How Long Does An Eyebrow Tint Last?

If you have sparse brows or you just love a good bold brow, chances are you've explored a few brow-defining options. There are the more temporary solutions like regular brow pencils or fan-favorite brow pomades from ABH, both of which can be exhausting as you have to fill in your brows every day. You've probably also explored more expensive options like microblading and microshading, but they may sound a bit too much for you. And then, you found brow tinting, a technique used to semi-permanently darken your eyebrows (per Urban Brows). With eyebrow tinting, dye is mixed by a professional to match the color of your eyebrows for a more natural effect. For a bolder look, it could also be a few tones darker.

Compared to other brow techniques, tinting your brows is affordable, coming in at only $20 to $50 at a professional tinting salon (per L'Oréal Paris). Or, to get even more budget-friendly, you can try an at-home tinting kit. Brow tinting is also relatively low-risk and suitable for all hair and skin types. Plus, it's pain-free, isn't as time-consuming as doing your brows every morning, and lets you dip your toes in the pool before getting into more permanent brow-defining options.

With all these perks to recommend brow tinting, the only remaining question is its semi-permanent nature. Well, here's everything you need to know about the longevity of an eyebrow tint, and a few tips on how to maintain the look.

According to Healthline, eyebrow tint lasts anywhere between three to eight weeks. Unlike microblading, where color is etched on the skin for that fuller, bolder-looking effect, brow tint only rests on the surface of the already present hairs to make them more defined and visible. While the tint may stain the skin under your eyebrows after your appointment, it gradually fades off in the following days. If your eyebrows tend to shed quickly, your tint may have a lifespan at the shorter end of the spectrum. Other things can also affect how long your tint lasts, including the type of dye used, the use of oil-based products in your skincare routine, and how much sun you get (per Godefroy Beauty).

Instead of visiting a salon every month or two, you may get the occasional DIY bug and buy an at-home tinting kit. However, HD Brows warns that it's best if you get this technique professionally done. Not only will the look last longer, but you'll benefit from a pro's experience in color matching your shade. Plus, your eyebrows aren't exactly easy to hide if you do it wrong. If you still want to go the DIY route, at least carry out a patch test before trying it around your eyes, which are sensitive areas, after all. You don't want to be surprised with an avoidable allergic reaction in the middle of your face.

So you just got your eyebrows tinted, big yay! Eyebrow tints are pretty low maintenance, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind if the tint is going to last as long as it should. The first thing is that you'll need to keep them dry for at least 24 hours so the tint can set properly (per The Lash Lounge). Also, oil-based beauty products like your cleansing balms and serums can cause fading and shorten the overall lifespan of your tint (per PMU Hub).

And if you need yet another reason to use sunscreen, here it is: The sun can bleach hair and fade your eyebrow tint much faster. So limit sun exposure and be sure to use sunscreen and reapply at least every two hours. You should also go easy on skincare actives like retinoids and chemical exfoliants, as they can irritate the skin under and around your newly tinted brows (per All About Vision). Finally, your eyebrows will stay tinted for longer if you avoid touching or brushing them with a spoolie brush too often, as constant contact can cause the tint to lift (per HD Brows). Instead, keep your bold brows in place with brow gel and prepare for the barrage of compliments you'll get for your tint.