Can people be allergic to Eyelash and Brow Tinting?

***Updated January 1st, 2016***
Please note:

"..in California, Eyelash Tinting and Brow Tinting have been outlawed services, due to no lash or brow tinting products passing FDA regulations. " Because it does not abide by FDA regulations, all states are exempted from using Lash or Brow tinting. (ammonia)


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Industry Bulletin - Lash/Brow Tinting

It has come to the attention of the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology (Board) that the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) maintains that there are no approved tints (including vegetable tints) or lash/brow tints that retain their approval for distribution in the United States of America. The FDA has issued an Import Alert as a means to intercept products intended for tinting lashes and brows. FDA information can be viewed at:

FDA Eye Cosmetics Fact Sheet: www.fda.gov/downloads/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm048948.pdf

Based on these findings and according to Title 16, Division 9, Section 989 of the California Code of Regulations, which states:

989. Prohibited Hazardous Substances/Use of Products

No establishment or school shall have on the premises cosmetic products containing hazardous substances which have been banned by the U. S.Food and Drug Administration for use in cosmetic products, including liquid methyl methacrylate monomer and methylene chloride. No product shall be used in a manner that is disapproved by the FDA.
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NOTE: Authority cited: Section 7312, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Section 7312(e), Business and Professions Code.

SO with all of that being said, please verify your state via your states "Board of Barbering and Cosmetology." 

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Q: Can people be allergic to Eyelash and Brow tinting?

A: The answer is YES.

But allergic reactions varies from person to person and product that's used, and not to mention the technicians technique.  

About the product.

Eyelash and Brow tinting are usually a vegetable or "regular" based tints (similar to hair color but on a lot lighter scale for chemicals and ingredients.) Most tints are than mixed with equal parts (equal amount) of developer, which is pretty much ammonia. Thus activating the color to "deposit and develop" making the tint on the brows or lashes, permanent and not semi-permanent or temporary. With the proper product, usually the highest amount ammonia used is only 10%.  Anything higher would be too much for the eyes or ingredients like that close to the eyes, a little too much to handle. The ammonia can have a "fume" like effect, similar to adhesives. Some people can "feel" the fume if eyes are open when ONLY tinting the brows. 

When tinting the eyelashes, the eyes should ALWAYS be closed, and never opened during the service.

Most product lines vary in texture (liquid, cream, etc.) and how many colors and developing time it offers. It also depends what ingredients are in them. But make sure to find a appropriate line that is approved by the FDA. 

A brief description of how tinting works. I won't go into detail but,

When applying the tint to the brows, it can touch the skin. Eyes are closed during the procedure and is recommended to stay closed during the processing time, however I've seen a lot of clients ignore this factor.

When applying tint to the eyelashes, eye pads and/or tape is added or put down to protect the skin and to separate the lashes. Eyes are closed during the procedure and processing time. Product (color) NEVER touches the skin, and stays always at minimum 1 mm away from the skin. 

Both need (depending on the product line directions and developing time) at minimum 10 minutes. 

Both are than cleaned up, and done.

TIP: I highly recommend using a cream based product. Liquid tends to slip and run. Making it harder to work with and to cover all the hair. Also can be dangerous using near the eyes. 

Q: If the product never touches the skin, for eyelashes, how can an allergic reaction happen?

A: Something in the ingredients list or the ammonia (usually the culprit) is what most people find themselves allergic too. 

Since the product touches the skin when applying tint for brows, it can be a direct contact of an allergic reaction. Sometimes you can always be allergic to other things, like tape (medical, paper tape, etc) eyepads, makeup remover or products, and more. Make sure to tell your technician what or if you have any allergies to anything.

Now, like myself and Urban Lash Spa, our techs want you to have a allergy free appointment, and to have a great experience.
Feel free to ask our tech what product they are using, are going to use, carry, etc.

Allergy Testing

There are technically 2 ways to test for allergies, and an easier way to see if any allergy will occur.. 

You can apply any product on a cotton swab and apply to the clients arm in the inner elbow or behind the ear. Similar to hair color testing. The inner crease of the arm has a ton of nerve endings, usually an easy port to see if any allergy can happen. There is also behind the ear, however it is closer to the scalp/face, which can be helpful for allergies. Because of the ingredients and product, usually as early as 5-20 minutes, to 24 hours patch tests, you can be sure that  you've had an allergy or not.
This is the "legal" way of hairstylists testing for clients for any allergies to hair color.
Following this protocol will be a lot easier. Depending on each line (color line), ingredients can vary from line to line. It's safer to get a patch test, than to be sorry, in case you are using a new line/technician or if the product has been reformulated.

Anytime clients have an allergy, will usually be in the first 20 minutes to 24 hours. You won't know unless you try, but we start off safe with an organic or henna line that just deposits color, and needs no assistance with ammonia. Just make sure to do a patch test and make sure there is no kohl, lead, or other ingredients in the product.

For those reading this who don't go to Urban Lash Spa, 

Ask your techs what product they use, do your homework before laying your eyes and health on the line. Ask about trials or trial appointments, if the tech is not asking these questions - ask them or seek someone else. Lashes an art, profession and should be held to a high standard of care. 

Please keep your eyes peeled for regulations by state for lash and brow tinting.