections are a possibility, as small scratches are made across the skin.

Section 2 of 5:

What is brow lamination?

Brow lamination is a temporary "reverse perm" for your eyebrows. This brow treatment uses chemicals to straighten and restructure the shape of the brows so the individual hairs lay flat and all go in the same direction. This makes the brows look thicker, fuller, and neater.^{[1]
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- This treatment typically lasts 6 to 8 weeks.
- Brow lamination is a relatively safe brow transformation, but the process can dry out your hair and skin.
- It’s possible to do brow lamination at home with a brow lamination kit.
- Brow lamination can be done over microbladed brows, especially as the microblading pigment fades.

Section 3 of 5:

Differences

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Microblading lasts longer than brow lamination. Because microblading is a semi-permanent treatment, it can last through months and months of face washing. Microbladed brows can last up to 2 years before fading, whereas a brow lamination last between 6 to 8 weeks.
- Touch ups and brow tinting may be required after a microblade treatment, even though it's a semi-permanent transformation, especially as it begins to fade.
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Brow lamination is more affordable than microblading. On average, microblading can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000, while brow lamination is about $50 to $100 per session.^{[2]
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Research source} If you’re looking to experiment with your look, brow lamination is the cheaper alternative.^{[3]
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- Now, microblading may be more cost-effective in the long run, considering how long it lasts. If you know you want to change your natural brow, one microblading procedure could save you money compared to a brow lamination every 6 weeks.
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Microblading is a more invasive treatment compared to brow lamination. Semi-permanently dying your brows is no small thing. Because microblading requires an aesthetician to scratch and deposit pigment into the top layer of skin, it can be slightly painful and uncomfortable. Meanwhile, brow lamination is painless and rather low-stakes in comparison.
- A numbing cream is used before a microblading procedure, but the sound and sensation of the needles may be unnerving for some.
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The aftercare of microblading is more involved than brow lamination. Because microblading is an invasive procedure, it requires more maintenance during the first 2 weeks. Here’s what you’ll have to do:^{[4]
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Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
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- For the first 48 hours, avoid touching the brow, working out, or getting your brows wet.
- For the first week, wash with only water, pat dry, and avoid exfoliants and makeup.
- For the second week, slowly start introducing face wash.
- Apply an aftercare ointment as instructed by your aesthetician to prevent infection.
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You must continue to set your brows after lamination. Unlike microblading, brow lamination isn’t a semi-permanent transformation. Because of this, aestheticians recommend brushing your brows with a mascara wand daily. This will help your brow hairs stay in place so they stay perky and fluffy for as long as possible.^{[5]
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Section 4 of 5:

What brow transformation should you have?

Brow lamination is best for those with unruly brows, while microblading can benefit anyone. Because brow lamination straightens brow hairs, it’s perfect for anyone who has curly or difficult-to-tame eyebrows.^{[6]
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Research source} Microblading, on the other hand, can make thin brows appear fuller or fill in gaps in fuller brows. With its tattoo-like application, it can also give a specific brow shape.
- If you’re looking for a temporary way to keep your brows uniform, opt for brow lamination.
- If you want your brows to appear bolder and fuller for longer without makeup, try microblading.

Section 5 of 5:

What is brow tinting?

Eyebrow tinting is a temporary dye that goes over your existing brows. Unlike microblading or brow lamination, brow tinting doesn’t fill in gaps in your brows.^{[7]
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Research source} Think of it like dying your hair. An aesthetician places a dye or tint over your natural brow to enhance, darken, and define the hairs.
- This non-invasive brow treatment usually lasts 4 to 6 weeks and costs between $20 and $40.
- Brow tinting can easily be done at home with a brow tinting kit, which makes it even more accessible than microblading.

Warnings

If you have sensitive skin or deal with breakouts around your brows, microblading may not be the best option for you.^{[8]
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