Brow lamination, tint or shaping: which do I need?

What's the difference between lamination, tint and shaping?

They do three different jobs. Lamination changes the direction of your brow hairs, setting them to sit up and across so the brow you already have looks fuller and fluffier. Tint changes their color, so fine or light hairs show up against your skin. Shaping changes the outline: the start, the arch, the tail and the stray hairs around them.

Put simply, lamination moves the hairs, tint darkens them and shaping edits the edges. None of them grows new hair. Lamination makes the most of the hair that's already there.

How long does each last, and what does it cost?

Lamination and tint often last several weeks, and Desiree will tell you when to rebook. A wax lasts until new hairs grow back in around the outline, so rebook when the edges start to look soft again.

Doing your lashes too? Brow Lamination and Tint, Lash Lift and Tint pairs a brow lamination with a lash lift in one visit.

Which brow service should I book?

Start with what bothers you in the mirror, then match it to the job:

• Hairs point down, cross over or won't stay where you brush them: Brow Lamination and Tint. The tint is optional, so skip it if you love your color.
• Hairs you barely see unless you fill them in: Brow Tint.
• Stray hairs, or an arch or tail that doesn't feel like you: Brow Wax.
• Light hairs and an untidy outline: Brow Shape and Tint.
• You want the full finish: Brow Lamination, Shape and Tint.

If your tint and lamination look right but the shape still feels off, that's an outline job. Color and direction can be exactly right while the arch or tail isn't, so ask for shaping by name or book the combination that includes it.

Know already? Go straight to the brow menu and book.

Where should my brows sit?

Brow position changes how your eyes read, which is why shaping can matter more than people expect. In a controlled image study, lower brows made eyes look larger and higher brows made them look smaller, while the curve of the brow didn't change perceived eye size (Matsushita et al., 2015). The eyes also looked tilted the same way as the brows.

For the arch, one preference study found the favored brow peak sat on or outside the outer corner of the eye (Li et al., 2025). That study measured East Asian brows, so treat it as a starting point for your conversation with Desiree. The right outline is the one that still looks like you.

How do I prepare, and how do I care for my brows after?

Before your appointment:

• Skip tweezing and waxing for about two weeks if you can, so there's more hair to work with.
• Skip retinol, acids and exfoliants on your brows for 3–5 days before.
• If you've reacted to lash or brow tint before, a patch test 24–48 hours ahead is the safe route. Tell Desiree when you book.

The patch test is worth it for lamination too, since lamination resets brow hair with a chemical solution. Tint deserves the same care: even approved lash and brow dyes can sometimes irritate the eye (Kaiserman, 2003). A patch test is the simple way to know ahead of time.

After your appointment:

• Keep your brows dry for 24 to 48 hours: no makeup, sweat or steam.
• Brush them into place each morning.
• Add a drop of brow oil to keep laminated hairs soft.
• Plan your next visit for when the lamination and tint start to soften; Desiree will tell you when.

The full care guide is on our aftercare page. If you notice redness, swelling, pain or any change in vision, contact Desiree and see a doctor.