Check a productIs it urgent?
Melanin & Me
Search

Tools

Makeup · Eyes

Brows

Doctor review pending

Fills and shapes brows with pencil, powder or gel; tints and microblading last longer.

  • How long to wearAll day; tints last a few weeks
  • When to removeNightly (tints fade on their own)
  • After openingAbout 12 months (gel: 6)
  • Patch testYes for tints: 48 h, every time

Choosing it for deep skin

  • Soft black, black-brown or deep espresso usually look more natural than jet black. Match your hair.
  • In heat, a fine pencil plus clear gel lasts better than heavy pomade.
  • Tints and henna: have them done by a trained professional, with a patch test every time.
  • Microblading is a tattoo. If you form keloids or raised scars, do not have it.

How to apply

  1. Brush the hairs upUse a clean spoolie to brush brow hairs up and out.
  2. Outline lightlyLightly mark the lower edge with a sharp pencil.
  3. Draw short strokesFill gaps with short, hair-like strokes in the direction of growth.
  4. SoftenBrush through again so the colour blends.
  5. Set with gelComb clear or tinted gel through to hold the shape in heat.

How long to wear it

  • Pencil and gel last the day; sweat can smudge them. Blot, then touch up.
  • Remove brow makeup every night with your makeup.
  • Tints fade over a few weeks. Do not over-pluck; repeated plucking can cause permanent hair loss.

Don’t use it if

  • Tints or henna if you have ever reacted to hair dye or "black henna".
  • "Black henna" for anyone, ever.
  • Microblading if you form keloids or raised scars.
  • Any brow treatment on broken, infected or eczema-affected skin.
  • Microblading with an untrained provider or tools that are not single-use and sterile.

Safety and the evidence

  • Permanent eyelash and eyebrow tints have caused serious eye injuries, including blindness.

    Evidence D — regulator guidance · FDA — Eye cosmetic safety

  • Brow and lash tints often contain PPD, a strong sensitiser. Patch-test 48 hours before every tint.

    Evidence B/C — patch-test data

  • Microblading is a tattoo. Risks include infection, allergy, granulomas and keloids.

    Evidence C — case reports; regulator guidance · FDA — Tattoos and permanent makeup

  • Unsterile tools can pass on hepatitis B and C and HIV; keloids are a particular risk on darker skin.

    Evidence D — specialist opinion, Nigeria · News Agency of Nigeria 2023 — LASUTH dermatologist on brow tattooing

Evidence grades: A systematic reviews or several trials; B at least one trial or consistent controlled studies; C observational studies, surveys or case reports; D expert opinion.

Keep it clean

  • Sharpen pencils before use and wash the spoolie weekly.
  • Do not share brow pencils or gels.
  • After microblading, avoid heavy makeup and other people's brushes for at least a week.

Important

See a doctor if

  • See a doctor if the area becomes hot, swollen, painful or oozes after microblading, or you get a fever.
  • See a doctor if a raised scar grows after microblading or threading cuts.
  • See a doctor for itching, swelling or blisters after a tint or henna.
  • If tint gets in your eye, rinse with clean water. Go to an eye clinic or emergency the same day for eye pain, a change in vision or new sensitivity to light.

Emergency in Nigeria: call 112 or go to the nearest hospital.

Sources

  1. FDA — Eye cosmetic safety
  2. FDA — Tattoos and permanent makeup
  3. News Agency of Nigeria 2023 — LASUTH dermatologist on brow tattooing

Doctor review pending. Education only, not a diagnosis. Product types, not brands.

All makeup guides · Makeup looks