What Is the Purpose of Eyelash Tinting?

Individuals who are self-conscious about stepping out for even the smallest errands due to light-colored eyelashes have been known to turn to eyelash tinting as a solution. For those who have found eyelash tinting viable, attractive eyes are not just a luxury reserved for occasions when there is time for makeup application. However, be forewarned--the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has banned a number of dyes that are being marketed for lash tinting purposes, as blindness may result from using the chemicals so closely to the eyes.

Function

Eyelashes are tinted in a semi-permanent procedure with results that last anywhere from four to six weeks. As the lashes fall out naturally, you will have to visit a salon for touch-ups if you want to maintain the look of darkened lashes. This involves the use of a vegetable dye, which is smeared on the lashes with the eyes closed. At least two days prior to the actual tinting, a patch test is normally conducted to find out if the client is allergic or extra sensitive to the dye. When the go signal is given to proceed, petroleum jelly is applied to the surrounding skin to keep it free from stains. Protectors are positioned underneath the lashes on closed lids before the coloring process finally begins.

Benefits

Women--and perhaps even men--who enjoy wearing mascara but find constant makeup reapplication tedious may think of eyelash tinting as convenient. Now you no longer have to worry about mascara smearing or breaking down during such activities as swimming and working out in the gym. In fact, when you wake up in the morning, your lashes remain dark and there is no need to feel self-conscious if you skip mascara on days when you are in a rush to get to school or work. Perhaps particularly appreciative are those with light eyelashes, whose eyes benefit from a touch more definition with eyelash tinting.

Considerations

Tinting does not make your lashes longer or thicker. This is the reason why those with already dark lashes might be better off not investing their time and money in such a procedure. For added volume and length that is also semi-permanent, eyelash extensions might be a more satisfactory--not to mention, completely legal--pursuit. However, if you savor the experience of wearing makeup, the latest volumizing and lengthening mascaras may be all that you need. Feel free to plump up your natural lashes with fake strip or individual clusters you can remove by day's end.

Types

For those who do decide to try eyelash tinting, black is not the only color you can choose to enhance your lashes with. Options such as brown, gray and blue or blue-black are available as alternatives.
In the case of those with all-over light facial hair, eyebrow tinting has become popular as well. Salons that offer eyelash tinting usually offer this service in conjunction, so it is possible to make only one stop for both procedures. In fact, someone who does not see much of a merit in eyelash tinting might nevertheless patronize eyebrow tinting as she only needs her brows darker, not necessarily thicker.

Warning

Do not attempt to dye eyelashes--yours or anyone else's--with hair dye. If you have absolutely made up your mind to have your eyelashes tinted, find a licensed and trained professional at a reputable salon or establishment to facilitate the process. Home kits are sold for liberal consumer use, but utilize these at your own risk as you may have an allergic reaction to the product. Know as well that some of these products are being sold illegally, or at least from countries where harmful ingredients like peroxide are not officially ordered out of items used in the eye area.

Resources

• eHow article "About Black Eyelashes"
• Tips on lengthening eyelashes