Tint results come down to shade choice, developer strength, and timing. For brows, choose a shade one step lighter than the client's hair for a natural result and one step darker only when they want a defined, made-up look; warm browns suit most clients, while blue-black and graphite are used to cool down brassy or red tones. Processing usually runs 5-10 minutes; leaving it longer rarely darkens further and increases irritation risk.
Stock barrier cream or protective pads, micro brushes, mixing dishes, and a timer, and always patch test 24-48 hours before a first tint. I’ve never been a fan of false lashes or extensions-they’re too glam and too high-maintenance for my minimalist makeup vibe-so I usually stick to a few coats of brown or black mascara to give my eyes some oomph each morning. Lately, though, my mornings have been chaotic and my commute long, so in an effort to make the start of my day as easy and fuss-free as possible, I decided to try eyelash tinting.
Lash tinting creates the illusion of wearing mascara without actually having to swipe it on. The result is subtle and natural-looking, but it still gives your eyes a little something extra. If you’re thinking about trying it too, keep reading for exactly how it worked for me-plus everything you need to know before booking an appointment.
What does an eyelash tint do?
Think of lash tinting as a dye job for your lashes. Tinting won’t add curl, length, or volume to your lashes (you’ll need to try a lash lift or lash extensions for that), but it will darken and intensify their color with permanent, cream-based dyes (and in some cases, a semipermanent vegetable-based dye), says Clementina Richardson, founder of Envious Lashes in NYC, where I went to get my lashes tinted for the first time.
Is a lash tint worth it? If you have naturally light or blonde lashes, you’ll definitely see the most dramatic difference with an eyelash tint, says Richardson. If you have naturally dark lashes like me, you may not see a super-huge difference in your lash color post-tint. I was really pumped to see some dramatic, noticeable change in my lashes, thinking they’d suddenly look super thick and dark, but in reality, they kind of looked the same? Slightly darker, slightly fuller, but not a major difference. Where I did see a change, though, was with my lash tips, which are lighter than the rest of my lashes. Tinting them made my lashes look slightly longer and thicker as a result.
How long does lash tinting take? Literally tinting your eyelashes is so fast-the dye is painted on, then sits on your lashes for just 10 minutes. From start to finish, the whole thing takes just 30 minutes, though, of course, it can vary depending on where you go, how fast the lash tech is, etc.
After-care and cost
What does lash tint after-care involve? Pretty much nothing! "You can shower, wash your face, and resume using makeup immediately after your appointment without affecting the result or the longevity of the tinted lash," says Ashley Cornett, a lash, skincare, and makeup specialist at STRIIIKE Studio in Beverly Hills, CA. Otherwise, you should avoid sun exposure and certain chemicals, such as peroxide and chlorinated swimming pools, as much as you can, as these could fade the tint more quickly, she says.
How much does lash tinting cost? Like all beauty treatments, the price depends on where you live and where you go, but expect to spend anywhere between $50 and $100 for your tint, plus tip (which should be at least 15-20 percent).
How long does an eyelash tint last? Eyelash tints last for about four weeks. The dye is permanent, so the tint itself shouldn’t fade, but as your lashes fall out and new, un-tinted lashes grow in their place, you’ll notice your eyelashes looking lighter and lighter. For the best, longest-lasting result, keep the eye area dry for 24 hours after your tinting treatment and use oil-free makeup removers and creams around your eye area.
Maintenance and safety considerations
Can you wear mascara with lash tint? Absolutely, but just stay away from waterproof formulas. That's because "the friction required to remove it isn’t ideal," says Cornett. Lashes are fragile as it is, and rubbing them while they're tinted could potentially make the pigment fade more quickly.
Does lash tinting hurt? No, it definitely doesn’t hurt, but it does feel a teeny bit uncomfortable during the process-at least for me. I blame it on the little protective shields that are pressed up against your lash line during the treatment, coupled with the fact that anything on/near your eyes just feels weird. But the whole thing is so quick and speedy, it was honestly no big deal to me.
Is eyelash tinting safe? Depends on who you ask. The FDA isn’t down with lash tinting, and as of now, the FDA hasn’t approved any color additives for permanent dyeing or tinting of the eyelashes, which means that it’s illegal for salons and studios to offer lash tinting in certain states. And if you have sensitive eyes or sensitive skin, proceed with caution, since certain dyes can cause irritation or even injury to the eye. However, many in the beauty world consider lash tinting low-risk when performed by licensed professionals at reputable salons. One rule: Only go to well-reviewed salons or studios with licensed lash technicians, and do your homework before booking-call ahead and read reviews online.
One last thing about lash tints: If you’re going to make an appointment for a lash tint, I recommend considering a lash lift at the same time. The combination of curl and tint is often as good as extensions, and can save time in the morning.
- Patch test 24-48 hours before first tint
- Choose brow shade one step lighter than hair unless a defined look is desired
- Avoid sun exposure and harsh chemicals after tint to maximize longevity
- Allow 24 hours before washing the eye area after tint
- Pair lash tint with a lash lift for a more lifted effect
Tints can be a great solution for people who want darker brows and lashes. For guests with light-colored hair, we always recommend pairing lash extensions with a lash tint. The process is quick, and the results can be instantly noticeable, saving time in front of the mirror each morning.
