Lash and Brow Tinting

Common Challenges:

The most common mistake of new users is not fully reading the product directions and following them. While lash and brow tints are safe to use, they will still need to be applied correctly.

Misuse could injure clients and damage your reputation! One of the most common mistakes is that clients are being laid down flat for the tinting application. It is very important to incline the client, so that the tint does not get into the eye. They can either be sitting straight up in a salon chair or tilted back no further than a shampoo bowl would allow.

The most common lash and brow tinting challenge is simply misjudging the tinting time. You can always reapply the tint that you’ve already mixed for continued darkening but you cannot lighten if you allow it to develop for too long! Start checking and removing the tint sooner rather than later, especially for your fair skin clients. If the results are not as dark as desired, simply reapply, checking the color every 60 seconds.

To avoid tinting the skin under the brows, which can create a temporary darker color, apply the tint gently to the surface of the hairs. Do this without applying pressure right down to the skin, coating the brows rather than saturating. If you do end up dying too dark, the skin underneath the brows can be gently exfoliated, which may help correct the appearance of the brows. However, good quality tint never fades. The tint should last about 15 to 30 days as lashes and brows naturally shed and start a new growth cycle.

Before You Begin:

Always consult with your client on their desired lash and brow color before you begin preparation. Remember that the color of the mixture is not the color that the hair will be, once it is tinted. To get an idea of the final color, leave a wooden applicator in the mixture for the desired time. Always do a patch test on clients to determine if there is any sensitivity to the product, as certain individuals may have skin irritations or allergic reactions. Using soap and water, cleanse a small area of the skin behind the ear or on the inner surface of the forearm. Mix the color and developer according to preparation instructions and apply the tint to the area you have prepared for the patch test. Allow to dry. Advise clients to leave the color on the skin for 24 hours and then remove with soap and water. If no irritation or inflammation is apparent, it is usually assumed that no hypersensitivity to the dye exists.

If lash and brow tinting are being included in a facial treatment protocol, they should be done at the beginning of the service. If tint gets onto skin, it can be easily removed. It will also be more soothing to have the tinting done first, so clients can relax afterward during their facial. For lash extension services, the facial protocol would be performed first with the extensions applied afterward, as they will need time to dry completely.

Tinting Procedure:

The client should be sitting upright in a chair or on a facial table with head slightly tilted back. Do NOT apply with head or body in a fully reclined position. Cleanse eyelashes and eyebrows thoroughly. Lashes and brows should be free of oil and makeup. Instruct the client to look up; apply petroleum jelly or an eye cream under the lower eyelid. Place protection pad under the lower lid, which will prevent the tint from staining the skin. You may also opt to use self-adhering under eye gel pads, which offer additional anti-aging properties and do not require the use of eye cream or petroleum jelly to hold the eye pads in place. Using a tint brush, apply a non-drip cream tint to lower lashes first on both eyes. Make sure the tint covers lashes from base to tip as well as in the corner lashes of the eyes. When lower lashes are completed, instruct the client to close their eyes until the applications and removal process is completed. Apply cream tint to upper lashes from base to tip. Again, make sure the corner lashes are covered.

If tint accidently gets into the eyes, take client to the spa’s eyewash station and flush their eyes with plain water immediately. If you do not have an eyewash station, flush the eye with saline solution or warm water and pat dry. If no irritation occurs, you may reapply the tint immediately. When applying to eyebrows, make sure eyebrow hair is completely covered. If any tint gets on the face, remove it as soon as possible with warm soap and water. Do not use the tint spot cleanser on the face.

Developing Time:

Developing time will differ depending on temperature fluctuation, on the texture and coarseness of the client’s hair, and its original color. Although the normal time for developing is 10 minutes for lashes and three minutes for brows, these times may produce results darker than expected. If you are working with middle brown, brown, or graphite, it is recommended that you allow eyelashes to develop for three minutes and eyebrows to develop for one and one half minutes, then cleanse and check the color. If the eyelashes or eyebrows are not dark enough, reapply and allow them to process again until the desired color is achieved. Check the color frequently. You can always reapply to go darker. However, if they become too dark, you will be unable to lighten them. The color will have to wear off over time.

Remove the tint from the eyebrows by gently massaging a damp cotton ball or cotton round back and forth over the eyebrows until no dye remains. Remove protection pads from under eye area. With eyes closed, use a dampened cotton ball with warm water to remove product until no residue is visible. Hold tissue near eye area to capture any excess water. Provide a finishing touch by applying an eye cream around the eyes. If eyebrows have been tinted, apply eyebrow gel to finish them. Give your client a mirror so they can see their fabulous new look! The client can wash their face, apply makeup and resume all activities immediately.

Grow your business with new add-on lash and brow services. Get started now with this lucrative new service to increase revenue, create a buzz, and give clients great lashes and brows!