A money-savvy individual who likes to keep an efficient eye over their finances and write about ways to optimise their resources.

Microbladding Tip

When it comes to microblading, you might be wondering how much you should be adding on as an extra tip. Microblading is a tough skill, and it can be very challenging to get right. The skill, precision, and technique involved can be hugely impressive. With that in mind, you might want to work with someone who can carry out microblading without making a mistake.

If you find someone good enough to go error-free in this tough technique, you should consider adding a tip. Good microblading technicians are hard to find, so locating someone who meets the expected standard should be a tippable experience. However, the only question you might have is quite a simple one: how much to tip for microblading services?

Tipping is, in many parts of the world, customary. What is less set in stone, though, is the amount. If you intend to head in for some microblading techniques and treatment, then you should absolutely look to focus on the tip you are going to be paying out.

So, with that in mind, how much should you tip for microblading?

Why Microblading Should Deserve a Tip

If you have ever sat through a microblading session, you will realize the investment in time needed by the experts. If you watch them deliver the technique, it is a hugely precise skill. It can be akin to getting a tattoo done, such is the level of precision and hand-to-eye coordination needed. If you would go for a tattoo and add a bit on top, then you should definitely think about adding on a tip for microblading!

These specialists know how hard they work and how challenging it is to get the exact kind of finish that you are looking for. However, the reason to tip purely comes down to the skill. While the actual price of a microblading session might seem outside of the normal means of tipping, the level of skill, organization, and preparation needed is incredible. Therefore, the person carrying this technique out is very much worth a little bit on top from you.

Spend a time in a session, and by the end, you should find it very hard to justify not including a tip. You should immediately notice just how much precision is needed and why the bar for microblading training is so high. Those who can offer this specialist service have undergone a huge amount of discipline and training; they should be respected as experts of their craft.

If you would tip for just about any other salon service, you should definitely consider your microblading practitioner worthy of tipping.

How Much Should You Tip for Microblading?

If you intend to go ahead and start tipping for microblading, you'll want to make sure you offer over a good tip. Some think that something in the range of 5-10% is enough, but most would recommend that you start your tip at the 15-20% range. Obviously, if you are not happy with the end result, tipping would not be expected, but if you feel like the practitioner has pulled off an impressive finish, microblading should be tipped at around the 15 to 20% mark.

However, it depends on how much work is being done. If you go for a shorter session of microblading, then a tip in the 10-15% range is enough. For longer sessions, even multi-session, you might want to go to the 15-20% range. Really, it depends on what you can afford, how much you feel the service was worth, and how happy you are with the end results.

Given that microblading can last for a long time and a good experience is one that can make you feel really confident in your look, tipping a bit on top is worthwhile. You could spend a lot of time and money trying to match this look on your own and reach nothing like the same quality as a microblading specialist can manage in a fraction of the time.

So, try to keep that in mind as you think about tipping for microblading. If you are left with a look that you are happy with, you should always add on a little on top for the overall quality of the service. It just depends on how much your process cost, as microblading can be pretty expensive. Given the cost, though, it should make you appreciate the specialist skills of the person involved. So, should you tip for microblading? Yes! However, how much you tip is down to your own interpretation and financial position.

Alternatives to Tipping

Don't think that tipping your microblade technician just needs to be monetary either; there is a whole array of different options to show that you're appreciative for the work they have carried out. You can show your appreciation through a certain gift that you or even something like voucher codes (I would generally recommend that is something useful like an Amazon gift card that opens a wide range of opportunities for them to utilize).

On the other hand, don't feel like it is something that you have to do and that's obligatory by any means, you don't have to tip your microblade tech, especially if you don't think that they have done a particularly good job or the service that you received was below par. You can simply pay the required fee and not offer anything on top; that's entirely your choice. Any 'tips' that you offer should be very appreciative of and typically goes a long way when you want to continue the relationship into the future for future microblading sessions.

We'd love to know if you have any other experiences regarding tipping microblade technicians. Is it something you do, and how much do you typically tip? Why do you, and why don't you tip? If you can leave your comments down in the comments section below, we'd love to hear about it.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

© 2021 Russel Garret

Punkmarkgirl is a freelance writer with a passion for DIY projects, natural health, and makeup featuring the best products for oily skin.

If you’ve ever visited a professional makeup artist, she will tell you that your eyebrows are the most important feature on your face. They can completely change your appearance, and either enhance or undermine your looks.

After you’ve carefully filled in your brows to create the perfect shape, it’s essential to seal them into place—especially if you have oily skin, or will be out in the hot sun. Hot, humid weather combined with skin oils will cause pigments in makeup to deteriorate quickly. Using an eyebrow sealer will dramatically lengthen the amount of time your eyebrow color stays in place. Here are some steps you can take to make your eyebrow pencil or powder last extra long.

Step 1: Prep With Oil-Absorbent Face Powder

After using your regular foundation, blush, and bronzer, apply a transparent oil-absorbent setting powder to your entire face. It blends best when applied using a fluffy powder brush. Pay special attention to your eyebrow area by wiggling the brush onto brows until the powder disappears. Remember—oily skin is kryptonite for makeup! As soon as oil begins to surface, it will start disintegrating your makeup. Using an oil-absorbing powder such as Mattify Cosmetics ULTRA Powder will prevent makeup from fading, streaking, and smudging.

Step 2: Apply Waterproof Eyebrow Pencil

Fill in and shape your brows using your regular technique. For first-time users, brow pencils are a bit easier to apply than powder. Waterproof eyebrow pencil works best for long wear and is easy to apply, but some people prefer using powder eyebrow filler plus a wax overlay. That works well too; just be sure to apply the wax layer over the powder, or your brows will smudge in no time!

Sephora’s Waterproof Brow Pencil and NYX Eyebrow Cake Powder are two good picks for brow shaping.

Step 3: Apply Eyebrow Sealer

Once your brows are filled and shaped to your liking, apply a thin coat of clear eyebrow sealer. This will ensure that your brows stay smudge-proof, and most formulas will make all types of brow color waterproof. Some brands come with a mascara wand, to create fuller brows. Other brands have a nail-polish-style brush, with which you can seal the entire brow.

Three of the best eyebrow sealers are Model in a Bottle Sealer, LaFemme Sealer, and MUFE Eyebrow Gel. They feel lightweight and provide a soft, matte, shine-free finish. Brow sealers prevent pencil and powder brow fillers from smudging for hours, and will resist water, heat, sweat, and oil.

Additional Tips for Perfect Eyebrows

• To further accentuate the arch of your eyebrow, and to brighten up the entire eye area, apply white eyeliner, like NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil or a light concealer, under and around the brows before applying brow pencil.

• Adding a shimmery white eye shadow, like Mattify Cosmetics' Snow Bunny, to the inner corners of the eyes and under brow bone will brighten your eye area for a wide-eyed, youthful look.

Eyebrows: Before and After

Don't believe that eyebrows can make all the difference in your look? Check out these amazing "before" and "after" pictures. Eyebrows add structure to your face and accentuate your features. Even if you wear no other makeup, make sure you have neatly trimmed and groomed eyebrows!

Comments

Ashley Bergin (author) from san francisco on February 27, 2018:

LOL Cheryl - yes you definitely need to be careful if using a liquid eyebrow filler, or you risk the whole "I drew my brows on with a Sharpie" look. When using a liquid or pen-style filler, it's important to first brush your natural brows upward, use whispy motions to fill the spaces between, then brush the brows back into place.

Cheryl on February 26, 2018:

I think the permanent marker eyebrows look like those worn by a hooker or a mannequin. For a nightclub maybe but for daily wear they look stark and unattractive. They DO NOT look natural at all - soften the look up so you don't look like a cyborg.

VirginiaLynne is a 60s-something mom of 5 adults who seeks ways to stay healthy and look her best. She loves sharing her creative tips!

At 55, I was lucky my hair was not too grey. However, my eyebrows were a different matter—they were about 50% grey and made me feel old. Since my early 50s, I've been searching the cosmetic counter and the internet for the best way to cover up grey eyebrows. Over the past ten years, I've tried all of the following techniques.

5 Ways to Cover Grey Eyebrows

1. Pluck your eyebrows: Plucking out the grey can work if you have plenty of eyebrows to lose. Try that when you first start seeing grey hairs. Keep it up until you don't have enough left after plucking.
2. Use an eyebrow pencil or eye shadow: You can cover the grey with a pencil or shadow. Also, you can pluck all the hairs out and draw in eyebrows to look as dramatic as you want (this is less popular now than it was in the 1950s, but why not start a trend?)
3. Use mascara: Several cosmetic products can cover up the grey (see below for my review of the best types). I keep more than one on hand, depending on how dramatic I want my eyebrows to be that day.
4. Use root touch-up products: For a long time, my favorite technique was to use a temporary root touch-up product. I've found that it works great on eyebrows and covers for the full day unless you go swimming. I also like the attached brush because it helps groom my eyebrows better.
5. Use permanent dye: Now that I'm close to 60, I've finally settled on this technique as my main way of keeping my eyebrows dark.

1. Pluck Out the Grey

When I first saw grey hairs, I just plucked them out. The problem? I often plucked out dark ones too. That was frustrating and became impractical as I got older, and there simply weren't many dark hairs left! However, if you just have a few white ones, this is easy. Here are my tips:

• Use good tweezers: This technique worked better when I found very pointed tweezers that helped me grab just the hair I wanted to pluck.
• Pick out the worst offenders: Even though I am no longer plucking out most of the grey hairs, I find that it helps if I pluck out the white hairs that are very prominent and stand out. Or, maybe that just makes me feel better!

2. Eye Brow Pencil

When I had too many white hairs to pluck, my mother suggested using a soft eye shadow pencil.

• Eye shadow vs. eyebrow pencil: Of course, there are products called "eyebrow pencils," which you can also try. However, I find many of these tend to be aimed at coloring the skin behind the hairs. Using eye shadow pencil colors the hairs by coating them with an oily powder. It works a lot better than I expected.
• Eyeliner: For a really dramatic look, you can try a liquid eyeliner. That doesn't fit my style, but that might be a good technique, especially for a night out.
• Quick and easy: I have tried different brands but found that the NYX micro brow pencil works the very best. In fact, I found it sort of miraculous how it can make my white hairs disappear when you brush it across. Even though my eyebrow hairs are black, I used a medium brown, and it worked fine.

3. Mascara

When I began getting even more white hairs after I turned 50, I was starting to get desperate. So I turned to another easy solution using something I already had in my make-up box—mascara.

This is a super easy fix since you probably already have mascara you can use. Also, it is easy to wash it off and try again if you don't like how it looks. To do it, just brush the mascara across the eyebrow before or after doing your lashes. If you use waterproof mascara, it does last when you are swimming, unlike the temporary dye.

The only problem is a tendency to smudge a bit on the skin around the eyebrow, especially if the mascara is new. Also, it does tend to get a bit clumpy if you have thick eyebrow hairs like I do. Even so, I used this method for about a year while hunting for something else. Moreover, I still use this often as a quick fix as I'm heading out the door or in-between dying my brows.

4. Root Touch-Up Products

I love this No Gray Quick Fix root touch-up product! After about five years of using other techniques, I finally found a temporary root color that comes in a mascara-like container. It is not labeled for eyebrows, but it works great. Here are the advantages:

• Easy to use: This color can be brushed on just like mascara and lasts the whole day if you don't get it wet. If you wash your face or go swimming, it is gone, but if you don't get it wet, you'll have brows all day.
• Looks natural: The best part about this product is that it is much thinner than mascara, so your eyebrows look more natural. If I'm careful not to touch them when I wash my face, it will last overnight.
• Good for touch-ups: After I started using a permanent product, I still found that I need this to touch up and add a little fullness of color.
• A brush helps to shape: I also use the brush to just go over my brows and make them look good before heading out for my day.

Unfortunately, it isn't easy to find this product. I first found it at Walmart, but when I couldn't get it there anymore, I found it on Amazon. I've included the link so you can see what it looks like. Many reviews say it doesn't work well to cover roots, and I actually can't imagine using it for that since it tends to make the hairs thicker. However, it does work great on eyebrows. It lasts as long as any mascara, so it is a pretty good deal for about $6.00.

Note: It isn't labeled for facial use. I've found out that companies doing facial dye have trouble marketing it to consumers without having liability problems. (I suppose some people might slip and poke their eyes, and if that's you, then you shouldn't be trying to do this yourself anyway.)

6. Permanent Dye

After about a year of using root touch-ups, I finally decided to take the plunge and move to permanent dye after hearing from one of my students that this worked for her. While I still use the other techniques in between treatments, I now use permanent dye about once a month. I've been using permanent dye for over 7 years, and I've only bought two kits. I bought this Refectocil Color Kit over three years ago, and I still have enough left for about six months. That's cheaper than mascara!

How Long Does It Take?

It actually takes only 5–10 minutes, and if you don't think it is dark enough or you missed some parts, you can do it again. As I've gotten greyer, I've actually started leaving it on longer, up to an hour or so, because I like the fact that it dyes the skin slightly and makes my eyebrows look fuller. However, I have to say that the sight of me with eyebrow dye on is a bit frightening to my family!

How to Use Permanent Dye on Your Eyebrows

There are several types of permanent dyes, so you need to follow the directions of the one you buy, but most of them have you mix a thick dye solution with an activator before putting it on your brows. Here are the steps of the one I've been using:

Steps:

1. Wash your eyebrows with soap and water and dry them carefully.
2. Mix up the dye and the oxidant in a bowl. I just do about a pea-sized ball of the dye and about the same amount of oxidant, which seems to work great.
3. Use the brush included in the kit or a Q-tip to put the dye on each hair. I brush lightly back and forth to get both sides. Be careful not to touch your skin, though. I just brush above the root line. The instructions say to cover around the brow with Vaseline, and that might help, but I'm too lazy to do that and generally don't have a problem.
4. Wait about five minutes, and then wash your brows with soap and water. That's it!

Tips

• Sometimes I still see some gray after finishing, and then I brush those again with more dye.
• If you get some dye on your skin, you can use stain remover (you have to buy this separately). Use a Q-tip soaked in the stain remover. I had stain remover leftover from my previous dye, and I use that. However, I should say that it smells suspiciously like diluted Clorox. Of course, you don't want to get Clorox in your eye, so be sure you don't soak the stain remover until it is dripping off; just a little bit works. It was actually a lot easier to do stain removal than I imagined, and I think that you probably can wash it off with soap and a little scrubbing too.
• Which color to choose? My eyebrow hairs are (were!) black, but I got the brown dye, and it looks fine. I decided brown might help me avoid making my eyebrows look too dark, and it does.
• Final Tip: I've started using the leftover dye on the brush to also color those pesky grey sideburns I have or other stray grey hairs at the back of my neck.

Have a Professional Dye Your Eyebrows

If you have your hair colored at a salon, they may do your eyebrows at the same time. Otherwise, you can easily do this yourself at home. Better yet, it is very cheap.

I've never had my brows done professionally, but I understand from my research that they do something pretty similar to what you can do at home. If you get your hair colored regularly, you might as well have them do your brows, too. However, I can't imagine going in for a treatment I can do at home in 5–10 minutes.

Comparing Techniques

Pros and Cons to Permanent Dye

Advantages:

• Dying will last the longest, and you don't have to worry about water or whether you put your make-up on before you head out the door.
• If you dye your eyebrows and your hair, it doesn't cost anything more since you can probably use the same dye. I used my first dye kit for about 18 months, and my Reflectol kit has lasted even longer. The tutorial video below shows you how to do it. She uses "Just for Men," which basically works the same as the Reflectol but doesn't last quite as long in my experience. My kit came with an eyebrow brush that works great.

Disadvantages:

• The biggest disadvantage I've heard about is that you do tend to dye the skin, too—this is what kept me from trying this for so long. I could just picture two big black patches over my eyes! However, when I actually tried it, I found that it wasn't at all hard to keep the dye on the hairs. Also, if I did get the dye on my skin, it was easy to get off.
• The eyebrow dye doesn't last as long as a hair dye, probably because the eyebrow hairs are so short and any white "root" growing in shows up pretty easily. That means that if you have it done along with your hair, you may have to do some touching up in-between treatments using some of the other techniques. Or you could just touch up with a home dye kit. In fact, once you try it at home, I suspect you won't worry about having it done professionally.

Update on Turning 60

I'm getting a bit older, and my eyebrows are getting greyer. Still, I've been using the same Refectocil Permanent Dye kit now for almost three years, and I still have at least enough for another six months. One thing I did start doing differently over the past year is to leave the dye on a lot longer—about an hour or so. This actually does "dye" the skin behind my eyebrow hairs a bit which acts like a brow pencil to fill them in. Better yet, this seems to make it last a lot longer. However, while I do a treatment, it does make me look pretty scary to my family, and I once forgot to wash it off before leaving the house!

You might notice in the photo below that I've also been creative in finding ways to cover the grey in my long hair.

Eyebrow Poll

What Tips Can You Share?

Do you have another tip? Unfortunately, I'm probably not going to have my eyebrows turn back to black, so I'd love to hear if you have any other ideas. Leave a comment to share!

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

Questions & Answers

Question: Can eyebrows be dyed with men's mustache products?

Answer: I believe the men's mustache products probably also work for eyebrows. The reason I've chosen to use the product I've listed is that you don't have to mix any more than you need. My tube and bottle of active solution have lasted over 2 years.

Question: Do you think using "A Touch of Grey" will make eyebrows fall out?

Answer: I have had excellent success with Refectocil dye and have never tried "A Touch of Grey" so I can't say for sure, but I don't think eyebrows falling out would be a big problem unless you were sensitive to the dye. However, if you are concerned, I would have to say that I've had no problems with the Refectocil dye and the kit I have now is only 1/3 used and I've had it for 3 years, so in the end, it is pretty cheap.

Question: What eye shadow pencil are you using? I don’t like the skinny eyebrow pencil, but need to cover over the gray hairs and fill in the brow area also.

Answer: I've used a variety of eye shadow pencils. The key is to look for one that is soft and big, not hard and skinny. Most of the major brands in my grocery store carry these in the eye shadow section. Then you need to find one that matches your eyebrows. Although my brows are black, I find a dark brown works well.

Comments

Virginia Kearney (author) from United States on October 09, 2019:

Hi Debbie--thanks for adding your ideas! I think that using a different color on the grey is a great idea to make a more natural look.

Debbie Burke on October 09, 2019:

I had been getting my hair dyed at a salon for years. $$$ when I lost my job, I decided to do it myself. I have dark brown hair and my gray is primarily around my face. I chose a light auburn so the grays come out as highlights. Then I tried putting highlights all over my head by coating certain strands with conditioner before putting on the dye. The red doesn’t absorb completely, leaving the strands lighter. So I end up with a subtle red tint over the brown, lighter auburn highlights and bright highlights around my face where the gray is. Not describing well, but I’m always asked what salon I use.

Virginia Kearney (author) from United States on November 30, 2018:

That is interesting Devorah. However, my mother experienced a lot of loss of her eyebrow hairs later in life. So much so that when I tried to dye them, it looked like she had just a couple of blobs over her eyes rather than a line. So I think I'd be careful about anything which would stop hairs from growing.

Devorah Marks on November 29, 2018:

I have a"sprinkle" of grey hairs on my eyebrows have foundelectrolysis treatment to be effective in removing these Also the treatment gradually weakens the treated hair growth until it ceases growing Obviously this treatment would not be suitable for totally/almost all grey eyebrows I go every 5/6 weeks fort treatment Treatment involves applying electric urrent through a needle to individual hair root I am world's worst coward when it comes to pain- * I have never found this treatment to e off putting Also the strength of the current can be regulated "up" or "down" to met individual needs All practitioners have to be fully trained/qualified by Institute of Electrolysis

Ellen on November 16, 2017:

I understand believing that your eyebrows were black, but given your coloring, they never were really black. A lot of people with hair that looks black is actually a very, very dark brown, and you could only tell the difference if they were to put on black dye, and then you would see how artificial it looked. The only people who actually have black hair and eye brows seem to be some -- but not all, by any means -- Latinos, some Native Americans, Inuit, and Asians. Otherwise, I would say you just never had a truly black hair on your head. Or anywhere else. Just a color that in makeup is called "brownish black".

CeCe on September 04, 2017:

I use men's beard and mustache dye. It works perfectly but only lasts two weeks or so. Just use a little and put it on with a tooth pick.

Virginia Kearney (author) from United States on August 28, 2017:

Hi Kathybev! What a great idea to use sharpies. They come in a lot of colors and I bet they would last a while. Cheap too! I'm going to give that a try and add it to my list of ideas!

kathybev on August 28, 2017:

Black Sharpies have been working wonders for years. It's fun to color in those silver eyebrow hairs with a Sharpie and it lasts a few days. It's very quick and easy to do.

I starting using Sharpies when my hair started turning gray to just color those stray strands. After I began dying my hair, I used them to touch up between colorings. Finally, when I decided to grow out my gray hair, I used black, brown and silver Sharpies to blend my darkly dyed hair until it was fully gray. Silver Sharpies color over dark hair really well.

Now that I am seeing little silver hairs pop up in my brows, a quick swipe with a black Sharpie is all I need.

Jillian on August 18, 2017:

Thank you for tips

Virginia Kearney (author) from United States on June 01, 2017:

Hi Linda! Thanks for the tip. That could be a good idea for other people with light eyebrows.

Linda on June 01, 2017:

I found this by mistake. I have dyed blond hair and blondish brown eyebrows. I use my liquid concealer make up lightly across my brow lashes for a quick fix.

Virginia Kearney (author) from United States on April 25, 2017:

Hi, Emily! I agree that waterproof mascara is the best once-a-day solution for me too. I tend to get lazy and not dye as often as I should and so I use the mascara to touch-up. One other nice part about the mascara is that it lets me brush my brows in the right direction and tends to keep them that way. However, my daughter gave me a "brow mascara" recently and I do like the fact that the brush is smaller and really does work better on my eyebrows. I need to add that brand to my review. I don't know of a gun metal mascara but I bet there is one out there because of the trend in new hair colors.

Emily on April 24, 2017:

My left eyebrow is turning gray at a rapid pace and my right has very little. My brows are black and I use a waterproof mascara in brown/black. I have tried the brow mascara but find they don't last all day like and eyelash mascara. I have been looking for a gun metal colour for mascara as my hair is naturally gray now and I wear that shade for eyeliner. It is a lighter shade then black. I took the plunge a few years ago and let my hair grow out and love it. I wished I had of done this years ago, but I am not liking the gray eyebrows.

Virginia Kearney (author) from United States on March 31, 2017:

Hi Vicki--I'd suggest that you might want to try using a light colored mascara. That will thicken them and also should keep them more in place. Good luck!

Vicki Spatz on March 31, 2017:

I have grey, very thin unruly (especially on the left brow). I have been using grandelashmd brow (light) I'm very pale. However I can't get the unruly ones to stay down. I want to go get them professionally done but I'm afraid of them looking like catipillers (spelling?)! I am 58 but even if I were younger I hate that weird look. What should I do?

Virginia Kearney (author) from United States on March 26, 2017:

I love this idea! I may give it a try.

another guy on March 23, 2017:

As a guy that has a full head of dark brown hair, but mostly grey eyebrows that make me look 10 years older, I took to using a simple magic marker to give me back my bold eyebrows! It works pretty well! A friend asked if I got a haircut, and I said no. He wanted to know why I looked younger, and I said: It's the eyebrows. Then he noticed! He has somewhat lighter hair so he started doing the same with a dark brown marker and he definitely looks at least 5 years younger. It's worth a try! Usually lasts a day or so. I just added it to my shower routine, bringing the marker and a decent pair of reading glasses in to the bathroom.

Virginia Kearney (author) from United States on May 18, 2016:

Thanks ms! The more ideas the better! The dye that I have linked in this hub is actually working even better than the dye I originally got. I generally actually leave it on (just a small brush on) until I take a shower. It lasts at least 3-4 weeks.

ms on May 18, 2016:

I have great eyebrows ((I think!) but prematurely grey. I use a waterproof eye brow (actually I'm using a lip pencil) found one that's a really natural auburn. Instead of spending money on the ones with gel, I fill a tiny bottle with hairspray, spritz just a little on my finger and dab on brows. Perfection and lasts and lasts. Dying them when I dye my hair goes away in a couple of days. Just FYI!

A guy on March 02, 2016:

Yah some guys don't like grey hair either. Roux Fancy Ful colour styling mousse . In a blue 6 oz. aerosol can. Washes out, but quick. Also covers mysterious grey patches that show up in your hair.

Besarien from South Florida on November 16, 2014:

I had never heard or thought of using nail polish on eye brow. I don't have grey yet but will keep it in mind for when it does show up. Great hub!

Virginia Kearney (author) from United States on October 31, 2014:

Mary--I had not thought about men. This would have helped my dad since he had nice black hair but found his facial hair got grey early. Great tip!

Mary tirpack on October 31, 2014:

Use just for men for beards and mustach, it works better on the stubborn grey eyebrows

Virginia Kearney (author) from United States on April 09, 2014:

Hi Jo--I actually had written the letters wrong (they had worn off the label). When I looked it up on Amazon, I realized the brand is NYX. I've put a link to the shade I use, but you can find other colors on Amazon too.

Jo on April 09, 2014:

Hi, thanks for the help with grey eyebrows! I can't find the NYT eyeshadow pencil anywhere. I also tried NYC and NYX. Can you help?

Amie Butchko from Warwick, NY on February 21, 2014:

GREAT hub with surprising info and a wonderful video. I will certainly benefit from your expertise!

Lori Colbo from United States on October 11, 2013:

Great topic Virginia. Your topics are versatile. I decided a three years ago to stop coloring my hair. I always hate the process. It's messy and time consuming whether you do it at home or in the parlor. I found myself going longer and longer between colorings simply because I hated doing it. As a 50 something my hair grew grayer. I found all of a sudden people saying, "Oh you highlighted your hair. It's so beautiful." Or "Oh, I love the shade of gray you're using." That clinched it. I am now a proud, gray haired woman. And with four boys and 13 grands, I earned every one of them.

The eyebrows are another matter altogether. They are about 75 to 80 % gray and with being a fair skinned woman, you can't see them except for the scanty dark ones. I have always hated plucking. It's too time consuming and frustrating because like you, I end up plucking out the colored ones. I am just not good at doing it and it takes me forever. Now there are just too many to pluck. My eyesight is too poor to see them anyway and if you put glasses on, well, just adds to the challenge. So I like your ideas.

Gabby Stevens on August 28, 2013:

Very interesting and helpful. I feel like I am always messing with my eyebrows and they look a different color everyday so this should for help me out!

Virginia Kearney (author) from United States on August 28, 2013:

Isabel--thanks for telling your story. I have a couple of friends with that skin condition. I did not know that it can also affect hair. I am glad to hear that the salon dye works well. I may have to try that, especially in the summer. I found that when it was very hot and I was outside or in the pool a lot it was hard to keep up with my eyebrow color!

Isabel Hernandez on August 28, 2013:

Although I am only 18, I have a skin condition that takes away the pigment of my skin called vitiligo. In addition to the pigment, it makes my eyebrows, and a few eye lashes, white. Of course, being a teenager who is supposed to be in her prime, this condition makes putting on makeup a little more tedious than it used to be. Thankfully I have dark enough hair that I simply use black eye shadow and an eyebrow brush to cover it up. However, it usually leaves my skin colored and my left eyebrow darker than my right. I found the easiest solution for me is to go to the salon and get my eyebrow dyed. It takes a while but it lasts for a long time and when I notice it wearing off, I simply apply eye shadow. The problem stated above about it staining your skin is not really a problem, at least not for me. The lady doing my eyebrows usually has something to take it off the skin. Although she cannot take off most of it, the stained skin usually wears off in a day or two. Also, if you have a steady enough hand, you can simply use regular mascara and gently swipe your eyebrow!

I have worked as a beauty therapist, a freelance makeup artist, and a retail store manager for a fashion, beauty, and crafts store.

How many of us have admired a baby’s long eyelashes enviously and wished for those beautiful, long lashes? Do you get jealous of a friend's perfectly shaped and healthy-looking eyebrows?

Thin or sparse eyelashes can be due to poor diet, age, heredity, over-use of cosmetics, or over-plucking.

Castor oil is a one-stop treatment for healthy eyelashes and eyebrows. Beautiful lashes and shapely, bushy eyebrows are achievable through simple steps you can take at home.

How to Use Castor Oil for Beautiful Eyelashes

You Will Need:

• Castor oil
• A clean eyeliner brush, mascara wand, or a Q-tip

Method:

• Cleanse the face and eye area as you normally would.
• Dip a clean mascara wand lightly into castor oil. Tap off excess.
• Starting at the inner corner of the eye, coat the lashes from root to tip, working across until all the lashes are coated.
• Repeat on the other eye.
• Use a Q-tip under eye area to remove any excess.
• Leave on overnight and remove in the morning by gently cleansing the eye area (if you don't clean off the oil, makeup won't stay on).

Thicker Eyelashes With Castor Oil

How to Use Castor Oil for Healthy, Beautiful Eyebrows

You Will Need:

• Castor oil
• Q-tip or clean eyeliner brush or comb

Method:

• Cleanse the skin as normal, making sure to include the eyebrows. Pat the brows with toner or water to remove any excess oil.
• Dip the Q-tip into the castor oil. Tap off excess.
• Apply onto the eyebrow, moving in the direction of hair growth.
• Use the Q-tip's dry end to remove excess oil around the eyebrow.
• Leave on overnight.
• Wash the face as normal in the morning.

Benefits of Castor Oil

Jamaican is the purest and highest quality of castor oil. It is raw and unrefined, so retains all or most of the nutrients.

When deciding to buy castor oil, make sure you look for the words cold-pressed or cold-processed on the label.

This emollient comes from the castor bean or seed. It is a very pale yellow or colourless liquid with an either mild or nonexistent odour. It is used in products including perfume and soap and has health benefits and uses, including:

• Laxative
• Helps skin disorders
• Rich in Vitamin E
• Rich in essential fatty acids
• Promotes hair growth
• Slows hair thinning
• Treats dry, itchy scalp
• Antifungal
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Antibacterial properties
• Eases abdominal complaints and muscular pain
• Acne
• Headaches
• Induces Labour (being heavily researched)
• Sunburn
• Enhances memory (according to Ayurvedic medicine)

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

How to Get Beautiful Eyelashes and Eyebrows with Castor Oil Comments

Sara on December 17, 2019:

How many times do i need to use it to see results?

margaritta on January 19, 2018:

It's amazing, you are telling about the topic in entertaining + scientific manner, I love that!! I was using castor oil for so many things in my life, - for purifying, improving my skin, hair, and eyelashes too... Just I got tired of it at one moment and started to try smth new... For now I only approved for myself Cherish Lash serum - it's not as chemical as other serums on the market, and extremely resultative. But maybe it's time to return to the old method?? :) Thank you a lot!!

Anna on September 04, 2017:

Thank you so much for such a detailed description - of course I knew about Castor Oil, but you are explaining with more nuances... I actually avoid to use it, because it feels too heavy on my skin and makes my eyes uncomfortable. I don't know what I would do with my short eyelashes, if I didn't find the Cherish Lash balm. I could compare its effect with good oils, but quicker and more intensive. Thanks again for the review!!

sabrina fialho on May 30, 2017:

sabrina fialho

mumbai, india

i apply simple castor oil on my eye brows past one month and its become dark and my eyebrows have grown.

Suzie from Carson City on September 05, 2015:

Suzie...I thought you may like to know that I've done the Castor oil routine with my lashes for quite a while. IT WORKS. My lashes are thicker, even a bit longer and look "healthier"

Thanks for helping out an older grandma to be a Sexy Mama.(?) Now, if you would please, send me a tall, handsome sexy Irishman who wants to watch me bat my lashes......Thank you.

In all fairness, make sure he understands that's about ALL I do. Love you Suzie........Paula

aayushi on September 05, 2015:

hi! density of my eyebrows and eyelashes is very less.

i could not get cold pressed castor oil so i got refiined castor oil.

So, does using refined castor oil on eyebrows harmful in any way .

like can i use it on me eyebrows

Shauna L Bowling from Central Florida on July 21, 2015:

Suzie, I'm definitely going to give this try. My lashes aren't what they used to be. Thanx for the tip!

umaima on January 21, 2015:

Hi!can i use thz tip to my baby????

Musu Bangura from Nation's Capital on March 16, 2014:

Another reason for me to use castor oil. I've learned it's also good for hair and sin issues. Thanks for sharing this information! Voted up.

Girly on February 20, 2014:

Hi Suzie

Thank you for sharing. I have heard about Jamaican black castor oil but i can't seem to find it. I tried Boots and most pharmacies. Do you know where I can buy it in Dublin,Ireland? Please help as I really want to give it a try

Lola from London on January 28, 2014:

Interesting. I'll have to give this ago. I had my eyelashes done and they totally ruined them.

https://hubpages.com/@theseshoes

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on November 04, 2013:

Cheers Vishakha,

So glad you enjoyed this!

Vishakha Bajaj on November 01, 2013:

Very informative hub. A big thanks for sharing this information.

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on June 06, 2013:

Hi vibesites,

Good to see you are a fan of this and are keen to give it a go, enjoy! Castor oil is marvelous for hair growth. Appreciate your votes greatly!

vibesites from United States on June 06, 2013:

This is really nice! I need to emphasize my eyes with long lashes! Thanks for your tips, I might give it a go. Up, useful. :)

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on June 03, 2013:

Hi Irc,

Castor Oil is a super oil for body, hair, face . . . . everywhere! It's been heralded as a great hair thickener so perfect for sparse eyelashes or eyebrows. Hope you find it good, you do need to keep it going for awhile. Many thanks for your interest :-)

Linda Crist from Central Virginia on June 03, 2013:

I was exploring hubs this morning and fell upon this one. It is so well written and organized perfectly that it was an easy read. It was also very informative and I am going to give castor oil a try on my skimpy lashes. Thanks for providing hope and a solution. Great job!

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on May 30, 2013:

Hi Heather,

Castor oil has benefits for hair growth that definitely make a difference so it is a mighty useful oil to have at home for a variety of benefits.Thanks for visit and comment, enjoy trying it out.

HeatherH104 from USA on May 30, 2013:

I've been self conscious with how thin my eye lashes have become with age and definitely think this is worth a try!

Great hub!

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on April 21, 2013:

Hi Thelma,

So happy to know you enjoyed this one, castor oil is a marvelous skin product too so plenty of opportunities to use it! Thanks for your support, always a pleasure to have you visit, comment and support !

Thelma Alberts from Germany on April 21, 2013:

Wow! Another great tips again. Thank you Suzie;-) I have to try this.

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on April 10, 2013:

Hi younghopes,

How good of you to comment, so glad you found interesting! Castor Oil is a great oil for many skin care products so it would never go to waste for you. Hope you give it a try sometime! Thanks again!

Shadaan Alam from India on April 10, 2013:

hi Suzie, thanks for sharing this interesting hub here, i have never used castor oil ever, but now after reading your hub i m tempted to try it out

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on April 04, 2013:

Hi livingsta,

Castor Oil is one of those great products that has so many wonderful uses in beauty care alone. It increases hair growth and takes a little time but thicker lashes and eyebrows are possible with it! Many thanks for your visit, comment, votes and share, you are wonderful!

livingsta from United Kingdom on April 04, 2013:

Hi Suzie, I have used castor oil for my hair, mixed with other oil to make it less viscous. This is the first time, i am reading about it being used for eyelashes and eyebrows. Thank you for sharing this with us. Definitely worth a try!

Votes up and sharing!

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on April 04, 2013:

Hi Dorota,

Many thanks for droppin in and for asking this question! Yes, JMCO is great to use for all hair regardless of the color. it will moisturize, thicken and increase hair growth as it increases blood flow to the scalp. Do give it a try i am sure you will love it! Thanks again!!

Dorota on April 04, 2013:

Hi Suzie,

I was thinking to use jamaican black castor oil on my hair to make them a little thicker. Do you think it's safe to use it on my medium blond hair ? It's not a natural hair color though...

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on April 04, 2013:

Hi lbjnflower,

Many thanks for dropping by, hope you enjoy it!!

Belinda Ferrell from TENN on April 04, 2013:

Hi I will surely try this

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on April 04, 2013:

Hi adrienne,

There is certainly a wealth of information here on HP, that's for sure. Many thanks for taking the time to read and comment. I hope you find this method successful it does take time. Castor oil is definitely one oil that has many uses cosmetically so will not go to waste! Appreciate your votes greatly!

Fierce Manson from Atlanta on April 03, 2013:

Hi Suzie! I have said it a thousand times HP is the best place on the net for information, and writing. This is an awesome hub I can not wait to try this. My whole life I have wanted those nice thick eyebrow, and lush lashes. Thanks so much for sharing this tip. My brows have always been thin, who knew castor oil was a way to thicken them up! Voted up and awesome!

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on April 03, 2013:

Hi FlourishAnyway,

Many thanks for your interest, castor oil is full of skin benefits and great for eyelashes and eyebrows. Appreciate your comments greatly!

FlourishAnyway from USA on April 03, 2013:

Fascinating! I have not heard of this simple and cost-effective home remedy. Thanks for sharing.

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on April 03, 2013:

Hi Jeannieinabottle!

Good to have you here, many thanks for dropping by! Castor oil is one of those products that you would not expect in a cosmetic product but it so valuable! Your bottle will not go waste that's for sure. Many thanks for votes and sharing, much appreciated!!

Jeannie Marie from Baltimore, MD on April 03, 2013:

I am always looking for new ways to get thicker eyelashes. I will be buying castor oil in the very near future. Thanks for the advice. Voted up and shared!

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on March 30, 2013:

Hi cathie,

great to have you stop by, thanks so much for commenting and delighted to hear you found informative!

Hamza Arshad from Pakistan on March 30, 2013:

I have read the topic its truly informative and i carry some new information from here thanks for sharing!

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on March 29, 2013:

Great stuff, Rebecca, enjoy!

Rebecca Furtado from Anderson, Indiana on March 29, 2013:

Will do washing out an old mascara brush as we speak.

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on March 29, 2013:

Hi Rebecca,

Many thanks for your comments and input here. I hope you find the castor oil beneficial. I know a number of friends with blonde eyelashes and eyebrows too. Look forward to hearing how you find it. If you need any tips for using color and makeup for blond eyelashes and eyebrows do drop me a mail. Many thanks again :-)

Rebecca Furtado from Anderson, Indiana on March 29, 2013:

I am going to try this. As a very blonde blonde I have very little body hair and no real eyelashes that can be seen or eye brows for that matter. It is not ageing just the way I have always been. Great Hub . I am giving it a shot will report back.

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on March 29, 2013:

Hi Cathie,

Welcome and many thanks for taking time to comment and check this out. Castor Oil is a super ingredient to have at home it is so versatile. You will need to use this for a good period of time to see results. Good luck and enjoy!

Hamza Arshad from Pakistan on March 28, 2013:

i have found it very useful.i am gonna try this for sure:)

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on November 26, 2012:

Hi Vespa,

Delighted to hear you are finding a difference in your skin with my few suggestions! Castor oil is a marvel of an ingredient you wouldn't expect to have so many benefits. Appreciate your lovely positive thumbs up on the series, I will continue to write some new DIY beauty hubs since they are proving popular, thank you so much Vespa! :-)

Vespa Woolf from Peru, South America on November 26, 2012:

I'm blown away by this hub. I just read another hub today about the health benefits of castor oil. I definitely need to get some of this stuff! I've never heard of the Jamaican black variety, though. Since my eyebrows are getting sparser and my eyelashes have never been lush and abundant, I'm definitely going to try this one. My skin is really benefiting from all your beauty tips, btw. My skin looks clearer and my pores smaller from the cider vinegar and it's softer from the tomato and other masks. Thanks so much. Please keep pumping out this beauty advice!

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on November 25, 2012:

Hi Sam,

I hope you give this a try, it definitely seems to work on hair growth over time. Thanks so much for your input and comments, much appreciated as always. Delighted to have you stop by and take an interest! :-)

Samantha Harris from New York on November 25, 2012:

Thank you so much! I asked my mom to tweeze my eyebrows when I was pretty young and she always did it so thin. Now that I'm older I prefer fuller, more natural looking eyebrows, but the hair won't grow back in some spots T_T. Now I'm going to use your tips to help my poor eyebrows!

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on November 24, 2012:

Hi randomcreative,

I am so pleased you enjoyed this, it is amazing the things that you can use the most unlikeliest ingredients for, like castor oil! Appreciate your comments, thanks so much!

Rose Clearfield from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on November 24, 2012:

I had no idea that you could use castor oil on eyelashes and eyebrows! You learn something new everyday. Thanks for the great information here.

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on November 24, 2012:

Hi Crystal,

Good to see you again, delighted you enjoyed. I know, many people have had the castor oil in childhood and not been too keen on it! Thanks for thinking of this more positively now, appreciate your votes Crystal!!

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on November 24, 2012:

Hi elle64,

Appreciate your comment, thanks for taking the interest, and hope you give it a go!

Crystal Tatum from Georgia on November 24, 2012:

Very interesting. I had a few doses of castor oil in my childhood and that experience pretty much turned me off from ever using it again, for any purpose! But I'm glad to know that it can have pleasant side effects! Voted up and interesting.

elle64 from Scandinavia on November 24, 2012:

Never heard about castor oil- thanks

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on November 24, 2012:

Hi Paula,

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!! Many thanks for your input and hopefully you will enjoy trying this out! Cheers for the up ++++, you are a star!

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on November 24, 2012:

Hi Gypsy,

Good to see you, many thanks for your votes, always great to get!! Hope you enjoy trying this out.

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on November 24, 2012:

Hi unknown spy,

That's cool to know, delighted to hear you find it good for both!! Appreciate you reading and leaving a positive comment!!

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on November 24, 2012:

Hi Jamie!

Yep, another unusual but effective little bottle! Delighted you enjoyed this so much Jamie, appreciate all the votes and sharing!! Cheers!:-)

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on November 24, 2012:

Hi heavenleigh,

Thanks very much, glad you enjoyed, appreciate your visit and comment!

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on November 24, 2012:

Hi Faythef,

Many thanks for stopping by, hope you do give it a try!

Suzie from Carson City on November 23, 2012:

Suz...I definitely will try this....and let you know how it worked......finally, a use for castor oil I can deal with!!!.........Up+++

Gypsy48 on November 23, 2012:

I will have to give this a try. Thanks for sharing, voted up and useful:)

Life Under Construction from Neverland on November 23, 2012:

hi suzie. i used castor oil for my eyebrows and for my hair. its good.

Jamie Brock from Texas on November 23, 2012:

This is very interesting! I had not heard this but I think it's definitely worth a try... thank you for another great hub! Voting up, useful, sharing :)

Heaven L Burkes from The Invincible Heart of Neverland on November 23, 2012:

Good to know! Thank you for the info. :)

Faythe Payne from USA on November 23, 2012:

Hmmm..I just may have to give this a try.

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on November 23, 2012:

Hi teaches!

Glad you are enjoying these tips so much. Hope you find this helps and I really love hearing your thoughts and comments, many thanks!!

Dianna Mendez on November 22, 2012:

I may do this, Suzie. I could use some thicker lashes. I am very thankful for all your home-made remedy options and the cost-savings it provides.

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on November 22, 2012:

Hi Bill!

LOL, thought you may have have jumped at this one to try, oh well . . . I will find 1 to be your kinda thing someday!!!

Hope you are enjoying thanksgiving, thinking of you and sending lots of good wishes for the holidays your neck of the woods! Appreciate you replying here, you are a rockstar of a follower!

Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on November 22, 2012:

LMAO! No! I love you my dear friend, but I am not doing this. :) I have been with you every step of the way with your home concoctions, but I draw the line at making beautiful eyelashes. I'm just happy I still have hair.

Have a wonderful afternoon dear friend!

I like writing about beauty and fashion topics, especially topics that require personal experience.

Remember the first time you attempted to pluck your eyebrows?

For most young women, it was painful, nerve-racking, and confusing.

I remember seeing photos of Jennifer Lopez, and I loved her eyebrows! I was 15 at the time, and I realized that I had never plucked my eyebrows. It was surprising—I had never before thought about how much eyebrows impact a person's appearance, man or woman.

By the time that I was done, one eyebrow was paper-thin, and the other was just a mess beyond what words can describe. My whole eye area was red and sore, dotted with tiny pin-pricks of blood from accidentally pinching my skin. I remember stepping back from the mirror and just falling into a heap of tears. My mother thought it was hilarious and took a photo that, to this day, I will never share.

It was definitely far from the glamorous photo of Jennifer I saw. Not only did I look like a completely different person, but it took weeks to get them back into their original over-grown, ungroomed shape.

Over the years, I went through many "oops," "oh no,” and "OMG" moments while attempting to recreate looks I’d seen on the stars. But the truth is, the reason their plucked eyebrows look so wonderful is that they are the correct shape for their eyes and faces.

How to Create the Perfect Eyebrow Shape

Instead of confusing yourself on figuring out whether your face is heart-shaped, oval-shaped, etc., it’s much easier to use these simple rules (illustrated and explained below).

Things You Will Need

• Tweezers
• White eyeliner (or something to mark your points—for beginners)
• A pencil (you can use the white eyeliner if you'd like)

Where to Begin

Preparing Your Eyebrows

1. Take your pencil and lay it vertically against your nostril so that the stick reaches up to your eyebrow. In the photos, it is listed as "A." That point is where your eyebrow should begin—mark it with your white eyeliner. Do not pluck before that point; anything after it, pluck. Plucking before that line will create more space of no hair and give the illusion that your nose is wider than it actually is. Not plucking before that line will give not only a unibrow effect but also the illusion that your nose is narrower than it may actually be.
2. Next, take the same pencil and lay it so that it begins at your nostril and passes directly over your pupil. Mark the point where the pencil intersects with your eyebrow with your white eyeliner. This point is listed in the photos as "B." This is the point where your arch should be at its highest point. How high or low is your own decision. But for beginners, a low arch is always safest.
3. Last, still working from the nostril, lay the pencil at the edge of your eye. Mark the point where the pencil crosses your eyebrow with your white eyeliner. In the photos, that point is listed as "C." This is where your eyebrow should end. Anything over that line will make your entire face appear wider and your eyes smaller while anything before that line will do the opposite.

On to the Plucking

1. Now that you've used these lines to draw your points, begin with stray-away hairs, and work your way closer to the brow. Once you've reached the actual eyebrow, stop.
2. Start back at A, but instead of plucking up, pluck from the inner edge of the brow and then out.
3. Then, ever so slightly, begin to shape your brow upward as you begin to reach your second point. You don't have to pluck too much; it's easier to go back and pluck more than to fix what's damage that's already been done. After point B, slowly begin to shape it downwards once more, making the brow thinner as you reach your final point. If it's too thick, repeat that same process until you reach your desired width and height.

Remember to do this in a mirror where you can see both eyes. When I pluck my eyebrows, I'm constantly looking from one to the other to make sure that I am in line with my natural eye shape and the shape that I'm grooming them into.

After some time, it will easier to see how your eyebrows are aligned. Regular plucking every week or so often can greatly reduce the time and pain involved.

Check out more celebrity photos and see if you can tell if they used tips like these!

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

© 2012 Amanda Carvajal

Comments

Carter on March 26, 2018:

No don't do this. Eyebrows are too far apart!

Shayla Cochran on September 09, 2017:

Please send me info on fouling hair to a carmel

Lyndsay on February 29, 2012:

Very helpful! Thanks Amanda! Keep these articles coming! You're amazing!

Linda has written content for national fashion and beauty websites. She enjoys sharing style trends and tips with her readers.

I have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly in eyebrow trends. In the 1970s, women’s eyebrows began the decade thick and natural, which was a carryover from the 60s. By mid-decade, brows were pencil thin and perfectly arched. I still recall the hours of pain and suffering to attain that perfectly fine line.

The 1980s ushered in untamed brows. They were easy to maintain but not terribly attractive when paired with big hair and exaggerated shoulder pads. Super thin brows were back in vogue during the 1990s. The first decade of the new millennium witnessed a natural and relaxed trend featuring slightly thicker brows.

Where to Start?

Today there are many eyebrow shaping options from tweezing, waxing, threading, electrolysis, and laser hair removal. It doesn’t really matter how you do it. Just pick a method that fits your schedule and budget. (For me, it’s a pair of tweezers, a magnifying mirror, and a steady hand.) But first you need to determine your face shape and corresponding brow shape.

Discover Your Face Shape

To reveal the shape of your face, pull your hair back with a headband, hair tie, or clip and stand in front of a mirror. With a dry erase marker, draw the shape of your face on the mirror surface. Stand back and pick one of the following shapes that best coincides with the outline.

Square Face

Square faces have a broad jawline in proportion to the width of the forehead. You need a brow that will add softness to the straight lines of your square face. Create a delicate arch versus a rounded or overly angular arch. If you can do it, create a straight brow line from the beginning of the brow to your natural arch. Shape a gentle curve from the peak of the arch to the end of the brow.

Round Face

A circular face is best suited for medium to full eyebrows with a pointed arch rather than rounded shape. An angular brow will offset the fullness of your round face. Rounded brows only emphasize the roundness of your face. Resist the urge to pluck your brows too thin. Thin eyebrows won't make your face look any thinner. A fuller brow will add a sense of balance to your face.

Oval Face

Oval is the perfection of face shapes. You share your face shape with Megan Fox, Kate Hudson, and Beyonce. A medium to full eyebrow is the perfect choice for your ideal symmetrical face. Be daring and do a pronounced arch. You can rock it, girl!

Heart-Shaped Face

The heart shape, or inverted triangle, is recognizable by a wide forehead, prominent cheekbones, and slender chin. Take some brow hints from the angular, square-shaped face. You are dealing with straight lines so you should opt for a softly arched eyebrow. The bulk of your face width is from the eye line to the forehead. An overly curved brow will simply draw attention to your face shape rather than detracting from it. Shoot for a fairly straight brow line with an ever-so-slight curve.

Brow Mapping

You finally discovered your face shape and matching brow style. Brow mapping is great way to determine the brow length and point where it peaks above your eye. Use a mirror and hold a thin makeup brush in a vertical line from the outer edge of your nostril straight to the inner corner of your eye. That's where your eyebrow should begin. Mark it with an eyebrow pencil.

Next hold the makeup brush diagonally from your outer nostril to the outside of your eye. Mark that spot where your brow ends. Use your makeup brush for last measurement placed diagonally from the outer part of your nostril directly across the center of your pupil. That's the location of your brow arch.

Visual Brow Mapping

Brow Shaping Methods

Whichever shaping method you choose, it not only emphasizes your eyes but also showcases your beautiful face. Always try to stay with your natural brow shape and avoid removing too many hairs. Pick one of the three most popular shaping techniques: tweezing, waxing, or threading.

1. Use a pointed or flat-head tweezer for the most economical and precise method of eliminating unkempt hairs. Tweeze each individual hair in order to carefully monitor your brow shape and contour.
2. Waxing your eyebrows is a relatively quick way to remove unwanted hair. Apply warm wax to the area below and above the browline. Let it cool and swiftly pull the hard wax or waxed cloth in the direction of your hair growth. Trim long hairs then pluck the strays.
3. Try threading to shape and remove excess brow hair. Cotton thread is twisted and pulled along the brow acting like a cowboy’s lariat to lift the hair from the follicle by the root. Threading has been used for centuries in Asian and Middle Eastern countries. It’s actually less painful than tweezing or waxing.

Eyebrow Threading

Now You're Ready

Whether you do your own thing or have your brows done professionally, you now have all the essential information you need to get started. Print out your face shape and brow description. Share it with your stylist or keep it by your side as you begin to shape your brows.

Eyebrow Touch-Up Tools

If you are new to the eyebrow grooming game, it might be a good idea to let a professional shape them for the first time. It will minimize discomfort and reduce the chances of a major mishap. You can take care of routine maintenance at home with a combination of these six handy tools:

1. Invest in a good pair of tweezers. Find some with a good grip and hair gripping power. Once you’ve been waxed or threaded you can keep your eyebrows in tip-top shape by plucking the strays every few days.
2. Get a good mirror. Go with at least 10x magnification. Any less and you’ll be straining to see fine hairs left behind.
3. Groom your brows. A combination eyebrow brush and comb will tame the wild hairs in the morning. Throw in a tube of clear brow gel to set the shape.
4. Create clean lines with an eyebrow stencil. Buy a kit with a variety of shapes and choose the one that best suits your face shape. Stencils come in handy as a guide for tweezing or filling in color.
5. Add color and definition. Eyebrow pencils, color palette kits and botanical dyes help sculpt, fill and highlight your brows.
6. A pair of brow scissors or a battery-operated trimmer should be part of your arsenal. If stray hairs grow too long these tools are critical for maintaining a tidy appearance.

Did You Know?

The Veet Canada website has a plethora of eyebrow-related facts you probably aren't aware of:

• Women can actually get eyebrow transplants! Hair transplants for eyebrows started in the 1990s and are typically performed in cases of extreme hair loss. Just like other hair transplants hairs are “harvested” from the back of the scalp and are “planted” along the brow line. Patients must trim their transplanted brow hair several times a month.

• An average eyebrow contains over 500 individual hairs.

• Eyebrows not only frame one of our most important features they serve a practical purpose as well. Eyebrows work in conjunction with lashes to protect the eyes from harmful dust and environmental particulates.

• Eyebrow pencils came into being during the 1920s.

• Women started using eyebrow combs in the 1890s as the medium of photography became increasingly popular.

• In the early 18th century fashionable women shaved their eyebrows and glued on fake eyebrows fashioned from mouse hair pelts!

© 2010 Linda Chechar

Do you have an funny or unusual eyebrow shaping experience you’d like to share? Ask a question or leave a comment!

Linda Chechar (author) from Arizona on March 07, 2011:

Christine, I've been doing it for years. Once you get the hang of it, it's easy--and cheaper than professional waxing. Good luck if you decide to give it a try. Thanks for stopping by my Hub!

ChristineVianello from Philadelphia on March 07, 2011:

I love this!! I get my eye brows waxed because I am so terrified that I may pluck too much and I will end up looking horrible. But with your tips, I may try to pluck.

Linda Chechar (author) from Arizona on December 24, 2010:

Thanks travelespresso! Yeah, who would think something as simple as eyebrows would be so complicated!

travelespresso from Somewhere in this exciting world. on December 24, 2010:

My goodness lindacee - I never knew there were so many things to consider. Nice hub.

Linda Chechar (author) from Arizona on December 22, 2010:

Sorry, chander! See what we ladies have to go through for the sake of beauty? It is a real pain--literally and figuratively!

Chander Mehra from Delhi on December 22, 2010:

God! I am so confused, both eyebrows raised and the right eye twitching!

A beauty consultant by profession, Jayne has been advising on correct skin and hair care, makeup, and other cosmetics for almost 20 years.

This is a guide to shaping, defining, filling in, taming, coloring, and maintaining eyebrows at home. And if for whatever reason you don’t have brows, find out how to draw them on and get superbly natural-looking results.

Perfect Brows May Not Be Perfect for You

Perfectly proportioned eyebrows slope upwardly two thirds of their length from the bridge of the nose and downwardly for the last third, with their highest point being directly above the outer eye corner. But most people are not blessed with perfect brows, and they wouldn't look good if they were. Proportion and position are determined by bone structure and eye shape, which is why your natural brow form will always be perfect for you.

However, leaving brows exactly as nature intended probably won't do you any favors. Unless you're very lucky, their basic shape will need cleaning up and defining, and the color may also need adjusting, especially if your hair color is not your own.

Cleaning Up

Eyebrows that seem less than perfect usually only need tidying, which enhances not only grooming, but appeal in general. For example, if your brows tail off too far toward the temples, you'll look tired. Or if they seep too far toward the bridge of the nose, you'll appear sullen. In both cases, simply shortening them will make all the difference. To ascertain your ideal brow proportions, see below under the heading "How to Draw on Eyebrows."

Likewise, expanding the space between the brows can pull close-set eyes optically wider apart, making the face appear softer, while thinning the brows can brighten deep-set eyes to make the face seem clearer and generally more expressive. These are factors to bear in mind before adapting brows to the dictates of fashion.

Consider, too, the shape of your face. Keep brows nicely rounded to soften a square, diamond, or heart-shaped face, and you may want to shorten the tails if they make your forehead appear optically broader than it already is. Accentuating the arches can add definition and length to a round face, while a flatter brow can optically shorten a long face.

And you'll always find a stray hair or two sprouting from beneath the lower contour, or one that won't lie flat. These, of course, must be removed if impeccable grooming is to be maintained. The safest and most effective way to carry out such corrections is by plucking or waxing.

Plucking

Plucking is the most convenient way of removing stray hairs and maintaining shape. But, unless you're very experienced, making initial corrections can prove more difficult, so work carefully; plucking one wrong hair could spoil all your efforts.

1. Using tweezers, pluck in the direction of growth, extracting hairs from the lower contour.
2. Always follow your natural brow shape—as already discussed, the idea is not to change basic shape and proportion, but to tidy up.
3. Don't remove hair from the upper contour unless the brow forms a sharp point above the arch, which can make the face appear aggressive.

Plucking causes less pain if you use your free hand to draw the skin taut.

Sugar Waxing

Because you can see more or less how your eyebrows will look before hairs are irrevocably removed, sugaring is the best way of making initial corrections. However, because all waxing methods need a certain amount of growth to be effective, it's unsuitable for daily or even weekly maintenance.

1. First, comb your eyebrows into their natural shape.
2. Spread the sugar mass (also called "halawa") over the hairs you want to remove, working in the direction of growth.
3. Press on the supplied fabric strip.
4. Hold the skin taut, and pull quickly against the direction of growth.

If preferred, hot wax can be used in exactly the same way.

Cold Waxing

Use waxing strips designed specifically for eyebrows. Anything else may ruin shape.

1. Warm the strip between your palms for about 20 seconds.
2. Peel off its backing and place over the hairs to be removed.
3. Holding the skin taut, pull against the direction of growth.

Taming Unruly or Overgrown Brows

Keeping in Place

Tame unruly brows with eyebrow gel. Like mascara, this comes in a tube with a spiral brush, and is available in various shades of brown as well as clear. Just brush upwardly over your brows and you're done.

Or, if gel proves not quite strong enough, try extra hold hair lacquer. Spray a little onto your ring finger, smooth over your brow, then comb upwardly. Because it sets almost instantly, you must work quickly.

Trimming Longer Hairs

Trimming longer hairs is easy:

1. To get the problem initially under control, brush the brows upwardly, fixing with gel, hairspray, petroleum jelly, or castor oil.
2. Snip off hairs that poke above the upper contour.
3. After that, you can check for longer hairs every couple of days by running your middle finger along the brow against the grain; hairs that are too long will be immediately noticeable.

How to Define Brows

Defining your brows will make your face seem brighter and generally more radiant.

1. Begin by combing downwardly to expose irregularities along the upper contour.
2. Then, using an eyebrow pencil in a shade as near to your own as possible, draw quick, downward, diagonal strokes, working outwardly toward the temples.
3. When you comb up again, the upper contour should appear sharply defined, with the lower contour remaining soft.

Lengthening Brows

If the tails of your brows are shorter than you'd like, use a pencil to lengthen them. But don’t just draw a line:

1. Apply quick, light strokes that resemble individual hairs. Don't be too exact; you'll achieve a more natural effect if each "hair" isn’t perfectly placed.
2. In case this causes your brows to appear heavy or to dominate your face, carefully stroke with a spiral brush to soften the effect.

Never use a kohl or eye liner pencil on brows. Only a proper eyebrow pencil is hard enough to give a natural-looking finish. For good results, make sure it's well sharpened.

How to Fill In Eyebrows

Brows that are sparse or tend to bald patches can be filled in with eyebrow powder, which should be a tad lighter than your own color. (If you don't have eyebrow powder at hand, use a matte powder eye shadow of an appropriate color instead.)

1. Simply brush the powder in the direction of growth using an angled brush, which is usually supplied with the product.
2. If your brows are not too sparse, finish by defining with pencil, as described above.
3. If your brows are very sparse, defining probably won't have the desired effect. In this case, add quick, upward strokes with pencil in a color close to your own in much the same way you would when drawing on eyebrows from scratch (see below).

How to Draw on Eyebrows

Brows that are completely missing can be drawn on.

Before you begin, apply translucent powder to the brow bone. This provides a good surface upon which to draw.

Working outwardly toward the temple, create your chosen shape with eyebrow powder and an angled brush. You may find it easier to use a stencil for this.

If working freehand, measure as follows to find your natural brow proportions:

1. Hold an eyebrow pencil upwardly from the outer side of the nostril. The spot at which it meets the brow bone is where the brow should begin.
2. Line the pencil up from the nostril through the center of the eye. The spot at which it meets the brow bone is where the arch should be.
3. Line the pencil up from the nostril to the outer eye corner. The spot at which it meets the brow bone is where the tail should end.

Draw two very thin lines according to these measurements—one from where the brow begins to the arch, the other from the arch to the end of the tail—and shape around them.

With a pencil slightly darker than the powder, imitate individual hairs by applying quick, upward strokes diagonally along the brow shape. Work quickly in order that your drawn on "hairs" are not perfectly placed. If they are, the overall look will seem contrived. A little artful disarray where the brow begins creates an even more natural effect.

For a soft finish, brush lightly with a spiral brush.

Color

Choosing the Right Color

• If unsure between two shades when buying an eyebrow pencil or powder, choose the lightest. A little too light won't do any harm, but too dark may appear heavy and dominate your face.
• For close-set eyes, a subtle darkening of the brow tail can help to pull the eyes optically wider apart. Use tinted eyebrow gel or powder for this.
• If you’re blonde, you may find cool ash or beige tones more flattering than brown, which can have an aging effect.

Tinting

If your eyebrows are very light or of a color no longer compatible with your hair, consider tinting them. Lash and brow dyes are available in easy-to-use kits for home use, so there’s no need to visit the salon. As with eyebrow pencils and powder, if unsure between two shades, choose the lightest. Having said that, the choice is often limited to black or brown.

If your brows are white, you may be able to tint them into shape instead of having to tweeze or wax. Look out for stencils designed for henna brows, which can be utilized for this purpose.

Bleaching

Make deep set eyes pop by bleaching brows two or three shades lighter. Do this with a bleaching product like Jolen Creme Bleach, which is formulated for use on facial hair. After applying, check the color every 30 seconds, and don’t go beyond lightest brown.

Bleaching is also the best remedy if your eyebrows appear too dark as a result of lightening your hair. The alternative would be to remove the brows completely and draw on with eyebrow powder and pencil, as described above.

Caution

Handle bleaching and tinting products with great care, following the enclosed instructions exactly. Products intended for the hair of the head are not suitable for the delicate eye area, since these may cause burns and other irritations, not to mention blindness. Should bleaching or tinting products come into direct contact with the eye, rinse with cold water and consult a medical practitioner immediately.

Conditioning

Conditioning can prevent and improve sparseness and is essential if your brows are bleached. It also helps soften and tame unruly brows, which tend to be coarse.

• Three or four nights a week, brush with lash and brow conditioner, castor oil, or petroleum jelly.
• Dab with a cotton pad drenched in green tea on nights when you're not using the above conditioning method. This helps to strengthen brows and can be used for lashes, too.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

© 2010 Jayne Lancer

Comments

cutepunk333 on January 13, 2011:

thank you for all the tips because i am in my early twenties and i am so tired of the way women my age try and do their makeup. these tips will make me shine and look the way i want

rose56 on December 09, 2010:

I enjoyed this hub. I have a hard time with my eyebrows.

Anjelica Rae on October 30, 2010:

Ah! I love this! I am always looking for great tips for shaping my eyebrows!! Thanks for posting such a great hub :)

Jayne Lancer (author) from West London, UK on March 28, 2010:

I agree, Jenn. It doesn't take any of us much time to do at least something with our brows to make them look at least tidy.

I'm glad you like the series; it was a bit too much to take on, having to follow each Hub quickly with another. I should have written in advance. My family is beginning to think I've lost interest in them.

Anyway, a comment like yours makes the effort worthwhile.

Thank you for the compliment, and for coming by!

VeggieJenn on March 28, 2010:

Jayne, this whole series has been great! I am an eyebrow fanatic...I hate when people don't have theirs done, so i loved this post.

Christy is a licensed esthetician and owns Go See Christy Beauty Boutique, open for over 10 years with thousands of clients.

Groucho Marx, Brooke Shields, and Ernie and Bert from Sesame Street all have eyebrows that grab your attention because they are thick and full. Depending on the esthetician, it is either the worst nightmare or an absolute dream to be able to work with thick eyebrows.

Typically, the fuller the eyebrows, the more potential there is to be able to shape and design them to nicely frame the face and eyes. Obviously, if your eyebrows are pencil thin, there is very little, if anything, that can be done to change the shape.

Eyebrow Waxing vs. Eyebrow Design

It may just be semantics, but there are some differences between eyebrow waxing and eyebrow shaping, also known as "eyebrow design."

• An eyebrow waxing simply means getting your stray brow hairs removed with a single strip of wax.
• An eyebrow design, on the other hand, involves communicating with the esthetician about the best ways to shape your brows to frame your eyes and face.

Eyebrow Waxing

This is just a simple waxing with no consultation. There is little to no communication about what the client wants or what the esthetician may suggest. This happens quite frequently when the client has already had her eyebrows shaped and only wants the regrowth underneath to be removed.

The average price for a waxing is $10–15 (typically in nail salons). At fancier day spas, you may pay more for the same service, depending on who is providing it.

Eyebrow Design/Shaping

This hair removal service includes some or all of the following:

A Consultation: There must be communication between the client and the esthetician about what the client desires and what the esthetician suggests. After a client explains what they are looking for in terms of shape, the esthetician will usually have them look into a mirror and provide a recommendation. She or he will explain exactly where hair will be removed, what the shape of the eyebrow will be, and why this shape suits the client's face.

Ultimately, the results will be what the client asks for. So, if the client insists on pencil thin eyebrows even though it makes her look like a cartoon character, the esthetician will deliver on that request.

The client should be allowed to see her eyebrows before and after the service is performed. This gives the client the opportunity to express whether she is pleased with the new change. If she is not, this also gives the esthetician the opportunity to rectify the situation by altering the shape or offering a complimentary service.

Sanitizing: The area around your eyebrows should be cleaned with some type of astringent, but sometimes this is skipped.

Waxing: Each esthetician has his or her own style of waxing, but if eyebrows are being shaped, the waxing is usually done in sections. If a client is using or has used Retin-A, Tetracycline, or Accutane, waxing cannot be performed, and the shaping needs to be done with tweezers.

Trimming: After removing the unwanted hair, the brows that remain should be trimmed to avoid a bushy look. This is usually done by brushing the brow hairs with a spoolie (or a clean mascara wand) and cutting any long hairs with a pair of eyebrow scissors. Asians, especially, should have this done because their eyebrow hairs typically grow downward.

Extra Touches: Because eyebrow shaping is typically a little more expensive than a simple waxing, the service may come with some extra touches. This may include using essential oils to condition the brows after waxing, a short pressure point massage, a cool ointment massage, or a steamed towel treatment.

Maintenance Tips:

• The esthetician should show you how to maintain the shape of your brows in between visits.
• If the eyebrow is too light or too thin, she may show you how to fill them in using a shadow or a pencil.
• Eyebrow shadows give a subtle, natural look and are usually used to fill in any sparse areas.
• Eyebrow pencils give a more dramatic look.
• You should typically use a color that is a shade lighter than your hair color. Brunettes and people with black hair should use a dark brown because black can be too overpowering. Only use black if you want to look like Frida Kahlo.
• If you have red or pink undertones, you should test the pencil or shadow colors before you purchase them. Sometimes pencils and shadows that are made for blondes and red heads start to turn orange after a few hours. If you test a product on your skin and it doesn't turn orange at the end of the day, it's probably a safe buy.
• If your eyebrow needs a little help staying in place, a shaping gel is recommended.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

Questions & Answers

Question: How dark should an older white haired lady’s eyebrows be?

Answer: This depends on what your skin tone is and what our natural hair color was. If you do NOT dye your hair then your eyebrows should NOT be darker than your hair color. If you are thinking of dying your eyebrow hair, then it should be as close to what your hair color is. If you prefer to keep your natural silver hair color, then just keep your natural brow color. Hope this helps. Just a tip: your eyebrow color should not be 2 shades darker or lighter than your hair color if you decide to dye it.