So you’re getting your hair colored – but what about your eyebrows? Part of a natural-looking hair transformation is making sure your brow arches match your hairline, but people often forget to include eyebrow tinting in their hair appointment. The good news? You can also tint your brows at home. As with any do-it-yourself hair makeover, at-home eyebrow tinting requires a lot of attention to detail. But if you’re willing to do the prep work and follow the instructions of your chosen kit, your brows will look better than ever before in no time. Below are tips and tricks from eyebrow pros for a flawless eyebrow tinting kit.
What is eyebrow tinting?
“Eyebrow tinting is a cosmetic procedure in which a semi-permanent dye is applied to the eyebrows to make them look fuller and stronger,” says Jamie Conner, Senior Field Trainer at the European Wax Center. “Guests opt for this service to achieve a fuller, more polished look that frames the face beautifully.
Typically, eyebrow tinting comes in the form of gels or do-it-yourself kits. Of course, there are also people who simply apply their usual hair dye to their brows at home, leave it on for a much shorter time and then call it a day. However, many eyebrow experts advise against this, as the fine hairs can easily be overworked.
The advantages
- Fuller looking brows
- Better shape and definition
- Shortens the daily application of make-up
- Long-lasting results
Do you have problems with your brows growing back after plucking? Tired of constantly touching them up? Do you simply want to create a uniform facial aesthetic? Eyebrow tinting can help! “Eyebrow tinting is a great way to define and in some cases even thicken the look of your eyebrows,” says Autumn Estelle, artist at Benefit National Brow & Beauty Authority. “It’s like waking up with makeup on!”
According to Estelle, eyebrow tinting is especially beneficial for people with fine hair or sparse brows. “Many people have fine hairs in their brows that can lack the color of thicker, coarser hairs,” she explains. ”By tinting the brows short, these hairs show up better and the brows look fuller for weeks.
As the results last for weeks, Conner points out that eyebrow tinting is a fantastic option for people who want to simplify their morning makeup routine. “Tinting eliminates the need to apply makeup daily, which makes it easier to maintain a groomed look,” she explains.
How to tint your brows at home.
Precautions and preparation
We’d be remiss if we didn’t emphasize what all the eyebrow experts we’ve spoken to agree on: Eyebrow tinting is best left to the professionals.
“It’s always best to go to a professional, especially if you’re tinting your brows for the first time,” says Meri Desevic, brow specialist at Jerome Lordet Salon. “If you want to tint your eyebrows at home, you should do a test on the inside of your wrist before applying anything to your face to make sure you don’t get a skin reaction.
Pick Your Shade
In an ideal world, you could choose a DIY eyebrow dye kit in a color that matches your hair exactly. In reality, many reputable at-home eyebrow dye kits only come in blonde and brown varieties. That’s another reason why the eyebrow experts we spoke to recommend making an appointment for a professional tint. If you still want to do it yourself, Desevic advises choosing the color wisely.
“Depending on your preference, you can choose a color about one shade darker than your hair’s base tone – this will provide natural-looking definition,” she says. ”If you really want a little more definition, you can match the color to your hair’s darkest tone for a dramatic and defined effect within your natural range. Professionals often mix two or even three shades to [achieve the perfect match].
Fancy more tips? Find the perfect color for your eyebrows here.
- Blondes: “Blondes are always one of the lighter shades in the eyebrow color wheel,” says Estelle. “Go for a warm or cool blonde shade and choose the tone that reflects your hair. Warm blondes tend to have golden undertones, while cool blondes are more platinum blonde.”
- Brunettes: “With brunette hair, you should always choose a shade that matches your hair color exactly or is one to two shades deeper than it,” says Estelle.
- Dark brown and black hair: “People with dark brown to black hair rarely want to use a true color because they’re afraid of going too dark,” says Estelle. “Opt for one or two shades lighter and always make sure to match the undertones too.
- Redheads: “For redheads, choose a brow color that matches your natural hair color or a shade of auburn that matches your warm or cool undertones,” says Estelle.
Apply the Product
The eyebrow dye should only be applied to the brow hairs. To avoid accidentally discoloring or irritating your skin, apply a thin layer of Vaseline around the edges of your brow arches to act as a dye barrier. Then follow the instructions in your eyebrow dye kit.
Maintaining the Tint
According to Estelle, the results last between four and six weeks after eyebrow tinting. “To make the coloring last longer, you should avoid using oily eyebrow products, as these can break down the coloring more quickly,” she reveals. Otherwise, you should treat your eyebrows gently overall. This means not plucking or rubbing.
The Most Common Brow Tinting Mistakes
Color Matching Challenges
It’s great to be able to tint your eyebrows at home, but if you choose the wrong shade, it can lead to quite a beauty frenzy. “Many people struggle to choose the right shade and often opt for a shade that’s too dark or one that doesn’t match their natural brow tone,” warns Conner, who recommends visiting a beautician instead. “EWC’s specialists expertly blend four universal shades to match the client’s individual shade and achieve a natural look that enhances facial features.
Uneven Application
Just as homemade hair color can look patchy, so can at-home eyebrow tinting. “Homemade eyebrow tinting often leads to patchy results because the color is not applied evenly or is applied too thickly,” warns Conner. “The use of precision tools and techniques is necessary to ensure that the color is applied evenly.
Timing Issues
The right timing is important when tinting eyebrows. “Timing is crucial when tinting. If the color is applied too long or too short, it affects the end result,” says Conner.
Safety Concerns
Eyebrow tinting can feel like a learning curve, especially the first time. It’s common to accidentally put the color too close to the eyes, says Conner. “Applying color near the eyes can be risky, and it’s common for DIYers to accidentally get color in their eyes or on their skin,” she explains. ”EWC has strict safety protocols in place to ensure the product stays on the brows without risking skin irritation or eye contact.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does eyebrow tinting at home last?
- At-home eyebrow tinting lasts up to four weeks. According to Conner, homemade eyebrow tints usually last about two weeks, while professional tints last about four weeks.
- Is it easy to tint your eyebrows yourself?
- It’s not rocket science, but it does require patience and attention to detail. “Tinting your own eyebrows seems easy, but there are many things that can go wrong, so we always recommend leaving it to the professionals,” explains Estelle.
- Can you tint your eyebrows at home without a special brow kit?
- Yes – but you shouldn’t do it. “While it is possible, it’s not recommended,” says Conner. “Using alternative products can lead to uneven color, skin irritation or faster fading. If you decide to use a hair dye for your eyebrows, Desevic stresses the importance of doing a patch test. “Make sure you’re using a dye that’s safe for the face,” she adds.