When it comes to eyebrow trends, there’s no denying that thin vs thick eyebrows has become an ongoing debate in the beauty world. Understanding the pros and cons of thin vs thick eyebrows can help you choose the style that best complements your features.
Whether you prefer bold, full brows that make a statement or sleek, defined arches that highlight your eyes, eyebrows have the power to completely transform your look.
Over the years, I’ve seen trends shift, with some clients opting for the iconic, bushy brows of the 80s while others are stuck on the fine, delicate arches of the early 2000s.
From a personal perspective, I’ve worked with all types of brows throughout my years in the cosmetic tattooing industry. Some of my clients ask for thick brows, others for thin ones, and each request carries its own set of considerations.
What works for one person might not work for another, and getting it just right can sometimes be the difference between a fabulous frame and something that feels a little off.
The Evolution of Eyebrow Trends: Thin vs. Thick Through the Ages
Eyebrow Trends in History – From Ancient Egypt to Modern Times
Eyebrow trends have evolved so much over time that they’ve almost become a mirror of cultural shifts. In Ancient Egypt, for instance, thick, bold eyebrows were the norm, often accentuated with dark pigments like kohl. It was all about making a statement of power and authority.
Fast forward to the 1920s, where thin, rounded brows became the height of fashion, influenced by silent film stars like Clara Bow. The focus was on an ultra-feminine, dramatic look that mirrored the flapper era’s embrace of modernity and independence.
By the 80s, eyebrows had come full circle, with bold, thick brows making a comeback, influenced by icons like Brooke Shields. For many of my clients today, this return to fuller brows is not just a passing trend, but a go-to style that offers an effortlessly chic vibe.
The pendulum continues to swing as we see trends like feathered brows, straight lines, and even bleached brows dominating the scene.
The point is, the ideal eyebrow style has always been influenced by broader cultural norms, and they continue to evolve with every passing decade.
Eyebrow Style Evolution in the 21st Century: Influences of Social Media and Celebrities
Now, in the age of social media, eyebrow trends are more accessible than ever. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have played a massive role in popularising the “Instagram brow” — bold, sculpted brows that are often created with pencils, pomades, and brow gels.
Celebrities like the Kardashians have set a standard for thicker, fuller brows that enhance facial features and add definition. In contrast, we’ve also seen a resurgence of thinner, more angular brows, thanks to influencers like Twiggy, who brought back the 60s aesthetic.
Social media not only influences the shape of our brows, but it also opens up a world of eyebrow tutorials, from YouTube shaping tips to microblading procedures.
This virtual world allows us to try on looks, explore different trends, and find what feels right. But, like most beauty trends, it’s important to remember that what works for one face might not work for another — it all comes down to balance and your unique features.
Thick vs. Thin Eyebrows: Which One Suits You Best?
When it comes to choosing between thick or thin eyebrows, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The truth is, it all depends on factors like your face shape, eyebrow hair density, and personal preference. Let’s break down the pros and cons of each, so you can decide which one is best for you.
The Allure of Thick Eyebrows: Bold, Natural, and Youthful
Thick eyebrows, often called “boy brows” because of their bushy, full appearance, have a way of making your face look more youthful and dynamic. The fullness of thick brows naturally draws attention to your eyes, enhancing their expression and bringing balance to your face.
Benefits of Thick Eyebrows:
- Youthful Appearance: Fuller eyebrows often give the face a more youthful, vibrant appearance. Thick brows can create an illusion of fullness, making you look fresher and more awake.
- Framing the Face: They frame your face beautifully, creating symmetry and definition. They help to balance out strong features, like a prominent jawline or a broad forehead.
- Versatility: You can shape them in various ways, from straight, bold brows to soft, feathered brows — thick brows are incredibly versatile.
Suitability by Face Shape:
- Round Faces: For round faces, a high arch with moderate thickness works well. It can elongate the face and soften its roundness.
- Oval Faces: Thick brows generally look great on oval faces, as they can create harmony without overpowering the other features.
- Square Faces: For square faces, thick brows help soften the angular features and balance out the strong jawline.
- Heart-Shaped Faces: While thick brows can create a contrast with a narrow chin, opting for softer thickness around the arch can balance the face beautifully.
- Long Faces: A straight, thick brow can help shorten the appearance of a longer face, making it look more proportional.
However, it’s important to remember that too much thickness can also create a heavy look, especially if the shape isn’t right for your face. It’s a fine line between bold and overwhelming.
The Refined Look of Thin Eyebrows: Elegant, Defined, and Timeless
On the flip side, thin eyebrows offer a more delicate, defined look that can suit certain face shapes and personal styles. Thin brows were all the rage in the 90s, with models like Kate Moss leading the way, but they’ve made a comeback in a modern, more angular form.
Benefits of Thin Eyebrows:
- Refined and Sophisticated: Thin brows can make the face appear more refined and sophisticated, perfect for those seeking a minimalistic yet elegant look.
- Accentuates the Eyes: Thin brows naturally draw attention to the eyes, making them appear larger and more expressive. This style is often favoured for making the eyes the focal point of the face.
- Low-Maintenance: For many, thin brows require less grooming than thick brows, as they don’t need to be regularly shaped or filled in.
Suitability by Face Shape:
- Round Faces: Thin brows can work well for round faces, as they won’t add to the roundness but will instead elongate the features.
- Oval Faces: Thin brows can create an elegant contrast for oval faces, accentuating their natural symmetry.
- Square Faces: Thin brows help soften sharp jawlines, making them ideal for square faces.
- Heart-Shaped Faces: Thin, arched brows can balance out a narrower chin, offering a soft, feminine touch.
- Long Faces: Thin brows can help elongate a longer face, especially when paired with a slight arch.
However, thin brows can sometimes make the face look more severe or older, especially if over-plucked. Maintaining a natural arch and avoiding too much shaping is key.
Eyebrow Thickness and Face Shape: A Practical Guide
Choosing the right eyebrow thickness isn’t just about following trends – it’s about finding the style that complements your natural face shape.
Understanding how different eyebrow thicknesses affect various face shapes can make all the difference in achieving balance and harmony in your look. Below is a table to help guide you through the best eyebrow thickness for each face shape.
Eyebrow Thickness Recommendations Based on Face Shape
| Face Shape | Recommended Eyebrow Thickness | Why It Works |
| Round Face | Thick brows with a high arch | A high arch elongates the face, balancing its natural roundness. Thick brows add definition without emphasising the fullness of the face. |
| Oval Face | Thick or thin brows, depending on style | Oval faces are versatile. Both thick and thin brows suit this shape, but avoid overly arched thick brows to maintain balance. |
| Square Face | Softly curved, moderate thickness | Thicker brows soften the strong jawline of square faces. A gentle curve in the brow adds balance without sharp angles. |
| Heart-Shaped Face | Thin, arched brows | Thin brows create a soft contrast with the wide forehead, bringing more attention to the chin and balancing the overall proportions of the face. |
| Long Face | Thick, straight brows | Straight brows visually shorten the length of the face, helping to create more proportion. Thick brows add a bold definition to the face. |
How to Tailor Eyebrow Thickness to Your Unique Features
It’s essential to keep in mind that, even with face shape in mind, each person’s features are unique. What works for one person may not work for another, and sometimes, experimenting with slight variations can make all the difference.
Whether you’re considering a fuller brow for balance or a thinner design for an elegant, defined look, remember that the ultimate goal is to highlight and complement your natural features.
Eyebrow Shape Trends: How to Choose Between Thin and Thick Eyebrows
Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Eyebrow Thickness
Choosing the right eyebrow thickness doesn’t need to be complicated. The key is understanding your face shape, personal style, and how you want your brows to complement your overall look.
- Face Shape: Your face shape should be the first thing to consider when choosing eyebrow thickness. For example, square faces benefit from softer, thicker brows to balance strong jawlines, while round faces may suit higher, thinner brows to elongate the face.
- Natural Brow Density: If you have naturally thick brows, opting for a thick look might feel more natural. Conversely, if your brows are naturally sparse, you may lean towards a thinner design to avoid an overly drawn-on look.
- Personal Style: Do you prefer a bold statement or something more subtle? If you’re all about bold, expressive beauty, thick brows might be the way to go. For a more understated, classic look, thin brows could be your go-to.
- Eyebrow Trends Thin vs. Thick: While following trends is fun, don’t feel pressured to jump on every bandwagon. Find a look that fits your personality and face, rather than choosing a style based purely on what’s popular.
How to Achieve the Perfect Eyebrow Shape: Styling Tips for Thin and Thick Brows
No matter what type of brow you have, shaping and filling them properly is essential. Here are a few tips:
- Brow Mapping: Start by mapping out the start, arch, and end points of your brows. This simple technique ensures symmetry and gives you a framework to work with.
- Filling and Shaping: For thin brows, use a fine pencil to mimic hair-like strokes. For thick brows, use pomade or gel to add definition while maintaining the natural texture.
- Trimming: Keep brows neat by trimming any stray hairs, but don’t go overboard. Maintaining some natural length can help thick brows appear fuller without looking too blocky.
- Using Brow Gel: Brow gels are a must for both thin and thick brows. They hold the shape, add texture, and give brows a more natural, fluffy look.
Eyebrow Care and Maintenance: Keeping Your Brows Looking Fresh
Regular Grooming Tips for Both Thin and Thick Eyebrows
- Thick Brows: Regular trimming and grooming are crucial. Waxing or threading can help maintain a neat shape without losing the fullness that defines thick brows.
- Thin Brows: Thin brows require careful shaping, as over-plucking can lead to sparse spots. Tweezing is your friend here, but be cautious of overdoing it.
Growing Thicker Eyebrows: Tips for Fuller, Healthier Brows
If you’re looking to grow fuller brows, it requires patience. Consider these tips:
- Growth Serums: Products like Benefit’s BROWVO! or Rogaine can stimulate growth, especially for those with naturally thin brows.
- Natural Oils: Castor oil and rosemary oil are popular choices for stimulating eyebrow growth.
- Avoid Over-Plucking: Give your brows time to grow out before deciding to shape them again.
At the end of the day, there’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to thin vs. thick eyebrows. It’s all about what works for you, your face shape, and your personal style.
While trends may come and go, remember that your brows are a reflection of your individuality. Whether you choose thick, bold brows or thin, delicate arches, the key is finding the balance that enhances your natural beauty.
