Strong brows are still going strong. But the way we shape, style and tint them has changed.
It’s no longer just about plucking and pencilling. Now, cosmetic salons offer the most requested treatments: brow lamination and microblading.
They sound similar. They’re not.
If you’re wondering which one to book — or whether either is worth the time and money — here’s what you need to know.
What Is Brow Lamination?
Think of it as a lash lift — for your eyebrows.
Brow lamination straightens and sets the brow hairs in place, giving them a fuller, brushed-up look that lasts around 4 to 6 weeks.
No needles. No ink. Just soft chemical solutions that make your brows easier to style and hold their shape.
It’s great if:
- Your brow hairs grow in different directions
- You want a fluffier, more defined look
- You’re happy with the shape, but want more control
You’ll usually get a tint and shape included too, which helps fill any gaps and gives them a clean finish.
What Is Microblading?
This one’s more permanent.
Microblading is a semi-permanent makeup tattooing method where tiny hair-like strokes are drawn onto the skin using a handheld tool. It mimics real brow hairs — filling in sparse areas and building a fuller shape.
It lasts longer than lamination — usually 12 to 18 months, depending on your skin type and how well you look after it.
It’s great if:
- Your brows are patchy or overplucked
- You want a fuller shape without makeup
- You’re happy to commit to touch-ups every year or so
Microblading takes longer (around two hours), and you’ll need a follow-up session after the first healing phase.
Let’s Talk Cost
Brow lamination is cheaper — often around £40 to £70 per session in London.
Microblading is an investment. Expect to pay anywhere from £200 to £400 for the first treatment, plus £50 to £150 for the top-up.
One lasts weeks. The other lasts over a year. But you’re paying for time, technique, and long-term results.
The Aftercare Side
Lamination needs light care for 24–48 hours — no steam, no rubbing, no oils. After that, just brush into place in the mornings and you’re done.
Microblading needs proper healing time. You’ll get some scabbing. You’ll need to avoid makeup, heavy sweating and sunlight. It can take a couple of weeks to fully settle.
If you’re not up for aftercare, lamination’s the easier option.
Which One’s Best?
That depends on what you want.
Choose lamination if:
- You want to try a low-commitment treatment
- You already have brow hairs, but they need taming
- You like a fuller, brushed-up style that still feels natural
Choose microblading if:
- You’ve got gaps, scars, or no real shape
- You’re tired of pencilling in your brows every day
- You want a longer-lasting result with less day-to-day effort
Considerations
Salons offering eye beauty enhancement provide both for a reason — they suit different brows, different people, and different budgets.
Brow lamination gives a quick, low-fuss lift. Microblading offers longer-lasting definition.
Neither one is better — just better for you. Ask your therapist what they recommend based on your natural brows, skin type and style.
And remember — the best brows still look like yours, just slightly more put together.
