A lash lift and tint combines two treatments in one visit: a lift that curls your natural lashes upward, and a tint that dyes them darker. Together they give the effect of curled, mascara-coated lashes with no daily makeup. The lift typically lasts 6 to 8 weeks and the tint about 3 to 6 weeks.
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On most salon menus the lift and the tint are sold together, and it is the most popular way to book. Of the 8,076 lash lift salons in our directory, 4,909 list a lash lift and tint on their own website. This guide covers what the tint actually does, how the combined appointment runs and what it costs.
What is a lash lift and tint?
They are two separate treatments that happen to work well back to back:
- The lash lift reshapes each lash over a silicone rod using a lifting lotion and a setting lotion, so lashes point up instead of straight out. If you are new to it, start with what is a lash lift.
- The lash tint is a semi-permanent dye, mixed with a developer and painted onto the lashes for a few minutes. It colours each lash from root to tip, including the fine, pale ends that mascara often misses.
Neither adds any length or extra lashes. What you get is your own lashes, curled and darker.
What does the tint add?
A lift changes direction; a tint changes colour. On its own, a lift makes lashes look longer because you see their full length from the front. But if the tips of your lashes are blonde or light brown, part of that length is nearly invisible. Tinting makes the whole lash show.
| Lift only | Lift and tint | |
|---|---|---|
| Curl | Yes | Yes |
| Darker colour | No | Yes |
| Looks like | Lashes after a curler | Lashes after a curler and a coat of mascara |
| Best for | Naturally dark lashes | Fair, light-tipped or sun-faded lashes |
| Median menu price | $85 | $95 |
Prices are medians from salon menus in our directory: based on 3,156 salon menus for the lift and based on 2,212 salon menus for the lift and tint.
How does the combined appointment work?
The tint is added near the end of a normal lash lift, so it only extends the appointment by 10 to 15 minutes.
- Consultation and cleansing. Your technician checks your lashes, asks about allergies and removes any makeup or oil.
- The lift. Lashes are placed on a silicone rod, then the lifting lotion and the setting lotion are applied in turn.
- The tint. With your lashes still on the rod, or just after they are released, the dye is applied and left for a few minutes. Your eyes stay closed.
- Rinse and condition. The tint is removed and a nourishing product is brushed through.
Allow about an hour in total. Tinting after lifting is the usual order because the lifting process opens up the lash and helps the colour take evenly.
How long does each part last?
The two wear off differently. The lift stays in each lash until that lash sheds, so the effect fades gradually over about 6 to 8 weeks. The tint is a dye on the surface layers of the hair and fades with washing, sun and time, typically over 3 to 6 weeks.
In practice that means the colour softens a couple of weeks before the curl does. Some people book a quick tint-only top-up at the halfway point. To keep both as long as possible, follow the aftercare advice: keep lashes dry for the first 24 to 48 hours and avoid oil-based products around the eyes. More detail in how long a lash lift lasts.
How much does a lash lift and tint cost?
The median price for a lash lift and tint on the salon menus we have checked is $95, with most between $80 and $118 (based on 2,212 salon menus). A lift on its own has a median of $85, so the tint typically adds around $10.
Some salons only sell the two together, and a few include the tint in their standard lift price, so read the menu carefully. Our lash lift cost guide has a state-by-state table.
Who should add a tint?
The tint makes the biggest difference if:
- your lashes are blonde, red or light brown;
- your lashes are dark at the root but pale at the tips;
- you want to stop wearing mascara day to day;
- you are going on holiday and want to look done straight out of the water.
If your lashes are naturally jet black, you may not see much change from the tint, and a lift alone could be enough.
Is lash tinting safe?
Lash tint is a dye used very close to the eye, and reactions, although uncommon, do happen. Sensible precautions:
- Have a patch test before your first tint, and again if you change salon or have had a reaction to hair dye.
- Go to a licensed professional. Rules on who may tint lashes, and which products may be used, differ from state to state.
- Speak up. If you feel stinging or burning, tell the technician so they can rinse straight away.
- Skip it if in doubt. If you have an eye infection, irritated skin around the eyes or a known dye allergy, leave the tint out and have the lift alone, or wait.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. If you have any eye condition, ask a doctor first.
Where can you get a lash lift and tint?
4,909 salons in our directory list a lash lift and tint on their own website. On any city page, switch on the “Lash lift and tint” filter to see them. Cities with the most options include:
- Lash lift and tint in New York, NY (77 salons)
- Lash lift and tint in Houston, TX (56 salons)
- Lash lift and tint in Chicago, IL (49 salons)
- Lash lift and tint in Miami, FL (39 salons)
- Lash lift and tint in Austin, TX (39 salons)
- Lash lift and tint in Los Angeles, CA (36 salons)
Or find a lash lift near you and filter by lift and tint.
Frequently asked questions
Is a lash lift and tint worth it?
If your lashes are fair, or you wear mascara mainly for colour, the tint is usually the part that lets you go without makeup. If your lashes are already dark, a lift on its own may be all you need.
Can I get a tint without a lift?
Yes. Most salons that offer lash tinting sell it as a standalone service, and some offer a tint-only top-up between lifts.
What colours does lash tint come in?
Black, blue-black and dark brown are the most common. Your technician will suggest a shade based on your colouring.
Can I wear mascara after a lash lift and tint?
Yes, after the first 24 to 48 hours. Many people find they don’t need it.
Does the tint make the lift last longer?
No. The two are separate. The lift lasts until the lashes shed, typically 6 to 8 weeks; the colour usually fades sooner.
Related guides
What Is a Lash Lift?
The treatment explained: how it works, who it suits and what to ask before booking.7 min readHow Long Does a Lash Lift Last?
Typical results last 6 to 8 weeks. Here is what changes that.6 min readHow Much Does a Lash Lift Cost?
Real prices from salon menus: national median, range, and a state-by-state table.6 min readThis guide is general information, not medical advice. If you have an eye condition, allergies or sensitive skin, speak to a doctor or a licensed lash technician before any lash treatment.