Eyebrow Henna Tint : The Ultimate Henna Brows Guide

The brow game is forever changing and evolving and Henna Brows have undeniably become one of the biggest trends.


What is Henna?

To begin, Henna itself is a natural colorant made from the Lawsonia Inermis Plant. It’s staining power, an ancient tradition that has been used for centuries to dye fabrics and clothes and also color/stain skin and hair.  

What is Eyebrow Henna?

Brow Henna is a vegan and cruelty free alternative to other traditional oxidant based eyebrow tints. It not only tints the brow hair, it also stains the skin underneath increasing definition and creating a beautiful powdered 3D look to the brows.

How does it work?  

When Brow henna is applied, the active dye molecule, Lawsone, migrates into the outer layer of the brow hair binding to hair protein creating the color. It coats brow hair with color, rather than changing the natural brow hair color from within the cortex.

Traditional brow tints use an oxidant to open the cuticle of the brow hair and allows color to penetrate the brow hair cortex through the oxidation process which can cause damage and dry out brow hair.

Brow henna acts like a blanket locking in moisture keeping the hair healthy and hydrated which also results in encouraging hair growth. 

Benefits of Brow Henna

Henna is the key to creating your own brow shape. If you love the shape of one brow but not the other, you can use brow henna to bring uniformity to your brows.

It’s purpose is to cast a shadow or create an illusion of depth and fullness in the area, creating definition and visually filling in any sparseness even if there are no eyebrow hairs present which is why it is patricianly great for those experiencing reduced eyebrow growth, over-tweezed or patchy brows.

Depending on your desired look, it can be used to look subtle enough to appear as natural as your own eyebrows or you can create a color depth that can make a big impact to your overall fullness, shape and definition.

How long does Brow Henna Last?

How long Henna brows lasts varies from person to person and is dependant on a number of factors:

  • Your skin type
    If you have a dryer complexion, henna brows will last longer than they would on someone with an oily complexion. A dry skin allows for greater absorption of brow henna which results on a better stain. An oily skin creates a tough barrier and does not allow as much penetration of brow henna.
  • Preparation / Application
    Without complete removal of makeup, excess oil and dead skin cells, results will be uneven and patchy henna brows.
    Please see ( Application section below ) for best results.
  • Aftercare
    Correct aftercare is essential to enable your Henna brows to last as long as possible. Please see (Aftercare section below )

Depending on the above factors Henna Brows can last between 2-10 days on the skin and between 3-4 weeks on brow hair.

As skin cells shed, so will henna brows.

Henna brows are semi-permanent but the important fact is, the skin is not.

The renewal of skin cells, and skin continually releasing oils, paired with environmental factors means henna will fade and shed as the skin naturally does also.

Who can use the Brow Henna Kit
One of the best things about henna brows is that it is great for almost everyone. The easy and gentle process makes it a good option for those with even sensitive skin or anyone with allergies to traditional oxidant brow tints and dyes.

However, a patch test is essential prior to every first Henna Brows application.

Henna Brows are not recommended for anyone with:

  • Sunburnt, irritated, broken or skin
  • Skin disorders, dermatitis, or psoriasis near the eyebrow
  • Seborrheic dermatitis
  • G6PD deficiency

Please consult your medical practitioner for approval to perform Henna Brows when:
Pregnant
Breastfeeding
Undergoing IVF

Do I need a patch test?
Yes.  A patch test must be performed at least 48 hours before creating your Henna Brows.


Prior to Henna Treatment

  • A Henna patch test MUST be performed 48 hours prior to use
  • No use of Retina A or AHA products around the brow area for 72 hours prior to treatment
  • Skin must be free from self-tanners/sunless Tanners prior to henna application as this will create a yellow or green shade


Patch Test

Mix 1 scoop of henna with 2 drops of activator, apply to your inner wrist, inner arm or behind your ear, remove with damp cotton after 15 minutes. If any itching, redness, burning, swelling, blistering or any shortness of breath occurs in this time or 48 hours after your patch test, do not preform brow henna on your brows.


Henna Application

  • Thorough Brow Cleanse with Spoolie and foam or oil free cleanser is Essential (brush cleanse 1 minute each brow) pad dry with cotton. Without complete removal of makeup, excess oil and dead skin cells, Results are patchy uneven Henna Brows
  • Mix 2 spoons of Henna with 3 drops of Activator in the mixing dish. Mix until you have a smooth soy sauce like consistency.
  • Apply a layer of henna to one brow at a time creating your desired shape, allow the henna to develop for 20-30 minutes (For ombré natural effect at beginning of your brow, apply a thinner layer of henna to this area and remove henna with cotton tip off the front section of your brows after 5minutes)
  • Removal, press a dampened cotton circle on top of the henna, press a number of times and slide upwards. Repeat this step until the henna has completely removed.
  • Apply Brow Grow oil to the brow hairs and skin. This restores the structure of brow hairs resulting in nourishing, prolonging henna staining and creating healthier, fuller brows


Henna Aftercare

  • After creating Henna Brows, it is essential you keep brows dry for at least 24 hours and if possible, 48 hours. Keeping the skin dry aids proper absorption of Brow henna into the skin, resulting in better stain and a longer lasting henna brows.
  • Avoid sunbathing, sun exposure, swimming/saunas, sweating or rubbing the brows for 24-48 hours post-treatment, the heat will create sweat / moisture and cause the brow henna to fade.
  • Shower: try to avoid getting brows wet as much as possible, avoid the gushing daily shower water going over your face/brows while showering and perform a facial cleanse after shower cleansing around the brows
  • Do not use exfoliators, peels or scrubs on Henna Brows:

The purpose of a exfoliators, skin peels or scrubs is to remove the dead skin cells layer. Doing this on top of Henna Brows will cause you to exfoliate the henna stain from the skin.

Click here for our Top 5 MG Cosmetics Brow Henna Tips