The Eyebrow Guide
It’s time for a deep dive on all things eyebrows! I want to give you all the info you need on my brow services and introduce you to two new brow products at SKINHAMPTON!
For starters, what are eyebrows?
Brows are magical, face-accentuating windows to self-expression. More technically, eyebrows are a collection of hairs in the area above the eyelids. Functionally, eyebrows help protect the eyes by catching sweat that may drip down the forehead. They are also significant in facial expressions and conveying emotions.
The brow bone, also known as the brow ridge, provides the internal structure of the eyebrow area and is located at the upper part of the eye socket. The brow bone is often considered in facial feminization surgery because it plays a large role in the perception of gender based aesthetics. Eyebrows can absolutely be a part of gender expression. I will never assume you want a particular brow style based on your gender, but rather communicate thoroughly to understand your personal brow vision. Eyebrows can also be an expression of your culture or heritage. I always want to respect and celebrate how your brows can be a part of your identity.
The eyebrow hairs themselves are what are known as terminal hairs, just like your scalp hairs. This type of hair is different from vellus hair (aka peach fuzz), which grows on nearby areas of the face. Just like people have different hair textures, thicknesses, and colors, the same is true of eyebrow hair. There are also lots of options for self-expression and ways to enhance your natural features with eyebrow services, just like head hair.
My Brow Philosophy
Before I explain the different services I offer, I want to share my brow philosophy. Everyone’s eyebrows are as unique as they are. Whether you want to celebrate your natural shape, complement your bone structure, or change up your style, I’ll help create your dream brows. Consent is key. I want you to feel in control of what we do with your eyebrows. In practice, this means we talk through the plan before I start shaping. We will discuss what you like about your eyebrows, what you are interested in achieving, what expectations you have for the service, and the aftercare required (more on that later).
Why Trust Me?
I have been doing brows professionally since 2022, and have trained in a variety of methods. Many clients have told me they have never had someone pay such close attention to their eyebrows. I take pride in my work, and I am passionate about getting you the brows of your dreams.
Mapping
After we have talked about your brow concerns and general preferences, I will “map” your face out. I use string, pencils, and a caliper (a fancy ruler) to measure various angles of your face. After I have drawn out your brow shape, I hand you a mirror to take a look. We can discuss and make any changes until the shape is perfect for you! The mapping process allows us to be on the same page, and to make sure everything is as even as possible while prioritizing facial balance. The right brow shape can have a lifting effect and give the appearance of more open eyes.
“Sisters, not twins.”
A common phrase in the eyebrow profession is that “eyebrows are sisters, not twins,” meaning that the goal is not to get them to be identical. I try to get eyebrows as symmetrical as possible, focusing on harmony with your facial features. No one's face is perfectly symmetrical, so it is not realistic to have identical eyebrows. What is more important than being a mirror image of the other side of the face is overall facial balance. I take into account your facial structure when doing your brow map, so we have brows that seem perfect for you.
Shaping
Probably the service you are most familiar with: Brow Waxing. After we chat, map out your brows and agree on the shape, we get on to hair removal. To ensure a safe service, I use hypoallergenic, vegan, low-temperature, antimicrobial, high-quality wax. This minimizes the risk of irritation, making it safe for sensitive skin. If you are nervous about the pain, I have stress balls you can squeeze and a facial vibrator tool you can use to distract from the sensation of hair removal. I want your experience to be as comfortable as possible. If needed, I will use tiny scissors to trim any extra long hairs. Then we finish with soothing ingredients to calm redness.
I recommend coming back every 4-6 weeks for brow shaping, depending on how fast your hair grows. It is important not to tweeze between appointments. Tweezing can mess with the growth cycle of the hairs, leading to less effective waxing.
Tinting
Think of tinting like hair color, but for your eyebrow hairs. If you wish your eyebrows had a bit more volume or definition, try tinting! Many people have very light colored eyebrow hairs and don't realize the brow potential they’ve had all along until they become more visible with a little tint. We can go from a natural enhancement to bold and dramatic. The tint will stay visible on your brow hairs for 4-6 weeks. Over that time, the color will fade and your natural color will grow out at the roots. Similar to a stylist at a salon, I mix up a formula specific to you. If you typically like to fill in your eyebrows with a tinted brow gel or a pencil, tinting can be a game-changing service for you, freeing up time getting ready. It always amazes me how much of a difference tinting can make in enhancing your facial features. Tinting services include brow shaping.
Lamination
This is a chemical processing treatment that reshapes the bonds of the hair shaft to change its direction. Eyebrow lamination comes from the same type of technology used in lash lift and hair perm services. This service is great if you have curly brow hairs or brow hairs that grow in directions you don't appreciate. It is ideal if you like a polished, sleek style. Lamination can also be used to strategically cover sparse brow areas by manipulating the direction of existing brow hairs. The lamination service includes tinting and shaping. It’s important to avoid getting your eyebrows wet for the 24 hours after the appointment, so please plan your activities and showers accordingly.
Also, I do require a patch test appointment at least 24 hours in advance of a lamination service. It is free and can be added to any other appointment if you’re considering trying lamination in the future. Brow lamination appointments must be at least 8 weeks apart to protect your hair's health. In between lamination appointments, I recommend a maintenance appointment at the 4-week mark to get your tint and shape looking fresh, along with a hair-nourishing mask. After lamination, I recommend using a brow oil to keep your brows happy and healthy after the service (more on that later). Lamination is one of the most satisfying services, and can be done in so many different ways to get your desired look!
Other Contraindications and Pre-care
If you are on Acutane/Isotretinoin, I can not do any waxing until you have been off the medication for at least 6 months.
No retinol/retinal/retinaldehyde skincare products in the 7 days prior
No exfoliation (chemical or physical) of the face for 3 days prior
No skin thinning medication before waxing
Wait at least 2 weeks after neuromodulators (i.e. Botox) before your brow appt.
After Care
Avoid sun exposure immediately after
No active ingredients or fragrance in your skincare for the next few days (think gentle)
Avoid heat and sweating for 24 hours after
Wait a few hours before applying makeup, and use clean brushes on your freshly waxed skin
Avoid tweezing between appointments
For lamination only: try to keep your brows dry for 24 hours
Brow oil: Use a healing and nourishing oil, like the Brow Gold Nourishing Growth Oil, to promote fuller, healthier-looking brows after your service.
Product Spotlight
I am so excited to announce two additions to our expertly curated products!
Meet Gold Nourishing Growth Oil and Alias Brow Lamination Gel from Brow Code!
Both are vegan, acne safe, synthetic fragrance free, cruelty free, ethically sourced, developed and trusted by brow professionals, and suitable for all brow hair types and textures.
Gold Nourishing Growth Oil
Nutrient-dense formula designed to promote thicker, longer, and healthier brows over time. A single drop delivers instant softness, shine and nourishment, while strengthening the hairs for long-term sustenance and growth. Everyone who cares about their brow health needs a brow oil.
Alias Brow Lamination Gel
Extreme-hold formula that sets to a clear finish, providing 24-hour hold without stiffness or flaking. If you are on the fence about a lamination service, try this clear brow gel to see how you like the style. I also love a clear brow gel on laminated brows (starting 24 hours post-service) because it helps the hairs stay in your desired direction all day. Also, it’s sweat-resistant, so your brows can slay your workout with you!
Wow! Who knew there was so much to say about eyebrows?
TLDR: Here are your brow options at SKINHAMPTON:
Brow Shaping - approximately 30 minutes - $40
Mapping. Waxing. Tweezing. Trimming. Slaying!
Brow Tint + Shape - approximately 45 minutes - $70
Same as above + a little color
Brow Lamination + Tint + Shape - approximately 60 minutes - $100
The trifecta of brow transformation.
Brow Lami Maintenance - approximately 45 minutes - $70
Keeps your eyebrows looking vibrant and healthy between lamination appointments.
Patch Test - approximately 15 minutes - FREE
Determine your suitability for brow lamination and tinting. Highly recommended for those new to hair or brow coloring who are considering tinting. A patch test is mandatory before your first lamination appointment.
Brow Gold Nourishing Growth Oil (5ml) - $16
Alias Brow Lamination Gel - $34
See you soon!
Magdalena