In the world of beauty, trends come and go, but one thing has always been in style: eyebrows.
From the thin, overplucked arches of the '90s to the bold, full brows seen everywhere today, eyebrows have gone through quite the evolution. And, let’s not forget the power they hold—well-shaped brows can transform your face, making you look more youthful, expressive, and polished. Whether you're into natural, feathery brows or bold, sculpted arches, this guide is your ultimate resource for achieving brow perfection.
Let’s start with the science. Eyebrow hair has a much shorter growth cycle than the hair on your head, typically only lasting about four months. This means that the brow hair reaches a shorter length before shedding and regenerating.
Additionally, the texture and thickness of eyebrow hair can be coarser than head hair, and the direction of growth can vary significantly, giving each person a unique brow shape. Whilst you can have treatments that impact the shape (we’ll explain more below), over-plucking and damaging your brows can also impact their growth. It’s a delicate balancing act achieving the brows of your dreams, but we’ve got you covered.
Your eyebrows are essential for framing your face and defining your features. Well-groomed brows can highlight your eyes, balance your face shape, and even affect how youthful or aged you look. As we age, brows tend to thin out, sometimes becoming sparse or uneven, which can make the face look less vibrant.
In contrast, full, well-shaped brows can give a lifted, youthful appearance, making the face look more balanced.
Brow Tint and Shape
One of the quickest and most effective ways to enhance your brows is through tinting and shaping. A brow tint uses a semi-permanent dye to darken the brows, making them look fuller and more defined. It’s especially great for those with lighter hair or sparse areas that need a little extra oomph.
Shaping, on the other hand, is all about creating a brow shape that complements your face. Whether you prefer a natural, softly-arched brow or something more dramatic and defined, the shape can make a huge difference in your overall appearance. Waxing, threading, or tweezing are common methods for shaping the brows, each with its own benefits.
Brow Lamination
If you love the look of fluffy, feathered brows, brow lamination is a must-try. Brow lamination is essentially a "brow lift" that straightens and sets the brow hairs in place for a fuller, sleeker appearance. This treatment involves using a chemical solution to reshape and set the brows in your desired style.
Perfect for taming unruly hairs or achieving the trendy "brushed-up" look, brow lamination lasts anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks. It's great for those who want a low-maintenance, natural finish without having to worry about brow gel every morning. Read more about eyebrow lamination here.
Microblading
Microblading is a semi-permanent tattoo technique that involves creating tiny, hair-like strokes to mimic the appearance of natural brow hairs. If you've ever wished for fuller, perfectly shaped brows without having to fill them in daily, microblading might be the solution you're looking for.
A trained technician uses a fine blade to deposit pigment under the skin in a way that resembles natural brow hair. The result is a set of brows that look full, defined, and incredibly realistic. This treatment is ideal for those with sparse or uneven brows or anyone who wants to save time in their beauty routine. Results can last up to 18 months with proper care, making it a longer-term investment for beautiful brows.
The downside of this is, as this is effectively a tattoo, the pigment can change colour over time, sometimes turning pink, other times adding a blueish tint and this can show through your eyebrow hair. It’s difficult, then, if you want to change the shape of your brows – for example creating a lifted effect by removing the tails and filling upwards with eyebrow pencil – if your tattoos are showing your eyebrows to be a different shape; they’d also show through any changes you want to make. Opting to have laser hair removal on your eyebrows would be an option in this instance.
Hybrid Brows
Hybrid brows combine the best of two worlds: the effects of microblading and powder brows. This type of treatment is different to a standard tint, though, as it dyes the skin beneath the brow hairs, giving a fuller, more filled-in look that lasts longer than traditional tinting. It’s perfect for those who want a defined shape without committing to semi-permanent options like microblading.
Hybrid brows also last a lot longer than a standard tint, fading over time where as traditional tint fades within a couple of weeks.
Brow Growth Serums
For those struggling with thin or overplucked brows, brow growth serums can be a game-changer. These serums are formulated with peptides and other growth-boosting ingredients to encourage thicker, fuller brows over time. Results vary, but many users report noticeable improvement within a few months of regular use. Some of the leading brands boast big results but there are natural alternatives you can use, too. Try adding castor oil to your evening skincare routine and applying directly onto your brows to encourage growth.
Castor oil is a popular remedy for growth due to its rich content of fatty acids, proteins and vitamins. The ingredient Ricinoleic Acid is believed to stimulate growth and nourish hair follicles. Buy Castor Oil.
Note. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should consult with your practitioner before using.
Remember, the key to great brows is finding a style that complements your face shape, natural brow hair, and personal style. So, embrace the power of brows and let them work their magic in framing your beautiful face!