As we age, our eyebrows can start to thin and lose their shape. This can make us look older than we really are. The good news is that shaping your eyebrows can help you take years off your appearance.
Quick Answer: An arched brow lifts the eye area
An arched or curved brow shape has a lifting effect that makes the eyes and whole face look more youthful. The arch helps open up the eye area, minimizing any hooded or drooping eyelids. A high arch is the most optimal shape for a bright, wide-awake look.
What happens to eyebrows with age?
Eyebrows change as we get older. Some common effects of aging include:
- Thinning and loss of density
- Loss of shape and structure
- Drooping downward over the eyes
- Graying or fading of color
- Patchy areas or gaps
A variety of factors cause these changes. As we age, hair follicles shrink, leading to thinner eyebrows. Drooping skin around the eyes can pull eyebrows downward. Diseases, medications, nutrition, and genetics also play a role.
How do eyebrow shapes affect perceived age?
The shape of the eyebrows has a major impact on how old or young you look. Here’s how different eyebrow shapes tend to age a person:
| Eyebrow Shape | Effect on Perceived Age |
|---|---|
| High, arched shape | Makes you look younger |
| Flat, straight shape | Ages you and looks stern |
| Rounded shape | Appears softer and more youthful |
| Angled or sharply peaked | Can sharpen features in a flattering way |
| Short, sparse brows | Ages you by exposing more eyelid skin |
| Down-turned ends | Creates a sad, tired appearance |
As you can see, an arched brow is universally flattering and youthful. Avoid flat, sparse, downturned, or overly angular shapes if your goal is looking refreshed and younger.
How are eyebrows shaped?
There are a few ways to shape your eyebrows into a flattering, arched look:
Tweezing
Tweezing hairs with precision can sculpt brows into the ideal curve. It allows for control over fine details. Only tweeze in the direction of hair growth to avoid breakage. Never over-tweeze or remove too much hair.
Waxing
Brow waxing with a professional or at-home kit can quickly shape the brows by removing many hairs at once. The results also tend to last longer than tweezing. Be cautious not to wax off too much.
Threading
Eyebrow threading is a technique that uses a twisted cotton thread to pull out individual hairs. It offers precise control for shaping. Results can last up to 6 weeks. Redness and irritation can occur.
Brow mapping
Brow mapping involves using a stencil, pencil, or professional tool to map out the optimal brow shape. You then tweeze, wax, or thread along the outline. This technique ensures symmetry.
How high should arched eyebrows be?
When shaping brows into an arch, aim for these landmarks:
- The inner corners should line up with the inner corners of the eyes and nose.
- The arch peak should be above the outer edge of the iris.
- The tails should end at an imaginary line drawn from the outer nose across the eye.
Make sure both brows are symmetrical. The arch height and width should match on both sides.
What if you have hooded eyes?
For hooded eyes, extend the tail slightly longer to lift the hooding. Create a higher arch to open up more lid space. Avoid any down-turned tips, as that will close off the eyes. An angled brow helps counteract heavy hoods.
Steps for shaping eyebrows
Here is a step-by-step process for shaping your eyebrows into a flattering, youthful arch:
- Brush brows upward and outward to see the natural shape.
- Using a brow pencil, map out your desired shape.
- Tweeze, wax, or thread hairs outside of the pencil line.
- Tweeze stray hairs underneath the brow to clean up.
- Brush brows back into place and use brow gel to set.
- Fill in any sparse areas with light strokes of a brow pencil or powder.
Always blend the pencil for a natural look. Avoid going more than two shades lighter or darker than your brows.
Brow shaping tips
- Avoid over-tweezing or removing too much hair at once.
- Brush brows upward first to see the shape and direction of growth.
- Tweeze strays only underneath the brow arch.
- Just a slight arch lifts the eyes—don’t go overboard.
- Use short feathery strokes when filling in with pencil.
Conclusion
The most youthful eyebrow shape is a gentle, natural-looking arch. An arched brow lifts the eye area and opens up the face. Use brow mapping techniques when tweezing, waxing, or threading to achieve symmetry. For hooded eyes, extend the tail and create a higher arch. Avoid over-tweezing or making brows too thin. With the right shaping, your eyebrows can take years off your looks.
