Can You Wax After Brow Lamination?
CEO/Founder Of Bela Beauty College
Yes, you can wax after brow lamination, but it’s essential to wait at least 24 to 72 hours. This allows your skin to recover from the chemicals used during lamination and reduces the risk of irritation, burns, or damage to the brow structure.
What Is Brow Lamination and Why Does It Matter?
Brow lamination is a chemical treatment that relaxes and reshapes your natural brow hairs. It allows you to sculpt them into your desired shape for a fuller, more defined appearance.
Here's how it works:
- A softening solution breaks the bonds in brow hair.
- The brows are brushed into place.
- A setting solution re-hardens the hair bonds in their new shape.
Why it’s popular:
- Achieves a feathery, full look
- Lasts 6–8 weeks with proper care
- Reduces daily maintenance (no need for gels or pomades)
This service is often combined with tinting and waxing to enhance shape and color.
Why Would Someone Want to Wax After Brow Lamination?
After your brows are laminated and lifted, stray hairs outside your desired shape may still be present. Waxing helps clean this up.
Common reasons to wax after lamination:
- Define brow shape for a crisp finish
- Remove unwanted strays that weren’t affected by the lamination
- Preferred method: Many prefer waxing over tweezing or threading for precision and speed
Should You Wax After Brow Lamination? Yes, But Timing Is Key
Yes, waxing after brow lamination is safe—if done correctly. The key is to wait until your skin has recovered.
Expert advice from estheticians:
- Never wax immediately after lamination
- Wait at least 24 to 72 hours
- Always consult a certified professional (like those trained through Bela Beauty College!)
Why timing matters:
- The lamination process makes your skin more sensitive
- Immediate waxing can cause burns, redness, peeling, or damage
How Long Should You Wait to Wax After Lamination?
You should wait 24 to 72 hours before waxing post-lamination.
Why?
- Chemical solutions weaken your skin’s barrier
- Your skin needs time to rebuild its protective layer
- Waxing too soon increases the risk of irritation and injury
Factors that influence wait time:
- Skin sensitivity
- Strength of the lamination formula used
- Pre-existing skincare routine (retinols, exfoliants)
When in doubt, err on the side of waiting longer.
The Risks of Waxing Too Soon After Brow Lamination
Waxing prematurely can cause:
- Chemical burns or stinging sensations
- Redness or inflammation around the brow area
- Stripping the lamination effect, causing hairs to lose shape
Over processing the skin, leading to peeling or scabbing
Safer Alternatives to Waxing After Lamination
If you’re unsure or if your client has sensitive skin, consider other hair removal options.
Alternatives:
- Tweezing: Great for small areas; less irritating
- Threading: Suitable for experienced technicians, but still risky if skin is sensitive
- Trimming with scissors: Can shape the top line without skin contact
- Brow razors: Quick, but not ideal for precision shaping; may cause micro-abrasions
Choose based on the client’s comfort level and skin condition.
Do You Wax Before or After Brow Lamination?
Always wax after brow lamination – never before.
Why waxing before lamination is risky:
- Waxing opens up skin pores
- Applying lamination chemicals after waxing can penetrate those pores and cause irritation or burns
- Lamination needs the skin to be calm and intact to work properly
Ideal service order:
- Brow Lamination
- Brow Tint (optional)
- Brow Wax (after 24–72 hours)
Post-Waxing and Lamination Aftercare
Proper aftercare protects the skin and prolongs the treatment results.
Key tips:
- Apply aloe vera or cooling gel post-wax
- Avoid makeup, skincare products, or oils on the brow area for 48 hours
- Stay away from saunas, steam rooms, and direct sun exposure
- Use a spoolie brush to maintain brow shape
- Apply a brow serum to condition and nourish hairs
These steps help avoid irritation and keep the brows looking sharp.
Common Myths About Waxing After Brow Lamination
- Myth: You can wax immediately after lamination
Truth: Skin is too sensitive; wait 24–72 hours. - Myth: Lamination protects you from wax burns
Truth: It doesn’t. It can actually increase sensitivity. - Myth: Strip wax is safer than hard wax
Truth: Both can be harmful if done too soon. Use hard wax for delicate facial skin. - Myth: Only professionals can combine services
Truth: Professionals should always do both treatments, but proper education (like from Bela Beauty College) makes it safe and effective.
Combining Brow Waxing and Lamination: What to Remember
checklist:
- Lamination first, wax second
- Wait 24–72 hours between treatments
- Avoid makeup, exfoliants, and sun post-treatment
- Use cooling gels and serums to heal skin
Ideal Timeline Example:
- Week 1: Lamination + tint
- Week 1 (Day 3-4): Waxing (if needed)
Ongoing: Aftercare and maintenance every 2 weeks
