From "How to pluck?" to "What is microblading?", here are the answers to the questions that you’ve been typing into your search bars
Baffled by brows? You’re not the only one. Whether they’re full, bold, feathered or thin, they’re a constant talking point in the beauty world. With trends continually changing (we’re looking to you TikTok), there’s always something fresh to get on board with, from exciting new launches to trending techniques. Plus, the reality is that many of us are still trying to perfect the basic fundamentals of getting the right shape at home.
So it comes as no surprise that so many of us are asking our old friend Google how to create the perfect brow and master the latest looks.
The influx of information can be overwhelming and it can be hard to separate eyebrow facts from fiction. So, we took matters into our own hands and compiled your go-to-brow-guide, equipping you with all the knowledge you’ll need. Enter Rachel Wisniewski aka The Eyebrow Architect – a professional brow maestro specialising in natural looking enhancements – to bring us the insider intel to those niggling questions.
Tweezers, serums, and powders at the ready… here are the answers to the most popular questions about eyebrows, whether you’re grappling with brow basics or want to take the plunge with a semi-permanent tweakment.
The most googled eyebrow questions
1. How do I shape my own eyebrows?
2. How do I pluck my eyebrows?
3. How can I trim my eyebrows?
4. How do I draw on my eyebrows?
5. Will my eyebrows ever grow back?
6. How can I get thicker eyebrows?
7. How long does eyebrow tinting last?
8. How can I remove my eyebrow tint?
9. What is eyebrow microblading?
10. What is eyebrow lamination?
1. How do I shape my own eyebrows?
"Shaping brows correctly has a lot to do with a person's individual eye and face shape," explains Rachel. "Before removing any hair, you should always map out your ideal shape using a pencil and a measuring tool to achieve symmetry. Brush the brow hairs up before mapping to achieve a natural lift around the eye area. Once you’ve created an outline you’re happy with (and that doesn’t differ too much from your natural brow), carefully tweeze around that shape, typically avoiding removing too much from the top or towards the front." And while this may take a little more patience than our usual haphazard Friday night plucking session, the results will speak for themselves.
2. How do I pluck my eyebrows?
"A good quality tweezer is vital when it comes to plucking brows," says Rachel. "Begin by cleaning your face with warm water to soften the hair follicle. Next, hold the skin taut and remove hair from the bottom of the brow in the direction of the hair growth. For most people the main areas to pluck will be the arch, the tail (towards the eyelid) and between the brows at the top of the nose." And if your mum told you to never pluck between your brows? "It’s a myth that this will ruin them," says Rachel. "Just go slowly, removing only one hair at a time to ensure the best results and if your skin becomes irritated, finish by applying a gentle fragrance-free moisturiser with a cotton pad."
For more tips on honing your tweezing technique, check out make-up artist Lisa Potter-Dixon’s brow plucking tutorial.
Farmologie Moisturiser Fragrance Free (£3.49)
• 100ml
• Vegan
• Cruelty-free
This rich moisturiser contains natural and naturally derived ingredients, including ethically sourced colloidal oatmeal which is a total dream for soothing and nourishing irritated skin.
Find more fragrance-free recommendations in our sensitive skin moisturiser guide.
3. How can I trim my eyebrows?
"Comb brows upwards with a clean spoolie and gently cut the tips of any hair that falls outside of the shape you desire. Use curved brow scissors and try to trim hairs on a slight angle to avoid hairs looking spikey," says Rachel.
4. How do I draw on my eyebrows?
With so many brow products available, the choice can be overwhelming, but Rachel has great advice when it comes to choosing the best option for you. For those with sparser hairs, she suggests liquid pens and creamy pomades. "These are typically great if you’ve got less hair to work with. Pomades in particular are excellent for clinging to existing brow hairs and are easily buildable, creating a more dramatic look." If a more natural, subtle brow is your desire, then Rachel suggests giving a pencil a go. "Once you’ve chosen the right product, gently fill in any thinner areas ensuring to apply slightly lighter towards the front of the brow for a softer result. Use delicate, deft strokes to mimic natural hair growth."
5. Will my eyebrows ever grow back?
If you plucked through the 90s, then this one’s for you. Luckily, the answer comes with good news. "Most of the time brow hair does grow back," says Rachel. "That said, the more you pluck, the more likely it is that hair follicles will become traumatised. When this happens, the hairs won’t grow back, meaning it's always best to avoid heavy plucking." So, is there any hope for those noticing hair loss hoping to achieve a fuller brow? "Yes," she explains, "Tailored brow serums and natural remedies such as castor oil and olive oil have the potential to promote hair growth over time in my experience. However, the time it takes to see results differs from person to person according to their hair growth cycle."
6. How can I get thicker eyebrows?
"Thicker eyebrows can be achieved in two ways," Rachel explains. "Firstly, I’d consider incorporating a growth serum into your evening routine. These have the potential to increase the volume of brows with consistent use. Come morning it’s always a great idea to gently massage the brow area to improve blood flow and promote a healthy hair follicle." In need of a quick fix? "There are so many fibre-based volumising products that can add serious oomph to thinner strands."
EyebrowQueen Brow Serum (£75)
• Size: 20ml
• Vegan friendly
Packed with nourishing ingredients, this serum’s been formulated to give hair follicles a helping hand and stimulate growth in areas that are looking a little sparse. It’s also perfect for conditioning hairs after chemical treatments such as brow lamination or a lash lift. We love a multi-tasking beauty formula.
7. How long does eyebrow tinting last?
"A great [salon] eyebrow tint typically lasts between four and eight weeks, but there are factors that dictate this." Rachel clarifies. "Tint usually fades quicker for those who have an in-depth skincare regime, while coarser hair tends to hold onto it for longer than finer hair."
8. How can I remove my eyebrow tint?
Ah, yes. The dreaded eyebrow tint gone wrong. We’ve all been there. Luckily, Rachel says there are ways to speed up the fading process. "There are so many types of make-up removers, but an oil-based option on a cotton pad is my go-to hack for removing stubborn pigment on the skin," she reveals. "Just don’t forget to be gentle – the eye area is extremely delicate."
Garnier Micellar Oil-Infused Cleansing Water (£6.99)
• Size: 400ml
• Dermatologically tested
Suitable for sensitive skin, this make-up remover is bursting with nourishing natural oils. Better yet, it removes 100% of make-up and intensely cleanses skin of dirt, oil, SPF and pollution for a squeaky clean complexion.
9. What is eyebrow microblading?
"Microblading is a method of semi-permanent tattooing that gives the illusion of fuller brows," Rachel explains. "During the treatment, an extremely small blade implants pigment right above the dermis layer of the skin. These strokes create hair like incisions in and around the existing brow hairs making for undetectable results that last around a year." Not ready for microblading just yet? Mimic the look with the products below.
10. What is eyebrow lamination?
We’re no strangers to the brushed-up brows created by the lamination technique, but what exactly does the process entail? "Lamination is a perming treatment that involves setting the hairs in place using a chemical solution," Rachel clarifies. "They’re first relaxed using a cream that breaks down the bonds and then manipulated into the desired shape which is usually upwards. The perming solution is then applied and the brows covered with film to activate the perm. The result is brows that stay in place for up to three months." If you’re considering an appointment but want to try the look yourself then consider a brow glue – they’re a great way to tap into the trend without the commitment.
So there we have it, all our eyebrow questions answered by Brow Queen Rachel. The takeaway? Take your time, invest in great tools and products, and be patient. No two brows are the same (sisters not twins) and the journey to getting the “perfect” eyebrows is going to be different for everyone. Just consider this article your head start…
