By Danielle Zoellner For Dailymail.com
Published: 08:22 EDT, 3 September 2018 | Updated: 08:39 EDT, 3 September 2018
Eyebrow and eyelash tinting — one of the latest beauty fads sweeping the nation — is banned in certain states as experts warn it could cause serious damage to the skin.
The procedure entails someone brushing dye directly onto the hairs around the eyes so it will make the eyebrows or eyelashes darker for up to six months. But the US Food and Drug Administration has not approved the procedure because of the risks.
'Permanent eyelash and eyebrow tints and dyes have been known to cause serious eye injuries,' according to the FDA website.
Dangerous? Eyebrow and eyelash tinting has been banned in states such as California because of the potential damaging side effects it could cause on the skin
Sabah Feroz, an eyebrow expert from Blink Brow Bar London, explained to Dailymail.com why the procedure could be looked at as more controversial than others, but noted that if you are cautious about who you trust to do the procedure, it should be totally safe.
'The treatment does involve chemicals that can come into contact with the skin, as with when using hair dyes,' Sabah said.
'Tinting products are much gentler than the hair dyes, as they are specifically developed for the eyebrows and lashes, however care must be taken.
'If there are signs of an allergic reaction following the patch test, the treatment must not be carried out.'
Sahab recommended for potential clients to first research what salon they want to get the procedure done before making the appointment.
A reputable salon should not only inform the client about the ingredients in the dye but also do a patch test prior to the procedure to confirm there will be no allergic reactions.
Currently, salons in California are not allowed to perform the procedure because of a law that bans the use of products unapproved by the FDA.
But the procedure is allowed in New York as long as the professionals only use non-permanent dyes on the eyebrows and lashes.
Sabah Feroz, an eyebrow expert from Blink Brow Bar London, encourages clients to get their skin tested first for allergies before buying the cosmetic procedure
Popular dyes for beauticians to use for the process include ones that are vegetable-based, food-coloring dyes, and coal-tar dyes.
Although the vegetable-based dyes are the most natural options, they are still unapproved by the FDA for tinting the eyebrows and lashes.
The procedure has grown in popularity, despite warnings from experts, because thick and bold eyebrows are considered 'in' within the beauty community.
Celebrities such as Cara Delevingne and Lily Collins helped launch thick eyebrows back into the spotlight after they traded in their tweezers for a more natural look.
Since then, many people have turned to eyebrow pencils, pomade and brushes to heighten the look of the hairs above their eyes for a fuller effect — but it can become a lengthy beauty process.
Sabah argues that eyebrow and eyelash tinting gives customers the look they want without needing to use makeup.
'If you have fair hair, a brow tint will give you instant definition and create the illusion of fuller thicker brows,' she said.
'It is also a big time saver for those who fill in their eyebrows daily, and use mascara to darken their lashes, giving your eyes instant depth and definition.'
For people who don't want to commit to the tinting, the expert did recommend investing in a good makeup routine.
'Eyebrows are your focus features, not only do they frame your face, they complete your look. Grooming your brows, doesn’t need to be complicated,' she said.
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