How do you complete your brow look? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Hey Sis, did it seem like your brows got noticeably thinner the day after your 50th birthday? On top of that, are your brow hairs coming in white? White hairs on lighter complexions may create a sparse look, and they likely stand out among the darker brow hairs if you have a deep complexion.
Beauty treatments like microblading and microshading are as popular as ever — proof that full brows will always be in vogue. But tinting is a faster and more affordable way to get brows that wow.
Oh, and if you often get mistaken for being a decade younger (it’s that melanin, honey!), you may appreciate how beautiful brows can shave years off your face, along with the fact that you can get away with wearing less makeup when your brows are on fleek.
Whether you want to spruce up your brows for a special occasion like a high school reunion, or just want natural-looking brows that complement your color-treated hair, brow tinting could be for you.
“Brow tinting is a semi-permanent treatment that uses [vegetable] dye to enhance the natural color and shape of your brows,” says Dionne Phillips, CEO and founder of D'Lashes Lash & Wellness Spa in Los Angeles. “Unlike microblading or microshading, which involve adding pigment under the skin to create the appearance of fuller brows, tinting focuses on darkening the existing brow hairs for a more defined look.”
The technique is best suited for sisters with naturally full brows and just a few sparse areas. “[If you] don’t have enough hair, you’re not going to [get] the full effect because brow tinting only [adheres to] hair,” says Meka Mathis, master aesthetician at skin beauty bar in Washington, D.C. If you have little to no hair, henna brows could be your best bet as “they stain the skin longer than traditional tints,” according to Phillips.
If you’re squeamish, you may find microblading and microshading off-putting since both methods involve making micro-cuts into the skin to deposit pigment — lasting one to three years. Brow tinting is noninvasive and gives more of a temporary effect that lasts only four to six weeks, so touch-ups are absolutely needed, but the process is exactly the same as the first visit. So, if you didn’t love the initial tint color, you can select a different shade the next time.
Tinting sessions can go for as little as $10 or $20 each, but some professionals in major cities may charge $50 and more, especially if they work out of a luxurious salon. It’s also worth noting that many Benefit Cosmetics counters at Ulta stores offer brow tinting services ranging from $24-27 depending on the location.
Keep reading for what else you need to know before scheduling your first brow tinting appointment:
Is brow tinting safe for darker skin?
Brow tinting is 100 percent safe for darker skin tones. Both Davis and Phillips agree that the main concern is choosing a tint color that flatters your natural brow color and complexion for the most natural look.
So, how long does the process take? Anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes is about average. “For a coarser hair type, [the process] may take a bit longer due to a thicker hair follicle,” says Phillips, who has worked with Viola Davis, Naomi Campbell, Mary J. Blige and Serena Williams. The same goes for gray or white hairs.
“[If you have dark hair], the brow tinting [process] is quicker,” Davis adds.
Good to know: Brow tinting dyes aren’t FDA-approved. Furthermore, some states like California, New York and Massachusetts have banned eyelash and eyebrow tinting services. While allergic reactions are rare, they can still happen. Therefore, a patch test can and absolutely should be done one to two days leading up to your appointment. “I [had] a client [who was] allergic to [the vegetable dye] and … she puffed up like a blowfish. [In my] 20 years of being an aesthetician, only one client had an allergic reaction,” Davis says.
Be sure to also mention any medications you’re taking that could interfere with the treatment.
How to choose the right professional for you
There are hundreds of aestheticians and estheticians to choose from, but Davis says it’s important to choose one who shares your aesthetic.
She adds, “Some [professionals are] focused on waxing or facials, so depending on what you're looking for … [seek someone who] specializes in that craft.”
Phillips says the person should also boast a diverse clientele — meaning they should have plenty of experience with treating skin of color.
Positive reviews are a plus; but pay close attention to how you feel upon meeting them. Do they listen to your concerns and goals? Do they take their time showing you the different tint colors? Do they explain the different types of dyes they use? As with anything, do your research and look at photos of their work. These days, many beauty professionals boast a social media portfolio. And if their license isn’t hanging near their workstation? Request to see it, Sis.
Lots of brow tinting kits exist online but resist the urge to go the DIY route. Attempting to dye your brows at home can “hurt your eyes and cause permanent skin discoloration,” according to the FDA, which also warns of potential blindness.
As we grow older, wiser and more fabulous by the day, the growth rate for the hairs on our heads and brows naturally slow down. We lose some of the pigment as well. But a good tint can transform your arches in an instant. Just leave it in the hands of the pros.
Do I still have to fill in my brows after tinting? Is there any downtime?
The great thing about having your brows professionally tinted is that they appear filled in without the need for makeup. You shouldn’t have to fill in your brows much after tinting, but Phillips says it depends on the look you’re going for. "If you want a bolder look, a little fill-in might still be needed,” she says.
Compared to microblading and microshading, aftercare is pretty minimal and straightforward with brow tinting. “Avoid getting your brows wet for the first 24-48 hours…so that the tint [can set and] last as long as possible,” Phillips advises.
After the 48-hour mark, it’s fine to return to your beloved topical creams like vitamin C and retinol. (“Avoid any active topical creams at least seven days prior to your appointment," Davis cautions.) And when you cleanse your face in the morning and at night, don’t rub your brows too aggressively and opt for a gentle formula to help maintain the tint color.
How do you complete your brow look? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
