As a brow technician, one of the first things we need to consider before starting any brow waxing or tinting service are our clients’ skin types. Every skin type behaves differently, especially when being waxed & tinted. So, understanding how to adapt our technique is essential for achieving great results while keeping the skin healthy and comfortable.

If you’re just starting out in brows or curious about what goes on behind the scenes, here’s our beginner’s guide to treating different skin types during brow services.

Why Skin Types Matter in Brow Treatments

No two clients are the same. Some will walk in with balanced, easy-to-work-with skin, while others may have very dry or reactive skin that needs extra care. By assessing skin types before a service, we can:

• Choose the right hair removal method (waxing/threading/tweezing)
• Implement well suited preparation for long lasting results
• Adjust tint timing for best colour payoff
• Reduce the risk of irritation or sensitivity
• Give tailored aftercare advice for longer-lasting results

How to Treat Different Skin Types

Normal Skin

What we see: Balanced, smooth skin with no obvious concerns.

How to treat it: This skin type is generally the easiest to work with. Most waxes and tints are suitable, and tint usually lasts fairly evenly. Still keep the area soothed and hydrated post-treatment to maintain skin health. Ensure the area is cleansed well to remove any dirt or makeup on the skin prior to treatment.

Dry Skin

What we see: Flakiness, tightness, or dullness. Sometimes the skin can even lift more easily during waxing.

How to treat it: Prep the skin with a gentle exfoliator like our Pinkfishes Eyebrow Scrub to remove any flaky skin. Cleanse and apply tint as usual – monitor closely as dry skin can absorb the pigment faster. Use a sensitive, creamy wax that’s kinder to the skin. If the skin is overly dry however, especially after the prep steps followed, you may want to opt for an alternative hair removal method. For aftercare, recommend hydrating gels or moisturising creams and avoiding harsh exfoliators for a few days after the first 24 hours.

Oily Skin

What we see: Shiny skin, larger pores, and sometimes breakouts around the brow area.

How to treat it: Make sure the area is thoroughly cleansed with a brow shampoo and free of oils before starting. You could even use a gentle exfoliator scrub to ensure all oil is removed prior to treatment. Tint doesn’t last as long on oily skin, so make sure your client understands this as they may require more frequent top-ups. Waxing is generally well tolerated, but ensure the skin is prepped properly to avoid any post-wax congestion. If oil builds up on the skin between cleansing, you can use a small amount of baby powder to absorb the excess oil. For aftercare, advise clients to avoid oil-based products around the brows to prolong their tint.

Combination Skin

What we see: A mix of dry and oily patches, often oilier around the T-zone and brow area. Enlarged pores around the nose and cheeks, where other areas will be dry and flaky.

How to treat it: Adapt your approach depending on the patch of skin you are working on. You may use different techniques within one service (for example, being gentler on dry areas).

Sensitive Skin

What we see: Redness, easily irritated, or a history of reactions to products.

How to treat it: If waxing at all, use the gentlest wax available (often a sensitive-skin formula, or even a sensitive hot wax). For aftercare, always recommend soothing, cooling gels and avoiding makeup or skincare on the area for at least 24 hours.

Our Go-To Pre and Post Treatment Tips

Before treatment:

• Always ask clients about their skincare routine (retinol, acids, etc.) and recommend avoiding these products for at least 48 hours before waxing.
• Always check for any contraindications (skin conditions, medications, or allergies) to determine if you should go ahead.
• Prep the skin well to ensure they are clean and free from any oils/makeup.
• NEVER wax over the same area twice if using a strip wax. 

After treatment:

• Remind clients not to touch the waxed area for the first 24-48 hours.
• No hot showers, saunas, or sweaty workouts for 24 hours.
• Keep brows clean and avoid heavy skincare or makeup.
• For tint longevity, avoid oil-based products on and around the brows.

Understanding skin types isn’t just about avoiding irritation — it’s about tailoring every brow service to the individual in our chair. By adjusting products, techniques, and aftercare based on skin type, we can deliver brows that look amazing and keep skin happy.

Good, long-lasting brows always start with properly prepped and well-treated skin.

New to brows and want to learn how to shape, tint and wax? Get yourself booked onto our next Eyebrow Shaping, or Fully Defined course.