Read this before you make a brow dye appointment.
By
Audrey Noble
Apr 21, 2021
CoffeeAndMilkGetty Images
The journey to fuller brows doesn’t have to be so complicated. From trusty brow pencils to brow-growing serums, there are plenty of options for crafting thicker brows right from your vanities. But if you’re looking for something with a little more staying power, another option is eyebrow tinting. We turned to dermatological surgeon Dr. Tiffany Libby, brow expert at Hawthorne Studio Azi Sacks, and CEO and founder of Shobha Salon Shobha Tummala to gather everything you need to know about semi-permanent brow dye.
What Is Eyebrow Tinting?
Eyebrow tinting is the process of applying semi-permanent dye to enhance, shape, and define your brows. “Tinting allows a professional to manipulate the brow area by darkening the fine hairs that surround the perimeter of the brow to increase the width,” says Sacks. “It also allows the specialist to darken the fine hairs in the inner core of the brow that are in less dense areas. This creates a longer brow line (brow tail) or fuller front and a more ideal shape.”
She further explains that the tint is made of semi-permanent vegetable dye or henna that is mixed to match your existing shade. This can be done at salons or with at-home kits. “It gives the appearance of thicker, more youthful-looking brows,” adds Tummala. “We’re not making brows darker, we’re just matching your natural color.”
How Long Does it Take?
An average session, which Saks says can cost anywhere from $35-$40, takes only about 15 minutes. First, you’ll consult with a specialist to discuss how full and natural you want your brows to look. Then the specialist will prep the area, cleaning the brows and applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly around them to prevent any accidental skin staining. The dye is then mixed and carefully applied, first in the direction of how your brow hairs grow and then a second layer is applied in the opposite direction. The dye is left on for a few minutes to attain optimal color, then any excess is removed with a damp paper towel. Don’t freak out if you see dye on the skin underneath your brows: Tummala says that will wash away after a day or two. It might be a good idea to schedule your first appointment on a Friday, so you can monitor the results over the weekend.
Related Stories
Lady Gaga’s Complete Eyebrow Evolution
The Best Pencils For Faking Fuller Brows
How To (Safely) Thread Your Own Eyebrows
Who Is Eyebrow Tinting Best For?
Eyebrow tinting works on skin types, skin tones, and hair colors. If you’re trying to tint grey or white hair though, the process is a little trickier. “Make sure you go to someone that knows how to tint eyebrows well and does it often,” says Tummala. “Grey hair is more resistant and tends to be stubborn, so you might need to adjust the process a bit.”
How Soon Will You See Results?
You’ll want to avoid getting your brows wet for 12 hours after getting the treatment done and to clean around the area with gel or cream-based cleansers. “Your brows will stand out and look fuller right away,” says Tummala. “You can cut back on the multiple brow products in your beauty routine.” The tint lasts anywhere from three to six weeks. To maintain color, Tummala suggests coming in every four to six weeks for touch-ups. She also says to avoid exfoliating or use of any oil-based products in that area as it will cause the tint to fade faster. Libby recommends avoiding any products that might further irritate the thin eyebrow skin, such as retinoids and retinols. She says to apply a thin layer of Vaseline or Aquaphor to the surrounding skin as a form of protective barrier between the dye and your skin. Sacks likes to recommend using something like castor or almond oil to create the same protective barrier on the brow and to help the tint from fading too fast.
This content is imported from Instagram. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Source: www.harpersbazaar.com
