Lash and brow tint consent form: the FDA note, patch tests and eye safety
Tinting is quick and easy to treat as an add-on. It's also the service on my menu that works closest to the eye, with a product that carries a regulatory warning. That is why my tint consent is one of my most carefully worded forms.
This exact form is built into SlickChart, so you can send it to your client's phone to sign before the visit.
Name the service and the basics
My form starts with a choice of lashes, brows or both, so the record shows what was done. Then a short "about your tint" section: a professional tint darkens lashes or brows, the eyes stay closed with pads under them, most people feel nothing, and the client should say right away if anything stings.
The expectations line covers color usually fades over about 3 to 6 weeks, and shade can vary. Alternatives are listed too: mascara, brow pencil or powder, or no treatment.
The FDA and state note
This sets a tint consent apart from a facial consent. It has its own heading, and the client confirms they've read it:
The FDA warns that permanent lash and brow tints and dyes have been known to cause serious eye injuries, including blindness. The only color additive the FDA allows for coloring lashes and brows is silver nitrate, in professional-use products, for ages 16 and up.
It goes on to say other tints are not FDA-approved for this use, that state rules on tinting vary, and that the product used today is noted in the client's record. Then a second agreement: the client has read the note and chooses to go ahead with the product named.
Informed consent means the client hears the uncomfortable part from you, in writing, before deciding. It also records which product you used. Check the FDA's current guidance and your own state board rather than copying anyone's wording, mine included.
Patch testing
My form has a separate line for it:
"I had a patch test. I know a reaction can still happen, even after past tints without one."
That second sentence matters: a client with years of tints behind them may assume they can't react now. The aftercare repeats the idea from the other side: any itch or swelling means we re-test first. How and when you patch test is a decision for your own practice, guided by your product's instructions and your state rules.
Risks, plainly
My risk section covers an allergic reaction (itching, redness or swelling of the lids); stinging or irritation if tint touches the eye; rarely, serious eye injury or loss of vision; and skin staining, or a shade darker or lighter than hoped.
Screening: who should wait
My checklist includes:
- Past reaction to hair dye, tint or henna
- Eye infection, stye, pinkeye or sore eyes now
- Under 16 years old
- Eye surgery recently, or an eye condition
- Eczema, psoriasis or broken skin near the eyes or brows
- Contact lenses (they come out first)
- Lash lift, extensions or brow lamination recently
- Pregnant, nursing, or in chemotherapy
The under 16 line ties to the FDA note above. The checklist is for screening, not for naming a condition. If something looks wrong with the eye, refer out.
The client also agrees to keep their eyes closed, to tell you right away if anything stings, and that they can stop at any time; that results vary and aren't guaranteed; and that services can't be refunded. A guardian name for anyone under 18 and a signature finish it.
Aftercare that protects the color and the eyes
The guide opens with: the first day sets your color. A little care now keeps it rich for weeks, and protects your eyes. Then:
- Right after: brows may look boldest today, and faint skin stain fades fast. Contacts go back in only once the eyes feel completely normal. No rubbing.
- First 24 hours: keep the area dry if possible, and skip oil-based removers, steam, sauna, swimming, mascara and brow products.
- Between visits: gradual fading over 3 to 6 weeks, brows usually faster than lashes. Use oil-free cleansers, because oils lift tint, and keep scrubs, peels and retinoids off the brows.
- Next tint: ready for a refresh at about 4 to 6 weeks, with no home kits in between.
Most important is what to do if something goes wrong. Itchy, red or swollen lids, even a day or two later, mean call right away, as do eye pain, discharge, blurry vision or light sensitivity. If tint gets in the eye, my guide says to rinse with clean, lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes, then see an eye doctor or urgent care the same day. A 4 to 6 week refresh also makes tint an easy rebook; see rebooking for solo estheticians.
Questions to decide for your own practice
- Which product do you use, and what does your state allow?
- How and when will you patch test, and how will you record it?
- Will you tint anyone between 16 and 18, and with what guardian consent?
Consent requirements and scope of practice vary by state, so check with your state board. This is not legal or medical advice.
Using it digitally
SlickChart has this exact form and aftercare built in for esthetician subscribers. The client signs on their phone before the visit, or on your device in the room, and any checked contraindication is flagged for you. The aftercare goes to the client's own app, styled with your logo, and it works alongside the Square account you already have. If that sounds easier, try SlickChart.
Prefer paper? The printable lash and brow tint set, with the consent form, protocol and aftercare, is in my Etsy shop, ready to print or edit in free Canva.