Tint vs. Dye for brows: What's the difference?

The key to effortless, natural-looking brows lies in understanding the subtle differences between eyebrow tinting and dyeing. Here's the lowdown from us...

WHEN IT COMES to enhancing your eyebrows, two of the most common treatments are tinting and dyeing. Although the terms are often used interchangeably, there are big differences in how they work, the results you can expect and how long these results last.

Understanding these differences will help you make the best choice depending on your brow goals, your lifestyle and how subtle or bold you want your eyebrows to look.

1. What is Brow Tinting?

Brow tinting refers to applying a semi-permanent colour (a “tint”) that mainly colours the eyebrow hairs themselves, without colouring the skin beneath. 

The result is typically more natural: it enhances your existing hairs – including light and vellus ('peach fuzz') hairs – and gives definition, but doesn’t dramatically change the look of the brows. 

In terms of longevity, brow tints vary in how long they can last – with some lasting up to 2 to 4 weeks depending on hair type, skin type etc.

Because tinting is less aggressive, it is often a good option for someone looking for a subtle improvement and a more natural enhanced look, rather than a bold transformation.

Our Brow Tint + Hold is specifically designed as a day-wear brow tint – which means it's easy to apply and washes off easily at night. It also allows you to customise what you want for that day, and is generally a good choice if you are looking for a natural and non-permanent option.

2. What is Brow Dyeing?

Brow dyeing is typically a more intensive treatment. 

Brow dye not only colours brow hairs, but typically also stains the skin beneath the brows, helping to fill in gaps and create a denser effect. 

Because it penetrates more, the results tend to last longer: around 4-6 weeks for the hair colour – and the skin stain beneath may also linger somewhat

It’s better suited for people who have lighter brow hairs, sparse brows, or if you're looking for a more defined, noticeable brow shape and colour.

3. How to choose: Tint or Dye?

Here are some quick decision-guides:

If your brows are already fairly full, you just want a little boost of colour, and you prefer a natural, low-maintenance look → go for tinting.

If your brows are light in colour, sparse, you want a more dramatic look, or you want the skin beneath to be subtly tinted too → go for dyeing.

Also think about how often you’re willing to re-do the treatment: since tinting fades sooner, you might need more frequent refreshes.

More about Brow Tint + Hold

Brow Tint + Hold is a natural, day-wear gel formulated to colour and style brows – giving you fuller, more defined brows in a single step.

Our formula is vegan, dermatologically tested and gentle on both skin and hair. 

Importantly, it tints and shapes the hairs, and holds them in place – hence, why we talk about it “colouring” rather than “dyeing”.

So if you like the idea of a gentler treatment, minimal fuss, a product you can apply at home (rather than a salon dye job) and a more natural outcome, look no further than our Brow Tint + Hold.

5. Pros & cons of tinting and dyeing

Tinting –

Pros:

• Quicker, often less expensive.
• Less risk of skin staining or dramatic change.
• Good for enhancing natural brows.
• Lower maintenance.
• More natural look and results.

Cons:

• Doesn’t change skin beneath brows much, so may not 'fill gaps' if you have sparse hairs.
• Shorter lasting than dye – so you’ll need to refresh more often.

Dyeing –

Pros:

• More dramatic effect: includes hairs + skin beneath.
• Longer lasting between treatments.
• Helpful if you want a transformative look. 

Cons:

• More intensive, so potentially higher cost – plus more time in the salon.
• Stronger chemicals (in some cases), so may increase sensitivity risk.
• If you don’t like it, it stays longer.

Practical tips for either tinting or dyeing

Always do a patch test if using a new formula (especially near eyes).

Choose a shade that complements your hair and skin tone (going too dark can look harsh).

For tint: Ensure hairs are clean/dry before application for best uptake.

For dye: Be aware of after-care – skin stain may fade slower and require cautious cleansing.

Use good skincare around the brows (avoid heavy oils over tinted/dyed area if you want longer wear).

If using a product like Brow Tint + Hold, because it both colours and holds hairs, you can skip any extra styling requirements.

Final thoughts

In essence, tint and dye are on a spectrum of brow-colouring treatments.

Tinting is generally gentler and more about enhancing what you already have – whereas dyeing is more permanent or semi-permanent, so it's about making a statement, filling in more, and lasting longer.

If you’re looking for something simple and easy that you can control at home, and something that gives a natural look with added definition, our Brow Tint + Hold is a great option.