BB&L Blog

The Difference Between Tint and Henna 0

Are you undecided on whether you want to use tint or henna for your brow game? Maybe understanding the differences will help with just that decision.

Take a look at this quick guide to uncover the differences between tint and henna.

Tint

Tint is used to dye the hairs, in a sense. It works very similarly to hair dye and will ultimately add a tint of color to the hairs that it is applied to. This tinting process generally lasts for anywhere from 2-6 weeks, depending on the products and on your brows.

If you have great shape already and you just want to add some color, tinting is a really great option. The change that tint brings to the brow game is somewhat subtle but still gives your brows an improved and enhanced look.

Tinting is perhaps one of the more popular solutions. It’s great for enhancing your brows to make them darker while also making them appear thicker and longer when the tint is applied.

When applying tint, you may have to use an activator for the color.

Henna

Now, when you look at henna, you see that they are somewhat similar products. And yet, they are very different at the same time.

Henna has a more permanent look and tends to be more dramatic in the end. When henna is used, it stains the skin and the hairs, rather than just the hair. Because it stains the skin, henna tends to last slightly longer and may last up to 8 weeks.

Henna can be useful if you have thin brows or perhaps have a lot of patchy areas that need to be filled in more. It is more permanent and often times more noticeable because the solution stains the skin.

Henna does not usually require chemical activation but often uses distilled water to activate.

So, which is Better?

Whether you decide to use tint or henna will really depend upon your brow needs and what you are looking for in the end result. You might even be able to use tint and then follow up with henna several days later. However, this is not always an option so be sure to visit with your esthetician to find out your options.

Ultimately, the biggest difference is that tint is more subtle when applied. It tints only the hair and provides a natural shading to enhance and improve your brows. Henna is slightly longer lasting but also more prominent when applied.

The real question is, are you going for a dramatic and noticeable change or do you want a look that is subtle and natural?

Can You Combine Tint and Henna?

There are times when tint and henna might be able to be used together but not typically at the same time.

For example, with a brow bomb, you need to wait at least 48 hours before applying henna afterward. We actually recommend waiting more like 7 days. This is because the solution in a brow bomb really doesn’t combine well with henna.

Whatever process you choose for your brows, be sure to work with a skilled and knowledgeable brow professional.

How to Avoid Over-Processing for Your Brow and Lash Clients 0

When you get a brow lamination or lash lift done by a professional, you expect professional results, right? Of course, we all make mistakes but we certainly want to learn how to avoid some of the most common mistakes so that we can take the best care of our clients.

One common mistake is over processing. Unfortunately, once over processing has occurred, there’s very little you can do but wait it out. So how can you avoid it?

We’ve got some tips for you!

What is Over Processing?

Over processing is pretty self-explanatory. It means that you have left a solution on your client for too long. The solution processed for longer than it should have and this often leads to things like unwanted curling or perhaps frizzing.

Over processing doesn’t just apply to your brows. Hair treatments, brow treatments, and lash treatments can all be over processed if you are not careful.

Sometimes, the side effects of over processing won’t show up right away. It may take up to 24 hours to see those indicators.

What Do You Do?

If you over processed a client, your client is going to have to act to help the situation. Sadly, it reflects poorly on you. When over processing happens, you can’t undo it. There are things that you can do to try to help the situation but just know it won’t reverse the over processing.

The best thing to do is to immediately apply castor oil to the area that was over processed. If you notice this while the customer is in your care, you should immediately apply castor oil for them or you can use Lash Toxx if you have that on hand.

If the client notices it after they have left, they can also use the same approach to help. If they have neither of these available, they can use hair conditioner instead.

This will require more than one-time application. They should reapply castor oil, or whatever they used often and probably for several days. The hairs will then improve over time.

Avoiding Over Processing

The very best thing that you can do is practice and learn to pay very close attention to processing times. Sometimes it just takes practice but follow instructions closely for whatever process you are doing and time it out if you need to!

When you use these processes, make sure you are not using saran wrap as this is more likely to lead to over processing. You should use bonder to prevent over processing as well.

If you’re using kits from Beautiful Lashes and Brows products, like the Brow Bomb kit, you also want to be careful with the steps. For example, when applying Step 1 try to avoid getting the solution on the tips of the brow hairs.

Remember that different types of hair might process differently so time on the low side as you get to know how different hair reacts. You will improve and learn tips over time as you get used to doing these processes.

Pregnancy & Lash Lifting: Is it Safe? 0

Being pregnant can be challenging enough. There are so many do's and don'ts to consider throughout pregnancy and it's sometimes very challenging to know what you are or are not allowed to do. 

As women, we often have our routines for beauty and unfortunately, many of those things are not recommended for use when you are pregnant. 

One of the most common questions about pregnancy and our products is whether or not a woman can get a lash lift during pregnancy. 

While we would love to tell you to continue your normal beauty routine, the truth is that our lifting products (and most beauty products out there) have not been officially tested on pregnant or breast feeding women. 

Lash Lift Risks

In general, lash lifts are considered to be very low risk procedures. However, the challenge occurs when you consider that a woman's body undergoes massive changes when experience pregnancy. 

A pregnant woman experiences hormonal and emotional changes as well as physical changes and it is up to them to nurture and care for that beautiful life inside. While it might seem like getting your lash lift is no big deal, sometimes it simply isn't worth the risk. 

You will find sources that tell you there is no harm in continuing lash lifts once you've passed the first trimester. Ultimately, the decision is up to you. We simply don't recommend it. Our recommendation is based on taking the utmost care to the changes that a pregnant woman may be facing and not placing the woman or their baby at risk! 

Here are some of the most basic possible risks for lash lifts, not considering pregnancy. 

• Over-curled lashes
• Lashes too straight
• Chemical irritation
• Infections
• Damaged natural lashes 

Our Lash Bombs are designed to keep your eye and your natural lashes healthy but because there are chemicals and you're in the hands of varying professionals, the results are not always perfect. 

Always choose a skilled professional that you trust. It's a good idea to check you their work and be sure they have a track record of success. Look for skills and training to know they have done the procedure before. 

If you are pregnant and still considering a lash lift, you may want to wait. Otherwise, we do recommend at least having a conversation with your doctor to err on the side of caution. 

Always play it safe - your lashes will be waiting when you are ready! 

Lash Shields vs Lash Rods: Which is Better? 0

The Importance of Lash & Brow Aftercare 7

Why is Aftercare Important?

So, you have just had an amazing lash lift or brow lamination treatment and you are feeling on top of your game having had your natural beauty enhanced. What next? It is EXTREMELY important for you to now look after your brows and lashes to ensure they stay as fabulous as they are now.

Both of the above treatments involve a chemical process which has been explained in previous blog posts. Although our formulas are safe to use on the hairs, you need to ensure you keep your hairs healthy and hydrated post treatment to ensure they do not become brittle and damaged. It is the same as having a treatment done at the hairdressers, you must then use aftercare products to look after your hair post treatment. Following the correct home aftercare after your brow lamination or lash lift treatment is essential for optimum hair health and will prolong the length of your treatment.

How Do You Care For Your Lashes After a Lash Lift Treatment?

The first 24 hours after your treatment are critical and you MUST follow the steps below to ensure your lift does not drop and to ensure longevity of the treatment. At this early stage, your lashes are still delicate, and the lift is working its magic which means you need to be as careful as possible.

• Do not get your lashes wet within the first 24 hours. This includes but is not limited to excessive moisture and steam from saunas and baths.
• Do not apply makeup or receive any other eye treatment within the first 24 hours.
• Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes.
• Use a lash conditioner daily.
• Avoid putting contact lenses in for the rest of the day.
• Avoid sleeping on your front within the first 24-48 hours.

 After the first 24 hours, you can resume your normal daily life with your fabulous lashes! However, we recommend you continue to use a Lash Conditioner such as Brow & Lash Toxx. This amazing product will brush your lashes up into place and aids in nourishing, strengthening and protecting your lashes. Filled with the most gorgeous ingredients such as keratin, biotin and panthenol you can be sure your lashes are exposed to only the most beneficial ingredients.  

How Do You Care For Your Brows After a Brow Lamination Treatment?

Just like lash lifting, brow lamination follows the same rules as the first 24 hours being the most critical to ensure longevity. Following the steps below will ensure your brows are healthy, hydrated and strong after a brow lamination treatment. If you do not follow good aftercare post treatment, it may result in brittle, damaged brow hairs.

• Do not get your brows wet within the first 24 hours. This includes but is not limited to excessive moisture and steam from saunas and baths.
• Do not apply makeup or receive any treatments around the brow area within the first 24 hours.
• Use a brow conditioner daily.
• Avoid rubbing or excessive touching of the brows.
• Avoid sleeping on your front within the first 24-48 hours.

After the first 24 hours you can resume your normal daily life with your fabulous brows! However, we recommend you continue to use a Brow Conditioner such as Brow & Lash Toxx. This amazing product will brush your brows up into place and aids in nourishing, strengthening and protecting your brow. Filled with the most gorgeous ingredients such as keratin, biotin and panthenol you can be sure your brows are exposed to only the most beneficial ingredients. Remember, brow lamination is a low maintenance not a no maintenance treatment which means you will need to brush your lashes into place each morning.

Which Aftercare Product is Right For Me?

We now know the importance of aftercare and how to follow a good post treatment regime. So which product is right for you to continue to look after your brows and lashes?
We have two incredible aftercare products the first being our Brow and Lash Toxx Serum and the second is Castor Oil. Both products can be used straight away and work wonders for your hair health. You can choose one or the other but we LOVE to use both!

Lash Toxx

This is our step 3 solution inside an easy to use tube with a mascara wand. It is packed with gorgeous ingredients which will nourish the hairs and support growth. This is great for both brows and lashes. Your lashes will appear instantly conditioned and can be a replacement for mascara or used before. It is also amazing on the brows as it brushes the hairs into place and sets them in the desired position without giving the hard feeling of a brow gel.

Castor Oil

Castor Oil known to rebuild hair structure whilst giving softness and shine. When used regularly this product will improve hydration and growth of the hairs. This is the perfect rehab product for those with brittle and failing hairs. Castor oil can be applied to a mascara wand and brushed onto the lashes or brow hairs.

What is Brow Lamination? 0