The Modern Way to Try the '90s Skinny Eyebrows Trend

 

If there’s anything we’ve learned over the past few years it’s that beauty trends are totally unpredictable (thank you very much TikTok) and that everything that was once old will become new again. Recently, we’ve seen what some of us would consider the unthinkable in eye makeup trends — skinny eyebrows have made a comeback. 

Celebrities, supermodels and influencers alike have been seen sporting pencil-thin eyebrows as of late and it’s giving the ‘90s trend a resurgence. Before you run for the hills — towards or away from the throwback trend — it’s important to understand the difference between the skinny brows of then and the modern way to sport the look today. 

So, we spoke to the experts at L'Oréal Paris to get the skinny (pun intended) on this reemerging eyebrow trend, including tips on how to do it without permanently damaging those beloved brow hairs.

Why Are Skinny Brows Coming Back?

As we said, thin eyebrows have been seen on A-list singers, actors, models and social media influencers in the past year. Thanks to influential Gen Z creators, the trend is poised to make it to the streets this summer — becoming more and more popular with everyday people. 

It’s up there with the mullet, the bixie and a few other ‘90s beauty trends that are questionably stylish, undoubtedly edgy and somehow chic when done right. 

How to do Skinny Eyebrows the Modern Way

When it comes to mastering the skinny eyebrows trend, everyone can try it but the real win comes in the form of not permanently losing your hair up there. While the look has an up side, there’s also a huge risk. 

Skinny brows can be flattering for many people because they expand the lid space and create a natural, brightening effect for the eyes. The con, though, is the fact that if you keep removing the hair there, your eyebrows may never grow back.So in order to avoid falling victim to the tragic drawbacks of this trend, try one of these hacks for doing skinny brows in 2022 — the ultra-modern way.

 

1. Glue, Don’t Pluck or Shave

Instead of shaving your brows, the experts at L'Oréal Paris recommend blocking your brows with a glue stick. This makeup technique has roots in the drag community and is still used today in drag and theater makeup to create a new brow shape without the commitment that comes with tweezing or shaving. 

 

Once you’ve glued down your brows you can go over the space with as skinny a design as your heart desires. Grab your favorite eyebrow pencil, like the L’Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Definer Waterproof Eyebrow Mechanical Pencil or L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Brow Magnifying Pencil with Vitamin E, and create a skinny brow shape that speaks to you.

2. Invest in Proper Hair Growth Aids

If you do overpluck your brows and you’re concerned about your hair not growing back, there are products that can help. Some professional makeup artists have sworn by oregano oil as a natural way to induce hair growth around the brows. Of course, before you invest in any treatments, consult with your dermatologist first to figure out what may be the best course of action for you.

Since the skinny eyebrows of 2022 are not the pencil-thin brows of your auntie’s era, you should avoid going too thin altogether. Make sure you opt for a hair removal version that won’t damage the hair follicle and only get your brows groomed when you really need to. This could be a great help in avoiding the need for hair growth oils and doctors visits in the first place.

3. Consult With Professionals and Gen X First

Before you go extra skinny with your brows to mimic the look of your favorite pop star, talk to the people who have done it before. Get all the facts about the pros and cons, find out if they have regrets, if their hair did in fact grow back, and if they thought it was worth it or not. 

If you can, consult with a professional makeup artist who can help you get the look with minimal trauma to your eyebrow hair. No one wants to have that permanently over-expressive look because of their brows (unless that’s what you’re going for — in that case, carry on).

 

Next: The Mullet Is Back — Here’s How to Give It a Modern Spin

Written by: Shalwah Evans, Photo Credit: Chaunte Vaughn