Brow Lamination & Tinting vs Microblading: What is the Difference?

Author: Sahra Sabri

Published: April 16, 2025

It’s normal to get confused about whether to do brow lamination and tinting vs microblading.

You see, over 66% of women consider eyebrow treatments their most important beauty service. Amazing brows frame your face and instantly upgrade your look without tons of makeup.

Although they work quite differently, these popular brow therapies both create the stunning eyebrows you’re looking for. If you compare eyebrow lamination with eyebrow tinting, you’ll see that they complement each other very well as two separate treatments.

In the next few minutes, we’ll explain what makes them different, who they’re best for, and how to find the method that’s right for you.

 

What are Brow Lamination and Eyebrow Tinting?

How does brow lamination work? It’s simple: It’s a kind of mini-perm for your brows!

Your stylist uses a solution to relax your brow hairs and give them a smooth, new shape. They are then set so that they look precisely styled.

It works wonders on wild brows and adds fullness to what you already have. The eyebrow tint is a semi-permanent tint that colors both the visible hairs and the little baby hairs that you can barely see.

This immediately creates more defined, fuller brows. Both treatments are ideal for anyone looking for a natural enhancement without long-term commitment.

What is Microblading?

Microblading is a technique in which hair-like strokes are tattooed onto the skin to create the illusion of fuller brows. These strokes deposit pigment just below the surface. The results look just like natural hair growth patterns.

This treatment is amazing for people with sparse brows or patchy hair loss. Microblading creates the look of fullness, even in areas where no hair exists. Think of it as semi-permanent eyebrows that stay put through showers, workouts, and swimming. Explore our in-depth microblading guide for any additional information you need.

 

Key Differences Between Brow Lamination and Tinting vs Microblading

The difference between brow lamination and microblading comes down to enhancing what you have versus adding what you don’t. Here’s what you need to know:

 

Procedure Details and Duration

Brow lamination and microblading differ significantly in time commitment. Lamination takes about 45 minutes and only works on your existing hair. Tinting adds maybe 15 minutes more.

Microblading is much more involved. It typically takes 2 hours for the initial session. This includes measuring, mapping, drawing, and creating those tiny pigment strokes. One styles your actual hair, and the other adds what looks like new hair.

 

Pain Level and Discomfort

When comparing brow lamination and tinting to microblading, comfort is a huge factor! Lamination feels like nothing more than a facial – maybe a slight tingling from the solution.

Microblading definitely involves some discomfort. Your artist will apply numbing cream first, which helps a lot. Most people describe it as a 3/10 on the pain scale. If you have sensitive skin, you might experience more redness afterward.

 

Longevity and Maintenance

Brow lamination results last 4-6 weeks before your hair goes back to its natural state. When paired with tinting, the color gradually fades over 3-4 weeks. Microblading offers much longer-lasting results.

Good microblading typically lasts 1-2 years, depending on your skin type and lifestyle. You’ll need a touch-up about 6 weeks after your initial treatment, then yearly refreshes.

 

Results (Natural vs. Defined Look)

The difference between brow lamination and microblading is most in the final look. Lamination creates that fluffy, brushed-up look using your real hair. With tinting added, you get enhanced color but still a very natural effect.

The finely detailed strokes produced by microblading resemble actual hair. It’s ideal for filling in the blanks and adding structure. Though in quite different ways, both produce stunning brows.

 

Cost Comparison

The cost of brow lamination ranges from $80 to $120, while tinting is about $30 to $50. Although it’s less expensive upfront, frequent visits add up.

The initial service plus touch-ups for microblading typically cost $400 to $700. Given how much longer the results last, microblading may end up being more cost-effective in the long run than brow lamination.

 

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between the Two

Are you still unsure which is best for you? Consider the following individual factors:

 

Lifestyle and Beauty Routine

Are you constantly in a rush or active? With no daily effort, microblading provides you with flawless brows every single day. It’s fantastic if you enjoy swimming, working out, or simply detest applying makeup.

Do you like to switch up your appearance frequently? You can change things up with brow lamination. When you want a change or for special occasions, you can style them differently.

 

Skin Type and Eyebrow Hair Type

If you have oily skin, microblading might fade faster on you. But if you’ve got super fine or blonde brow hair, tinting creates amazing results.

On the other hand, for thick and unruly brows, lamination is the best choice. A patch test before treatment is always smart!

 

Desired Look (Temporary Enhancement vs. Semi-permanent Solution)

Think about commitment level! Brow lamination vs microblading comes down to whether you want a temporary boost or something more permanent.

Want to try a bold look without a long-term commitment? Lamination and tinting wash out. Ready for wake-up-perfect brows for years? Microblading is your answer.

 

Conclusion

The brow lamination and tinting vs microblading choice doesn’t need to be complicated!

A lot of women choose their brow treatment based on how much time it saves them in their morning routine rather than the initial cost.

Remember that brow lamination with tinting offers a temporary, natural-looking solution with minimal discomfort. Microblading provides long-lasting results that can dramatically simplify your daily routine.

Both create stunning brows – just in different ways! You can book an appointment with us at any of our locations for brow lamination, tinting, or microblading at Brau.