Advertisement

16-Year-Old Shares Disturbing Images to Show Dangers of Eyebrow Tinting Kits

From Good Housekeeping

An injured teen is warning women everywhere after an eyebrow tinting treatment went terribly, terribly wrong. Tylah Durie, a 16-year-old from Australia, posted graphic photos on Facebook after she suffered a horrific reaction to the at-home color.

Within minutes of applying 1000 Hour's Eyelash and Brow Dye kit, her eyebrows itched, her face swelled and her eyes oozed pus. "It was like having beach sand thrown in your eyeballs and not being able to get it out, then a stinging like razor blades on my eyebrows," she later told Metro.

Photo credit: Caters
Photo credit: Caters

Soon, her brows blistered , and many of her eyelashes fell out. "I woke up almost blind because of the reaction," she said. "My eyes had blown up like huge balloons."

Photo credit: Caters
Photo credit: Caters

After rushing to the hospital, doctors revealed she had a severe allergy to paraphenylenediamine (PPD), a chemical found in many hair dyes and henna. While Durie regrets not conducting a patch test before using the product, this treatment in general can be dangerous.

"We do not recommend eyebrow or eyelash tinting as the FDA has not approved any colorants for this usage," says Danusia Wnek, a chemist at the Health, Beauty and Environmental Sciences Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. And according to the FDA, "Permanent eyelash and eyebrow tints and dyes have been known to cause serious eye injuries."

For example, the product that Durie used has many positive reviews on Amazon, but multiple users did report a similarly horrific experience. "I used as directed and ended up in the ER 12 hours later with a SEVERE allergic reaction. It took almost two months for my eyes to get back to normal," one verified purchaser said. "They had swelled completely shut for about five days and were chemically burned."

"My eyes watered so bad instantly after applying even a tiny bit on the lashes. I couldn't even finish the application, let alone leave it on for 10 minutes," another reviewer wrote. "I had tears streaming down my face instantly."

Of course not everyone is allergic to PPD, but it's a good idea to exercise caution, especially when it comes to your face. Still wish your lashes were darker? Treat your peepers with one of our top-rated (and tested!) mascaras instead. Your eyes will thank you.

[h/t Metro]

You Might Also Like