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BRONSUN Gel Dye

Brows by Vanessa Tran  ·  Complete Professional Reference  ·  Color Chart · Blending Guide · Skin Tone · Density

How to use this guide: Start with Skin Tone to find compatible shades, then confirm your developer % and timing in the Color Chart based on hair color and density. Cross-reference the Density Guide to fine-tune processing time, and use the Blending Guide for custom formulas. Skin tone → shade → developer % → timing → blend.

1.8% Gentle · Soft result · Sensitive skin
3% Strong · Intense · Resistant hair

Full Color Chart

All shades with 1.8% and 3% developer results across fine, medium, and full density brow hair.

Pro Tip · Post-Lamination Tinting

Lamination opens the cuticle — meaning color absorbs faster and deeper than on untreated hair. Always drop to 1.8% developer post-lamination regardless of density, and reduce your processing time by 30–50%. On fine/sparse brows, check at 6 minutes. On medium-full brows, check at 8 minutes. The open cuticle does the work — the developer doesn’t need to.

ShadeNatural Hair ColorDensity1.8% — Result3% — ResultPro Tips
Dark Shades
#1 Deep BlackDeep Black
Raven black, dark brunette, cold ash blonde
Sparse–Full
1.8%
Soft charcoal-black; defined but not harsh.
⏱ 10–15 min
3%
Jet black, intense and graphic. Maximum drama.
⏱ 15–20 min
Fine: Use 1.8% only

Medium: Either developer

Full: 3% recommended
Primarily for lashes or dark brows. Mix into other shades to deepen. Avoid on fair skin alone.
#2 GraphiteGraphite
Ash blonde, grey, salt & pepper
Fine–Medium
1.8%
Ashy taupe-grey. Subtle, airy tint for grey or fair brows.
⏱ 8–12 min
3%
Bold ashy charcoal. Cool-toned polished finish.
⏱ 15–20 min
Fine: 1.8% only — avoid 3%

Medium: 3% great on salt & pepper

Full: Mix with Chestnut to prevent flat grey
Neutralises warm/yellow tones. Mix with Light Brown for ash blonde. Use alone on grey brows.
#3 Blue BlackBlue Black
Raven/cool black hair, dark cool complexions
Medium–Full
1.8%
Deep navy-tinted black; polished and cool.
⏱ 10–15 min
3%
Intense blue-black; striking cool-toned brows.
⏱ 15–20 min
Fine: Not recommended

Medium: 1.8% only

Full: 3% for bold sculptural result
Best for cool-undertone clients. Mix with Dark Brown to reduce blue and warm slightly.
Brown Shades
#4 ChestnutChestnut
Light brown, warm blonde, medium brown
Sparse–Medium
1.8%
Soft neutral mid-brown. Great for first-time clients.
⏱ 8–12 min
3%
Rich defined neutral-cool brown. Full coverage.
⏱ 15–20 min
Fine: 1.8% at 8 min

Medium: Either developer

Full: 3% at 15–20 min
Most versatile all-rounder. No red tinge. Mix with Graphite for ashy or Red Chestnut for warmth.
#4.1 Red ChestnutRed Chestnut
Red/ginger, auburn, mahogany
Fine–Medium
1.8%
Warm copper-tinted brown. Delicate red tone on fine brows.
⏱ 8–10 min
3%
Fiery bold red-brown. Vivid warm intensity.
⏱ 15–20 min
Fine: 1.8% for rose-copper tint

Medium: Both work; 3% richer

Full: 3% with Brown #6 to avoid skin staining
Mix with Light Brown for warm red-blonde. Mix with Chestnut for auburn. Great for redheads.
#6 BrownBrown
Dark blonde, light–medium brown
Medium–Full
1.8%
Warm soft mid-brown. Natural everyday result.
⏱ 10–14 min
3%
Rich defined warm brown. Full salon coverage.
⏱ 15–20 min
Fine: Blend with Light Brown first

Medium: Either developer

Full: 3%; mix with Dark Brown for depth
Foundational warm brown. Pair with Chestnut for bespoke mid-brown. Mix with Graphite to cool down.
#7 Dark BrownDark Brown
Dark brunette, near-black
Medium–Full
1.8%
Deep cool-brown; defined but soft. Good for sensitive clients.
⏱ 10–15 min
3%
Bold deep cool brown. Near-black depth.
⏱ 15–20 min
Fine: Not ideal — use Chestnut instead

Medium: 1.8% rich brown; 3% near-black

Full: 3% only
Use as deepening agent in blends. Mix with Brown for warm dark-brown. Mix with Graphite for cold espresso.
Light Shades
#5 Light BrownLight Brown
Blonde, light blonde, platinum, very fine fair brows
Fine–Sparse
1.8%
Very soft golden-beige. Barely-there tint for platinum blondes.
⏱ 6–10 min
3%
Warm golden-brown. Visible definition without heaviness.
⏱ 12–18 min
Fine: 1.8% at 6–8 min — ideal

Medium: 3% at 12–15 min with Chestnut

Full: Blend with Chestnut or Brown — too light alone
The blonde specialist. Add Graphite to cool yellow tone. Add Dark Brown drop-by-drop to deepen.

Hair Density Guide

Developer choice and processing time should always be adjusted to match hair density.

Fine / Sparse

Thin individual hairs · Gaps visible · Over-plucked or naturally thin

#5 Light Brown

Best choice for fine fair brows. Adds definition without weight.

1.8% · 6–8 min3% · 10–12 min
#4 Chestnut

Works on fine brown brows. Keep time short to avoid over-darkening.

1.8% · 6–10 min
#2 Graphite

For fine grey or ash-blonde brows — soft cool-toned definition.

1.8% · 6–8 min
#4.1 Red Chestnut

For fine red/ginger brows. Gives warm copper sheen.

1.8% · 6–8 min
⚠ Avoid for Fine Brows#1 Deep Black, #3 Blue Black, #7 Dark Brown — too intense, will look drawn-on and stain skin heavily.

Medium Density

Average hair thickness · Defined shape · Some gaps possible

#4 Chestnut

Ideal for medium brows in most natural shades. Very versatile.

1.8% · 8–12 min3% · 12–18 min
#6 Brown

Good for medium-warm brown brows. 3% gives polished result.

1.8% · 10–14 min3% · 15–18 min
#1 Deep Black

Use 1.8% on medium brows for strong defined look without harshness.

1.8% · 10–15 min3% · 15–20 min
#7 Dark Brown

1.8% for rich dark brown. 3% for near-black depth.

1.8% · 10–15 min3% · 15–20 min

Full / Dense

Thick, coarse, or resistant hair · Full bushy brows

#7 Dark Brown

Best for dense dark brows. 3% with full time to penetrate coarse hair.

3% · 15–20 min
#1 Deep Black

Excellent on thick dark brows. 3% penetrates coarse hair fully.

3% · 15–20 min
#3 Blue Black

For full cool-toned dark brows. Striking when fully processed.

3% · 15–20 min
#6 Brown

On thick brown or dark blonde brows. Blend with Dark Brown for depth.

3% · 15–20 min
#4.1 Red Chestnut

For full auburn brows. Mix 1:1 with Brown #6 to manage skin staining.

3% · 15–20 min

Skin Tone Recommendations

Bronsun stains both brow hair and periorbital skin. Choose a shade that harmonises with the client's complexion.

Fair / Porcelain

Very light skin · Pink or neutral undertone

#5 Light BrownIdeal. Subtle definition without looking harsh on pale skin.
#4 ChestnutGood for light brown brows. Use 1.8% for a soft finish.
#2 GraphiteFor fair ashy blonde brows. Cool, editorial feel.
#4.1 Red ChestnutFor fair redheads only. Use 1.8% — looks natural.
⚠ Avoid#1 Deep Black, #3 Blue Black — will look severe and stain skin darkly. If needed mix with Light Brown, 1.8% only.

Light / Ivory

Light skin · Warm or neutral undertone

#4 ChestnutPerfect match — neutral-brown complements warm ivory tones.
#6 BrownWarm brown looks natural on light warm skin.
#5 Light BrownFor blonde clients with light ivory skin. Very natural.
#4.1 Red ChestnutFor redheads or auburn hair. Harmonises with warm undertones.
⚠ Use With Care#1 Deep Black — can look too strong; mix with #4 Chestnut and use 1.8% only.

Medium / Olive

Beige to olive · Warm or yellow-green undertones

#6 BrownWarm brown complements olive undertones perfectly.
#7 Dark BrownGreat for medium-dark olive skin. Intense and sophisticated.
#4 ChestnutSoft option for lighter olive skin with naturally light brows.
#1 Deep BlackWorks on deeper olive tones with dark natural brows. Use 1.8% unless brows are dense.
⚠ Avoid#2 Graphite — looks ashy and washed out on warm olive skin. #5 Light Brown too light unless hair is naturally very fair.

Medium-Dark / Tan

Golden-tan skin · Warm undertone · South Asian, Latinx

#7 Dark BrownHarmonises with tan skin. Depth and warmth without starkness.
#1 Deep BlackExcellent on darker natural brows. Bold and well-framed result.
#6 BrownSofter option for lighter tan clients with warm brows.
⚠ Avoid#5 Light Brown and #4.1 Red Chestnut — will look too light and unnatural against deeper tan tones.

Dark / Deep

Deep warm or cool brown skin · African, Afro-Caribbean, deeper South Asian

#1 Deep BlackTop choice. Complements deep skin tones and dark brows naturally. 3% for full bold result.
#3 Blue BlackStriking on deep cool complexions. Adds cool depth to dark brows.
#7 Dark BrownGood when a softer result than black is desired.
⚠ Avoid#5 Light Brown, #4 Chestnut, #2 Graphite — will appear washed out against very deep skin.

Cool / Pink Undertone

Pink or cool-rosy undertone · Any depth level

#2 GraphiteCool-toned ash works harmoniously with pink undertones. Modern, editorial look.
#4 ChestnutNeutral brown with no red — won't clash with cool-pink undertones.
#3 Blue BlackOn cool-toned deeper skin. Blue undertone complements pink complexions.
⚠ Avoid#4.1 Red Chestnut and #6 Brown — warm/orange tones clash visibly with cool pink undertones.

Custom Blending Guide

All Bronsun shades can be mixed together before adding developer. Mix dye shades first, then add developer.

How to Read a Ratio
Everything is measured in pumps — one pump = one full press of the dye tube nozzle.
Part 1 — Mixing Dye Shades Together
The ratio tells you how many pumps of each shade to use. The first number is the dominant shade, the second is the accent shade. Always mix your dye shades together before adding any developer.
3:1 Ratio
#5 Light Brown + #2 Graphite
3 pumps Light Brown
1 pump Graphite
= 4 pumps dye total
More pumps of a shade = more of that color in the final result.
2:1 Ratio
#4.1 Red Chestnut + #4 Chestnut
2 pumps Red Chestnut
1 pump Chestnut
= 3 pumps dye total
Need more product? Scale up but keep the ratio — 4 pumps + 2 pumps is still a 2:1.
1:1 Ratio
#6 Brown + #7 Dark Brown
1 pump Brown
1 pump Dark Brown
= 2 pumps dye total
Equal parts. Neither shade dominates — they blend into one balanced tone.
Part 2 — Adding Developer (Always 1:1)
Once your dye shades are mixed, add developer. Bronsun always uses a strict 1:1 dye-to-developer ratio — whatever your total dye pumps are, match it with the exact same number of developer pumps. This never changes regardless of shade, blend, or hair density.
Single Shade
2 pumps #4 Chestnut (dye)
+ 2 pumps developer
= ready to apply
Blended Shades (3:1)
3 pumps Light Brown + 1 pump Graphite
= 4 pumps dye total
+ 4 pumps developer
= ready to apply
The Rule — Every Time
Step 1: Mix your dye shades
Step 2: Count total dye pumps
Step 3: Add that exact number in developer
Dye pumps = Developer pumps. Always.
⚠  Once developer is added, your mixture is active. Use within 10 minutes and never store leftover activated product. Mix dye shades first — developer always goes in last.

Soft Ash Blonde

For fair or blonde clients wanting cool, natural brows

#5 Light Brown
+
#2 Graphite
Ash Blonde
Ratio

3 parts #5 Light Brown : 1 part #2 Graphite

Pumps & Percentage
1.5
#5 Light Brown
75%
0.5
#2 Graphite
25%
Developer

1.8% for whispy ash. 3% for defined ash-blonde.

Best for

Platinum, ash blonde or grey-blonde brow hair. Fair to light cool-toned skin.

Fair SkinBlonde HairCool Undertone

Warm Golden Blonde

Soft warmth for fair-warm or blonde clients

#5 Light Brown
+
#4.1 Red Chestnut
Golden Blonde
Ratio

4 parts #5 Light Brown : 1 part #4.1 Red Chestnut

Pumps & Percentage
1.6
#5 Light Brown
80%
0.4
#4.1 Red Chestnut
20%
Developer

1.8% for honey-blonde shimmer. 3% for warm gold definition.

Best for

Warm or strawberry blonde hair. Fair-warm or light ivory skin.

Fair–Light SkinWarm BlondeStrawberry Blonde

Natural Auburn

Rich warm red-brown — the redhead's perfect brow

#4.1 Red Chestnut
+
#4 Chestnut
Auburn
Ratio

2 parts #4.1 Red Chestnut : 1 part #4 Chestnut

Pumps & Percentage
1.3
#4.1 Red Chestnut
67%
0.7
#4 Chestnut
33%
Developer

1.8% for warm copper-red. 3% for vibrant defined auburn.

Best for

Red, auburn or warm chestnut hair. Light–medium or freckled skin.

RedheadsAuburn HairLight–Medium Skin

Taupe / Mushroom Brown

Cool greige — trending, sophisticated, very wearable

#4 Chestnut
+
#2 Graphite
Taupe
Ratio

2 parts #4 Chestnut : 1 part #2 Graphite

Pumps & Percentage
1.3
#4 Chestnut
67%
0.7
#2 Graphite
33%
Developer

1.8% for soft greige-taupe. 3% for cool defined mushroom brown.

Best for

Ash-brown, dark blonde or grey-brown hair. Light–medium or cool-toned skin.

Cool UndertoneAsh BrownLight–Medium Skin

Espresso / Cool Dark

Deep cool brown — the brunette alternative to black

#7 Dark Brown
+
#2 Graphite
Espresso
Ratio

3 parts #7 Dark Brown : 1 part #2 Graphite

Pumps & Percentage
1.5
#7 Dark Brown
75%
0.5
#2 Graphite
25%
Developer

1.8% for deep rich brown. 3% for near-black cold espresso.

Best for

Dark brunette or cool black hair. Medium to dark skin of any undertone.

BrunetteMedium–Dark SkinCool Undertone

Warm Brunette

Rich chocolate — classic, universally flattering

#6 Brown
+
#7 Dark Brown
Warm Brunette
Ratio

1 part #6 Brown : 1 part #7 Dark Brown

Pumps & Percentage
1
#6 Brown
50%
1
#7 Dark Brown
50%
Developer

1.8% for warm dark-brown. 3% for deep chocolate definition.

Best for

Medium-dark brown brows. Olive, tan or medium warm-toned skin.

Olive SkinWarm UndertoneDark Blonde–Brunette

Soft Black

Dark without the starkness — for dramatic brows on sensitive skin

#1 Deep Black
+
#7 Dark Brown
Soft Black
Ratio

1 part #1 Deep Black : 1 part #7 Dark Brown

Pumps & Percentage
1
#1 Deep Black
50%
1
#7 Dark Brown
50%
Developer

1.8% for dark brown-black with warmth. 3% for near-black intensity.

Best for

Dark brunette or black hair. Medium to deep warm skin tones.

Dark HairWarm–Deep SkinMedium–Full Density

Warm Ash Blonde

Root-matching depth for ash-blonde or two-tone brows

#5 Light Brown
+
#6 Brown
Warm Ash Blonde
Ratio

3 parts #5 Light Brown : 1 part #6 Brown

Pumps & Percentage
1.5
#5 Light Brown
75%
0.5
#6 Brown
25%
Developer

1.8% on fine or fair brows. 3% for medium-density brows wanting more definition.

Best for

Ash-blonde or two-tone hair with darker roots.

Ash BlondeTwo-Tone HairFair–Light SkinFine Brows

Cool Soft Black

Blue-toned dark — modern and high-fashion

#3 Blue Black
+
#7 Dark Brown
Cool Black
Ratio

2 parts #3 Blue Black : 1 part #7 Dark Brown

Pumps & Percentage
1.3
#3 Blue Black
67%
0.7
#7 Dark Brown
33%
Developer

3% only — needed for full colour deposit on dense dark hair.

Best for

Cool-toned complexions. Black natural hair. Full density brows.

Cool UndertoneDark HairFull Density
Blending Rules
Mix Order
Always mix dye shades together first, then add developer. Never mix developer with one shade then add another dye.
Start Light
Add darker shades drop-by-drop. Easy to darken a blend but impossible to lighten once mixed.
Time Sensitivity
Once developer is added, use within 10 minutes. Never store after activation.
Patch Test
Always perform a patch test 48hrs prior — applies to blended formulas too.

✦ Color Matcher

Answer a few questions about your client and get a precise Bronsun color recommendation.

✦  Color Recommendation
Recommended Shade
Developer & Timing
Pro Tip

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5. Professional Disclaimer

Recommendations are based on professional training and real-world experience. Always perform a patch test 48 hours prior to any chemical service. Brows by Vanessa Tran assumes no liability for outcomes resulting from improper application or deviation from these guidelines.

Color Results & Professional Judgment: Color results shown in this guide are intended as a professional reference only. Actual results will vary based on individual hair porosity, texture, prior chemical history, natural undertones, and application technique. This guide does not replace professional assessment. Always evaluate your client’s hair in person and apply your own professional judgment before selecting a shade, developer, or processing time. Brows by Vanessa Tran assumes no responsibility for results that differ from those described in this guide.

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© 2026 Brows by Vanessa Tran · All Rights Reserved