HAIR DYE ON EYEBROWS OR LASHES: YES OR NO?

The short Answer: No — Using scalp hair dye on eyebrows or lashes is not recommended and can be dangerous. 

Why You Should Avoid Using Hair Dye on Eyebrows? While some people try using hair dye on their eyebrows, it's important to know that hair dyes are not formulated for use near the eyes. The skin around the eyes is extremely thin and sensitive, and the eyes themselves are highly vulnerable to irritation or chemical injury.

Hair dye often contains strong chemicals like:

• Ammonia
• PPD (Paraphenylenediamine)
• High-strength hydrogen peroxide (20–40 volume)

These ingredients are designed to open the hair cuticle and deeply deposit color, but on the brow or lash area, they can cause:

• Burning or stinging
• Redness or inflammation
• Allergic reactions
• Risk of serious eye damage if the dye enters the eye

What to Use Instead: Lash and Brow Tint - Eyebrow and eyelash tints are specially formulated with gentler ingredients and lower developer volumes. These products are:

• Safer for use near the eyes
• Dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested
• Made to tint both the brow hairs and (optionally) the skin for a fuller look

Most brow tints take less than 15 minutes to apply and develop. The color fades naturally over 2–4 weeks, making it a safer and more predictable option.

What the FDA Says

• The FDA does not approve any hair dyes for use on eyelashes or eyebrows.
• Most traditional hair dyes contain coal-tar derivatives, which can cause severe eye injuries—even blindness.
• Silver nitrate, a gentler compound used in some professional brow/lash tint systems, is FDA-approved as a color additive for brow products only—not for use on lashes or scalp hair.

Bottom Line: Choose Safety Over Convenience

• Stick to professional-grade brow tints that are designed for this sensitive area.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully.
• Patch test 24–48 hours before use to avoid allergic reactions—even with professional tint products.

FORMULATION

Hair dye penetrates deeply into the hair shaft, breaking through the cuticle to deposit color. Tinting is more surface-level and uses gentler chemicals to avoid eye/skin irritation.

Lash and brow tinting should always be performed by a qualified, licensed professional. Visit sspatoday.com to explore our Hands-On classes, including:

• Eyebrow Lamination – Hands-On
• Lash Lifting & Tinting – Hands-On

Contributor: Laurie Boggess
Cosmetologist, Educator, SSPA Board Member