The Thin Eyebrows Trend: Should You Embrace It?
The thin eyebrow trend from the 1990s is making a surprising comeback. For those who over-plucked their brows during that era, there might be a silver lining—this barely-there look is once again in vogue. Over the past decade, thick and bold eyebrows, like those sported by Cara Delevingne and Zoe Kravitz, have dominated beauty standards. But now, it seems that less is more.
From TikTok to Paris Fashion Week, the revival of thin eyebrows is evident. Renowned makeup artist Pat McGrath showcased this trend at the Maison Margiela show earlier this year, where models walked the runway with finely drawn, curved lines above their concealed natural brows. Celebrities such as Zendaya, FKA Twigs, and Doja Cat also embraced this look at the Met Gala, opting for either bleached-out or ultra-thin styles.
However, while this trend might look stunning on the red carpet, it doesn’t always translate well to everyday life. British brow artist Hollie Parkes points out that the modern take on skinny brows focuses on sculpting and enhancing natural features, rather than over-plucking them into oblivion. If you’re considering slimming down your brows, Parkes recommends consulting with a professional to avoid any mishaps.
Kamini Vaghela, a seasoned brow expert with over 35 years of experience, emphasizes the importance of individuality in eyebrow grooming. She advises against following trends blindly, stating that eyebrow shapes should complement one’s unique bone structure, eye shape, and skin tone. Vaghela recalls how Twiggy’s thin brows became iconic in the 1960s, leading many women to mimic the style with less-than-ideal results.
Historically, eyebrow trends have reflected the social and political climates of their times. In ancient Greece and Rome, thick, dark brows were considered a sign of beauty, with the monobrow even being prized. On the other hand, the Middle Ages saw the rise of sparse eyebrows, with women plucking their brows and hairlines to create the illusion of an elongated forehead, a mark of intelligence and beauty.
The 20th century witnessed rapid shifts in eyebrow fashion. The 1920s introduced pencil-thin brows, popularized by silent film actresses whose dramatic facial expressions were accentuated by thin, dark lines. By World War II, thicker, more natural brows became the norm, reflecting the practical mindset of the era. The cycle continued with Twiggy’s skinny brows in the 1960s, followed by the full, natural brows of the 1980s, epitomized by stars like Brooke Shields and Madonna.
While men’s eyebrow grooming has traditionally been less influenced by trends, notable exceptions exist. For instance, David Bowie famously shaved off his eyebrows in 1974. Today, eyebrow grooming is becoming an essential part of men’s grooming routines, with products specifically designed for men, like Chanel’s Boy de Chanel eyebrow pencil and Tom Ford for Men’s Brow Definer, gaining popularity.
Ultimately, the best approach to eyebrow grooming is to enhance and work with what you already have. If you regret over-plucking in the past, natural oils like castor oil can help stimulate growth and keep your brows soft. While trends come and go, your eyebrows don’t have to follow suit. Embrace your natural brows and enhance them in a way that suits your unique features.
