Eyebrows. Those little strips of hair above our eyes have gained unbelievable power over beauty trends throughout history. And oh boy, have we seen some wild eyebrow days! From the thin, sharp arches of the 1920s, to the full, feathery eyebrows that are trending today. The journey has certainly been a whirlwind! However, exploring the epic evolution of eyebrows, I couldn’t help but wonder — what wild trends can we expect in the future?
So, if you’re a beauty nerd like I am, and you enjoy deep dives, then this article is for you! I decided to go over the full history of eyebrows, take a look at current trends, discuss our occasional phases of “eyebrow blindness” and finally — take a guess at the future eyebrow trends. Grab a drink, get cozy, and let’s dive deeper into the wild and bushy world of eyebrows.
The Early Days of Eyebrow Grooming
Let’s start our deep dive by taking a trip back to ancient times. And unsurprisingly, we’re landing in ancient Egypt. I have already talked about how beauty-obsessed they were, so it’s not too hard to imagine that they were among the first to place significant emphasis on eyebrow grooming.
Both men and women used dark powders made from minerals like kohl to make their eyebrows look darker. The goal here was to create dramatic and elongated shapes that emphasized their eyes. This practice wasn’t just about looking good; it was also a way to flex their status and power. The best example of this is Cleopatra’s iconic look, with her heavily kohl-rimmed eyes and dark brows.
In ancient Rome, on the other hand, eyebrow trends varied but generally leaned towards natural shapes. I was pretty surprised to learn that wealthy Romans even used tools similar to today’s tweezers to groom their eyebrows. While less dramatic than their Egyptian counterparts, well-groomed brows were still considered a mark of beauty and elegance.
In both of these ancient cultures, eyebrow grooming was a sign of self-care and attention to one’s appearance. And just like it is today, these were traits that were highly valued in their societies.
The Middle Ages to the Renaissance
Fast forward to the Middle Ages, and you’ll find that the emphasis on eyebrows diminished significantly. The beauty ideal of this age often involved high foreheads. So, a lot of women used to pluck their eyebrows entirely to achieve this look. Imagine the dedication it took to maintain such a trend! I could never, to be honest.
However, this trend perfectly reflects the period’s focus on a more understated, ethereal beauty, in contrast to the boldness of earlier times.
Then came the Renaissance, a time of rebirth and renewed attention to art and beauty. And with it also a shift in the way we groomed our eyebrows. Most women wanted a more natural look, often lightly grooming their eyebrows to create a gentle arch. Paintings from this era depict women with softly defined brows, giving them a touch of subtle elegance.
The Renaissance emphasis on proportion and harmony in beauty extended to the brows, which were shaped to complement the overall facial structure of the person. This was the era where we saw the beginning of a more thoughtful and individual approach to beauty.
The 20th Century — A Century of Dramatic Changes
As we step into the 20th century, the world of eyebrows takes on a life of its own with dramatic changes in style from decade to decade.
The 1920s to 1940s — Thin and Defined
The early 20th century brought dramatic changes to eyebrow styles. In the 1920s and 1930s, thin, sharply arched brows were all the rage. Icons like Clara Bow and Marlene Dietrich popularized this look. The technique included using eyebrow pencils to create precise, defined shapes. Similarly to the popular makeup trends of this era, these thin, high arches reflected the flapper era’s bold and rebellious spirit.
By the 1940s, eyebrows became slightly fuller but maintained a well-defined arch. Hollywood stars like Lauren Bacall and Rita Hayworth are great examples of this style, combining elegance with a touch of glamour. The emphasis was on achieving a polished and sophisticated look that aligned with the fashion and beauty standards of the time. Women wanted their brows to frame their faces beautifully, enhancing their natural features.
The 1950s to 1970s — Natural and Expressive
The 1950s saw a shift towards more natural, fuller brows. This was heavily influenced by Old Hollywood icons such as Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor. Their thick, well-groomed eyebrows became symbols of beauty. Finally, we saw a full departure from the heavily plucked looks of previous decades and embraced a more relaxed and approachable aesthetic.
The 1960s and 1970s brought even more diversity in eyebrow styles. The icon of this era was Jane Birkin, the epitome of natural beauty. Her eyebrows were imperfect and untamed but in the best way possible. So, this era, with its free-spirited ethos, saw a return to natural shapes, with minimal grooming. There was an emphasis on individuality and self-expression, allowing for a broader range of eyebrow styles to flourish.
The 1980s to 1990s — Bold and Experimental
The 1980s were all about boldness and excess, and eyebrows were no exception. Thick, bushy brows were in vogue, with celebrities like Brooke Shields leading the trend. These brows were often left natural or minimally groomed, reflecting the era’s emphasis on bold, expressive features. This was the decade of “more is more,” and eyebrows were no exception.
However, the 1990s took a sharp turn towards minimalism. Thin, highly arched brows made a comeback, influenced by supermodels like Kate Moss and actresses like Drew Barrymore. Brows were often plucked to pencil-thin lines, or even completely shaved off and drawn on with a pencil. And for someone who naturally has very sparse and thin eyebrows, this era would’ve been my time to shine. If I had only been born a bit earlier.
The 21st Century: A Return to Natural and Bold
Finally, we have arrived at the new Millennium. And while the early 2000s initially continued the trend of thin brows, by the mid-2000s, there was a noticeable shift towards fuller, more natural-looking eyebrows. Celebrities like Keira Knightley and Natalie Portman were admired for their natural, thicker brows, signaling a change in beauty standards. With this trend, we also saw a transition towards a more inclusive approach to beauty.
The 2010s saw the rise of the “bold brow” movement. And the first person to popularize this was probably model Cara Delevingne. Her thick, expressive brows became a global phenomenon, leading to a surge in popularity for products like brow gels, pencils, and pomades designed to enhance and define natural brows. This era was all about individuality, self-expression, and encouraging people to embrace their natural brow shape and enhance it rather than conform to a single standard.
Modern Innovations: Technology and Techniques
Before we go over the possible future of eyebrows, let’s take a quick look at today’s technologies and techniques that help us keep our eyebrows on fleek.
Microblading
One of the most significant advancements in eyebrow grooming has been the development of semi-permanent techniques like microblading and brow tattoos. Microblading, a technique where fine strokes of pigment are applied to mimic natural hair, became incredibly popular in the 2010s. This method offers a long-lasting solution for sparse or uneven brows, creating a natural, fuller look without daily maintenance.
Brow Lamination and Tinting
Of course, we can’t forget about brow lamination. This is a relatively new trend, that involves applying a chemical solution to the brows to straighten and set the hairs in place. This technique creates a fuller, more defined look by lifting the brows and giving them a uniform shape. Brow lamination has gained popularity for its ability to transform thin or unruly brows into sleek, polished arches without the need for invasive procedures. It’s like a perm for your eyebrows, giving them a perfectly groomed look that can last for weeks.
Tinting is another popular treatment and something I can’t live without. What makes it so great is that you can even easily do it at home. All you need is a semi-permanent dye that’s made specifically for eyebrows. brow tinting can darken light hairs, making the brows appear fuller and more defined. This simple yet effective technique is great for anyone who wants to give their natural brows a fuller and more defined look.
What to Expect in the Future — Personalized and Inclusive Beauty
Finally, it’s time to take a look ahead into the future of eyebrow trends. Just like with any other beauty trend that we have seen lately, it is most likely to be shaped by a growing emphasis on personalization and inclusivity. The beautiful thing about current times is that beauty standards continue to evolve. We’re seeing a greater appreciation for diverse brow shapes, sizes, and colors. This shift towards embracing individuality means that future trends will likely focus on enhancing one’s natural features rather than following what’s popular.
Also, advancements in technology and personalized beauty products are expected to play a significant role. Imagine customizable brow products, such as color-matching tools and tailored formulations. How cool would that be? Additionally, AI might enable you to experiment with different brow styles virtually before committing to a particular look. This would make it significantly easier to find a look that suits your unique features best.
