Eyelash and Eyebrow Tinting
As an adult, I have always had an interest in cosmetics and hair care, and I have experimented with many techniques to accentuate the eye area - from traditional mascara and brow pencils to henna preparations. While these worked with varying levels of success, they were not a lasting, "wake-up-and-go" solution.
Today, there are salons and spas all over the world that offer a solution for the fair-haired: professional eyelash and eyebrow tinting.
The chemical process involved in tinting eyelashes and eyebrows is distinct from traditional hair coloring. While head hair dyes can be aggressive, the eye area requires much gentler, specialized formulations.
A professional technician will typically cleanse the face and apply a protective cream or pads to safeguard the skin around the eyes before applying the product. The color formula is designed to be thick, ensuring it does not run or drip into the eyes. It is applied with a small brush to provide maximum control, with the goal of coloring only the hair shaft.
The product processes for a short period - depending on the hair’s texture - and is then washed away carefully. Many salons offer combination packages that include lash and eyebrow tinting, brow shaping, and other facial services. These treatments are popular because they provide immediate, semi-permanent results.
Safety first! The tissues surrounding the eyes are extremely sensitive. Just as you should insist on a patch test before any chemical service in a salon, you must ensure your technician is properly trained.
• Ask questions: Never hesitate to ask what specific product is being used and if it is FDA-compliant for the eye area.
• Check references: A properly trained technician will have experience and will be able to show you their credentials.
• Trust your instincts: If a salon feels rushed or if you are intimidated by the staff, it is best to go elsewhere. The cost of these services is relatively inexpensive, but the risk of damage from a careless application or an untrained technician is not worth the potential consequences.
Understanding FDA Guidelines and Salon Safety
It is a common misconception that tinting services are "illegal" in the United States, but the reality is more nuanced.
The FDA Stance: For years, the FDA has warned against the use of traditional, oxidative coal-tar hair dyes around the eyes due to the risk of severe chemical reactions and blindness. However, this does not mean all tinting is banned. Today, there are specific, FDA-compliant tinting systems - often based on silver nitrate or vegetable-based dyes - that are formulated specifically for the eye area.
Salon Regulations: Salons and spas are expected to follow local and state regulations. In many states, using prohibited oxidative hair dyes (standard box hair dye) on the lashes or brows is a violation of state cosmetology board rules and can result in fines or license suspension. Always ensure your salon is using professional-grade, compliant tints.
A Note on "Kohl" and "Kajal": There is often confusion regarding "Kohl" or "Kajal." It is important to distinguish these traditional eyeliners from tinting dyes.
• Traditional Kohl/Kajal: These are topical powders or pastes used as eyeliner. Many imported versions (often from parts of Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia) are banned by the FDA for sale in the US because they often contain dangerous levels of lead.
• Tinting Dyes: Salon tinting products are not kohl. If you are purchasing an at-home kit or visiting a specialty market, check the ingredients. If a product contains lead, kohl, or surma, it is not a safe beauty product.
***Note: Many cosmetic companies use the word "kohl" simply to describe a deep black color shade. If the product is from a reputable, regulated brand and the ingredient list is clear, it is generally considered a standard color reference and is safe to use. Always verify the ingredient list, especially when purchasing imported items.
©Hairfinder.com
See also:
Should your hair color match your eyebrows?
Can I color my eyebrows?
Shapes for eyebrows