We’ve let our unruly brows run riot in lockdown, so an eyebrow shape is top of the list when salons reopen – it’s something many of us are looking forward to. Some of us have taken matters into our own hands, getting pretty good at shaping our brows (or doing just enough to keep the monobrow at bay).
Now is the perfect time to put down the tweezers, leave the wax strips to one side and let those brows grow. A grown-out brow will give your therapist lots to work with and help you achieve a new shape more easily.
Here are three things to bear in mind as you grow out your eyebrows.
WRITTEN BY Louise Carleton
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1 Don't touch themSeriously, don’t even think about it. It can be tempting to pluck those stray little wispy hairs at the end of your brow or the ones that seem to be growing in any direction they please, but resist the urge and leave them well alone. If you’ve overplucked your eyebrows or want to change their shape you need to have lots of hair to work with. Your therapist will know better than you which ones can stay and which ones need to go so leave them well alone and let them do their thing.
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2 Encourage hair growth
So, your tweezers are gathering dust and you’ve not so much as touched a hair in weeks but the problem is they just don’t seem to be growing. Enter, oils. Try massaging castor oil or vitamin E oil into your brows; this will encourage blood flow to the area and nourish the hair follicle, creating an ideal environment for hair growth. Both oils are cheap, easy to come by and super easy to use. They can also be used on your eyelashes for strong healthy lash growth.
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3 Use tools
While we’re patiently waiting for salons to reopen our brows are going to look pretty wild. They might be different lengths, shapes or look a bit patchy, which is why you will want to invest in a good quality brow pencil or powder. Pick a shade as close to your natural colour and use this to fill in any gaps and create a shape. Use vaseline or brow gel to smooth down hairs. If you’re feeling really adventurous you can try an at-home brow lamination kit to help keep brows in check and cover any really obvious gaps.
FAQs
How should you prepare your eyebrows before a salon appointment?
Let your brows grow out and avoid plucking or waxing before your appointment. A grown-out brow gives your therapist more hair to work with and makes it easier to shape or correct overplucked brows.
What can you do to encourage eyebrow hair growth?
Massage castor oil or vitamin E oil into your brows to promote growth. These oils encourage blood flow and nourish the hair follicle, creating an ideal environment for healthy eyebrow growth.
Which products can help manage unruly brows while waiting for a treatment?
Use a brow pencil or powder matching your natural shade to fill gaps and shape brows. Smoothing products like vaseline or brow gel can also help keep hairs in place while you wait for your salon visit.
Can you use the same products for eyebrows and eyelashes?
Yes, both castor oil and vitamin E oil can be used on brows and eyelashes. These oils support strong, healthy growth for both brows and lashes and are simple to apply at home.
How can you deal with patchy or uneven brows at home?
Fill in gaps and tidy up patchy areas with a brow pencil, powder, or gel. For a bolder look, at-home brow lamination kits can help keep your brows in shape and disguise obvious gaps until you can see a professional.