Eyebrow Shaping Tips

Top 10 Do's and Don'ts to Mastering Your Brows

1. Do decide on the eyebrow shape first

You need a plan of action on deciding where your brows are going to start, end, and where to to place the peak of the arch. Use a white eyeliner or concealer on the hair that you want to remove, so you don't stray off course.

If you think using eyebrow stencils means you can't go wrong, you can. They don't take into account how your brows currently look and your other facial features.

2. Do use a quality pair of tweezers

Most people opt for tweezers when shaping brows at home. You'll be frustrated, and end up taking twice as long if your tweezers slide off or break the hair instead of pulling them out- or can't grab onto short hairs. A good pair of tweezers cost about $20, and worth the small investment. 

3. Do trim brows if needed

Here's a very important eyebrow shaping tip. A big mistake people make is taking out more hair when trimming the excess length really is what needs to go. For men this helps make the brows look more neat and groomed and for women it helps them acheive that perfectly defined look.

4. Do clean up top of brows (if you want)

I remember reading in my teen magazines growing up NEVER to touch the top of the brow. How things have changed. While I'm not suggesting going into the main shape of your brow, experts agree cleaning up the stray hairs above the shape create a more defined, clean eyebrow and can help trouble brows look even with one another. Read more to see if it's right for you.

5. Do use an eyebrow pencil, powder or mousse for filling or correcting

If you have sparse brows, over plucked, or are growing out brows, filling them in will give you the look you want. Use the wrong products or technique and they will look painted on, instead of natural.

6. Don't stand too close to the mirror when shaping

With some distance from the mirror you will be able to better see to balance your brows and see the 'whole picture', and have less chance of making brows uneven. After you have your shape in, you can then get close-up to better reach the finer, lighter hairs.

7. Don't put a shape that isn't flattering to your face

Please keep in mind that arching your brow doesn't mean two perfect half circles or arches, which doesn't complement anyone's facial features. It does mean to clean up the excess hair to better frame your eyes.

8. Don't use ice to numb skin

Cold tightens the pores and can make a firmer hold on the hair follicle. You want to soften skin and hair by using a warm washcloth on brows, or do your shaping after your come out of the shower. If you're really concerned about the 'ouch factor' use a numbing spray (compare prices) first applied to a cotton swab and then to eyebrow area.

9. Don't shave eyebrows

I know there are little razors sold out there specifically for your brows. Read why shaving your legs is okay, shaving your eyebrows is not.

10. Tweeze correctly

Hold skin taut by gently holding skin firm with your free hand while tweezing, means less tugging and pain on the skin. 

If the hair is just too short for tweezing, don't push the tweezers into the skin. Scraping, bleeding or even scarring can result if you get a little too forceful with your tweezers. Having some hair is a better option over broken skin. Instead, just wait until the hair is a bit longer and can be easily grabbed on to.