In search of longer-lasting eyebrow dye

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: Do you know of any permanent eyebrow dye that’s safe to use, covers the gray and lasts a long time?

I saw an eyebrow dye at Target that lasts only two weeks. I’d like to find one that lasts longer than that. — P.G.

Dear P.G.: White/gray eyebrow hairs seem to pop up overnight! My recommendation for at-home use is borrowed from the men’s aisle at the drugstore: The aptly named Just for Men Mustache & Beard Dye (target. com, $9.99; amazon.com, $10.97). For me, it lasts longer than other at-home products and lots longer than what my hair stylist uses at the salon. But, and it is a big but, I’ve never found an eyebrow dye that lasts as long as you (or I) would like.

Also, DIY coloring is a messy process. (Pro tip: Leave the dye on 15 minutes. Then, after you’ve wiped off the gloppy excess, for remnants of the dye still on your skin, rub hard with Windex or another glass clean. Obviously

keep ALL this stuff away from your eyes!)

There are many drugstore products, sort of like mascara for eyebrows, that will color the grays temporarily. Also, if you just have a few, you can pluck them but, as we age, brows often thin out and when you pluck them you’re asking for trouble. Sometimes they don’t grow back.

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I have very small eyes, and I have short lashes. I have tried to find an eyelash curler that isn’t so wide that I pinch the skin on the sides of my eyes! If I hold the curler further away, it barely crimps the very ends of my lashes. I don’t want to use false lashes. Any suggestions? — Ellen H.

Dear Ellen: This is a new question for me but when I dug into your issue, the most often-mentioned products were Japanese brands. These are generally made to appeal to women with small, almondshape or deep-set eyes.

I haven’t tested these myself so it is crucial to look at the reviews because many of them have significant downsides: Muji Portable Eyelash Curler (muji. usa, $6.90); Chinese Everbab Eyelash Curler EB001 (chicdecent.com, $8.99); Tweezerman Curl 38 Eyelash Curler (tweezerman.com, $20). And all of these are on amazon.com: Mukai Mini Eyelash Curler 215 ($16); Koji Curving Eyelash Curler ($16.14); Japonesque Travel Eyelash Curler ($11) and Shu Uemura S Curler ($23).

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: Since you wrote recently that women are returning to hair rollers, my question to you is do these Velcro rollers that I hear about online damage one’s hair? I know what Velcro can do to sweaters if it is nearby, even by mistake. Or is another roller going to protect hair better than the Velcro? My hairdresser tells me my hair is quite damaged from years of pulling it back with the covered elastic bands. I do not want to do more damage with the wrong rollers.

— Ruthie K. Dear Ruthie:

I received this rave from reader Diane O.: “As someone who has curled her hair all her life, going to bed in curlers every night, I just wanted to suggest foam rollers for comfort! A set costs about $9 on Amazon.”

These won’t damage your hair. But, to answer your question, Velcro is terrible for your hair.

And three readers who feel their bra/swimsuit needs are ignored by designers and manufacturers and are hoping for reader tips to help them out:

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I have just read the recommendations in your column from your readers for wireless bras. Like some of the responders, I want a bra that separates the breasts — not a unibra. To complicate what I am looking for, I am a 34 DD/ DDD. None of your readers’ suggestions make a bra in my size. I guess us small gals with large breasts are just out of luck.

— Carol B.