A question about the chemistry of dying my eyelashes

[Pikachuwithyourmouthclosed]

I have started home-dying my brows and lashes (can't afford the salon these days).

Why do I have to add the drops of liquid to the dye cream? I think it's 'activator'. What does it activate?

I've had a google, and it seems that if I add too few drops the colour won't take, but if I add too many drops I'll dilute the colour and it'll be too pale. The pressure!!

Why can't it come ready mixed?

Speaking as a former home-dyer rather than a chemist, I can confirm from bitter and repeated experience that if you don't add enough, the dye doesn't take. I didn't know you could add too much but that would explain why they came out so pale sometimes!

I think it only works immediately after mixing because it's one of those quasi magical chemical reaction thingies.

Hope you get someone more helpful soon

Same principle as hair dye

www.hairfinder.com/hair3/haircolor-developer.htm

I can't open that link Josiah. My mobile is a bit funny sometimes.

I think it's something to do with once they are mixed it has to be used immediately due to being too potent to contain in a bottle... something like that, assuming it's like hair dye.