Brows & lashes

Your first brow & lash tinting session.

By Mikki· Published 21 June 2026· Last reviewed 21 June 2026· ~5 min read

A brow and lash tint takes about 15 to 30 minutes, is completely painless, and starts with a free patch test 24 to 48 hours beforehand. You lie back with your eyes closed, we apply the colour, leave it a few minutes and remove it. You leave with defined brows and darker lashes — and the colour settles to its true shade over the first day.

In short

  • Book a free patch test 24–48 hours before — required for every new client.
  • The tint itself takes 15–30 minutes and is completely painless.
  • Arrive with clean, makeup-free brows and lashes if you can.
  • Colour looks strongest right after and softens to its true shade within a day.
  • Often paired with a brow shape — we'll advise whether to tint or shape first.

Before you come: the patch test

Every new tint client starts not in the chair, but with a 60-second patch test a day or two before.

We place a small dot of the tint behind your ear or on your inner arm and you go about your day. If there's no reaction after 24 to 48 hours, you're cleared for your appointment. It's free, it's quick, and it's required — tint reactions are rare but real, and this is how we make sure yours is uneventful.

What actually happens in the chair

We start by matching the colour to your hair and skin (bring a photo if you have a look in mind). You lie back and close your eyes; we protect the skin under your lashes with a barrier and pads, then paint the tint onto the lashes and brows. It develops for just a few minutes, then we remove it cleanly. We usually tint the lashes and brows together, and can add a brow shape to finish.

Does it hurt? Will my eyes sting?

It's painless. Your eyes stay gently closed throughout, and the under-eye pads keep the tint away from them. You might notice a faint cool tingle or a mild smell from the tint — nothing sharp. If your eyes are sensitive or you wear contact lenses, take the lenses out and tell us, and we'll take extra care.

How it looks straight after (and the next day)

Straight after, the colour looks bold — don't panic. Over the first 24 hours it softens and settles into its true, natural shade as the surface stain fades and the colour that bonded to the hair remains. Follow the simple aftercare — keep it dry and hands-off for the first day — and it'll last its full two to six weeks.

Pairing it with a shape or WoW Brows

Most clients pair a tint with a brow shape — we usually tint first, so colour reaches every hair, then shape so the outline is crisp. A brow shape and tint together is a popular combination, and our WoW Brows goes further with shape, tint and fill in one sitting. Not sure what to book? Book a brow shape and tint and we'll guide you from there.

Frequently asked

Common questions.

Does brow or lash tinting hurt?
No, it's painless. You lie back with your eyes closed while the colour develops for a few minutes. You may notice a faint tingle or smell from the tint, but nothing sharp. Tell us if your eyes are sensitive.
How long does a brow and lash tint take?
About 15 to 30 minutes for both. Add a brow shape and allow around 40 minutes. The colour develops in just a few minutes; most of the time is prep and finishing.
Do I need a patch test before my first tint?
Yes — a free patch test 24 to 48 hours before, a small dot of dye on the skin to check for a reaction. It's required for every new client and can't be skipped on the day.
Should I tint or shape my brows first?
We usually tint first so the colour reaches every hair, then shape so the outline is crisp. Your therapist will advise based on your brows — you don't need to decide in advance.
Can I wear makeup to my tinting appointment?
Come with clean, makeup-free brows and lashes if you can — any product or oil can stop the tint taking evenly. If you arrive made up, we'll gently cleanse the area first.
M

Reviewed by Mikki

Founder & lead specialist

Mikki has given thousands of first tints at the Aldgate brow and lash bar. This is what she talks every nervous first-timer through before they sit down — so you'll know exactly what to expect before you arrive.

Last reviewed: 21 June 2026 · Next review: December 2026
Brows & lashes · Aldgate

Book your first tint.

Brow and lash tint, brow shape and WoW Brows, one minute from Aldgate Underground. Book your patch test and first appointment together — the patch test is free.

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