How to tell when Step 1 needs to be taken off in a brow lamination

During brow lamination, Step 1 involves applying the lifting solution, which softens the brow hairs by breaking down the hair bonds to allow reshaping. Knowing when to remove this solution is crucial to achieving the desired result without damaging the brow hairs. Here’s some tips to help how to determine the right time:

Follow the Recommended Timing

If you're new to brow lamination, we recommend sticking to the timings whilst you learn how to recognise signs that step 1 needs taking off by eye. 
Our recommended step 1 timings are as follows; 

Very fine brows: 2-4 minutes 

Fine brows: 3-4 minutes 

Medium to full brows: 4-6 minutes 

Course, full brows: 5-7 minutes

Check Hair Texture

Identifying hair texture will help you immeasurably in identifying when to take your step one off. Here are some tips to check the hairs are ready;

• Gently comb through the brows with a spoolie or brow brush.
• If the hairs feel softer and more flexible, they are ready for the next step.
• If they still feel stiff, leave the solution on for 1 more minute, but do not exceed the maximum recommended time.

Visual Cues
There are two main factors that will help you identify whether your brows are ready to take step 1 off: 

• The brow hairs should appear more relaxed and easier to manipulate.
• They should lay flat against the skin without resistance.

Recognising the two above points will assist you in creating some beautiful brows! Bear in mind that different hair types will take different amounts of time to reach the above stage. 

Avoid Overprocessing

If the solution is left on too long, it can weaken or damage the hairs, causing them to become frizzy or brittle.Stick to the lower end of the time range for finer brows and gradually increase for thicker brows.For thinner brows, keep a very careful eye and use our re-usable tool to exercise the points above in helping you decipher when you take the solution off. 

Perform a Patch Test

If you're particularly nervous about using our solutions for the first time, perform a patch test on a small amount of the client's brow. This way, you're able to check how the hair responds. 

Environmental Factors

Humidity and room temperature can affect processing time. Warmer environments may accelerate the process, so monitor accordingly.

Cling Film 

The use of cling film will always accelerate the development time of the hair. This can be useful when dealing with clients who have thick eyebrows. For thinner eyebrows, using cling film isn't advisable with our solutions. 

By carefully observing these factors, you can achieve beautifully lifted and shaped brows without compromising their health.