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Jacqui co-founded Brooklands Dental and Aesthetics Clinic in 2007 and went on to open The FAB Practice® cosmetic and medical aesthetics in 2016. She is a VTCT qualified…
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63 results for Lash and brow tinting
Treatment provider
Treatment provider
Tranquil Beauty Lounge
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Treatment provider
Treatment provider
Brow Lamination
Brow lamination is a semi-permanent treatment that reshapes and sets your natural eyebrow hairs into a smoother, fuller, more uniform look. A gentle chemical lifting lotion softens the bonds within each hair so it can be brushed and held in a new direction, then a neutralising (or fixing) lotion resets those bonds to lock the shape in place. A nourishing serum usually finishes the treatment, and many salons offer an optional tint at the same time to add depth and definition. It suits unruly, sparse or downward-growing brows, giving a groomed, brushed-up effect without daily styling. The result is not permanent: it typically lasts around four to six weeks as your brow hairs naturally grow and shed. Because the lifting and neutralising lotions are active chemical products applied close to the eyes, brow lamination sits in the same care category as a lash lift or brow tint, so a proper patch test and consultation matter. The finish can be tailored to your preference, from a soft, natural groom to a bolder, fully brushed-up shape, so it is worth discussing the look you want with your therapist beforehand.
Service
Book a patch test at least 48 hours ahead if you have not had the exact products used on you recently, and keep any earlier date the salon offers. In the run-up, avoid picking up eye or skin irritation, and tell your therapist about recent brow tinting, waxing, threading or any active skin conditions around the brows. It helps to arrive with clean, product-free brows, as heavy makeup, oils and brow gels can affect how evenly the lotions work. If you use retinol, acids or other strong skincare near the brow area, pause these for a few days beforehand, as they can leave the skin more sensitive. Avoid sunbeds and heavy sun exposure just before. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, prone to allergies or taking medication that affects your skin, mention this at consultation so your therapist can decide whether to proceed or adjust the treatment.
The treatment is relaxing and usually takes around 40 to 60 minutes with your eyes closed throughout. Your therapist starts by cleansing the brows and talking through the shape and finish you want, then combs the hairs into position. A lifting lotion is applied first to soften the hairs, left on for a timed few minutes and then removed, followed by a neutralising or fixing lotion that sets the new shape. If you have chosen a tint, this is applied next to add colour and definition. A nourishing serum is often smoothed on at the end to condition the hairs and calm the skin. You may notice a faint tingling or a slight product smell, but it should never sting or burn. Timings are important, so your therapist will watch the clock carefully, as leaving the lotions on too long can over-process and weaken the hairs. Do let them know straight away if anything feels uncomfortable.
The first 24 to 48 hours matter most, because the freshly set hairs need to stabilise. Keep your brows completely dry and avoid water, steam, saunas, swimming, hot showers and sweaty workouts during this window. Try not to touch, rub or pick at the brows, and skip makeup, cleansers, oils and creams over the area so the shape holds cleanly. After the first day or two you can gently brush the hairs into place each morning with a clean spoolie to keep them looking groomed. Because lamination is a lifting process, the hairs can feel drier than usual, so a nourishing brow or lash serum, or a little castor oil once healed, helps keep them conditioned and glossy. Use sunscreen or sunglasses if you are out in strong sun, as UV can fade a tint faster. If any redness, itching or irritation develops, stop applying products and contact your therapist or a pharmacist for advice.
The single most important safeguard is choosing a trained, insured brow therapist who patch tests and works hygienically. Brow lamination uses active chemical lotions very close to the eyes, so correct product choice and precise timing are what keep it safe and stop the hairs being over-processed. A good therapist takes a full consultation, checks for contraindications and never rushes or skips the patch test to fit you in sooner. The lotions should stay on the brow hairs and off the delicate eye area, and the treatment should be comfortable throughout, never burning or stinging. Overlapping treatments raise the risk, so brow tinting, lamination and waxing on the same brows need sensible spacing and professional judgement. If you have very fine, damaged or previously over-processed brows, a responsible therapist may advise against it or suggest waiting, because repeated or badly timed lamination can leave hairs brittle or frizzy. When in doubt, ask questions before you commit.
Brow lamination is a cosmetic treatment, not a medical one, but some circumstances mean it is safer to wait or seek advice first. Active eye infections, conjunctivitis, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis or broken or irritated skin around the brows are reasons to postpone until the area has fully healed. If you have very sensitive skin, a history of reactions to hair dye, perms or cosmetics, or known allergies, flag this clearly, as the lifting lotions and tints can trigger sensitivities. There is limited evidence on chemical brow treatments during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so many therapists prefer to err on the side of caution and may ask you to check with your midwife or GP. Recent eye surgery, certain skin medications and treatments such as isotretinoin (Roaccutane) can also affect suitability. If you are unsure whether a health condition or medication is relevant, speak to your GP or pharmacist before booking, and always give your therapist an honest medical history.
Yes, a patch test is recommended, ideally at least 48 hours before every treatment, or before your first visit and again if the products or your circumstances change. A small amount of the lotions and any tint is applied, usually behind the ear or on the inner arm, to check for a reaction before they go near your eyes. In the UK this is as much about liability as comfort: if a therapist skips the patch test and a client reacts, their insurance may not cover the claim and they can be found at fault. It is worth knowing a patch test is not a cast-iron guarantee, as sensitivities can build up over time even after previous treatments passed without issue, which is why reputable salons repeat it. If you have ever reacted to hair dye or cosmetics, say so, and never let anyone talk you out of a patch test to save time.
Be cautious if a salon offers to skip the patch test so you can be seen sooner, cannot show training or insurance, or dismisses your questions about the products. Reused disposable tools, dirty brushes or a generally unhygienic space are clear warning signs. During the treatment, burning, sharp stinging or lotion running into your eyes is not normal and should stop the appointment. A therapist who leaves the lotions on far longer than the timings, or who pushes lamination on very fine, damaged or already over-processed brows without caution, is putting your hair at risk. Vague or over-the-top promises, such as permanently thicker brows or guaranteed results, are also a red flag. If anything feels rushed, unclean or dismissive of your comfort and safety, it is fine to pause or leave.
A good brow therapist offers a proper patch test and consultation, asks about your health, allergies and previous treatments, and talks through the shape and finish you want before starting. They work in a clean space with disposable or properly sanitised tools, apply the lotions carefully to the hairs and time each step precisely. They are trained, insured and happy to explain the products and answer questions without pressure. Honest advice is a strong sign, including telling you if your brows are too fine or fragile to laminate right now, or suggesting a gentler option. Clear aftercare guidance, realistic expectations about how long results last, and an invitation to get in touch if you have any concerns afterwards all point to a conscientious, professional service.
- Are you trained and insured specifically for brow lamination, and how long have you been doing it?
- Will you carry out a patch test before my treatment, and when should I come in for it?
- Which products and brands do you use, and are they suitable for sensitive skin or allergies?
- Do you think my brows are in good enough condition to laminate, or should I wait?
- Can we discuss the shape and finish I want, and how natural or bold it will look?
- What is the aftercare, and what should I do if I notice redness, itching or a reaction?
Brow lamination is generally comfortable and many people find it quite relaxing, as you lie with your eyes closed while your therapist works. You might feel a light tingling, coolness or a mild sensation of the lotions on the skin, along with a faint chemical or ammonia-like smell that soon passes. Gentle brushing and combing of the brows can feel pleasant. What you should not feel is any burning, sharp stinging or the lotions getting into your eyes, as that is a sign something is wrong. Everyone is different, so if you are sensitive or anything feels uncomfortable at any point, tell your therapist straight away so they can check and, if needed, remove the product.
There is usually no real downtime, and most people return to their day straight after. The main thing to respect is the 24 to 48 hour dry, hands-off period while the shape settles, as getting the brows wet or rubbing them too soon can cause them to lose their lift or look uneven. Any mild redness or tingling normally settles within a few hours. If you experience swelling, persistent itching or a rash, this may signal a reaction, so remove any products gently, avoid further irritation and seek advice from your therapist, a pharmacist or your GP, especially if it does not calm down.
Results are usually visible immediately, with brows looking fuller, neater and brushed into shape, and they typically last around four to six weeks as your natural hairs grow through and shed. In the first day or two the effect can look a little strong or defined, then it settles into a softer, more natural finish. To keep brows looking their best, brush them into place each morning with a spoolie and keep the hairs conditioned with a nourishing serum or oil, as lamination can leave them slightly drier. Most people repeat the treatment every four to six weeks, but it is best not to over-do it, because too-frequent lamination can leave hairs brittle or frizzy, and a good therapist will space appointments to protect your brow health. How dramatic or natural the result looks can be tailored to you, so let your therapist know if you prefer a softer groom, and mention if the previous finish was too much or too little so they can adjust next time.
