eyelash tinting: the professional guide
A lash tint is a professional dye that darkens the natural lashes for 3 to 6 weeks, so clients get definition without mascara. With BB&L Lash & Brow Tint, the tint is mixed 3 parts to 1 part 3% / 10 volume cream developer, applied with the lower lashes protected by an under-eye gel pad, and left on for about 10 minutes, or 3 to 5 minutes after a lash lift.
the eye area changes everything
A lash tint is applied millimeters from the eye. The client keeps their eyes closed for the whole processing time, the skin under the lower lashes is protected, and any tint that strays is taken off at once. Contact lenses come out before you start.
Check that your state board allows lash tinting under your license. Rules differ from state to state.
a product made for lashes and brows
Use a tint made for the lash and brow area, with its matching developer. BB&L Lash & Brow Tint comes in a 20 ml tube in 5 shades and is mixed with the 3% / 10 volume Professional Cream Developer, sold separately. Regular hair dye does not belong near the eye.
The mix is covered in detail in tint developer and mixing ratios.
lash tinting step by step
- Prepare: remove contact lenses, clean the eye area with a lash cleanser and cotton pads, and place an under-eye gel pad beneath the lower lashes.
- Mix: 3 parts tint to 1 part cream developer, until creamy.
- Apply: straight after mixing, coat the lashes from base to tip.
- Process: about 10 minutes, or 3 to 5 minutes after a lash lift.
- Remove: take the tint off with a dry cotton swab, then remove the gel pads. Clean any tint under the eye with tint remover.
The full walkthrough is in how to do a lash tint.
Lash & Brow Tint
Five shades in 20 ml tubes, mixed with 3% / 10 volume cream developer. Deep Black for a subtle black lash, Blue Black for a more dramatic one.
See Lash & Brow Tintchoosing the lash shade
Deep Black
A true natural black for clients who want a soft, mascara-free lash.
Blue Black
Makes lashes stand out for a darker, more dramatic look.
Natural Brown to Brown
For blonde or red-haired clients who want definition without a hard contrast.
More on matching shades in how to choose the right lash tint color.
tinting with a lash lift
When the client books both, the tint goes on after the lift, once the lashes have been neutralized. Lifted lashes take color faster, so the BB&L card shortens the time to 3 to 5 minutes. The full combined service is covered in lash tint and lift.
when to turn the service down
- A reaction to the patch test, or any past reaction to tint.
- An eye infection, irritation, or recent eye surgery.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding, where many studios wait or ask the client to check with their doctor first.
24 to 48 hours before the first tint
Run a patch test with the exact tint and developer you will use, 24 to 48 hours before the appointment, and follow the product instructions and your state board's rules. Burning, swelling or spreading redness means no service and a referral to a physician. Swelling around the eyes or difficulty breathing is an emergency: call 911.
keep reading
lash tint questions from the chair
How long does a lash tint last?
How long do you leave tint on the lashes?
Can you use eyebrow tint on eyelashes?
Do you tint the lower lashes?
Is a patch test needed for a lash tint?
tints made for lashes and brows
Classic Lash & Brow Tint, developers and the tools for a clean lash tint.
Shop The Tint Range