Your dream beauty career starts here—30,000+ students and counting

How Long Does Brow Lamination Last? And Why Yours Might Fade Early

Picture of Jessica Buff

CEO/Founder Of Bela Beauty College

TLDR;

Brow lamination typically lasts 4 to 6 weeks, and sometimes up to 8 weeks with proper care. If your results fade earlier, it’s often due to poor aftercare, harsh skincare, lifestyle factors, or improper technique.

Brow Lamination Duration: What You Need to Know

Most clients can expect their brow lamination to last 4 to 6 weeks, though with meticulous aftercare and the right skin type, results may extend up to 8 weeks.
But when results disappear within 1 or 2 weeks? That signals something went wrong. At Bela Beauty College, we’ve helped hundreds of clients and students understand why results vary—and more importantly, how to get the most out of each treatment.

What Is Brow Lamination?

Brow lamination is a semi-permanent treatment that restructures your brow hairs to keep them lifted, straight, and in place—like a keratin treatment for your brows.
Think of it as a brow perm. The solution breaks down the bonds in the hair, allowing them to be reshaped. A setting lotion then reforms those bonds to lock the hairs in a uniform direction.

Many treatments also include brow tinting to add depth or darken the brows. It’s often compared to:

Lash lifts: Similar process, but for eyelashes.
Microblading: Semi-permanent tattooing, not actual hair manipulation.

The science? It’s all about thioglycolic acid (or similar agents) that temporarily change the disulfide bonds in hair. Then, a neutraliser reforms them into the new direction.

How Long Does Brow Lamination Last?

On average, results last 4 to 6 weeks. Some may see the lamination hold for as long as 8 weeks, depending on:

Hair type: Coarse brows often hold longer
Growth cycle: Most brow hairs regenerate within 28–42 days
Aftercare: Proper post-treatment care matters more than you think
Environmental exposure: Heat, sun, water, and products break down bonds

Week-by-week breakdown:

Week 1: Brows are sleek, lifted, and defined
Week 2–3: Shape is still strong, maybe some new growth appearing
Week 4: Slight drooping may begin; shape softens
Week 5–6: Noticeable reduction in “lift” as hair cycles renew
Week 7–8: Remaining results fade; hairs begin returning to natural direction

Why Brow Lamination Fades Early

If your lamination only lasts a week or two, it’s not your imagination. Here’s why it could be fading fast:

1. Incorrect Aftercare

Got them wet within the first 24–48 hours? That’s the most common issue.
Used oil-based cleansers or harsh skincare? Oils break down the bonds.
Scrubbed or exfoliated near brows? That disrupts the setting.

2. Lifestyle Habits

Swimming, sauna, sweating daily—these degrade the chemical bonds.
Sleeping face-down or on your side flattens the brows prematurely.
Frequent workouts introduce heat and moisture around the brows.

3. Hair Type & Growth Rate

Fast hair growth cycles cause new (un-laminated) hairs to appear quickly.
Very fine or soft hair may not hold shape as long as coarse, dense brows.

4. Over- or Under-processing

If the solution sits too long, it overprocesses—causing weak, brittle hair.
Too short? The curl isn’t fully set and flattens in days.
Inconsistent timing across brows = uneven results.

5. Poor Product Quality or Technique

DIY brow kits are unpredictable. Most don’t come with precise timing charts or high-quality neutralisers.
Professionals use medical-grade, pH-balanced products and assess hair texture before applying.

Pro tip from Bela Beauty College: Always choose a certified brow technician and ask what brand/products they use.

Aftercare Tips to Make It Last Longer

The difference between 4 and 8 weeks often comes down to aftercare.

First 48 Hours:

Avoid moisture (no washing, steam, sweating)
Don’t touch, sleep on, or apply makeup to brows
Skip workouts and saunas

Ongoing Care:

Brush with a clean spoolie daily to maintain shape
Use castor oil or argan oil to condition brows (after 48 hrs)
Avoid oil-based makeup removers or face washes near brows
No exfoliants or peels directly above brow bone
Weekly keratin or conditioning mask for long-lasting results

7-Day Aftercare Routine:

Day	What to Do
1-2	Keep brows dry, no makeup
3	Brush gently in shape with spoolie
4	Begin light oil conditioning
5-6	Avoid steam, swimming
7	Light serum, gentle cleanse (not oil-based)

Brow lamination vs. Microblading:

Feature	Lamination	Microblading
Duration	4–8 weeks	1–2 years
Invasive?	No	Yes (semi-permanent ink)
Cost	Lower	Higher
Suitable for?	Most hair types	Sparse brows

Common Issues & How to Fix Them

Brows flattened after 2 days
→ You likely got them wet too soon
Overprocessed and brittle hairs
→ Seek a pro for deep conditioning and don’t re-laminate right away
Underprocessed brows didn’t hold shape
→ The solution may not have been strong enough or left on too briefly

Uneven lift or curl
→ Usually from inconsistent technique—choose a qualified tech

FAQ

Can I get my brows wet after lamination?

Not for the first 24–48 hours. Moisture interferes with the chemical setting.

Is brow lamination safe during pregnancy?

Most experts recommend avoiding it due to the chemical exposure and sensitivity changes during pregnancy.

Can I do it at home?

Technically, yes—but DIY kits are risky. Uneven application, wrong processing time, or poor products can cause damage.

Will brow lamination cause hair loss?

No, not when done correctly. In fact, conditioning treatments can help nourish brow hair. Always follow aftercare and avoid over-laminating.