Search | The Hair & Beauty Directory

Filters

Clear all

Treatment

Features

Applied

"Microblading" (remove)

Search for what actually matters to you

Accessibility and inclusivity

Henna Brows

Henna brows are a semi-permanent brow treatment that uses a henna-based dye to colour both the brow hairs and the skin beneath them. Unlike a standard brow tint, which mainly stains the hairs, henna also tints the skin for a short time, creating a fuller, more defined, powdered look that can help shape and frame the face. The therapist maps the brows to suit your features, mixes the henna to a chosen shade and applies it, leaving it to develop before removing. Results typically last around one to two weeks on the skin and up to around six weeks on the hairs, though this varies with skin type, aftercare and how oily your skin is. It is a popular, non-invasive alternative to microblading or brow lamination for people who want a temporary boost rather than a permanent change. Because the dyes involved can cause allergic reactions in a small number of people, a patch test beforehand is an important safeguard. The finish can be tailored from soft and natural to bold and defined, so it is worth discussing the look you want at your consultation.

Service

Henna brows

Come to your appointment with clean, product-free brows where possible, as oils, makeup and heavy skincare can affect how evenly the henna takes. In the days before, avoid oil-based creams, retinoids, acids and exfoliating scrubs around the brow area, since these can lift the stain or leave the skin more reactive. If you usually tint, wax or thread your brows, it is often best to have any hair removal a day or two beforehand rather than immediately before, so the skin is calm. Avoid heavy sun exposure or sunbeds just before treatment. Most importantly, make sure a patch test has been carried out in good time, usually at least 48 hours ahead, and never proceed if you have had any reaction. Tell your therapist about any allergies, recent reactions to hair dye or tint, skin conditions, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as they may adjust the approach. Arrive without brow makeup so the therapist can map your natural shape accurately.

Your therapist will start with a short consultation to discuss the shape, shade and intensity you want, and to check you have had a clear patch test. They will usually map your brows, measuring and outlining a shape that suits your face, then cleanse the area. The henna is mixed to your chosen colour and applied with a fine brush, often building up the shape and filling any sparse areas. It is then left to develop, typically for several minutes, so the pigment can bond to the hairs and stain the skin. During this time you simply relax with your eyes open or closed. The henna is gently removed, and the therapist may apply a second layer or adjust the shape to refine the result. Any stray hairs might be tidied with tweezers if you wish. The whole appointment usually takes around 30 to 45 minutes. It is comfortable and should not be painful; tell your therapist straight away if you feel any stinging or itching.

For the best colour and longevity, keep the brows dry for the first 24 to 48 hours, as water, steam and sweat can lift the stain before it has settled. Avoid swimming, hot baths, saunas, steam rooms and intense workouts during this period. Try not to rub, pick or touch the brows, since the natural oils on your fingertips speed up fading. Skip oil-based cleansers, makeup removers and rich creams around the brows, and hold off on exfoliating scrubs, acids and retinoids near the area, as these break down the stain unevenly. Once the initial period has passed, applying a light brow or facial oil can help condition the hairs, though be aware it may soften the skin tint over time. Protect the brows from strong sun, and use sunscreen once the area has settled, as UV can fade the colour. If any redness, itching or swelling develops, stop and seek advice from your therapist or a GP or pharmacist.

The key safety point with henna brows is allergy risk. Many brow henna and tint products contain dye ingredients, and some formulations include or are related to paraphenylenediamine (PPD), the same family of chemicals found in permanent hair dye, which can cause allergic reactions ranging from mild irritation to, rarely, severe swelling and breathing difficulty. A patch test carried out in advance is the main safeguard, and you should never skip it, even if you have had the treatment before, because sensitivities can develop over time. Choose a trained, insured therapist who follows the product manufacturer's instructions on mixing, development time and patch testing. Good hygiene matters too, including clean tools, disposable applicators where appropriate and a clean working area. The therapist should ask about your medical history and any previous reactions to dyes. If you have very sensitive skin or a known PPD allergy, ask about PPD-free alternatives, and stop immediately if you feel any stinging, burning or itching during the treatment.

Tell your therapist about any allergies, particularly to hair dye, tints or black henna, and about any past reaction to a brow or lash treatment, as these are important warning signs. Skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis or broken, irritated or sunburnt skin around the brows may mean the treatment should be delayed until the skin has recovered. If you have recently had other brow or facial treatments, or use strong actives like retinoids or acids, mention this so timing can be adjusted. There is no strong evidence of harm during pregnancy or breastfeeding, but because skin can become more reactive at these times, many therapists will patch test again or advise caution, and you may wish to check with your midwife or GP. If you have a known PPD or dye allergy, henna brows may not be suitable, and you should ask about tested alternatives. This treatment is cosmetic and is not a substitute for medical advice; see a GP if you have concerns about a skin reaction.

A patch test is strongly recommended and is normal practice for henna brows, usually at least 48 hours before treatment. This matters because the dyes involved can trigger allergic reactions, and a documented patch test both reduces the risk of a serious reaction and protects you and the therapist should a claim arise. An insured practitioner who skips it can be found at fault. A small amount of the product is applied, often behind the ear or in the inner elbow, and left to see whether any redness, itching or swelling develops. It is worth knowing a patch test is not fully conclusive, as sensitivities can build over repeated exposure, so retesting is advised for new clients, anyone returning after a long gap, and those who have had any reaction. Never proceed if a test shows any response.

Be cautious if a salon offers to treat you with no patch test, or dismisses one because you have had henna brows before, as sensitivities can develop at any time. Reused or unclean applicators, a dirty work area, or vague answers about the products and their ingredients are warning signs. A therapist who cannot tell you whether the product contains PPD or offer an alternative for sensitive clients, or who does not ask about your allergies and medical history, is not following good practice. So-called black henna, which can contain high levels of PPD, carries a greater allergy risk and should prompt extra caution. During treatment, any stinging, burning or intense itching is a red flag; the product should be removed straight away and advice sought if a reaction develops.

A good therapist carries out and records a patch test in good time, and asks about your allergies, skin conditions and medical history before starting. They should be trained in henna brows, hold professional insurance, and follow the product manufacturer's instructions on mixing, development time and testing. Expect a clear consultation where they map your brow shape, discuss the shade and intensity, and set honest expectations about how long results last on skin and hairs. Clean tools, disposable applicators where appropriate and a tidy, hygienic workspace are all signs of good practice. They should be able to tell you what is in the product, offer alternatives for sensitive or allergy-prone clients, and give you clear written aftercare advice. Being willing to decline or delay treatment if your skin is irritated or a patch test is positive is a strong positive sign.

Will you carry out a patch test, and how far in advance do I need it?
Does the henna or tint you use contain PPD, and do you offer a PPD-free option for sensitive skin?
What training and professional insurance do you hold for henna brows?
How long can I expect the colour to last on my skin and on the hairs?
How should I care for my brows afterwards, and what should I avoid?
What should I do if I notice any redness, itching or swelling after treatment?

Henna brows are generally comfortable and are not usually painful. Most people feel little more than the light touch of the brush as the henna is applied, and a mild coolness while it develops on the skin. Some people notice a very slight tightness or a faint tingling as the product sets, which settles once it is removed. You should not feel any stinging, burning or strong itching; if you do, tell your therapist straight away, as this can be an early sign of a reaction and the product should be removed. Any hair tidying with tweezers afterwards may give a brief nip. On the whole it is a relaxing treatment that many people find no more eventful than having their brows brushed and shaped.

Henna brows involve no real downtime, and most people return to normal activities straight away. The main thing to manage is keeping the brows dry and product-free for the first 24 to 48 hours so the colour sets properly. The skin stain is usually at its most intense immediately afterwards and softens over the following days, which is normal. Occasionally the skin may look slightly darker or bolder than expected at first; this typically eases within a day or two. There should be no lasting redness or irritation. If you notice persistent itching, swelling, burning or a rash, this may signal an allergic reaction, and you should seek advice from a GP or pharmacist promptly rather than waiting.

Results are visible immediately, with the skin tint usually looking boldest at first and softening over the following days to a more natural finish. In most cases the colour lasts around one to two weeks on the skin and up to around six weeks on the hairs, though this varies with your skin type, how oily your skin is, and how well you follow aftercare. Oily skin and frequent cleansing, exfoliating or oil-based products tend to fade the skin stain faster. To keep brows looking their best, avoid heavy oils and scrubs around the area, protect the brows from strong sun, and use sunscreen once the skin has settled. Many people book a top-up every four to six weeks to maintain shape and colour. The look can be tailored each time, from a soft, natural definition to a bolder, more filled-in shape, so discuss any changes with your therapist. A fresh patch test may be needed if there has been a long gap between visits.

Semi-Permanent Make-Up

Semi-permanent make-up (also called permanent cosmetics, micropigmentation or cosmetic tattooing) implants small amounts of pigment into the upper layers of the skin to mimic the look of make-up. Popular treatments include eyebrows (microblading, ombre or powder brows), eyeliner and lip blush. Because the pigment is placed in the skin with fine needles or a blade, it is a form of tattooing rather than a topical cosmetic, and it needs the same care over hygiene and technique. Results are not truly permanent: colour softens and fades over time, so most looks are refreshed periodically. A good treatment is tailored to you, with pigment colour, shape and intensity chosen to suit your natural features, skin tone and undertone during consultation. In the UK, premises offering semi-permanent make-up must typically be registered or licensed with the local authority for skin-piercing and tattooing, and pigments should meet current UK REACH rules on tattoo and permanent make-up inks. Done well by a trained, insured, hygienic practitioner, it can be a convenient, natural-looking enhancement; done poorly it carries real risks, so choosing your artist carefully matters more than price.

Service

Semi-permanent make up

Start with a proper consultation, ideally at a separate appointment, so shape, colour and expectations can be agreed and your medical history reviewed. Share any health conditions, medications and allergies, as some rule the treatment out or need your GP's input. In the days before, it usually helps to avoid alcohol, caffeine and blood-thinning medicines or supplements such as aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil and vitamin E where your own doctor agrees it is safe to pause them, as these can increase bleeding and swelling. Avoid sunbeds, sunbathing, strong exfoliants, retinol and chemical peels on the area beforehand. If you are having lip blush and are prone to cold sores, ask your GP or pharmacist about antiviral medication in advance, as the procedure can trigger an outbreak. Come with clean skin and, if you wish, a photo of the look you are aiming for. Arrange a patch test in good time if your practitioner offers one, and plan a calm day with no big events straight afterwards.

Your practitioner will usually redraw and map the shape with you first, checking symmetry and colour against your features before any pigment goes in, and you should be happy before they begin. A topical numbing cream is typically applied to reduce discomfort. Using a fine needle device or, for some brow techniques, a hand tool with a blade, they deposit pigment into the upper skin in careful strokes or shading, building colour gradually. Everything that touches your skin should be single-use and sterile, opened in front of you, and your practitioner should wear fresh gloves. A brow appointment often takes one and a half to three hours, including mapping and healing breaks. The colour looks noticeably darker, bolder and sharper immediately afterwards than it will once healed, which is normal and expected. Most people find the sensation very manageable. You will be given written aftercare and, in almost all cases, booked for a top-up appointment several weeks later to refine the result once the skin has settled.

Good aftercare strongly affects how well colour heals and lasts, so follow your practitioner's written instructions closely. Keep the area clean and follow their guidance on whether to keep it dry or lightly blot and apply a thin layer of the balm provided. Do not pick, scratch or rub any flaking or scabbing, as this pulls out pigment and can cause patchiness or scarring; let it shed naturally. For the first week or two, avoid heavy sweating, saunas, steam rooms, swimming pools, hot tubs and direct sun on the area. Keep make-up, cleansers, retinol and exfoliating acids off the treated skin until it has healed. For lip blush, keep lips hydrated, eat gently and avoid very hot or spicy food at first. Once healed, apply sunscreen to the area regularly, as sun exposure fades pigment fastest. If you notice increasing redness, swelling, heat, pus or spreading pain, contact your practitioner and seek medical advice, as these can signal infection.

Because semi-permanent make-up breaks the skin, hygiene and technique are the core safety issues. In the UK, premises offering tattooing and semi-permanent make-up must typically be registered or licensed with the local authority for skin-piercing, and in Wales a special procedures licence applies, so ask to see this. Needles and blades must be single-use and sterile, opened in front of you, with clean gloves and a hygienic workspace. Pigments should comply with current UK REACH restrictions on substances in tattoo and permanent make-up inks, which tightened at the end of 2025, so ask that only compliant, good-quality pigments are used. Choose a practitioner who is properly trained, certified, insured for this specific treatment and able to show healed examples of their work. A face-to-face consultation, honest discussion of suitability and clear written aftercare are all signs of safe practice. Poor hygiene, unsuitable pigments or over-deep placement can lead to infection, scarring, allergic reaction and results that are hard to correct, so never choose on price alone.

Several conditions and medicines can make semi-permanent make-up unsuitable or need extra care, so a full health check beforehand matters. Treatment is generally avoided in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Tell your practitioner about diabetes, heart conditions, high or low blood pressure, autoimmune or immune-compromising conditions, bleeding disorders, a tendency to keloid or hypertrophic scarring, and any skin condition such as eczema, psoriasis, active acne or dermatitis in the area. Blood-thinning medication increases bleeding and may need your GP's guidance. If you have taken oral isotretinoin (Roaccutane) you usually need to wait several months after finishing. For eyeliner, mention glaucoma or eye conditions; for lip blush, a history of cold sores needs antiviral cover. Recent Botox or filler near the area, and recent laser or peels, may mean waiting. Some practitioners will ask for written GP consent before proceeding. This treatment is cosmetic and is not a substitute for medical advice, so speak to your GP if you are unsure whether it is safe for you.

A patch test is recommended before semi-permanent make-up, as allergic reactions to pigments, though uncommon, do happen and can be uncomfortable and slow to resolve. It is usually done by placing a little pigment behind the ear or on the inner arm 24 to 48 hours ahead. It is important to understand that a patch test is not fully conclusive: a clear result does not guarantee you will never react, and sensitivity can build up over time or after repeated exposure. Alongside the patch test, a thorough consultation and contraindication check is essential to screen for medical reasons the treatment should not go ahead. From a UK liability standpoint, skipping these checks can leave even an insured practitioner found at fault if something goes wrong, which is why a careful, documented process protects both you and them.

Be cautious if a practitioner cannot show local authority registration for tattooing or skin-piercing, or proof of specific insurance and training. Reused needles or blades, packaging not opened in front of you, no gloves or a visibly unclean workspace are serious warning signs. Be wary of no consultation, no medical history taken, no patch test offered and no written aftercare, or pressure to book immediately with prices that seem too good to be true. Vague or evasive answers about the pigments used, or an inability to show healed (not just fresh) results, are concerning. Refusal to discuss risks, promises of a flawless permanent result, or willingness to treat despite clear contraindications such as pregnancy all suggest you should look elsewhere.

Reassuring signs include a practitioner who is properly trained and certified, insured for semi-permanent make-up, and whose premises are registered or licensed with the local authority, with certificates on display. Look for a spotlessly clean, well-organised workspace, single-use sterile needles opened in front of you and fresh gloves. Good practitioners offer a genuine consultation, take a full medical history, offer or discuss a patch test and are happy to explain the pigments and process. They map the shape with you and only start once you agree, set realistic expectations about healing and fading, and provide clear written aftercare with a booked top-up. A portfolio of healed results across different skin tones, and a calm no-pressure manner, all point to a conscientious professional.

Are you registered or licensed with the local authority for tattooing and skin-piercing, and are you insured specifically for semi-permanent make-up?
What training and qualifications do you hold, and can I see healed examples of your work on skin like mine?
Do you use single-use sterile needles, and are the pigments compliant with current UK REACH rules?
Will you carry out a patch test and take a full medical history before treatment?
How long do the results last for my skin, and is a top-up appointment included in the price?
What aftercare will I need, and what should I do if I notice signs of infection or a reaction?

With numbing cream applied, most people describe the feeling as very manageable rather than painful, often a light scratching, tingling or vibrating sensation as the device works over the skin. Brows tend to feel the most comfortable, eyeliner can feel a little more sensitive, and lips are often the most tender because the area is delicate. You may feel mild pressure and hear the device. Afterwards the area can feel warm, tight, slightly swollen or tender, similar to mild sunburn, for a day or two. Sensitivity varies from person to person and can be affected by where you are in your monthly cycle, so tell your practitioner if you feel uncomfortable at any point.

Most people carry on with normal daily life straight away, though the area can look darker, tender and slightly swollen for a few days. Over roughly one to two weeks the skin flakes and sheds, and the colour can appear to fade or even seem to vanish before returning softer as it settles. Full healing of the deeper skin typically takes around four to six weeks, which is why a top-up is usually done after this point rather than sooner. Avoid booking treatment right before a holiday, wedding or big event. Healing times vary with the area treated, your skin and how closely you follow aftercare.

Semi-permanent make-up is designed to soften and fade gradually rather than last forever. Once healed, results typically last somewhere between around one and three years, depending on the technique, the pigment, your skin type, sun exposure and lifestyle. A top-up appointment several weeks after the first session refines colour and shape and is an expected part of the process, not a sign anything went wrong. After that, most people book a colour refresh every one to two years to keep the look fresh, and warmer or cooler tones can shift over time as pigment fades. Oily skin, sun exposure, exfoliating skincare and certain treatments can all speed fading, so regular sunscreen on the area helps colour last. The result can be tailored at each visit, from a soft, natural finish to a bolder, more defined look, so discuss any changes you would like with your practitioner before they begin.

Search for what actually matters to you

Microneedling/chemical peel package

Donna Maree Waugh

The Light Centre

Helen Ward

Henna Brows

Semi-Permanent Make-Up