A lash tint is a great way to enhance your look without the hassle of applying daily mascara and false lashes. However, many women need clarification on how long their lash tint will last.
The answer depends on several factors. To maximize your lash tint’s longevity, avoid the following:
Avoid Wearing Makeup
When performed by a skilled esthetician, eyelash tints can make your eyes pop and give you that natural no-mascara look. They can also last up to 6 weeks and offer an alternative to at-home DIY products like lash powders or harsh dyes.
At a typical lash tint appointment, your esthetician will begin by cleansing the area around your eyes and removing any contact lenses you might be wearing. They will then apply a lotion or gel to your lashes and the skin underneath your eyes to protect them from the dye.
Then, they’ll mix your chosen color (typically a dark brown or jet black) with a liquid activator to create the dye. They will then use a brush to apply it directly to your top and bottom lashes. If you have sensitive skin, you may need to do a patch test before your appointment by using a small amount of the dye behind your ear or on the inside of your wrist.
Avoid Swimming
Typically, the best way to maintain a lash tint is to avoid chlorine or other chemicals that can fade it. However, other lifestyle factors may also affect how long does a lash tint last, such as rubbing your eyes or sweating excessively. Hence, it’s important to remember if you want your lashes to look their absolute best.
It’s best to come to your appointment with a clean face without makeup or self-tanner to prevent the dye from staining your eyes or smudging. You can also ask your lash technician to use a lower oxidant concentration to minimize eye irritation.
“If you experience any sensitivity after the treatment, be sure to contact your lash tech immediately to make them aware of the issue,” says Franco. “They can use a less strong tint and reapply to reduce the impact.” It’s also crucial not to rub your eyes, as this can dishevel the shape of your lashes and cause them to fall out prematurely.
Keep Your Lashes Dry
Eyelash tints are becoming an increasingly popular option for luscious lashes, with many swearing off their daily mascara and false eyelashes in favor of the less time-consuming treatment. The FDA has yet to approve lash and eyebrow tinting officially, but it doesn’t prevent salons from offering the service (some states have different regulations, though).
To help your lash color last as long as possible, it’s important to keep your lashes dry. This means avoiding makeup for 24 hours after your appointment and avoiding anything that could cause you to sweat excessively, including exercise, sauna sessions, or hot yoga classes.
It would help if you also avoided oil-based cleansers or makeup removers, which could wash the tint off your lashes and cause them to fade more quickly. Instead, opt for gel or cream-based cleansers that won’t strip the tint of your lashes. It’s also a good idea to use a conditioning lash serum that helps your lashes stay hydrated, which can help them resist the dye and fade slower than normal.
Keep Your Lashes Clean
The lash tinting process is short and relatively painless. Franco says a trained and licensed esthetician will use a disposable microtip brush or thin Q-tips to apply the dye evenly, ensuring it hugs your lashes at the root and covers your tips. She’ll also ensure that the dye stays away from your eyes (which is why it’s important to come in without makeup—it reduces the chances of an infection or irritation) and doesn’t stain your eye area or contact lenses.
Depending on your skin tone and the tint color you choose, the results can last anywhere from a month to a few weeks. The color will fade gradually as your natural lashes fall out and are replaced with new ones—another reason to visit the salon for a lash lift and tint every four weeks. Keeping your lashes clean will also help them retain their shape and brightness.