The Ultimate Brow Lamination Aftercare Guide

You've completed your brow lamination treatment, and your brows look incredible—lifted, fluffy, and perfectly groomed. But the work isn't quite finished. How you care for your brows in the hours, days, and weeks following treatment directly impacts how long your results last and how healthy your brows remain. This comprehensive aftercare guide walks you through everything you need to know.

The Critical First 24 Hours

The first day after lamination is the most important period for locking in your results. During this time, the newly restructured bonds in your brow hairs are still stabilising. Disturbing them too early can cause the shape to drop, the hairs to become unruly, or the treatment to fade prematurely.

Water is the primary concern during this initial period. When you shower, keep your face away from the water stream and avoid letting steam build up around your face. If you absolutely must wash your face, use a damp cloth to carefully clean around—not on—your brows. Some people find it helpful to apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly around the brow area before showering to create a protective barrier.

Days 2-7: The Settling Period

After the first 24 hours, the bonds have largely stabilised, but your brows are still adjusting to their new shape. You can now get your brows wet, but continue to avoid prolonged soaking. Quick showers are fine; long baths or swimming sessions should wait until the end of the first week.

This is when you can start incorporating gentle nourishing products. A keratin-infused brow serum applied each evening helps replenish the proteins lost during the chemical process, keeping your brow hairs strong and flexible. Castor oil is another excellent option—its fatty acids moisturise the hair shaft and may support healthy growth.

Brushing Your Brows

You can resume daily brushing after 24 hours, and in fact, you should. Gentle brushing with a spoolie each morning helps train your brows to stay in their lifted position. Always brush upward and outward, following the direction set during your treatment. If any hairs seem resistant, a tiny amount of clear brow gel can help hold them in place.

Long-Term Maintenance (Week 2 and Beyond)

Once you're past the first week, your lamination results are fully set, and your focus shifts to maintaining brow health and extending the life of your treatment. The average lamination lasts four to eight weeks, but with proper care, many people push closer to the eight-week mark.

Daily Care Routine

Your daily routine should include brushing and nourishing. Each morning, brush your brows into place and set them with a clear gel or brow soap if desired. Each evening, apply a nourishing serum or oil. Consistency is key—brows that receive daily nourishment remain softer, more manageable, and more resistant to damage.

When cleansing your face, be mindful of the products you use. Harsh cleansers, particularly those containing sulfates or strong exfoliating acids, can strip the coating from laminated brows and cause them to lose their shape faster. Opt for gentle, pH-balanced cleansers and avoid scrubbing the brow area.

Products to Embrace

Keratin treatments and serums help reinforce the protein structure of your brow hairs. Look for products specifically formulated for brows or lashes rather than general hair care products, as these are designed for the finer, more delicate hairs around your eyes.

Castor oil remains a gold standard for brow nourishment. It's affordable, widely available, and effective. Apply a small amount with a spoolie or your fingertip each night before bed. Some people find pure castor oil too thick; in this case, look for brow serums that include castor oil alongside other beneficial ingredients.

Products to Avoid

Oil-based makeup removers and cleansers can break down the bonds holding your lamination in place, especially if used frequently. Waterproof brow products are also problematic because removing them requires more aggressive cleansing. During the weeks following lamination, stick to water-based, gentle products that don't require heavy rubbing to remove.

Retinol and other strong active ingredients applied to the brow area can increase skin sensitivity and potentially affect how your brows respond to future treatments. If you use retinol in your skincare routine, apply it carefully, avoiding the brow area entirely.

Handling Common Aftercare Challenges

Dry or Brittle Brows

If your brows feel dry or look a bit crispy after lamination, they may have been slightly overprocessed. Don't panic—with proper nourishment, they should recover. Increase your use of conditioning products, applying them twice daily rather than once. Consider using a richer oil like argan or sweet almond oil in addition to your regular serum. Give your brows at least 10 to 12 weeks before your next treatment to allow full recovery.

Brows Losing Shape Prematurely

If your lamination results seem to be fading faster than expected, examine your routine for potential culprits. Are you using products that could be breaking down the treatment? Are you brushing consistently each morning? Are you sleeping on your face? Sometimes small habit changes can significantly extend your results.

Stray Hairs or Uneven Lifting

It's normal for a few hairs to be more stubborn than others, especially around the front of the brow where hair tends to grow in different directions. A strong-hold brow gel or brow soap can help manage these rebels. If specific hairs consistently refuse to cooperate, note their location so you can pay extra attention to them during your next lamination.

Preparing for Your Next Treatment

As your lamination grows out and the lifted effect gradually fades, you'll start thinking about your next treatment. In the days leading up to re-lamination, ease off on heavy products so your brows are clean and product-free. Avoid waxing, threading, or tinting in the 48 hours before treatment, as these can sensitise the skin.

Keep track of how long your results lasted and how your brows felt throughout the cycle. This information helps you adjust timing, products, or technique for even better results next time. Healthy aftercare isn't just about maintaining your current lamination—it's about setting the foundation for beautiful brows treatment after treatment.