Many people are turning to tinting products for their eyebrows and eyelashes. By tinting either (or even both), you’re saving yourself precious morning minutes. But can you tint your eyelashes with henna?
One of the cheapest and easiest ways to tint your eyelashes is by using henna. You just need to take care to patch test prior to application, as well as ensure you’re using the right kind of henna.
Can You Use Henna On Eyelashes?
The good news is that yes, you can use henna on eyelashes – but be wary that you’re using the right kind of henna.
Natural henna has been used for thousands of years in decorating the body.
It’s made from the dried leaves of the Lawsonia plant found in Africa and Asia.
These leaves contain a red dye called lawson, which, when combined with the keratin in your hair, is what gives your skin and hair color.
Pure henna should be a green or brown powder. You can usually find it in your drugstore.
It should be mixed with other ingredients – including lemon juice, oils, water, or hydrogen peroxide – to prepare it for coloring.
Stay away from any henna containing the black dye PPD.
This is a strong allergen for many people and may well cause you to have an allergic reaction. In some instances, it can even be toxic.
Provided that you stick to natural henna, you can use it on your eyelashes and eyebrows as a way of tinting them.
Should You Dye Eyelashes At Home?
You can dye your eyelashes with henna at home – but as detailed above, we recommend ensuring that you only ever use natural henna.
Follow the below steps in order to ensure that you’re safely tinting your eyelashes with henna.
As another top tip, you can also coat your eyelashes in oils like coconut or castor before bed. It will help to moisturize them and may help with growth.
How to Dye Your Own Eyelashes With Henna
Before you dye your eyelashes with henna, always do a patch test at least 24 hours prior to tinting.
Patch Test
Mix the henna according to instructions and spread some over the skin in the crook of your elbow.
Allow the henna to dry, and leave it for 24 hours. As long as you don’t suffer any allergic reactions during this time, you’ll be okay to use henna on your eyelashes.
You can mix the henna with water, lemon juice, or hydrogen peroxide.
Whatever you choose to use on your eyelashes should be what you used during your patch test, so that you can be sure you won’t have an allergic reaction.
What You Need
Once you’ve patch tested the henna, you will need the following:
- The henna powder
- Whatever you choose to mix it with (water, lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide)
- A small bowl, ideally glass
- Eye make-up remover
- Petroleum jelly or a very moisture-rich cream
- Cotton wool pads or paper towels
- A clean mascara brush
- Q-tips just in case
Instructions
- Ensure that any make up has been removed from your eye area, including any concealer under your eyes. If you use an oil-based make up remover, ensure that you rinse your lashes with water afterwards, as the oil will prevent the henna from doing its job. Take care that your eyelashes are thoroughly dry, too.
- Mix the henna up – you want it to be a paste-like consistency, anything too watery will drip. Don’t use a metal spoon, as this reacts with henna. If the package of the henna you’ve chosen has mixing instructions, it’s best to follow them.
- Apply petroleum jelly to the areas around your eyes. This will ensure any henna dye that drips or slips won’t stain your skin. You can also pop a paper towel or cotton wool pad under your eyes, too, using the petroleum jelly to stick them down.
- Grab your clean mascara wand and dip it into the henna dye, ensuring that the
- bristles are coated evenly. Apply the henna as you would mascara, but start with your lower lashes. Remember that the tips of your lashes will be the lightest, so ensure that you tint these.
- Leave the tint to do its job. You can leave it for anywhere up to fifteen minutes, but it’s probably best to be cautious (especially if it’s your first time), so that you don’t find your lashes looking too dark.
- When you’re ready to remove the henna, wet some cotton wool pads with warm water. Use these to gently wipe the tint off your lashes. It’s best to do this over a sink, as it may get messy, and take real care that the henna doesn’t get in your eyes.
- You can always follow up with a serum for lash growth or a moisturizing oil.
How Often Should You Tint Your Eyelashes?
Depending on how often you wash your face and go in the sun, your henna tinting should last anywhere from a week to ten days.
You’re fine to tint your eyelashes with henna every three to four weeks, depending on your routine.
Things To Be Careful Of
- Remember to always patch test your henna before letting it get anywhere near your eye
- Don’t use a metal spoon to mix your henna. Metal reacts badly with henna and your eyelashes may end up looking green or suffering damage as a result.
- If you have any gashes or cuts near your eye area, don’t use henna until they are well healed.
- Similarly, if you’re suffering from any itchiness or sensitivity around your eye area, do not use henna.
- If you have a chalazion – a small lump on your eyelid – do not use henna, as this will very likely inflame it.