By
Stylist Venita
Throughout history, eyebrow trends have continuously evolved, reflecting changing beauty standards and cultural influences. In the 1920s, thin, arched eyebrows were popularized by silent film stars like Clara Bow. The 1950s saw a shift towards fuller, more natural brows, inspired by iconic beauties like Audrey Hepburn. However, in the 1990s, the trend shifted again towards thin, heavily plucked eyebrows, influenced by celebrities like Pamela Anderson. Today, the trend is all about bold, defined brows, with celebrities like Cara Delevingne and Lily Collins embracing their natural thickness. From thin and arched to full and bushy, eyebrow shaping has come a long way, reflecting the ever-changing ideals of beauty.
Eyebrows hold significant cultural importance across various societies. In ancient Egypt, well-groomed brows were a symbol of beauty and power, with both men and women accentuating their brows with makeup. In East Asian cultures, straight and elongated eyebrows are often considered elegant and youthful. Conversely, in South Asian cultures, thicker eyebrows are highly desired, symbolizing beauty and femininity. Indigenous cultures like the Maori of New Zealand use tattooed brows as a form of cultural identity. Eyebrows can also express emotions and social status, as seen in the intricate and bold brows of tribal African cultures. Overall, eyebrows play a crucial role in cultural expression and aesthetics, demonstrating the diversity and significance of this facial feature.
Eyebrows have been a significant aspect of beauty throughout history, and ancient Egypt is no exception. In Ancient Egyptian culture, eyebrows held great importance and were a symbol of beauty and youthfulness. Both men and women would enhance their brows using various methods. They would often darken their brows using a mixture of minerals and black oxide, creating a bold and defined look. Interestingly, ancient Egyptians would also remove their natural eyebrows completely and replace them with false ones made from human hair or animal fur. These false brows were then meticulously shaped and adhered to the forehead using a resin-based adhesive.
In the classical era of ancient Greece and Rome, eyebrow trends took a different turn. Instead of opting for bold and dramatic brows like the Egyptians, the Greeks and Romans preferred a more natural and subtle look. They believed that a unibrow, or monobrow, was a sign of intelligence and beauty. As a result, individuals would often darken and thicken their brows using a charcoal pencil or soot. However, they would carefully leave a small gap between the brows to create the illusion of two separate eyebrows.
During the Middle Ages, thin and highly arched eyebrows were the trend. Women would often remove their natural eyebrows completely and draw on thin, delicate lines using various substances such as soot or even mouse skin. These thin eyebrows were seen as a sign of elegance and refinement. The shape of the eyebrows was important, with a high arch in the middle and a tapering end. This trend was influenced by the fashion ideals of the time, which emphasized a pale complexion and a delicate appearance. Eyebrows played a crucial role in framing the face and enhancing its beauty.
In the Renaissance period, natural and thick eyebrows became popular. Women embraced their natural brow shape and focused on enhancing and grooming them rather than altering them drastically. The trend was influenced by the desire for a more natural and harmonious look. Women would use various techniques to darken and fill in their eyebrows, such as using vegetable dyes or powdered minerals. The emphasis was on creating a fuller and more defined brow shape that complemented the face. This shift in eyebrow trends reflected a growing appreciation for natural beauty and a move away from the overly artificial appearance of the Middle Ages.
During the 1920s, thin and highly arched eyebrows were all the rage. Women would use various methods to achieve this look, including plucking, shaving, and even using eyebrow pencils to draw on thin, delicate lines. Hollywood stars like Clara Bow and Louise Brooks popularized this trend, emphasizing a more youthful and doll-like appearance. The thin eyebrow trend of the 1920s was influenced by the Art Deco movement, which favored clean lines and geometric shapes. However, this trend eventually fell out of favor as fuller eyebrows began to gain popularity in later decades.
The 1980s saw a drastic shift in eyebrow trends, with thick and full eyebrows becoming the new beauty standard. Iconic figures like Brooke Shields and Madonna showcased their naturally bold brows, inspiring many women to embrace their natural brow shape and grow them out. This trend was a rebellion against the thin eyebrows of the previous decades and emphasized a more natural and strong look. Women would use eyebrow gels and brushes to tame and shape their brows, but the overall focus was on maintaining their fullness. The thick eyebrow trend of the 1980s continued to influence beauty standards well into the following decades.
Eyebrows have always played a crucial role in framing the face, but it was in the 2010s that their importance skyrocketed. This decade saw a significant shift towards defined and sculpted eyebrows. Influenced by celebrities like Cara Delevingne and Lily Collins, the trend of thick, full brows took center stage. To achieve this look, people began investing in eyebrow products such as pencils, gels, and powders to fill in sparse areas and create a bolder appearance. The emphasis was on creating sharp, structured arches that perfectly complemented the face shape. Beauty salons and eyebrow specialists flourished during this time, offering services like threading, waxing, and microblading to help individuals achieve the desired eyebrow look. The eyebrow industry saw a surge in innovative products and techniques catering to the growing demand for defined and sculpted eyebrows.
As we entered the 2020s, a shift in eyebrow trends became evident. Natural and bushy eyebrows started gaining popularity, moving away from the heavily defined and sculpted look of the previous decade. Influenced by models like Gigi Hadid and Dua Lipa, people began embracing their natural brow shape and texture. This trend emphasized the “no-makeup” makeup look, where eyebrows appeared effortlessly full and groomed. Rather than relying on heavy products, individuals focused on grooming techniques like brushing and trimming to maintain a more organic appearance. This shift towards natural brows also brought attention to eyebrow care and health, with products like serums and oils specifically designed to nourish and enhance eyebrow growth. The 2020s witnessed a departure from the perfectly manicured eyebrows, embracing the uniqueness and individuality of each person’s brow shape.
Eyebrow trends have always been influenced by various factors, and in recent years, social media has had a significant impact on shaping these trends. Platforms like Instagram and YouTube have become virtual runways for showcasing different eyebrow styles and techniques, leading to a surge in eyebrow-focused content.
The power of social media lies in its ability to connect individuals from all over the world, allowing trends to spread like wildfire. Celebrities, influencers, and beauty gurus all play a role in popularizing specific eyebrow looks, whether it’s the bold and defined “Instagram brow” or the natural and fluffy “feathered brow.”Thanks to social media, eyebrow enthusiasts no longer have to rely solely on magazines or beauty experts for inspiration. They can now follow their favorite beauty icons, watch tutorials, and even engage in online communities dedicated to discussing and sharing eyebrow tips and tricks. This digital landscape has made eyebrow styling more accessible and inclusive, allowing people to experiment with different shapes, products, and techniques to achieve their desired look.
Gone are the days when everyone strived for the same perfectly arched eyebrows. Nowadays, the beauty industry is embracing individuality, and this shift is particularly evident in eyebrow styling. People are encouraged to embrace their unique features and express themselves through their eyebrows, rather than conforming to a single idealized standard.
Eyebrow trends have become more diverse, with a focus on enhancing one’s natural beauty rather than altering it completely. This change in perspective has led to the rise of unconventional styles such as the “bushy brow,” “ombre brow,” or even the “bleached brow.” These trends celebrate the versatility of eyebrows and allow individuals to experiment with different shapes, colors, and textures.
Moreover, beauty brands are now offering a wider range of eyebrow products to cater to various needs and preferences. Whether someone prefers a bold, defined look or a softer, more natural appearance, there are eyebrow pencils, gels, powders, and pomades available to help achieve the desired effect.
Ultimately, the emphasis on individuality in eyebrow styling promotes self-expression and encourages people to embrace their unique features. Eyebrows have become a canvas for creativity, allowing each person to showcase their personality and style through this small but impactful facial feature.
