Brow lamination promises to deliver thick, brushed-up brows with minimal upkeep. Amanda Pauley gets the lowdown on the treatment trend that’s predicted to be bigger than microblading

The brow market is being transformed once again with a game-changing treatment that experts predict will give microblading a run for its money. Brow lamination is a semi-permanent grooming treatment originating from Russia that creates natural-looking, brushed-up brows in just 30 minutes.

It uses the hair clients already have rather than adding extra strokes via make-up or semi-permanent techniques, giving results that last between six and eight weeks. Working in a similar way to a hair perm or a lash lift, lamination is like a keratin treatment for the brows – hairs are straightened using a chemical solution then set in place facing an upwards direction to give clients that “just combed” look. It has no downtime and minimal aftercare.

“It’s the new trick to get thick brows with that brushed-up effect without the need for semi-permanent make-up. It’s also less expensive than microblading, which is a big deal,” says Yana Gushchina, owner of BBM Brow Bar in Knightsbridge, London, which was one of the first salons in the UK to offer the treatment. The treatment begins with a consultation to find the client’s perfect brow shape before a thin coat of glue is applied and hairs are combed into place.

A brow-perming solution is then applied, followed by a setting lotion then, usually, a hydrating product to prevent dryness. In most cases the treatment is also combined with a brow tint to give extra definition.

Brow lamination is ideal for clients who spend hours grooming unruly brows as well as those who have minimal hair from over-plucking, because it creates the illusion of thicker, feathery arches.

“It gives clients that definition without the need to fill in their brows with make-up – it’s an everyday timesaver,” explains Namita Thapa, owner of Wow Brow Bar in Bournemouth, which offers the service.

Plus, with 50% of UK salons believing it to be the next big trend, according to PB’s August Insider survey, it was only a matter of time before extensive training in the technique started emerging. We round-up four of the best brow lamination courses to have hit the market.

HD Brows Browsculpt Course

Having launched on October 2 to tie in with National Brow Day, the new course from the cult beauty brand offers what HD Brows says is a “unique twist” on the brow lamination technique. On the one-day Browsculpt Course, stylists are taught how to transform a client’s brow shape – whether they want a textured finish to the bulb or correction to uneven tails, and how to achieve that ultimate brow lamination symmetry by targeting certain areas, with the finished look said to last up to six weeks.

The brand recommends stylists have a qualification in eyebrow removal techniques, or undergo the HD Brows course prior to this, so they have the core background knowledge of how to create a bespoke brow. Cost: £200. To book, call 0113 224 7900 or visit hdbrows.com

Hello Gorgeous Brow Lamination Course

This one-day course from the brow and lash academy claims to equip stylists in creating standout laminated brows, with detailed training on the structure and function of the skin, how to achieve eyebrow symmetry, health and safety and aftercare. Students are also required to complete case studies to ensure the treatment is performed to the highest standard.

All attendees will receive a kit bag, which includes a treatment manual, Lifting Cream, Neutralising Lotion, Moisturising Serum, Bonder, a mascara wand and more, as well as lifetime support from the academy. The academy is running courses in Blackburn, Thornton- Cleveleys, Worcester, Edinburgh and more. Cost: £249. Book by calling 0333 121 0299 or email info@hellogorgeousbeauty.co.uk

HiBrow Lamination Course

The Eyelash Design Company (EDC) has added brow lamination to its collection of professional eyebrow treatments, promising to deliver perfectly groomed brows that last up to eight weeks. The HiBrow Lamination treatment takes 30 minutes to perform and involves aligning brow hairs into shape using products developed by EDC’s in-house experts, such as the style-fixing product, which straightens curved hairs to ensure symmetry and fullness.

There’s also an optional treatment add-on of the brand’s tint system Quick Intense Colour to give extra definition, which takes the treatment time up to 45 minutes. The one-day course covers both practical and theory learning and is available to new and experienced brow techs.

Cost: £295. To book, call 020 8500 9028 or email service@edc-ltd.uk

Leigh Blackwell Training Academy Brow Lamination Course

The academy’s founder Leigh Blackwell is launching her own accredited brow lamination course and products this month called The London Brow Lift. The one-day course covers theory in the morning – which looks you can achieve with brow lamination and how the chemicals soften hairs to make them more uniform – and the practical element in the afternoon, where students team up to demo the look on one other.

The head academy is located in Cheltenham but Blackwell also has trainers in Bristol, London, Manchester and Northampton. Therapists needs to be trained in brow shaping and tinting, with a minimum of six months’ experience.

Cost: £299. To book, call 01242 373203 or visit lbtrainingacademy.co.uk