How to get thicker eyebrows
Talk to any child of the ‘90s about their approach to brows and you’ll surely hear stories of overplucking and regret. Much like the style of the 1920s (hello, Greta Garbo), thin was in for eyebrows.
But we are in the hey-day of big thick brows today. Think Cara Delevigne, Lily Collins, and Brooke Shields. The bigger, the better—but let’s not go full Frida Kahlo. These eyebrows are still groomed and nicely shaped, but loaded with personality. Gorgeous, full brows don’t come naturally to everyone (especially those who went overboard on the plucking way back when). Below, we’re breaking down the different ways you can play up your face’s best accessory.
1. Microblading
Microblading is essentially a modern version of tattooing your eyebrows and uses a small tool with tiny needles. Unlike tattoos, it’s not entirely permanent. The process—which takes about two hours—inserts pigment into the upper layers of the skin, creating hair-like strokes that make your brows appear thicker or more shapely. The ink doesn’t go as deeply into the skin as traditional tattooing, which is why it lasts anywhere from one-to-three years. It can cost up to $1,000, and it’s important to find someone who is particularly skilled at this technique as it is both invasive and can have a significant effect on the overall look of your face.
2. Laminating
Brow lamination has been a major buzzword as of late in the world of eyebrows. It involves a three-step process that relaxes and straightens the brow hair (which means you should have some hair to start with) and then styles the hair to achieve the desired shape. It’s non-invasive and has incredible staying power, with the results lasting up to two months. Make sure you go into your appointment with reference photos, so you can align with the technician on the look you’d like to achieve. The process will generally set you back a few hundred dollars.
3. Au natural
Want fuller eyebrows but don’t feel like splurging on a major treatment? There’s a lot you can do on your own and still get major payoff. First of all, it’s worth investing in a good lash and brow serum, such as those made by RevitaBrow or GrandeBrow. These are sometimes called “brow conditioners.” Both formulas will encourage natural growth. And of course, you’ll want to be sure those brows are filled in— Winky Lux and Anastasia have great products for that. If your hair is lighter, tinting your brows at a salon can also be a good, longer-lasting option. Just be sure to get the color right. Once you have your desired look, seal it in with a brow gel to keep the hair looking neat and in place. Glossier’s Boy Brow and NYX Professional Makeup Control Freak Eyebrow Gel are two of my favorites.
Blair Smith is a lifestyle and beauty writer who currently resides (and will likely stay forever) in Brooklyn, New York.
