Brow & lash tint colour chart
RefectoCil makes 8 lash and brow tint shades, plus Blonde Brow lightener. Every tint is mixed with RefectoCil Oxidant and processes in 5–20 minutes. The darker the client's natural hair, the darker the result, and some shades (Graphite, Deep Blue and Light Brown) don't show on darker hair at all.
Use the shade finder, colour chart and mixing recipes below to choose the right shade the first time.
At a glance
Shade finder
Answer a few quick questions for a recommended shade, mixing tweak and kit. Handy for both professional (unsure what best suits your client?) and DIY tinting!
Your shade will appear here
Start with step 1.
Colour chart
Each column is a tint shade and each row is the natural hair level (level refers to how dark/light the hair is). A cross means that shade gives no visible result on that hair. The time under each shade is the recommended development time.
| Natural hair | 1Pure Black 5–10 min | 1.1Graphite 5–10 min | 2Blue Black 5–10 min | 2.1Deep Blue 5–10 min | 3Natural Brown 5–10 min | 3.1Light Brown 5–10 min | 4Chestnut 10 min | 4.1Red 10–20 min |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4N Medium brown | Visible result | No result | Visible result | No result | Visible result | No result | Visible result | Visible result |
6N Dark blonde | Visible result | No result | Visible result | No result | Visible result | Visible result | Visible result | Visible result |
7N Medium blonde | Visible result | No result | Visible result | No result | Visible result | Visible result | Visible result | Visible result |
9N Very light blonde | Visible result | Visible result | Visible result | Visible result | Visible result | Visible result | Visible result | Visible result |
White White / grey | Visible result | Visible result | Visible result | Visible result | Visible result | Visible result | Visible result | Visible result |
Darker hair, darker result
The same tint looks deeper on brown hair than on blonde.
Some shades need light hair
Graphite and Deep Blue only show on very light blonde and white hair. Light Brown doesn't show on medium brown.
Lighter on dark hair?
Lighten first with Blonde Brow, then tint.
Shade by shade
BeforeAfterProcessing time 5–10 min
The deepest, most intense black in the range. It shows on every hair level, so it's the safe choice for maximum depth.
BeforeAfterProcessing time 5–10 min
A dark grey that blends grey and white hairs without looking harsh. On its own it only shows on very light blonde and white hair.
2
Processing time 5–10 min
A rich black with a blue undertone that gives lashes extra depth and shine. It shows on every hair level.
BeforeAfterProcessing time 5–10 min
An intense dark blue for lashes. It only shows on very light blonde and white hair. On darker lashes you won't see a result.
BeforeAfterProcessing time 5–10 min
A very dark brown with strong coverage that works on every hair level. It's the most-used RefectoCil brow colour.
BeforeAfterProcessing time 5–10 min
A soft, natural brown for subtle definition. It shows from level 6 upward, with no visible result on medium brown hair.
BeforeAfterProcessing time 10 min
A warm brown with a subtle red undertone. Allow the full 10 minutes.
4.1
Processing time 10–20 min
Gives an intense red on blonde hair and a red sheen on darker hair. It needs the longest processing time.
Brow colour mixing chart
All 8 shades can be mixed together, so you can tailor a brow to the client's hair and skin tone. Here are some of our suggested combos:
BeforeAfterYour brown shade + Graphite (1.1), mixed 1:1
BeforeAfterLight Brown (3.1) + a pea-sized amount of Red (4.1)
BeforeAfterNatural Brown (3) + Light Brown (3.1), mixed 1:1
BeforeAfterLight Brown (3.1) + Chestnut (4), mixed 1:1
BeforeAfterBlonde Brow for 20 min, then Pure Black (1) for 3-5 min (darker result - pictured) or Natural Brown (3) for 3-5 min (softer result).
BeforeAfterGraphite (1.1) on its own
Step by step
48–72 hours before the first treatment, and again after a long break, mix 1 cm of tint with 5 drops of Liquid Oxidant (or 1:1 with Oxidant Cream). Apply a little behind the ear or on the inner elbow. Don't tint if irritation develops.
Step 1
Remove contact lenses, then cleanse brows and lashes with an oil-free cleanser. Protect the skin with Skin Protection Cream or silicone pads, and place tint papers under the lashes.
Step 2
Right before applying, mix 2 cm of tint with 10 drops of Liquid Oxidant or 15–20 drops of Oxidant Cream into a creamy paste. Use a non-metal dish.
Step 3
Lashes need about 10 minutes. For brows, use the shade's time on the chart (5–20 minutes). The longer you leave it, the more intense the result.
Step 4
Wipe off with a damp cotton pad and water. Use Tint Remover for any staining. If irritation occurs, rinse the eye area with plenty of water.
Tints don't include developer, so add an Oxidant to your order.
Liquid developer: 10 drops per 2 cm of tint.
Cream developer: 15–20 drops per 2 cm of tint. Needed for Blonde Brow.
Protects the skin under the lashes.
Barrier cream that stops tint staining skin.
Lifts tint stains from skin.
Non-metal dish for mixing.
Soft brushes for precise application.
Lighten before you tint
Blonde Brow (0) lifts brows up to 3 shades. It must be mixed with Oxidant Cream 3%, as Liquid Oxidant won't work with it.
| Before | 5 min | 12 min | 20 min |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dark brown | |||
| Light brown | |||
| Dark blonde | Not needed |
Everything you need to lighten brows.
Blonde Brow lightening paste refill.
New to RefectoCil?
Blue Black and Natural Brown cover most lash and brow clients. These kits bundle them with developer and tools.
Blue Black and Natural Brown, Oxidant Cream, 2 mini dishes and 2 brushes. Around 60 applications.
6 shades (Pure Black, Graphite, Blue Black, Natural Brown, Light Brown, Chestnut), Oxidant Cream, Tint Remover, 2 dishes, 2 brushes, eye papers and a colour guide.
FAQ
There are 8 RefectoCil lash and brow tint shades: Pure Black (1), Graphite (1.1), Blue Black (2), Deep Blue (2.1), Natural Brown (3), Light Brown (3.1), Chestnut (4) and Red (4.1). There is also Blonde Brow (0), a lightening paste that lifts brows up to 3 shades.
Blue Black (2) is the most popular lash shade. Choose Pure Black (1) for a more dramatic result, Light Brown (3.1) for a soft, natural look, or Deep Blue (2.1) for light blonde lashes, especially on clients with blue eyes.
Natural Brown (3) is the most-used brow shade and suits dark brown hair. Light Brown (3.1) suits light brown and blonde brows. Graphite (1.1) blends grey and white brows. Chestnut (4) and Red (4.1) suit warm and red hair.
Graphite (1.1) blends grey and white hairs into a soft dark grey. For a warmer brown result on white hair, Light Brown (3.1) or Natural Brown (3) also show well. If grey hairs are coarse and won't take colour, lighten them with Blonde Brow first, then tint.
The most common reason is that the shade is too light for the client's natural hair. Graphite, Deep Blue and Light Brown give no visible result on medium brown hair (level 4), and Graphite and Deep Blue also don't show on levels 6–7. Other causes are oils or make-up left on the hairs, too short a processing time, or tint that was mixed too far ahead.
Yes. Every tint is mixed with RefectoCil Oxidant, sold separately. Use 2 cm of tint with 10 drops of Liquid Oxidant, or 15–20 drops of Oxidant Cream, to make a creamy paste. Blonde Brow must be used with Oxidant Cream only.
Most shades take 5–10 minutes, Chestnut (4) takes 10 minutes and Red (4.1) takes 10–20 minutes. Lashes are usually processed for 10 minutes. The longer the tint is left on, the more intense the result.
Yes. All 8 shades can be mixed together. Mixing Graphite 1:1 into a shade makes it cooler and ashier. Adding a little Red or Chestnut makes it warmer.
RefectoCil tint is smudge-proof and waterproof and lasts up to 6 weeks.
Yes. RefectoCil recommends an allergy (patch) test 48–72 hours before the first application, and again after a long break from tinting. Mix 1 cm of tint with 5 drops of Liquid Oxidant (or 1:1 with Oxidant Cream) and apply a small amount behind the ear or on the inner elbow.
There's a reason Refectocil tints have been trusted for over 70 years! They achieve consistent results. Brush up on technique with our free brow and lash guides, and explore the full RefectoCil range.
Questions about shades? Email orders@cosmetologists.co.nz or call (09) 238 0011.
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