Everything You Need to Know Before Getting Your Brows Stained
Eyebrows are the pillar of not just your makeup look but your everyday appearance. Whether waxed, threaded, laminated or microbladed, they are the one feature that instantly pulls your face together. That said, it’s easy to see why there are so many options to perfect the overall look of your arches. The latest eyebrow staining trend is taking the internet by storm. Hearing the words brow and stain together may sound like a disaster waiting to happen. What if they look too dark or big or full?
These are just a few thoughts that might be jostling through your brain. But you don’t have to worry. The process isn’t permanent and instead offers longer-lasting color and allows for less work when it comes to your daily routine. Ahead, we spoke with two brow experts to get the full scoop on eyebrow stains, including what to know before booking an appointment.
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Brow stain vs tint
Though an eyebrow stain and tint may sound the same, there is one major difference that sets them apart. “Stains are designed to color the skin under the brows as well as the brow hairs, while tints can only change the color of the hair,” says owner of Two of a Kind brow studio Jordan Feise. Think of it as a service that gives you a complete brow look.
Celebrity brow stylist and the founder of Brow Code Melanie Marris notes that staining the skin helps fill in any gaps for a fuller appearance and more defined arches. She explains that the process is actually a hybrid between a tint and henna and uses a similar formula to add dark pigment to the area for a stained effect. While a tint can boost your natural brow color and give you a natural, subtle look, it doesn’t last very long and requires more upkeep than a stain.
How long does a brow stain last?
Since an brow stain colors both the skin and the hairs, it has the potential to really last. The only caveat is that each area has its own timeline. According to Marris, the color on your eyebrow hairs can last up to six weeks while the stain on your skin will only keep for 10 days. Of course, factors such as daily face washing and lifestyle play a role in the longevity of the look. But with the right aftercare, an eyebrow stain can stay intact for weeks. “It’s best to avoid splashing water or using makeup and skin-care products on your brows for 24 to 48 hours,” says Marris.
What to know before getting an eyebrow stain
Understanding the difference between a brow stain and a brow tint is the first step before booking your appointment. Think about the look you’re trying to achieve and make sure that this is the service for you. “Brow stains are designed to darken your brows, making them look more defined than other services, so you need to be ready to expect a bolder look,” says Feise. Ahead of the appointment, “It’s best to skip any makeup, oils or skin care on your brows day off. This will ensure the stain has a clean surface to adhere to,” she says. It’s also important to remember that the pigment will fade slightly within the first day or so, softening the appearance. “If it’s your first time trying a brow stain, plan to schedule your appointment a few days before a big event to make sure you love the final look,” says Marris.
