The 101: Redhead Eyebrow and Eyelash Tinting

Updated: November 2nd, 2023

Most redheads have super fair blonde brows and lashes. When you add a few strokes of mascara or eyebrow gel, it can change everything.

Shaping the eye can define the face, and make your eyes (and red hair) pop. Applying mascara and penciling in the brows can take a lot of time and can be very messy, especially if you opt for a non-waterproof mascara and a poorly made pencil.

Once you make your redhead brows look perfect, the goal is to make them stay that way. Isn’t it a drag when your eyebrows fall downward? Suddenly, your brows can look like a big mess. Because of these situations, and with life being oh-so-busy, many redheads are opting for eyelash and eyebrow tinting.

This procedure has been out for years and we’re excited to talk with the owner of Boom Boom Brow Bar, Malynda Vigliotti, in New York City.

New products and techniques have been released, and it’s another chance for redheads to see if they can turn to brow and lash tinting:

H2BAR: For brow tinting – what is the process? 

MV: We apply vegetable dye, process for 10 minutes and wipe tint off. It really beefs up brows by coloring even the tiniest of baby hairs so there is more to work with when shaping. It’s really exciting for blondes and redheads because more times then not the brow hair is so light you can’t see it, but it’s there!

H2BAR: For lash tinting – what is the process? 

MV: We apply vegetable dye to lashes, process for 10 minutes and wipe dye off and rinse eyes out. It darkens lashes and makes them look dense – you can really skip the mascara. It’s a lifesaver and lasts for 1 month.

Photo demonstrates eyelash tinting on a redhead customer at Boom Boom Salon in NYC.

H2BAR: What tip(s) can you give to redheads who are looking to get their eyebrow and eyelash tinted? 

MV: Choose a color that’s a shade or two darker than your hair color – a good rule of thumb is to match the darkest color seen in your hair. But, match the undertones which happen to be warm usually.

Redheads can be hard. Many colors can be too strong for their soft features, but a nice medium warm brown usually works well.  And, because many redheads tend to have very light brows, they can disappear and lose definition, tinting is a great way to extend the end, heighten the arch, extend the inner corner and make brows appear bigger and thicker. The moral of the story is, a good tint makes for a happy ending!

H2BAR: What kind of dye do you use? 

MV: We use a vegetable-based dye…it’s like a gloss. It’s semi-permanent so it will gracefully wear away.  Tints add definition by coloring the brow hair, as well as all the teeny-tiny little hairs that are usually invisible, so the result is a much bolder brow.  And, a lash tint makes your lashes darker so you don’t have to wear as mascara…it’s great for women who live in humid climates and for vacation when you don’t want to wear as much makeup.

NOTE: NEVER lift/bleach brows with hair color (deposit color only). You will have regrowth lines when they grow in – it’s too much maintenance and brow looks awkward growing in.

H2BAR: How should one prep beforehand? 

MV: If you are a self-tanner, it’s best to skip it the week before you come in for your service, as the tanner can react badly with the dye.  For lashes take your contacts out.  Other than that, it’s super simple.

H2BAR: For eyelash tinting, do your eyes burn?

MV: They tingle after 4-5 minutes but it’s totally normal.  It means it’s working, not that anything is going wrong.  It’s just an annoying feeling that feels like you got soap in your eyes.

H2BAR: How long does both eyebrow and eyelash tint last? How much are the services? 

MV: A tint should last 3-4 four to six weeks; just avoid oil-based moisturizers, cleansers, or wipes, which can cause fading.  We charge $25 for a brow tint and $30 for a brow tint. If you’re in the New York City area, check out the Boom Boom Brow salon here.

H2BAR Advice:  

We highly recommend consulting with an eyebrow and eyelash tint professional who is highly trained in getting this procedure. Do your research and ask a lot of questions. Since redheads have extremely sensitive skin, especially around the eye area, we recommend asking if testing the dye is an option. That way, you won’t wake up with bloodshot eyes or irritation.

Depending on where you live, you may notice tinting is illegal in your state. In fact, it is already illegal in California and has been since 2015. In 2016, Massachusetts lifted the tinting ban; making it legal to tint in professional salons. The important thing to note is that no dyes for lash and brow tinting have ever been approved by the FDA. You can learn more on the FDA website.