Eyebrows are not just a facial feature, they are a statement. They can express your mood, personality, and style. But not everyone is blessed with naturally full and defined brows. That’s where eyebrow tinting comes in.
Eyebrow tinting is a technique that semi-permanently colors your brow hairs to create a fuller and more shapely look. It can also save you time and money by reducing the need for makeup products and touch-ups.
But before you book your appointment or grab a DIY kit, there are some things you should know about this popular brow treatment. In this post, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about eyebrow tinting, such as:
- What is eyebrow tinting and how does it work?
- What are the benefits and risks of eyebrow tinting?
- How to prepare for eyebrow tinting and what to expect during the process?
- How long does eyebrow tinting last and how to maintain it?
- Where to get eyebrow tinting done and how much does it cost?
What is eyebrow tinting and how does it work?
Eyebrow tinting is a method of dying the brow hairs with a semi-permanent vegetable dye or henna. The dye is formulated to match your natural eyebrow color and skin tone. It also stains the skin underneath the hairs, filling in any sparse areas and creating a more defined shape.
The process is simple and quick. A brow specialist will first clean your brows and the surrounding area, then apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly around them to prevent any unwanted staining. They will then mix your custom eyebrow shade and apply it to your brows with a brush or a cotton swab. The dye will be left on for a few minutes, depending on how dark you want your brows to be. Then, the excess dye will be wiped off and your brows will be shaped with tweezers or wax.
What are the benefits and risks of eyebrow tinting?
Eyebrow tinting has many benefits, such as:
- It enhances your natural brows and makes them look fuller, thicker, and more symmetrical.
- It saves you time and hassle by eliminating the need for daily brow makeup and touch-ups.
- It lasts for several weeks, unlike makeup products that wear off or smudge throughout the day.
- It is painless and non-invasive, unlike other brow treatments such as microblading or tattooing.
- It is suitable for most people, regardless of their hair color, skin tone, or brow shape.
However, eyebrow tinting also has some risks and potential side effects, such as:
- Allergic reaction to the dye or the ingredients in it, which can cause itching, swelling, redness, or irritation.
- Burning or stinging sensation if the dye gets into your eyes or on your eyelids.
- Skin or eye infection if the tools or the dye are not properly sanitized or stored.
- Contact dermatitis, which is a rash caused by an allergic or irritant reaction to the dye or the petroleum jelly.
- Uneven or unnatural results if the dye is not applied correctly or left on for too long or too short.
To minimize these risks, you should always do a patch test on a small area of your skin before tinting your brows, and follow the instructions carefully. You should also avoid eyebrow tinting if you have sensitive skin, eczema, psoriasis, or any skin condition that could be aggravated by the dye. If you experience any adverse reaction, you should seek medical attention immediately.
How to prepare for eyebrow tinting and what to expect during the process?
To get the best results from eyebrow tinting, you should prepare your brows and your skin beforehand. Here are some tips to follow:
- Avoid plucking, waxing, or threading your brows for at least a week before your appointment. This will allow your brow hairs to grow out and give the specialist more room to work with.
- Avoid using any exfoliating products, retinoids, or acids on your skin for at least 24 hours before your appointment. These can make your skin more sensitive and prone to irritation.
- Avoid applying any makeup, moisturizer, or sunscreen on your brows or the surrounding area on the day of your appointment. These can interfere with the dye and affect the outcome.
- If you are doing eyebrow tinting at home, make sure you have a mirror, a timer, a bowl, a brush or a cotton swab, some cotton pads, and some water handy. You should also do a patch test on your arm or behind your ear at least 48 hours before tinting your brows, to check for any allergic reaction.
During the eyebrow tinting process, you can expect the following:
- The brow specialist will have a consultation with you and ask you some questions about your brow preferences, such as the shape, thickness, and darkness you want. They will also show you some color samples and help you choose the best one for your brows and your skin tone.
- The brow specialist will clean your brows and the surrounding area, then apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly around them to prevent any unwanted staining. They will then mix your custom eyebrow shade and apply it to your brows with a brush or a cotton swab. They will also shape your brows with tweezers or wax, if needed.
- The dye will be left on your brows for a few minutes, depending on how dark you want your brows to be. You may feel a slight tingling sensation, but it should not be painful or uncomfortable. If you feel any burning or stinging, you should tell the specialist right away and have them remove the dye.
- The specialist will wipe off the excess dye with a damp cotton pad and show you the results. You can ask for any adjustments or corrections if you are not satisfied with the outcome. The specialist will also give you some aftercare instructions and tips to maintain your brows.
How long does eyebrow tinting last and how to maintain it?
Eyebrow tinting is a semi-permanent treatment that lasts for about two to four weeks, depending on your hair growth cycle, your skin type, and your lifestyle. The dye will gradually fade as your brow hairs shed and new ones grow in. The stain on your skin will also fade faster than the dye on your hairs, usually within a week.
To make your eyebrow tinting last longer and keep your brows looking fresh, you should follow these tips:
- Avoid washing your face or getting your brows wet for at least 12 hours after your appointment. This will allow the dye to fully set and prevent it from washing off.
- Avoid using any harsh or oil-based cleansers, makeup removers, or exfoliators on your brows or the surrounding area. These can strip the dye and make it fade faster.
- Avoid exposing your brows to direct sunlight, chlorine, or salt water. These can also bleach the dye and make it lose its vibrancy.
- Apply a clear brow gel or a tinted brow mascara to your brows every day. This will help seal the dye and add some extra definition and shine to your brows.
- Touch up your brows with a brow pencil or a powder if you notice any gaps or fading. This will help fill in any sparse areas and enhance your brow shape.
- Repeat the eyebrow tinting process every three to six weeks, depending on how often you want to refresh your brows. You can also experiment with different shades and intensities to change up your look.
Where to get eyebrow tinting done and how much does it cost?
Eyebrow tinting can be done in a salon or at home with a DIY kit. The choice depends on your budget, your preference, and your skill level.
If you want to get eyebrow tinting done by a professional, you should look for a reputable salon or a brow bar that offers this service. You should also check the reviews, the credentials, and the portfolio of the brow specialist you are going to see. You can also ask for recommendations from your friends or family who have had eyebrow tinting done before.
The cost of eyebrow tinting varies depending on the salon, the location, and the experience of the specialist. You can expect to pay anywhere from $7 to $65 per treatment, though the average price is around $20. Some salons may also offer discounts or packages if you combine eyebrow tinting with other services, such as brow shaping, waxing, or threading.
If you want to do eyebrow tinting at home, you can buy a DIY kit from a drugstore, a beauty store, or online. You should look for a kit that is specifically designed for eyebrow tinting, and that has a vegetable-based or a henna-based dye. You should also read the instructions carefully and follow them step by step. You should also do a patch test before using the kit, and have someone help you if you are not confident in your abilities.
The cost of a DIY eyebrow tinting kit ranges from $10 to $30, depending on the brand, the quality, and the quantity of the product. A kit usually contains enough dye for several applications, so you can save some money in the long run. However, you should also consider the risk of making a mistake or having an allergic reaction, which could ruin your brows or harm your health.
Conclusion
Eyebrow tinting is a great way to enhance your natural brows and make them look fuller, thicker, and more defined. It can also save you time and money by reducing the need for makeup products and touch-ups. However, eyebrow tinting also has some risks and potential side effects, so you should do your research and prepare your brows and your skin before getting it done. You should also follow the aftercare instructions and tips to maintain your brows and make them last longer.