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For those who over-plucked their eyebrows in the 1990s, there's some surprising news: the barely-there brow is making a comeback. After years of big, bold brows dominating beauty trends, the resurgence of the thin, sculpted eyebrow is evident on social media and the fashion world.
At Paris Fashion Week earlier this year, models at Maison Margiela showcased ultra-thin, painted brows, with make-up artist Pat McGrath leading the way. The trend also made a strong appearance at the Met Gala, where stars like Zendaya, FKA Twigs, and Doja Cat opted for barely-there or bleached-out brows, signaling the return of a look that had long been out of favor.
However, experts are urging caution before diving back into the skinny brow trend. British brow artist Hollie Parkes advises that today’s version of the look focuses on sculpting and accentuating features, rather than simply plucking brows pencil-thin. Parkes recommends consulting with an expert before making any drastic changes.
Kamini Vaghela, a veteran brow expert with over 35 years of experience, cautions against following eyebrow trends blindly. She believes that eyebrow shapes should be tailored to an individual’s bone structure, eye shape, and skin tone, rather than mimicking popular styles. Vaghela emphasizes that no single brow shape suits everyone, and what works for celebrities might not translate well for everyone else.
Eyebrow grooming has become a highly lucrative business, with the US eyebrow services industry alone estimated to be worth $180 million. This resurgence of the skinny brow is just the latest chapter in a long history of shifting beauty standards related to eyebrows. From the thick, dark brows of ancient Greece and Rome to the sparse, barely-there brows of the Middle Ages, eyebrow trends have always reflected the social and political climate of the time.
As the beauty world continues to evolve, experts advise focusing on what suits each individual rather than chasing fleeting trends. After all, as beauty historian Lucy Jane Santos explains, eyebrow fashion is cyclical, but personal style can remain timeless.
