The Difference Between Eyebrow Tinting and Henna
I think we can all agree that we are happy the days of over-plucked and over-tweezed eyebrows are long gone, right?
While the trend has shifted from skinny eyebrows to more natural and full brows, for some this means the daily task of filling in sparse eyebrows that we may or may not have brought upon ourselves during that popular time in the 90s!
Thankfully, there are various brow treatments available today to help us wake up with a fuller, yet still natural-looking brow. These trends, such as microblading and tinting, are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason.
Who wouldn’t want to wake up ready to go with perfectly groomed and shaped gorgeous brows without having to apply brow makeup?!
Regular tinting and henna tint are two such treatments that are easy and far less intrusive than a treatment such as microblading or eyebrow tattooing. Not to mention, they save you a nice amount of time getting ready every morning.
In this post, I’ll outline the differences between the two treatments, their process, and some of the most frequently asked questions to help you decide which tinting treatment is best for you!
Eyebrow Tinting Vs Henna
What is Henna?
Eyebrow henna is a natural form of eyebrow tinting in which the dye from henna is used to temporarily color the skin under the eyebrow.
Henna is a plant that has been used since ancient Egyptian times as a natural, safe, and non-toxic dye that stains slightly deeper in color than food dyes. The flowers of the henna plant are used for dying skin, hair, and fingernails as well as fabrics like silk or wool.
You might also associate henna with body art popular in the middle east. Using henna dye to create art is a beautiful expression in traditional Indian culture for special occasions.
The henna tree contains lawsone, a reddish-orange dye that bonds to skin proteins making it a perfect natural alternative to the traditional hair dye used for eyebrow tinting.
Tinting the skin underneath the eyebrow helps to shape the eyebrow and gives the illusion of depth and the appearance of fuller eyebrows without filling them in.
The henna skin stain typically only lasts for a couple of weeks (depending on the skin type and aftercare) as it fades with time as the body naturally exfoliates itself. However, it is a great option for those with sensitive skin or those looking for a natural product without harsh chemicals or artificial ingredients.
The Process of Henna Tinting
A henna brow treatment is an easy and safe alternative to other eyebrow treatments as it’s quick and non-invasive with 100% natural ingredients. Henna eyebrow tinting provides your brow hairs and the skin beneath them with natural-looking color that lasts.
This process begins with an esthetician cleaning your brows of any oil, dirt, or makeup that might be present. Next, the shape of your eyebrows will be sculpted and drawn, and the shade of color is selected based on the skin tone and desired final look.
The henna powder is then mixed with a small amount of water and applied directly onto the brows. The paste then must soak into the skin for 10-15 minutes for the staining effect to take place.
A good brow artist will create an ombré effect by applying less brow coloration at the beginning of the brow and increasing the color and intensity at the arch and end of the brow.
After the henna application process, you should not allow the eyebrow area to get wet or apply makeup to the area for the first 24-48 hours. It’s also important to not rub the area, avoid sun exposure, as well as to avoid heat treatments such as saunas during this time.
In general, henna eyebrows last from 4-6 weeks, though this can vary based on the skin type and how well the aftercare instructions are followed. The best results for henna are typically on those with dry skin as the natural oils in those with oily skin prevent the tint from taking as well.
What is Eyebrow Tinting?
Eyebrow tinting is a cosmetic eyebrow procedure that uses semi-permanent dye to enhance and define your eyebrows. This process makes your brows appear fuller and darker than they naturally are.
Eyebrow tinting is similar to dying your hair, though the dye is mixed so that it matches your natural hue. Tinting can be especially beneficial if you have light or fair eyebrow hairs as it can help to slightly darken them, giving more definition and structure.
Brow tinting not only defines your eyes but creates a stunning contrast to your natural makeup as well.
The Process of Eyebrow Tinting
Like henna, eyebrow tinting is a quick, non-invasive process.
Before beginning the tinting process, the esthetician will clean the brow area making sure to remove any makeup, oil, or sweat.
After discussing the desired color and hue, your eyebrow technician will mix the tint and use a brush to apply the dye to the hair of the eyebrows. The color will be left for anywhere between 5 to 15 minutes, or until it has fully developed, before being removed by a damp cloth or pad.
The eyebrows will once again be cleansed to remove any remaining coloring. Aftercare instructions will be provided as well and will most often consist of refraining from getting the brows wet for at least 24 hours to allow time for the color to be fully set.
A couple of notes and things to keep in mind before your eyebrow tinting appointment:
- If you have allergies or are sensitive to certain dyes, be sure to let your esthetician know.
- It’s always wise to do a patch test before getting full tinting done.
- You should be sure to follow the aftercare instructions precisely for the best results but generally, you will want to avoid getting them wet or rubbing and touching the area.
The Main Differences Between Eyebrow Tinting and Henna
While both henna tint and traditional eyebrow tint are semi-permanent dyes used to enhance the appearance of the eyebrows, they do have a few distinct differences:
Ingredients: The main difference between these two types of eyebrow tinting is that henna tint is a natural, plant-based dye where as traditional eyebrow tinting uses chemical dyes and is most similar to hair color.
Longevity: The longevity of each of these is fairly similar and the results rely mostly on your skin type and how well the eyebrows are cared for after the tinting. Henna typically lasts for 4-6 weeks while traditional tinting lasts for 2-4 weeks.
Application: With eyebrow tinting, the brow dye is brushed onto the brow and adheres to the hair of the brow. The application of henna involves mixing henna with water and applying the paste to the brows where it adheres to the hair as well as the skin.
Henna is a great option for sparse brows that need additional shaping as well as darkening the eyebrows.
What is the Healing Time for Henna and Eyebrow Tinting?
Both henna eyebrow tint and traditional tinting are popular for their lack of healing time and side effects while still achieving beautiful brows.
There is typically no healing time required for either of these eyebrow treatments. However, because there is a risk of allergic reaction to either of these dyes, it’s always recommended to start with a patch test.
While there is no healing time for henna or eyebrow tinting, there are aftercare instructions that should be followed closely to ensure the best results!
What is the best skin type for Henna and Eyebrow Tinting?
While eyebrow tinting is a painless and natural beauty treatment that produces stunning results, certain skin types may have better results than others.
Those with dry skin will typically have better results than those with oily skin, especially with henna. An oily complexion will make it difficult for the dye to adhere to the skin making the results not as long-lasting. If you have dry skin, chances are you’re a good candidate for henna.
People with certain skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, or dermatitis may see the tint fade away even sooner.
Henna FAQ’s
Is henna the best temporary eyebrow tinting option?
Henna is a very popular tinting option due to how natural and safe it has been proven to be. It’s also great for helping to shape eyebrows as it dyes the skin as well as the hair. Whether or not it’s the “best” option is of course dependent on personal preference.
How long does henna tint last?
The longevity of henna depends on multiple things including skin type and aftercare. In general, eyebrow henna can last anywhere from 2-6 weeks.
Are henna brows better than microblading?
I wouldn’t say henna brows are better or worse than microblading as they are completely different. Henna tinting is a completely non-invasive semi-permanent eyebrow treatment whereas microblading is an eyebrow tattoo with results lasting up to 2 years.
Henna brows are great for those who might not be sure that permanent brow tinting is right for them.
Can you shower with henna brows?
While it is recommended to keep the brows dry for at least 24 hours after application, you can certainly shower with henna brows.
While showering you should avoid using harsh chemicals, alcohol (including in face wash), or hot water around the brows to keep them looking their best and prevent the tint color from fading.
Conclusion
So is brow henna better than regular brow tinting?
Henna and eyebrow tinting both use semi-permanent dyes that can be used to enhance the aesthetic of your brows by filling in sparse areas, offering a fuller look, and refining the brow shape.
Henna brows are an ideal option for clients with sensitive skin as it is an all-natural alternative to other forms of tinting such as those using products with a peroxide activator. Henna tinting uses natural dye from the henna plant that has been used for thousands of years.
Both henna tint and traditional eyebrow tint are great for those who are interested in cosmetic tattooing but are nervous or unsure of whether microblading is right for them.
When it comes to eyebrow tinting vs henna and which is the better choice, rest assured that they are both great options to achieve beautiful brows. The decision ultimately depends on personal preference and desired look!
