Although eyelash and eyebrow tinting services are being performed everyday in salons and day spas around the globe there exists some controversy as to the safety of these procedures. The products used to tint or dye the lashes and brows are not yet FDA approved. The FDA has issued many warnings against the use of permanent aniline-derived eyebrow and eyelash dyeing and the cosmetology industry agrees, opting instead for harmless coloring ingredients. However the FDA has not yet officially deemed any dye or tint safe for use on lashes or brows.

Roux Lash and Brow Tint is one commonly used brand of aniline-free dye that falls into this quagmire of not banned, yet not officially FDA blessed products. This is sort of the Botox for wrinkles limbo seen in the 1990’s.

Reports of women having tragic results surface periodically. The 1930’s were a decade full of more severe reactions (possibly to the chemicals used) yet a recent 2001 case left a woman with chemical burns and damaged vision.

This issue remains murky at best. Many individuals and salons actively support lash and brow tinting and thousands of women every year successfully receive these treatments without any adverse reactions. Still the FDA’s lack of approval combined with a few documented cases of irreparable damage cast a small shadow of doubt on the safety of this procedure.

The ultimate decision is up to you. Do your homework, and make sure to visit a reputable establishment with experienced licensed technicians. Safety is your primary concern and a skilled technician should be able to give you a great set of lashes and/or brows without any unwanted side effects. You may find your eyes become your best feature when waxed (or tweezed) and tinted to perfection. You never know, a stunning set of lashes and brows may be just a tint away. However, there is no ban against using temporary color for the eyes. Temporary coloring agents are common makeup items such as eye shadow, mascara, eyeliner, and eyebrow pencils. These items, so long as they contain only FDA approved colors and ingredients, are deemed safe for use around the eyes. However, it is important to note that the eye coloring agent known as kohl is considered dangerous, even though it is used in many parts of the world, and even though it has been used as an eye enhancement for thousands of years. It contains heavy metals like lead and salts. This is a temporary coloring that can cause severe ocular health problems. Logging on to the FDA website can better help you understand the nature of cosmetics, and help you determine which products are safe to use, and which may pose serious threats to the overall health of your eyes.

Spa Spotlight for Eyelash Tint:

Aquamedica , Long Branch, NJ

BROWS & LASHES

Let us emphasize your eyes and shape your brows. Just as the grey in our hair benefits from a professional coloring, we can revitalize faded eyebrows and lashes to give you a more youthful appearance.

The Spa Loft, Woodland Hills, CA