Lightened eyebrows: The beauty trend redefining faces and rejuvenating appearances

The era of dark, geometrically precise eyebrows seems to be passing. The current trend leans towards a more natural look. This subjects not only earth-toned clothing and natural fabrics like linen to fashion but also subtle makeup looks that are almost imperceptible. Light foundations along with subtle blush that mimics a natural flush are taking centre stage while eyebrows subtly "take a backseat". The trend for lightened hairs aims to draw attention to the eyes, leaving behind the thick, expressive eyebrows, first popularised by Cara Delevingne, in the past.

Fashion can be unpredictable, so it was only a matter of time before the inverse of dark eyebrows and contouring would become stylish. Lightening the eyebrows can soften facial features, create the illusion of a slimmer face, and visually subtract years from one's appearance. The "no brows" trend creates a gentle effect that especially emphasizes the eyes, adding depth and intensity to the gaze.

The trend for lightened eyebrows attracts those keen on unique fashion as well as bold individuals unafraid to experiment with their appearance. Some opt for drastic lightening. From afar, the face seems slimmer as the forehead appears optically lengthened.

However, lightening your eyebrows by just a few shades can create a more subtle effect. The eyebrows will appear naturally lighter, drawing attention to the eyes – a significant shift from the previously trendy thick, dark eyebrows. Particularly in the summer, lightly sun-kissed hair blends beautifully with lighter eyebrows. For both blondes and brunettes, lightly tanned skin can meld with the hair colour, creating a natural and radiant facial appearance.

Initially, lightened eyebrows were seen predominantly in photo shoots, on runways, and red carpets, as opposed to everyday street style. However, lightened eyebrows became a popular trend in 2022 when Kendall Jenner attended the MET Gala sporting platinum eyebrows that almost vanished upon sight. The blonde hair drastically altered her facial appearance. The contrast between the dark shade of her hair and her eyebrows resulted in a dramatic and unique effect.

Celebrities have experimented with lightened eyebrows long before this time, however. In 1992, Madonna appeared sporting blonde hair and matching eyebrows, accentuated with dark eyeliner and mascara, creating a "sweet lolita" look that was admired by the it-girls of that time.

Stars like Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Kristen Stewart, Maisie Williams, and Kim Kardashian have also tried lightening their eyebrows. The "no brows" look can be surprising, which is why it's often chosen for significant events to complement a unique look and original makeup.

It quickly became apparent that eyebrow lightening is a trend in the beauty industry, where both blondes and brunettes, as well as women of Slavic and Scandinavian beauty, and even those with alabaster skin, achieve the best results. Jessica Mercedes and Margaret, following the lead of foreign celebrities, also decided to lighten their eyebrows.

Iga Krefft also followed suit. She developed such a fondness for light, delicate brows that she has regularly lightened her brows for several seasons now, which complements her hair colour and freckled skin perfectly.

Eyebrow lightening has become a standard treatment in beauty salons, chosen by a growing number of women. The cost of eyebrow lightening in a professional salon ranges between £19–£57. Beauty therapists, drawing on their experience, will pick the appropriate eyebrow lightening method, for example, using henna or powder. This method allows for the lightening of eyebrows even after permanent makeup.

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The method for lightening eyebrows at home depends on the result you want to achieve. If you aim for naturally and subtly lightened brows a few shades lighter, you can use lemon juice, which possesses lightening properties. Wiping the hairs with this juice daily is a safe and gentle way to lighten the eyebrows.

Among the homemade eyebrow lightening methods, you can also use hydrogen peroxide. However, because it contains hydrogen peroxide, the solution needs to be diluted with water in a 1:1 ratio, and used very carefully to avoid damage to the hair structure.

In the pharmacy, you can find cosmetics specifically designed for home eyebrow lightening. These eyebrow lighteners are available in various colour variations, like dark blonde or cool platinum. Some eyebrow lighteners are solely used to lighten the brows and prepare them for further colouring. The lightener often results in a characteristic yellow hair effect, hence a two-step lightening process is one of the more popular options for matching the eyebrow shade to the "temperature" of the hair colour - cool or warm.

To try out the "no brows" trend, there are eyebrow pomades or lightening eyebrow pencils available, which create a temporary effect. This is certainly the best option before experimenting with eyebrow lightener. It may turn out that the temporary trend doesn't suit a certain beauty type or that what you see in the mirror doesn't match your initial concept.