From brow pencils to waxing to brow lamination, there are plenty of ways to shape and define your brows — but if you’re looking for something effortlessly impactful, eyebrow tints might just be your new go-to. What is eyebrow tinting, exactly? Hint: It’s low-maintenance beauty’s best-kept secret that makes brows look fuller, thicker, and darker with practically no effort needed. It’s the trick to being able to say “I woke up like this” and actually mean it. Intrigued?
In this blog, we’ll cover:
- What is eyebrow tinting?
- How long does eyebrow tint last?
- What to expect during an eyebrow tinting service
- Eyebrow tint aftercare tips
- The benefits of eyebrow tints
What is eyebrow tinting?
Let’s get right into it: What is a brow tint? A brow tint is a professional beauty service that uses a safe, semi-permanent color (dye) to create the look of fuller, more even brows. Rather than using dark color, tinting eyebrows typically involves using dye that matches your existing brow color for natural results that enhance your skin tone and hair color. This makes the brows look darker and bolder, naturally.
Your Cerologist (aka our brow pros) will apply the tint with expert precision to the edges of your brow hairs, adding definition and shape to the brows you’re already working with. The result? Brows that look balanced, fuller, and thicker. Brow tinting also involves adding color to the tiny hairs underneath the brow line, which creates a seamless, defined shape. Depending on what’s best for your face shape, your Cerologist can also use tint to make the brows appear longer if needed.
While eyebrow tints accentuate the look of your brows and can make them look more blended and even, the color only adheres to hairs and not to skin. (This makes tinting eyebrows different from microblading, a procedure that tattoos the skin underneath the brow.) This means any gaps or patches will still be there after a brow tint, but can easily be covered with a brow pencil if desired.
The benefits of brow tinting
Now that we’ve covered the eyebrow tint process, what are the benefits? For starters, they simplify your daily beauty routine, allowing for a “less is more” approach. Here are some of the top benefits of a brow tint:
- As much as we love a good product, tinting eyebrows allows you to cut back on your makeup products for an easy, breezy look. (That means you can skip using a brow pencil or brow gel, unless you’re looking for a little extra “oomph.”)
- Eyebrow tints can enhance the appearance of youthfulness by bringing more attention to the texture that frames your face (brow hairs), and by dying any grays to a richer tone.
- A brow prime and tint (lightening brows before adding color) can allow you to alter the shape and color of brows to your desired look, while adding definition and depth, especially to brows that are light or thin.
- Results are immediate — you’ll see a difference as soon as you walk out of your appointment. And, if you choose another service like brow waxing or brow lamination, the tint will add even more drama to your new look.
How long does eyebrow tint last?
A brow tint has semi-permanent results, typically lasting up to two or three weeks, and in some cases even longer. There are a few things that can affect the shelf life of your brow tint:
- Your fitness routine: If you love to swim regularly or do high-intensity workouts where you break a sweat, a brow tint might not last quite as long.
- Your beauty habits: If you have a signature look that involves doing your makeup a certain way, keep in mind that adding products to the brows can also affect how long it lasts. To help it last its longest, go easy on the grooming and consider skipping the brow pencil.
- Your hair type: Brow tints tend to last longer on hair that’s thick and dark. Fine, soft hair will typically hold a tint for less time.
So, if you’re on the fence about whether or not to get your brows tinted, you have the all-clear to try it out for yourself without permanently altering your look.
What to expect during the eyebrow tinting process
While some brow services like microblading can be painful, eyebrow tints are a painless alternative. A quick 15-minute service, people often opt for brow tinting services as a way to save time on their daily beauty routine (no more using makeup to shape and define brows each morning!). Below, learn what to expect during a brow tint and your options to choose from.
Setting the stage: Choosing your look
Tinting eyebrows isn’t one-size-fits-all — it’s about enhancing what makes your features unique. Even the finest, fairest brows can get a boost of color — and there’s room to customize what that looks like for you. During your appointment, your Cerologist will chat with you about the brow look you’re going for (thin, thick, natural, bold, etc.) and what works best for your complexion. You’ll also have a chance to explore additional services like brow waxing or brow lamination to round out your look.
Once you’ve decided the best look for your brows and face shape, your Cerologist will bring it to life with expert technique and attention to detail (brow tinting is an art form after all). At Waxing the City, we offer two types of brow tinting — let’s break them down below.
Option 1: Brow tint
A classic brow tint gives a boost to your natural brows for a fuller, more sculpted look. It’s customized to your desired look, from subtle to bold, and typically lasts up to two or three weeks. You can choose from a selection of tints or have one custom-blended.
During the process, your Cerologist will start by cleaning your brows to create a blank canvas for tinting and then set them in place before adding color using an expert technique for even coverage. Once the tint has had time to set, your Cerologist will gently remove it using a cotton swab, and you’ll be left with bold, beautiful brows.
Option 2: Brow prime and tint
A brow prime and tint treatment involves an extra step: lightening the brows first. This is done to create a fresh palette for lighter tints, stubborn gray hair coverage, or bold colors. This option also lasts longer — up to six weeks. So, if you’re looking for a statement brow or simply a brow upgrade that lasts and lasts, this may be the right choice for you.
Maintaining your look: Eyebrow tint aftercare
Once your brows are tinted, your canvas is almost complete. The one last thing to keep that masterpiece looking fresh is eyebrow tint aftercare. After the appointment, it’s important to give your brows some room to breathe. Think of it as letting the ink dry — avoid water and moisture for at least 12 hours. This will help ensure the best results and make your brow tint last its longest.
Here are a few more pro tips to follow:
- Avoid washing your face, showering, and using steam baths or saunas for 12-24 hours following your appointment. Instead, try using a makeup wipe to cleanse your skin while carefully avoiding the brow area.
- Skip using retinols and oil-based face products around your brows to help maintain results for at least 72 hours. Oil can interact with the color and cause it to fade.
- If you normally use an exfoliant in your facial skincare routine, avoid exfoliating the brow area or skip this step altogether — this will help the tint last longer.
Lastly, skin under and around the brow can be faintly stained following a brow tint service. This is completely normal and will fade on its own within a few days. As for the brow itself, with proper aftercare, the color will naturally fade over the three to six weeks following your service.
First timer? Here’s what to know
If it’s your first time getting your brows professionally done, brow tinting can be the perfect way to jump in. Here are a few things to know before you make an appointment:
- How much does eyebrow tinting cost? While prices vary by studio at Waxing the City, this service is more affordable than you might think, starting at $25.
- To be extra sure your brow tint is just right, our Cerologists will have new clients do a patch test 24-48 hours prior to the service to make sure your skin responds well to the tint.
- On the day of your appointment, avoid using oil-based makeup, makeup removers, and moisturizers — these can interfere with the tint application.
- If your brows are patchy or sparse, keep in mind that it won’t fill in hair that’s not there. (Reminder: A pencil or gel can always help with that.)
Whether you’ve never touched your brows before or you regularly get them waxed, tinting can be a good option for truly anyone.
If low-maintenance beauty is your thing, consider a brow tint
From weddings to work events (or just wanting to look a little more “put together” every day), brow tinting adds that subtle touch of polish that can elevate your entire look. And here’s the final secret to success: To get the best results from brow tinting, keep appointments consistent — depending on how long yours lasts, we recommend once a month for best results. After your first service, you’ll know how long to go between appointments, with results that just keep getting better and better. So, if you’re looking for one simple hack for a truly low-maintenance beauty routine, brow tinting may just be your new BFF.
Get more brow and beauty advice:
- Eyebrow Threading vs. Waxing: How to Make the Right Choice
- What Is Brow Lamination? The Beauty Trend Everyone’s Talking About
- Put Your Best Face Forward with These Benefits of Waxing
- Lash Lift Aftercare: The Secret to Making Your Lash Lift Last
- Unexpected Benefits of Professional Waxing Your Skin Will Love
For bolder, fuller eyebrows that frame your face’s natural beauty, give brow tinting a try. Find your studio now — we can’t wait to see your eyebrow tinting before and after!
