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We love to experiment with our hair color. Don’t we? Well, what if we do the same experiment with the hairs in our eyebrows? Not that I’m talking about going a little lighter on the brows, but coloring your brows red, burgundy or chocolate has become quite a trend now. Yes, this post is all about brow bleaching, which might interest you greatly if you are a woman who is not that into her dark brows these days. So, here is our complete brow bleaching guide.
Brow Bleaching vs. Brow Lightning Vs. Brow Tinting
While these terms are used interchangeably, brow bleaching is different from brow lightening and brow tinting. Brow bleaching is more intense and gives you a different look by taking away the original color of the brows, whereas brow lightening is all about making your eyebrow a few shades lighter than the original shade. Bleaching gives a stronger, bolder look; however, brow lightening only lightens the shades, thus giving them a softer look. Brow tinting is similar to a hair dye and can make your brows look fuller and darker instantly.
Also Read – Top 10 Ways To Get Thick Eyebrows
How to Choose the Right Color
Selecting the right color for your brows is critical as this can make or break your overall appearance. And the color of your hair plays the most important role in the process.
- Brunettes, matching your brow color with your original hair color, can be a great choice. You can even go two to three shades lighter than the original color of the brows.
- Blondes can go for a slightly darker shade to define their brows. A flattering color like taupe with almost ashy with no red undertones can go well with it.
- Redheads can choose a natural color with a pinch of copper. On the other hand, a rich brunette shade can give you a dramatic look.
How To Bleach Your Eyebrows At Home
The task of eyebrow bleaching is indeed a detailed one. Therefore, it is needless to say that you require a very good, preferably branded, bleaching product and full attention. Therefore, here is the step by step guide to help you in your blow bleaching effort:
1. At first, pull all your locks (including bangs) away from your face. Then, tie them up into a tight high ponytail or make a topknot or bun. You can also wear a headband or wrap your hair in a dry towel. All these will avert your hair from falling on your eyebrows and getting bleached accidentally during the procedure. Also, pull all your stray hairs back and clip them up tightly.
2. Start with cleaning up your face focusing on the eyebrow areas. Dip a cotton ball in a good makeup remover and wipe dirt, oil/sebum, or trace of makeup off your face gently. Next, try to use a branded eye makeup remover to clean the delicate skin around your eyes and brows. Then, rinse your face with lukewarm water and pat it dry with a soft cotton towel.
Also Read – Dry Skin Between Eyebrows: Causes And Remedies To Get Rid Of It
3. Now, open the product box and take the bleaching powder, the liquid developer, the small applicator (if any), and the user manual out of it. Go through the instructions written in the manual thoroughly. It is vital as you need to follow the directions strictly for preparing the perfect eyebrow bleaching cream.
4. Pour the bleaching powder into a medium-sized glass (any other non-reactive material can also be used) mixing bowl. Add developer to it and gently stirring with the applicator (or a cotton swab) until a rich, smooth paste is formed.
5. Now, apply it to your eyebrows with the help of the applicator (or cotton swab) and ensure that all the hairs are covered evenly. Be very gentle as rubbing the cream will damage the skin around your eyebrows. Also, try to be as attentive as possible to achieve precision.
If you are a first-timer, leave the bleach on for 3 to 5 minutes. Otherwise, wait for a maximum of 10 minutes and then, gently wipe the cream off your eyebrows by using a wet and warm washcloth.
Wearing Makeup with Bleached Eyebrows
When you have bleached eyebrows, applying makeup can be a little tricky. Always try to attain a balanced yet vibrant look by following few tricks –
- Skip brow liner and shapers since bleached brows give a fuller and thicker look.
- Apply a brow gel to keep your eyebrows in shape.
- Apply mascara to give it a dramatic look.
Post Bleaching Care
Since hair grows back in 4-6 weeks, you may spot the hair’s natural color at the roots again. You may have to do regular touch-ups to maintain the desired look of the brows regularly.
Side Effects of Brow Bleaching
Although brow bleaching has become a fashion trend, one needs to understand the consequences associated with it. Brow bleaching can be harsh and dangerous as you are exposing your brows to harmful chemicals. This can lead to rashes, irritation, and allergies. Moreover, applying chemicals too close to your eyes may pose serious threats. Since hair grows back quickly, exposing the original color of the brows at the roots, regular bleaching is needed to maintain a bleached look. However, a regular bleaching regimen can cause harm to your skin and brows.
Also Read – Pros And Cons Of Eyebrow Bleaching – with Procedure and Side Effects
Important Tips
Now, here are some pro tips that will prevent you from going too light or too prominent on your eyebrows to ensure that they do not disappear completely or stand out awfully:
1. Pick your eyebrow bleaching product wisely. Choose something that is specifically designed for bleaching eyebrows. For sensitive skin, it is recommended to use a milder product.
2. Never go for brow bleaching without undergoing a patch test. First, apply a small amount of bleach cream on your jawline and wait for 10 to 15 minutes. If no interaction takes place, you can go ahead with a full-fledged brow bleaching. Otherwise, stop immediately and consult with your physician.
3. Try to get your desired shade within a short span of time after applying the lightning product to your eyebrows. If you leave it on for too long, your brows will turn extremely light, which looks good neither on fair complexions nor on dark ones.
Also Read – 10 Useful Tips to Repair Bleached Damaged Hair Fast
4. For a pair of bleached natural-looking eyebrows yet, you need to stop the procedure as soon as your brows turn a shade or two lighter. You can always define them by shaping them up with an angled brush and applying brow powder. These will eventually give your eyebrows the shade you actually desire.
5. Make sure that you do not over-bleach your eyebrows. This will turn the hairs brassy yellow, orange, or even red.
When it comes to dealing with the dark roots of those tiny hairs on your eyebrows, make use of a small and thin brush (an eyeliner brush will do) to bleach the roots of the hair as close as possible without disturbing their bleached ends.
6. Go slow and attempt one brow at a time. This will not only improve time consistency but will also support precision.
Be extremely careful while applying cream bleach or lightener to your eyebrows so that you do not end up getting the product into your eyes accidentally. If it happens, rinse your eyes with water right away. Also, rush to your doctor immediately if you experience irritation, itching, or any other discomfort.
If the steps of brow bleaching are followed religiously, there is no chance of accidental mishaps like hitting a washed-out or no-brow look. So, give it a try without any worries.
FDA on Color Additives and Hair Dyes
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows the usage of color additives in cosmetic products, although it is the responsibility of the manufacturer to ensure the safety of these products (1). On the other hand, FDA does not recommend using hair dyes on eyelashes and eyebrows. Moreover, FDA is against the usage of eyebrow tints for possible eye injuries (2).
Studies were conducted to find a possible link between hair dye use and cancer (leukemias and lymphomas). While some studies have shown a link, others have not (3).
Also Read – No More Grey Hairs In Eyebrows! Know The Reasons And The Best Remedies
Summary
Eyebrow bleaching can give you a stunning and bold look instantly. However, before trying, you need to understand few aspects associated with bleaching which include the selection of the right color, aftercare, and possible side effects. A “Do It Yourself” kit can be an easy way to bleach your brows at home although extra care should be taken to attain the perfect look and avoid any side effects like rashes and irritation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it okay to bleach your eyebrows?
Eyebrow bleaching comes with few possible side effects, and one may experience skin rashes, irritations, and allergies.
How long does bleaching eyebrows last?
Typically bleached eyebrows last only for 3-4 weeks. As new hair grows back, thus making the hair’s natural color visible, a touch-up is always recommended.
Does honey lighten eyebrows?
Honey comes with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide and has the ability to lighten brows naturally. Apply few layers of honey to your brows. Allow them to dry naturally and wash them off with lukewarm water.
Can I bleach my eyebrows with hair bleach?
Brow hair is soft, delicate compared to your hair. Therefore, it is always recommended to use gentle eyebrow bleach to avoid possible side effects.
References –
- “Cosmetics” – fda.gov
- “Cosmetics Safety Q&A: Hair Dyes” – fda.gov
- “Hair Dyes” – cancer.org
