Can You Get Brow Tint if You Have Grey or White Hair?

CEO/Founder Of Bela Beauty College

TLDR;

Yes, you can absolutely get brow tint if you have grey or white hair. With the right products, techniques, and professional guidance, brow tinting can effectively darken, define, and rejuvenate pale or grey eyebrows, resulting in a natural, more youthful look.

Can You Tint Eyebrows with Grey or White Hair?

If your eyebrows have turned grey or white, you’re not alone—and yes, they can be tinted successfully. The lack of pigment in grey or white hair makes tinting slightly more technical, but not impossible. In fact, with the right products and techniques, tinting can provide excellent coverage and definition, making sparse or pale brows pop once again.

Many clients at Bela Beauty College ask whether their mature brows can be tinted like younger, melanin-rich hair. The answer is a confident yes—but the process requires care, knowledge, and often a touch of customisation.

Let’s break down everything you need to know.

Understanding Grey and White Eyebrow Hair

Why do eyebrows turn grey or white?

Loss of melanin: Aging naturally decreases melanin production, turning hairs grey or white.
Follicle aging: Hair follicles produce less pigment over time, impacting eyebrow color just like scalp hair.
Stress, genetics, and medical conditions: These can also contribute to premature greying.

Challenges of tinting grey or white brows:

Stubborn pigment: Grey/white hairs can be more resistant to dyes due to their coarse texture.
Lack of undertone: Without natural color, the tint has no pigment to blend into—making shade choice and technique critical.
Fragility: Mature hairs may be thinner or weaker, requiring gentler formulas.

Is Brow Tinting Safe and Effective for Grey or White Hair?

Yes, with proper care and the right tint, brow tinting is both safe and effective for mature hair.

Safety Considerations:

Patch test required: Sensitive skin, common with aging, makes allergy testing even more essential.
Gentler formulations: Opt for tints made for facial use, free from harsh chemicals like ammonia.
Professional application: Minimises the risk of irritation or color misapplication.

Effectiveness:

Multiple layers or steps may be needed: Sometimes, a pre-tint or primer is used for stubborn hairs.
Lasting color: When done right, the tint can last 3–4 weeks—even on resistant white hairs.

Best Eyebrow Tint for Grey Hair: Choosing the Right Product

Finding the right tint isn’t just about color—it’s about chemistry, compatibility, and customisation.

Ideal tint shades for grey/white eyebrows:

Graphite: A soft charcoal tone, excellent for cool-toned greys or silvers.
Blonde + light brown: These can be layered or mixed for warmer white hairs.
Taupe: A neutral base that complements many skin tones and grey levels.

Tips for choosing a tint:

Avoid overly dark shades: They can look harsh or unnatural on pale skin.
Match skin tone + hair tone: This creates a cohesive, balanced look.
Look for “grey coverage” in product descriptions: These are designed to stick better to color-resistant hairs.

Products used by professionals:

RefectoCil Graphite No. 1.1
Godefroy Instant Tint for Gray Hair
Thuya Professional Eyebrow Dye

Always verify with your technician or aesthetician before selecting a product.

Professional Eyebrow Tinting vs. At-Home Kits

Professional Services:

Pros:
- Custom shade matching
- Pre-treatment for grey resistance
- Safer and cleaner application
- Longer-lasting results
Cons:
- Higher cost
- Requires booking

Many clients ask, “How long does brow tint take in a salon vs. at home?” In a salon setting, brow tinting typically takes around 15–30 minutes, including consultation and prep—quick, precise, and with professional results. At home, the process can vary based on experience and products used, often taking longer due to trial and error.

At-Home Tinting:

Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Convenient
Cons:
- Higher chance of mistakes
- May not fully cover white/grey hairs
- Risk of choosing the wrong product or shade

Bela Beauty College recommends professional services for clients with stubborn grey or white brows, at least for the first application.

How to Tint Grey Eyebrows at Home (Step-by-Step)

If you’re confident enough to do it yourself, follow this carefully:

Supplies:

Brow tint kit (formulated for grey hair)
Developer
Petroleum jelly (barrier)
Cotton swabs
Spoolie or brow brush
Timer

Steps:

Do a patch test 24–48 hours beforehand.
Clean your brows thoroughly—no oils or creams.
Apply petroleum jelly around your brows to prevent skin staining.
Mix tint + developer exactly as directed.
Apply tint with spoolie or angled brush—ensure full root-to-tip coverage.
Leave for 2–4 minutes, or up to 5 if grey hairs are resistant.
Remove with damp cotton and rinse gently.

Pro Tips:

Apply a pre-tint primer for stubborn white hairs.
Tint one brow at a time if you’re new.
Always follow manufacturer instructions—timing is key.

How to Maintain Tinted Eyebrows

Aftercare Tips:

Avoid cleansing oils or exfoliants near your brows.
Don’t use retinol or acids on the brow area for a few days.
Avoid chlorinated pools and sun exposure immediately after.

Longevity:

Tint typically lasts 2–4 weeks on grey or white brows.
Touch-ups are usually needed every 3–5 weeks, depending on growth rate and aftercare.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Tinting Grey or White Brows

Choosing the wrong color: Too dark or too warm can look artificial.
Skipping pre-treatment: White hairs often need prepping before tint takes.
Over-processing: Leaving tint on too long can damage hair or stain skin.
Applying too thick: Can lead to uneven coverage or clumping.
Not patch testing: Risk of allergic reaction—especially important for sensitive or aging skin.

FAQs: Eyebrow Tinting for Grey or White Hair

Can I use regular hair dye on my eyebrows?

No. Hair dye is too harsh for the delicate eye area. Always use tint specifically made for brows and lashes.

How long does eyebrow tint last on grey hair?

Typically 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the coarseness of the hair and the tint used.

Is eyebrow tinting suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes, but only if you use gentle, dermatologically-tested products and conduct a patch test before application.

What if the tint doesn’t take on my white hairs?

Ask your stylist to pre-soften or pre-treat the hair. You can also use a graphite base layer before applying your final tint.

What are alternatives if tinting doesn’t work?

Tinted brow gels
Brow pomades or powders
Semi-permanent makeup (microblading) for longer-term results

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