If you’re fed up of filling in your eyebrows everyday, then brow tinting might just be for you. It’s a semi-permanent option that lasts for weeks on end, but isn't as big a commitment as microblading or permanent brow make-up.

Quick, easy and totally affordable - eyebrow tinting is a win, win situation.

But what does eyebrow tinting involve? How tricky is it to do it yourself? We’ve put the questions to the experts and rounded up everything you need to know before getting your eyebrows tinted…

Everything You Need To Know About Eyebrow Tinting

What does eyebrow tinting do?

Eyebrow tinting will semi-permanently change the colour of your brow hairs, giving them a stronger pigment and making them look fuller in the process. According to Jaimineey Patel, head of education at Blink Brow Bar, 'Tinting is one of the quickest ways to achieve a thicker, natural-looking long-lasting looking brow.'

eyebrow tinting
Luca Cannonieri//LAUNCHMETRICS SPOTLIGHT

First - much like when you’re getting your hair dyed - a base cream or petroleum jelly will be applied around your brow area to stop any of the dye from staining your skin.

Then, the semi-permanent dye will be mixed up before being applied to your eyebrows with a spoolie brush. Some places will custom-mix the tint to get the perfect shade for you, whereas others might achieve the right shade by leaving the tint on for different amounts of time.

As a rule of thumb, you still want to stay 1 or 2 shades lighter than your hair colour but slightly darker than your natural brow tones.

Benefit brow expert Lauretta Power says: 'After a Benefit consultation, a bespoke brow shade will be created for the customer. I’d suggest 1-2 shades darker than the natural brow shade for the most natural flattering tone.' According to her, the colour will fade by 20% after you wash your face for the first time.

    eyebrow tinting
    Luca Cannonieri//LAUNCHMETRICS SPOTLIGHT

    How long does eyebrow tinting take?

    Eyebrow tinting takes between 1-5 minutes (depending on the hair type) before the dye is wiped away and your brows are done. The skin around your eyebrows shouldn’t have been affected by the dye – but if there is any staining don’t panic, this will wash away over the next day or so.

    Who can get their eyebrows tinted?

    Unless you’re allergic to any of the ingredients in hair dye (reputable salons will require a patch test prior to treatment), eyebrow tinting works for pretty much anyone. Even the brightest of blondes and redheads can get their brows tinted. In fact, Patel thinks they're often the best candidates: 'Tinting is a great long-lasting option particularly for those with light or blonde hair as it can add brows that you never thought you had!'

    Power agrees, adding that a tint 'enhances all brows. Sparse brows will instantly look fuller, darker brows look more streamlined, and overall hairs look glossier and healthier.'

    instagramView full post on Instagram

    How long does eyebrow tinting last?

    According to Patel, a few weeks. 'Brow and lash tints usually last between 2-3 weeks, but this can vary from person to person depending on your depending on skin type, your skincare routine, and how much you are exposed to the sun (the sun has a bleaching effect).' For most people, a top up monthly will suffice.

      It will fade away naturally and you’ll barely notice it’s even happening. Then one day you’ll wake up and realise you want them done again.

      Does eyebrow tinting damage your eyebrows?

      If done correctly, no. Since the tint is semi-permanent and doesn't include bleach it is gentle on the hairs.

      eyebrow tinting
      Getty Images

      Do you need a patch test for eyebrow tinting?

      Yes, you need to have a patch test at least 24 hours before. When booking an appointment, the brow technician should make you aware of this. It’s a bit of a faff if you haven’t factored it in time-wise, but it's an important step to avoid any unwanted reactions.

      The patch test involves having a tiny amount of dye applied behind your ear or in the crease of your elbow and left overnight. It takes all of 30 seconds to do, so just run in and have one done a day or so before.

      ELLE Edit: Eyebrow Tinting Kits
      At Home Brow Tint Kit
      BBBLondon At Home Brow Tint Kit
      £20 at bbb-london.com
      Eylure Pro-Brow Dybrow
      Eylure Eylure Pro-Brow Dybrow
      Now 20% Off
      Brow Tint Kit
      Kiss Brow Tint Kit
      Now 20% Off
      Brow Tint
      Schwarzkopf Brow Tint

      Where are the best places for eyebrow tinting and how much does it cost?

      There are thousands of places offering eyebrow tinting in the country. Many of these are at hairdressers, beauty salons and spas. However, if you want a tried and tested eyebrow expert, we love…

      Shavata Singh - from £17 (location dependent)

      Founded by eyebrow expert to the stars Shavata Singh, all brow technicians are trained by Singh herself, giving you full confidence that you'll be leaving the salon chair with the best eyebrows possible. You'll find this brow haven housed in Harvey Nichols up and down the country, as well as having bases in Ireland, Manchester and Liverpool.

      Blush+Blow - £12

      Located in Fulham and frequented by the Made In Chelsea crowd (naturally), Blush+Blow offers a one-stop-shop for eyebrows, pedicures and everything in between. While Blush+Blow is London-based at the moment, their comprehensive list of brow treatments coupled with their extremely reasonable prices are well worth a stop by when you're next in the city.

      BamBrows - £16

      The coolest place to go for all things eyebrows is BamBrows. Currently settled in East London, BamBrows is all about harnessing your best brow whether that's via a wax, reshape, tint, or all of the above.

      Benefit Brow Tint - £14

      Available in independent boutiques in the UK, having a brow tint at Benefit is quick and convenient, as it doesn’t require an appointment. Just turn up, and as long as you’ve previously had a patch test and have no allergies, you can walk away with perfect brows ten minutes later.

      Blink Brow Bar - £18

      Blink Brow Bar is another walk-in option that also offers lash tinting and threading. They’re located in department stores all around the UK but if you’re not sure where your nearest Blink is, there’s a handy store guide on their website.

      Nails & Brows Mayfair - £29

      This chic space on Berkeley Street is a favourite of beauty editors (and reportedly, Meghan Markle) for its elegant approach to brows, lashes, and nails. If you're after a natural-looking finish that looks polished rather than overdone, Nails & Brows is a safe bet.

      Can you tint your eyebrows at home?

      Yes – you can! It's important to tint your brows first before waxing, tweezing or threading so the area isn't sensitised.

      Box eyebrow dyes like BBBLondon At Home Brow Tint Kit, £20, and Eylure Dybrow, £8, are available on the high-street, accessibly-priced and easy to use.

      How to tint your brows at home:

      Instructions can vary in between products so make sure to read the instructions carefully. In general, your at-home eyebrow tinting process will look like this:

      Step one: Just like you would at a salon, you first apply a base cream (to help prevent staining) Vaseline is perfect for this.

      Step two: Mix up your tint with the tools provided in the kit, and start to paint on the mixture to your brows. Really rub the brush back and forth to make sure every hair is coated, right down to the root.

      Step three: Leave the mixture on your brows for no more than 7 minutes. 'Don’t over process the brows hoping to achieve a deeper or longer lasting shade, if you want this purchase a slightly darker shade,' says Power. Use this time to grab a cotton bud and just tidy up any edges around where you’ve applied the brow tint.

      Step four: Wipe off with a clean tissue and voila! Perfectly tinted brows. If it appears too light, Power recommends waiting for 48 hours before re-tinting them.

      14 Of The Best Eyebrow Make-Up Products To Buy Now
      best eyebrow products