Eyebrow tinting is a semi-permanent cosmetic procedure that shapes, defines, and darkens your eyebrows. This procedure is gaining popularity as it maintains the eyebrows in good shape for an extended period without the need for frequent retouching.
If you’re willing to get your eyebrows tinted, this is the place to learn all about it. Let’s start with our beginner-friendly guide, which explains how it works.
What Is Eyebrow Tinting?
Eyebrow tinting is a type of beauty treatment that can be used to darken and define your brows. This reduces the extra hassle of frequently drawing or trimming eyebrows. The shape it creates improves the makeup look semi-permanently with dye.
Key Takeaways
- Eyebrow tinting utilizes semi-permanent dye to enhance the appearance of your eyebrows, making them look darker, fuller, and more defined.
- The dyes are typically vegetable-based or henna-based
- Salons use colors that match your natural brow color, so it doesn’t look fake
- You can expect the tint to last for four to six weeks
- As some tints may contain PPD, a patch test is required for people with PPD allergy
Eyebrow Tinting Process & How Long Does It Take?
During the process, you should consult a specialist first to discuss your color choice and desired darkness. Once you select the color and style, the prepping session will begin.
The prepping session is designed to clean the brows and apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly around them, so the tint doesn’t stain any unwanted areas.
Once the prepping is done, the dye is mixed and applied in the direction of your hair growth. Once done, the specialist applies a second layer in the opposite direction.
As the application is completed, the dye is left to set in for a few minutes. An average eyebrow tinting session typically lasts around 15 minutes. However, if you have coarser hair, you might need longer for the dye to set in.
Why You’ll Love Eyebrow Tinting?
Eyebrow tinting is a popular type of beautification, like sugaring and waxing eyebrows, that many women enjoy. But not only the beautifying part, it gives us more reasons to consider the process:
- Better Looks: Tinting can give you darker and fuller brows, while improving your confidence and self-esteem.
- Time Saving: The entire process takes only 15 minutes and lasts around 4-6 weeks, saving you a significant amount of time from reshaping your brows daily.
- Reasonable Pricing: Eyebrow Tinting often costs between $15 and $50 per session. So, you can avoid a lot of hassle by paying such a small amount.
- Immediate Results: The process gives results almost immediately, and without any pain. This is an amazing, non-invasive way to improve your brow appearance.
What Are The Risks Of Eyebrow Tinting?
Eyebrow tinting, like most procedures, has some drawbacks or risks as well. The first is the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. These tints don’t have FDA approval, so you may be concerned about the safety and quality of the products.
Additionally, while permanent eyebrow tints have been linked to blindness, semi-permanent ones can pose risks such as infections, chemical burns, and allergies.
Individuals with sensitive skin may experience swelling or severe allergic reactions. That’s why most salons perform a patch test at least 48 hours before eyebrow tinting.
To ensure safety, it is recommended to undergo the procedure at a reputable salon. Additionally, ensure that the salon performs a patch test prior to the procedure to prevent allergic reactions later.
What Is The Difference Between Eyebrow Tint And Lamination
Tinting is like applying a brighter hair dye to your brows, making them pop even more. Laminating brows is like giving them a spa treatment – it smooths out the hair, preens it, and keeps it set for weeks. Both are great, but they serve different purposes.
The distinctions we found among the two processes are in color vs. shape, duration, suitable candidates, maintenance & aftercare, and the procedure overview. So, let’s check out how these two differ.
| Feature | Eyebrow Tinting | Eyebrow Lamination |
| Main Purpose | Darkens and defines brow color | Straightens and sets the brow shape |
| Lasts For | 4-6 weeks | 6–8 weeks |
| Best For | Light, sparse, or faded brows | Thick brows with uneven direction |
| Treatment Time | 15–20 minutes | 30–45 minutes |
| Aftercare Needed | Very little | Moderate – avoid water, oils, heat |
| Look Achieved | Naturally bolder brows | Fluffy, groomed, styled-up brows |
Color vs Shape
Brow tinting focuses on color and correcting the illusion of fullness. It dyes and defines the hairs on the brows to make them look fuller and darker. This treatment is ideal for individuals with light or patchy brows.
On the other hand, lamination is focused on shape. It smooths and straightens brow hairs, allowing you to style them upward or into a clean arch. Tinting adds depth, and lamination adds structure. If your brows require a full glow-up, both can be combined!
Lasting Period
Tinting is a short-term process, lasting 2 to 3 weeks at most, with proper aftercare. It slowly fades as you wash your face.
Lamination lasts longer, sitting at 6 to 8 weeks. Lamination works like a brow perm, lasting longer because it changes the direction of the brow hairs, as opposed to just adding color.
Suitable Candidates
Most people are safe to try tinting as it has fewer restrictions compared to other forms of brow treatment. Light and thinner brows will benefit from the instant depth and shape accentuating.
However, you will need to have pre-existing thicker brow hairs that grow in varying directions to take advantage of lamination.
If you enjoy the fluffy or “brushed up” brow look, then it’s perfect for you. However, if your brows are delicate, brittle, lamination may not be suitable for you.
Maintenance and Aftercare
Tinting is quite easy to maintain. Just make sure to avoid rubbing the area too much or using harsh cleansers. Lamination requires even more maintenance.
Laminated brows will remain in shape, but only if you handle them carefully as if they are delicate eyebrow princesses.
Procedure Overview
Tinting is a straightforward process. A dye is applied to the eyebrows, and within minutes, it is removed.
Lamination, on the other hand, is a more involved process. It includes a few additional steps, such as a lifting cream to soften the hair, a fixing lotion to set the shape, and typically a tint and wax for a clean finish.
What Are The Differences Between Microblading And Tinting Eyebrows?
Many people wonder, “Is eyebrow tinting and microblading the same thing?” No, they’re not! They have adequate differences in the area of process, color, lasting time, pain threshold, and appropriate candidates. Let’s know more about them further!
| Feature | Eyebrow Tinting | Microblading |
| Main Purpose | Enhances natural brow color | Creates new brow hairs with pigment |
| Lasts For | 4–6 weeks | 1–2 years |
| Treatment Time | 15–20 minutes | 1.5–2 hours |
| Pain Level | Painless | Mild (numbing cream used) |
| Aftercare Needs | Minimal | Detailed aftercare for 7–10 days |
| Best For | Quick, low-commitment brow boost | Sparse or uneven brows needing shape |
Color vs. Creation
Eyebrow tinting improves the texture and definition of your natural brows using a dye, so they appear thicker and sharper. On the other hand, microblading creates new “hairs” with a tiny blade and pigment, which is like applying strokes where none existed.
Lasting Time
Tinting typically lasts between 4 to 6 weeks, and is semi-permanent. It blends away as your brows and skin rejuvenate.
Microblading, on the other hand, lasts significantly longer – up to 18 months, or even 2 years with proper skin care and maintenance. While it does fade over time, the process occurs at a more gradual pace.
Treatment Process
Getting a brow tint is a painless process that takes only 15 minutes. Getting a microblading done is more of a commitment, which requires up to 2 hours and further touch-ups.
Microblading master artists make detailed strokes into the skin, using blades to insert the pigment into the skin.
Pain & Safety
Both tinting and microblading should be performed by certified specialists, adhering to proper hygiene protocols.
Microblading requires extra safety precautions, as it involves breaking the skin and using sharper tools, whereas tinting is a much simpler process.
Who It’s Best For
Tinting is ideal for beginners or those with light and patchy brows who want a subtle yet defined look. It is a low-risk, quick, and painless procedure that fades away in weeks.
In contrast, microblading is more suitable for individuals with very sparse brows or uneven arches, as well as those who have over-tweezed and want to achieve a fuller look over time.
Professional vs. At-Home Tinting: Which Is Better?
So, you have decided to tint your brows. The first thing that comes to mind is whether you should do it yourself or go to a salon. Let’s figure this out step by step while focusing on factors like cost, application quality, products, required time, skin sensitivity, and the perfect candidates!
Cost
In the worst-case scenario, you burn a hole in your pocket with an overspend of just $15 on DIY brow tinting kits. For parlors, these costs can vary between $15 and $50 per session.
However, precision and professionalism do come at a cost. Ease, no mess, or guesswork can be quite a refreshing experience in the salon.
Application Quality
With brow tinting service, there is an inherent risk that comes with doing it at home. If you have never done this before, you can easily end up with asymmetrical or overly dark brows.
It is better to have a professional do it, as they will use the right tools, mix the right colors, and apply them evenly. You are far more likely to receive better and neater work than if you did it yourself.
Product Safety
This is the most concerning part. Eyebrow tints are typically made from safe vegetable-based products, but using hair dye on your brows can be very risky.
While a DIY kit may seem like a fun idea, if you do not do a patch test or use an inappropriate product, you are likely to suffer from burns and even eye damage.
Certified salons will use safe products, conduct patch tests for potential allergies, and adhere to established safety protocols.
Time Required
DIY kits take roughly 20 to 30 minutes to complete. They often include a prep and cleanup segment.
On the other hand, salons are quick and comfortable. You relax for about 15-20 minutes, and the entire process is done – no cleanup required.
Skin Sensitivity & Reactions
If your skin is sensitive, DIY is probably the worst option for you. Many fail to perform a patch test, which increases the likelihood of a reaction.
Trained professionals manage sensitive skin effectively and always perform a patch test 24 to 48 hours before your appointment. That short step can prevent a lot of unwanted itching and redness.
Verdict: Which One’s Better?
First-time users and those with sensitive skin can benefit from professional brow tinting. The lowest risks and best peace of mind come from employing professionals like Sugar And Wax Haven.
However, those who are confident with beauty tools and want cost-efficient routines can try at-home procedures, but instructions should be followed to the letter, and patch tests should be done.
Bottom Line
Now that you understand what is eyebrow tinting, you know that this method is excellent for those who want to eliminate the need for brow makeup during the day while still maintaining a polished appearance.
Always opt for safe, vegetable-based tints and never use hair dye near your eyes. Also, always test for irritation with a patch test first. If in doubt, consult a professional. After the tinting process, avoid wetting the brows for 24 hours. It’s that simple!
