Step-by-Step Guide on Brow Lamination
Brow lamination is the secret to achieving fluffy, fuller, and perfectly shaped brows, offering a sleek, uniform look for up to 6 weeks. The Alba Triple Care System is a TGA-free, cysteamine-based formula that expertly delivers flawless results while minimising the risk of damage and irritation to both brows and skin.
- Protects & Hydrates - A gradual process using patented technology for hair and skin health.
- No Harsh Chemicals - Free from Sodium Bromate, Parabens, and Ammonia.
- Vegan & Cruelty-Free - Made with wheat and soy proteins, never tested on animals.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to use the system to maximise results with our unique, advanced formula.
CAUTION: All Alba products (besides the retail range) are strictly designed for professional use. This is not a DIY kit. Do not perform the treatment on others without proper training.
1. Patch Test
2. Consultation
3. Preparation
4. Step 1 - LIFT Cream
5. Signature Brow Balm
6. Shape the Brows
7. Step 2 - FIX Cream
8. Tinting, Waxing & Tweezing (Optional)
9. Step 3 - NOURISH
10. Brow Lamination Aftercare
1. Patch Test
Before booking your client, check with them to ensure they don’t have any of the following issues.
Contraindications for Brow Lamination:
- Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women: Increased skin sensitivity and risk of allergic reactions.
- Skin Conditions: Eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, active acne, or cuts may cause irritation and infection.
- Recent Procedures: Wait 4-6 weeks after microblading or permanent makeup, or 2 weeks after chemical peels.
- Medications: Stop using retinol or Vitamin A products 3-7 days before treatment. Consult a doctor if taking blood thinners or antibiotics.
We highly recommend performing a patch test for clients using this system for the first time. Follow these steps to ensure there are no allergic reactions to the products:
- Prepare the patch test materials. You’ll need a small amount of Step 1, 2, & 3 and any adhesive or balm you plan to use during the lash lift treatment.
Pro tip: Press the cream inside the sachet to the bottom, then poke a tiny hole using sharp tweezers. Dispense a small amount of cream for the patch test. You can seal the hole with tape, and the cream will remain usable for up to a month if properly sealed. - Clean a small area of the client’s skin, either behind the ear or on the inner arm, with water.
- Using a cotton bud, apply a small amount of each product to different spots.
- Wait for a reaction: Allow the patch test to sit for 24-48 hours. During this time, the client should monitor the area for any redness, itching, swelling, or irritation.
Evaluate the Results: If there’s no adverse reaction after the testing period, it’s generally safe to proceed with the lash lift. If there is any irritation, it’s best to avoid using the product.
2. Consultation
For the consultation, brush through the brows in both directions to assess the hair type. Are they thick or stubborn in certain areas, or are they on the thinner side? Have they recently had a brow lamination? What kind of final look do they want—a wild, fluffy top line, a sleek look, or a natural style that maintains their original shape for low maintenance?
Pro tip: Also, check the hair porosity. High porosity hair usually appears healthy, smooth, and shiny under light. However, it doesn't react to chemicals as well, so you may need to extend the processing time slightly. On the other hand, low porosity hair tends to be matte, relatively rough, and reflects little to no light. This means the cuticle is more open, so you’ll need to opt for a shorter processing time, monitoring closely to avoid over-processing.
3. Cleanse and Prep
Use an oil-free cleanser to thoroughly cleanse the brows, removing makeup, oils, and sebum. This ensures that the solutions will penetrate the brow hairs effectively. After cleansing, gently rinse with a damp cotton pad to remove any remaining cleanser, then pat dry.
Pro tip: Since we will be going through several steps in the chemical process, ensure you are as gentle as possible when cleaning the brow area. It's best to advise clients to come without any makeup, with clean brows.
4. Step 1 – LIFT Cream
In this step, we soften the keratin structure of the brows using Step 1 cream, preparing them for reshaping into their new position. Alba's LIFT cream is expertly formulated without TGA, eliminating the harsh odour often found in similar products, and offering a subtle, pleasant scent that both you and your clients will appreciate.
1. Using your preferred applicator, apply a generous amount of Alba Step 1 LIFT Cream to the eyebrows. Start from the inner corner, working outward to ensure each hair is fully coated. Don’t worry about the direction or shape of the brows at this point. Avoid rubbing cream onto the skin. Cover the brows with cling wrap, ensuring no air enters, which will help lock in heat, making the cream penetrate more effectively.
2. Leave the solution on for the duration specified in the time guide below:
Processing time for Alba Step 1 LIFT Cream:- Fine or damaged brows: 5 minutes
- Medium brows: 6-8 minutes
- Coarse, thick, or stubborn brows: 9-12 minutes
3. When the time is up, use a soft brush to brush the brows in a wave pattern to ensure all hairs are softened. If there are hairs that are stubborn or bounce back, reapply the cream to those areas and process for another 1–2 minutes.
4. Once done, thoroughly wipe off the cream using a dry cotton pad.
5. Signature Brow Balm (Optional)
Alba’s Signature Brow Balm is the key to achieving healthier, silkier brows lamination results. Simply apply the balm directly onto the brow for 5 to 10 minutes to repair damage, restore moisture, and enhance the texture of both skin and hair. You and your clients will notice instantly improved results. When the time is up, gently wipe it off using a damp cotton pad before proceeding with brow shaping.
6. Shape the brows
Using your preferred applicator (we recommend one with a very soft brush tip to minimise damage to the skin and hair), brush the brows into the desired shape.
7. Step 2 – FIX Cream
The FIX Cream neutralises the hair and reforms the disulphide bonds to lock in the new shape. Using a brush, apply a generous amount of FIX cream to the entire brow. Avoid disrupting the shape, as neutralisation begins immediately when the cream is applied. Cling wrap is not needed for this step.
Processing time for Alba Step 2 FIX Cream:
- Fine or damaged brows: 4 minutes
- Medium brows: 5 minutes
- Thick, Coarse brows: 6-7 minutes
Pro tip: Once the time elapses, you can check if the brows have been fully processed. Use tweezers to lift a few brow hairs and see if they return to their original position. Always err on the side of caution with timing, as over-processing can weaken the hair structure, causing it to appear frizzy.
Once done, thoroughly wipe off the cream with a damp cotton pad. Avoid using excessive pressure, especially on sensitive skin.
8. Tinting, Waxing & Tweezing (Optional)
9. Step 3 – NOURISH
Alba Step 3 NOURISH Serum hydrates and conditions the brows, replenishing moisture and strengthening them post-treatment. It’s enriched with biotin, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and panthenol.
Apply a generous amount of serum to the brows, style them as desired, and leave the serum in.
You’re all set! Take a look at the stunning before and after results below!
10. Brow Lamination Aftercare
Ensure your clients know how to properly care for their brows for longer-lasting results:
- Keep brows dry: Avoid water, steam, and sweating for 24 hours.
- No makeup: Avoid applying makeup or skincare products on brows for 24 hours.
- Avoid touching: Keep your hands off your brows to prevent disrupting the lamination.
- Brush daily: Gently brush your brows in the desired direction each morning.
- Moisturise: Use a nourishing cream to keep brows and skin hydrated.
- Schedule your next appointment: Brow laminations typically last up to 6 weeks, so book your follow-up appointment to keep brows looking their best.
