If the eyes are the windows to the soul, then we guess that makes eyebrows the windowframes, and therefore an integral part of any wedding day beauty look. Alas, not all of us are blessed with brows like Lily Collins, which is why semi-permanent brow treatments are adored by those with eyebrows that are on the sparse side. The beauty of semi-permanent brows is that there are options available for whatever look you want, and however long you'd like them to last. Some last up to six weeks which is perfect for the wedding day, right through to your honeymoon. Others can last up to three years, which will suit anyone who wants to make an investment to tackle thinning or barely-there brows long-term. In our guide to semi-permanent brows for brides, we're breaking down each type, who it's suitable for, and how much they are likely to cost. Awesome full arches are soon to be yours!
Brow Tinting
How It Works: Brow tinting is a fast and painless way to make average brows look more defined and in shape. Tinting is a way of colouring the brows in a semi-permanent fashion, much like using hair colour to cover up greys and roots. The treatment is quick and the results will last for around six weeks until they fade away.
Who Should Try It: Brow tinting is perfect for blonde brows to give fullness and definition. Because the brow tint will catch any transparent baby hairs, the brows will look thicker. Always get patch tested for brow tinting, and follow the aftercare as prescribed by your beauty therapist.
Expect To Pay: Depending on where you go, you could pay between €8-€16.
Brow Lamination
How It Works: Brow lamination works for just about everybody, and has been the hottest method for semi-permanent brows in the last few years. The treatment relaxes and straightens the brow hairs, allowing them to be styled in different ways - straight, sleek or arched. It works by applying a perming solution to the brows to break down the bonds inside them. A fixing solution is then used to form the new shape, and then a serum restores moisture in the skin and brows. Treatment time can be up to an hour.
Who Should Try It: Fashion gals love brow lamination, but they look great on most people. Fuller brows are very youthful, and lamination lasts for between six to eight weeks. Those with sparse brows may need tinting to fill in any blank spaces. Anyone with very heavy brows or curly brows might need waxing or threading beforehand to tame and shape them.
Expect To Pay: Between €35-€70 at professional salons.
Microblading Brows
How It Works: Getting into the longer-lasting semi-permanent brow treatments for brides, microblading can last up to three years depending on your skin type. Oilier skin can lose the colour pigment sooner than dry skin, but you can also get a top-up. Microblading involves creating hair-like strokes in the brows with a blade, into which colour pigment is dropped into the skin. Numbing cream is applied beforehand, and discomfort is minimal. The colour pigment used will depend on your hair colour, and your therapist will map out the brows with eyeliner or pen before they start. The whole process from mapping to microblading can take between one to two hours.
Who Should Try It: Microblading is a great form of semi-permanent brows for anyone who has alopecia, cancer-related hair loss or zero natural brows. It is also fantastic for anyone who struggles with defining their brows and relies on makeup every day to fill them in. Healing can take four to six weeks, and a top-up appointment will fill in any gaps and refresh the overall brows. These semi-permanent brows should be done at least three or four months before your big day.
Expect To Pay: Prices vary, expect to pay between €300 for the initial session, and up to €800 with repeated sessions throughout the following 12 to 18 months.
Feather Touch Semi-Permanent Brows
How It Works: Feather Touch or emBrowdery semi-permanent brows are seen as gentler and less-invasive than microblading, making them great for brides who don't have the lead in time needed for healing. However, feather touch creates natural-looking brows using a needle to pluck at the skin. The colour pigment is dropped in along the way and wiped clean. A session takes on average an hour and requires one to two further treatments to build on the initial colour. The brows are mapped ahead of the brow treatment and numbing cream is applied. Healing can take seven to 10 days, and calming balm is used throughout to keep the brows hydrated.
Who Should Try It: Again, like microblading, Feather Touch or emBrowdery is perfect for alopecia, cancer patients or barely-there brows. This semi-permanent brow treatment has great staying power, lasting one to two years before needing a top up. And this brow treatment is perfect for anyone who wants a shorter healing period. The pain factor here is reportedly far less than microblading, so it may be an alternative for anyone who is feeling a bit nervous.
Expect To Pay: €280 for the initial consultation, mapping and brow session. Expect to pay €120 for a second session, and €100 for a third appointment.
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