Can You Apply Brow Henna After Brow Lamination?
As a professional Brow Technician, it’s essential to stay informed about the best practices for using different brow treatments, especially from a health and safety perspective. One frequently asked question is: "Can I apply brow henna after a brow lamination?" While combining popular treatments might seem like an effective way to achieve perfect brows, it's important to understand the potential risks and why this combination is not recommended.
Understanding Brow Henna
Henna Brows have become a favourite in the brow industry due to their ability to tint both the hair and skin, offering a longer-lasting natural effect than traditional brow tints. Henna is derived from plants, making it a more eco-friendly option that appeals to many clients. The henna process involves mixing henna powder with lukewarm water, unlike traditional tints that require a chemical developer. Despite its natural origins, performing a patch test is essential because henna contains a small amount of PPD (p-Phenylenediamine), which can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
Benefits of Henna Brows:
- Tints both hair and skin for a fuller, more defined look.
- Lasts longer than traditional tints.
- Made from natural plant extracts.
- Generally safe and gentle with a necessary patch test.
What is Brow Lamination?
Brow Lamination, also known as Brow Bomber, Brow Perm, or Brow Lift, is a treatment that relaxes brow hairs and fixes them into a desired shape, with results lasting up to six weeks. It is especially beneficial for clients with stubborn brows or those seeking a different shape than their natural brow line.
Benefits of Brow Lamination:
- Tames unruly brow hairs.
- Creates a fuller, more defined shape.
- Long-lasting results (up to six weeks).
Why Brow Henna and Brow Lamination Don’t Mix
While both henna and lamination are excellent treatments individually, combining them can lead to undesirable outcomes. Here’s why:
Drying Effects: Both treatments can be drying on the brows. Individually, with proper aftercare, this dryness is manageable and disappears quickly. However, using them together can exacerbate the dryness, potentially leading to overprocessing and brittle, damaged brows.
Molecular Structure: Brow henna has an irregular molecular structure that allows it to adhere to both the hair and skin for an extended period. This quality also means it acts as a coating rather than penetrating the hair cuticle. During a brow lamination, this coating can prevent the final nourishing solution from effectively hydrating the hair, leading to frazzled, weakened brows.
Barrier Effect:The coating effect of henna creates a barrier that inhibits the absorption of the final lamination solution. This can result in insufficient nourishment, making the brows prone to damage, as well as poor results, making the treatment a waste of both time and money.
Recommended Waiting Period
To ensure the health and strength of your client’s brows, it is advisable to wait 3 weeks between brow lamination and henna treatments. This waiting period allows the brow hairs to recover and regain strength. The first week post-lamination is particularly critical, as the hairs are most fragile during this time. This is why a consultation is so important, as it helps us to understand their treatment history and establish whether it’s safe to go ahead with henna brows.
Why Wait 3 Weeks?
- Allows brow hairs to recover and regain strength.
- Prevents hair loss, over-processing, and irritation.
- Ensures optimal results for both treatments.
Client Education and Communication
Educating your clients on the benefits and limitations of combining brow treatments is crucial. Here are some talking points to help communicate why it’s important to space out these treatments:
Q: Why can’t I combine these treatments if both are safe individually?
A:While both treatments are safe on their own, their combined drying effects can lead to significant brow damage. The henna’s coating action also interferes with the lamination process, preventing proper hydration.
Q: Can I use a different type of tint after brow lamination?
A: Yes, traditional brow tints are generally more compatible with brow lamination as they do not create the same barrier effect as henna.
Q: What should I do if I’ve already combined these treatments and my clients’ brows feel damaged?
A:Recommend nourishing treatments and products to restore moisture and strength to the brows. The So Henna Brow Oil is incredibly nourishing and can fast track this process. Suggest avoiding further chemical treatments until the brows have fully recovered.
Henna brows and brow lamination are both excellent services that provide fantastic results on their own. However, using them together can lead to significant brow damage due to the chemical reaction that takes place in each treatment.
As a professional Brow Technician, always prioritise the health and safety of your clients’ brows. Educate them on the importance of spacing out these treatments and provide comprehensive aftercare instructions to ensure the best possible results. By doing so, you’ll help your clients achieve the beautiful, healthy brows they desire without compromising their brow health.
For more tips, advice, and product recommendations, don’t hesitate to reach out to us on Instagram or via our website chat. We're here to support you in delivering the best brow services possible.
