Eyebrows have always been a feature that can dramatically change how we look. Whether they’re bold and thick or delicate and thin, the right brows can frame your face, make your eyes pop, and even influence the way others perceive you.
Having worked with clients of all ages and face shapes, I’ve seen firsthand how a thick brow can instantly transform someone’s look—either for the better or not so much.
But the burning question remains: Do thick eyebrows look good on everyone? The short answer is no, but let’s dive into why and how to find what suits you.
Do Thick Eyebrows Look Good On Everyone?
Who Looks Good with Thick Eyebrows?
When it comes to thick brows, nearly everyone can pull them off—but the key is the balance. Thick brows can soften strong features, such as a prominent jawline, or help to frame a broad forehead.
They’re particularly flattering on people with square, long, and round faces, as they create a sense of harmony and proportion.
However, there are some nuances. People with very delicate or small facial features might feel that thick eyebrows overwhelm their face. In these cases, a more moderate or gently shaped brow is often a better option.
For example, if someone with a very small face opts for thick, bushy brows, they might find that their facial features get lost beneath the thickness. It’s all about balance!
Thick Eyebrows for Different Face Shapes
While thick brows are generally flattering, the right amount of thickness is important. For a client with a square face, thick brows can add a sense of softness and balance, but for someone with a more delicate, oval face, a thick brow might look too overpowering.
The trick lies in the shape and style of the thick brow—if they are well-groomed and shaped to fit your face, thick brows can look fantastic.
For instance, I’ve worked with a client who had an oval face and decided to embrace the thick brow trend. At first, she was worried they would look out of place.
But after shaping them to complement her natural arch and keeping the thickness subtle, she was amazed at how they transformed her look, making her features appear more defined.
Thick Eyebrows vs. Thin Eyebrows
The Battle of Eyebrow Thickness
When it comes to thick vs thin eyebrows, there’s no right or wrong answer. It all depends on your face shape, personal style, and what makes you feel confident.
Thin eyebrows often create a more delicate and refined look, highlighting the eyes and drawing attention to the upper part of the face. On the other hand, thick eyebrows are bold, powerful, and youthful, adding structure and a natural balance to the face.
I remember when I first started out in the industry, thick brows were nearly always seen as a challenge, especially for people with more delicate features.
But as time has passed, thick brows have become a hallmark of youthful beauty, celebrated by everyone from fashion icons to everyday people.
Thick Eyebrow Trends and Their Comeback
Thick eyebrows are definitely trending—look no further than the massive influence of celebrities like Cara Delevingne, Lily Collins, and the Kardashians. These beauties have singlehandedly brought the bold brow back into the spotlight.
It’s almost as if, after years of waxing and threading our brows into pencil-thin lines, we’ve realised that thicker brows are a statement of natural beauty. They provide a sense of youth and vitality, which is why they’re so coveted today.
Interestingly, thick brows aren’t just for the younger generation either. Mature clients often see thick brows as a way to regain fullness in the face, which naturally thins with age.
For those who have naturally thin brows, the right eyebrow tattooing technique can also provide a permanent solution, creating a fuller, more youthful look.
The Ideal Eyebrow Shape for Your Face
How to Shape Eyebrows for Different Face Shapes
Every face shape has a perfect brow shape. The golden rule I always follow with my clients is that your eyebrows should contrast your face shape. This creates balance and enhances your features. Here’s how:
- Round Face: For round faces, a high arch or angular brows work wonders. They add vertical height and structure, elongating the face and counteracting the roundness. However, thick brows can be tricky—too thick and they could add to the roundness, so keeping them neat and structured is key.
- Oval Face: The oval face is often considered the “ideal” shape, so you’re lucky if you’ve got one! Oval faces can handle both thick and thin brows. I usually recommend soft-angled brows for a balanced, natural look. You can also experiment with straight brows to soften the features further.
- Square Face: Square faces often have strong jawlines, and the right brows can help soften those angles. I always suggest a softer, semicircular shape for square faces, as sharp, angled brows can accentuate the angular features. A medium length and thickness works best for balance.
- Rectangular Face: If you’ve got a long or rectangular face, go for wide, straight brows with a low arch. This creates the illusion of a shorter face. Keep the tails extended, but don’t overdo the arch—this will help broaden the face. Too much of a high arch can elongate the face even more.
- Heart-Shaped Face: For heart-shaped faces, the goal is to balance a broader forehead and a pointed chin. Soft, rounded brows that are a little straighter at the arch work best. Keep the length short and close to the centre of the face. I’ve seen many clients with this shape go for thicker brows, but if they are too heavy, they can make the face top-heavy.
- Triangular Face: This face shape typically has a wider jawline compared to the forehead. For triangular faces, I recommend a full, slightly downturned brow shape that helps balance the jawline and forehead. Don’t taper the tail—keep it full and outward.
The Benefits of Thick Eyebrows
Thick Brows for a Youthful Appearance
There’s a reason thick eyebrows are often associated with youth. Fuller brows give a fresh, rejuvenated look.
They fill out the face and make the eyes appear larger and more defined. In fact, thick brows are often a sign of vitality—they show that the person has abundant hair and is in their prime. If you look at youth icons today, they’re nearly always sporting thick, bold brows.
For those of us who are ageing, thick brows can be an instant way to turn back the clock. I’ve worked with several clients in their 40s and 50s who love how full brows instantly lift the face and bring back a sense of youth.
By creating a natural fullness through techniques like eyebrow tattooing or microblading, I’ve helped clients embrace a look that feels fresh without being overly dramatic.
Thick Brows and Their Impact on Facial Expressions
Thick eyebrows can also enhance facial expressions. Whether you’re shocked, happy, or upset, your brows help convey emotion. I’ve noticed that people with thick eyebrows are often perceived as more expressive because their brows provide more movement and definition.
On a deeper level, thick brows can convey confidence and assertiveness—qualities often associated with strength and beauty.
Styling and Maintaining Thick Eyebrows
Tips for Thick Eyebrow Styling
Maintaining thick eyebrows requires a little more effort than their thinner counterparts. While thick brows might require less shaping initially, they do need more frequent grooming to keep them looking neat.
Regular trimming, shaping, and filling in any sparse areas are essential. A light brow gel can help tame unruly hairs, while a pencil or powder helps fill in any gaps for a fuller look.
Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to getting thick eyebrows just right:
- Brush your brows upwards using a spoolie brush.
- Trim any long hairs with brow scissors.
- Fill in gaps with a pencil or brow powder in a shade that matches your natural brow color.
- Set with a clear or tinted brow gel to keep everything in place.
Brow Gel and Other Grooming Products for Thick Brows
I always recommend using a brow gel for thick brows. It’s the quickest and easiest way to get them to behave! A tinted gel can also help add a bit of depth if your brows are sparse in some areas. If you have unruly hairs, a stronger setting gel will give them the hold they need without the crunchiness.
How to Find the Right Thickness for Your Eyebrows
Choosing the Right Brow Thickness for Your Face Shape
The perfect eyebrow thickness isn’t one-size-fits-all. I always tell my clients that it’s about enhancing their natural features and finding a look that feels authentic.
The trick is to focus on your face shape and personal style. When determining how thick your brows should be, here’s a guide to help you decide:
|
Face Shape |
Recommended Brow Thickness |
Tips |
|
Round Face |
Thicker brows with a high arch |
Adds vertical height, avoids roundness, adds structure. |
|
Square Face |
Soft, semicircular or curved brows |
Softens angular jawlines, avoid sharp angles. |
|
Oval Face |
Soft-angled, natural brows |
Oval faces can handle most brow types, but avoid thin brows for elongation. |
|
Heart-Shaped Face |
Fuller, rounded brows |
Balances the forehead with the chin, avoid overly thick brows. |
|
Rectangular Face |
Straight, wide brows with a low arch |
Helps shorten the length of the face. Avoid high arches. |
|
Diamond Face |
Rounded or soft-arched brows |
Softens sharp cheekbones, avoid angular brows. |
|
Triangular Face |
Full, outward-facing brows |
Adds volume, balances the jawline, avoid tapered tails. |
Practical Tips for Brow Thickness Maintenance
- Don’t Overpluck: Let your natural brow shape lead the way. Thinning out brows too much can give them an artificial, blocky look.
- Fill In Gaps: If your brows are thick but sparse in certain areas, use brow pencils or powder to fill in the gaps without going too heavy-handed.
- Trim for Shape: While thick brows are trendy, unruly, long hairs can make them look messy. Regularly trim the brows to keep them tidy.
- Avoid Too Dark: Choose a colour that’s one or two shades darker than your natural hair colour. Going too dark can make thick brows look harsh.
Thick Eyebrows and Their Psychological Impact
How Thick Brows Influence Perceptions of You
When it comes to thick eyebrows, it’s not just about looks—it’s about what they convey. Over my years as a cosmetic tattoo artist, I’ve seen how brows can influence a person’s self-esteem and the way they are perceived by others.
Brows are often tied to confidence, authority, and even trustworthiness.
- Youthfulness: Thick eyebrows are often associated with youth and vitality. This is because full brows are a natural trait of younger people and are seen as a sign of health. They can add a certain freshness to your face, which makes you appear younger.
- Confidence and Strength: Thick brows are often linked to boldness and assertiveness. Think about how bold figures like Cara Delevingne or Lily Collins are often perceived as strong and confident because of their thick brows. Brows can literally frame your emotions, showing the world a more powerful side of you.
- Trust and Approachability: Research shows that people with fuller brows are perceived as more approachable and trustworthy. This is especially true for women, who tend to feel more confident when their brows appear thicker. Full brows are seen as natural and honest, making you appear more reliable.
Psychological Benefits of Thick Eyebrows
- Improved Self-Esteem: Thick eyebrows can be a major confidence booster, especially for those who were previously insecure about their brow shape. The fullness brings attention to the eyes, making them seem larger and more expressive.
- Facial Harmony and Balance: When eyebrows are shaped and thickened to suit your face shape, they can create balance and harmony, contributing to a more symmetrical and attractive face.
- Youthful Glow: Thick eyebrows bring life back into the face, especially for those who feel that age has taken some of their natural fullness away. This rejuvenating effect can significantly improve your overall self-image.
Thick eyebrows can look good on nearly everyone, as long as they’re shaped to suit your face and personality. They can provide structure, enhance features, and give your face a natural, youthful appearance.
But remember, the key is balance—make sure your brows complement your face shape and don’t overwhelm your features.
Whether you’re embracing the trend or working with your natural brow shape, thick eyebrows are here to stay. Don’t be afraid to experiment, but always consider what makes you feel your best.
