Article: Eyebrow Trends
Eyebrow Trends
Eyebrow Trends Through the Decades
Remember those teenage years when you stood in front of the bathroom mirror, convinced a unibrow was lurking between your brows?
You weren't alone. We all had that moment—the first real beauty challenge we faced. The social pressure to have perfectly shaped brows had us scrambling through bathroom drawers, searching for anything that would help tame and shape them into something more polished.
But here's the twist: if we'd lived in ancient Greece, our teenage selves would have been considered stunning. Back then, unibrows were a sign of beauty, intelligence, and wisdom. Women who didn't naturally have one would actually draw one on with kohl or soot.
As the founder of AHLE Tweezers, I've spent 25+ years as an electrologist, nurse, and beauty therapist, which has given me a unique perspective on hair removal—from precision brow work to managing hormonal hair growth. Throughout my career, I've been fascinated by how much beauty trends and fashions have changed over time. Spoiler alert: the "perfect brow" has looked completely different in every era.
Let's take a journey through eyebrow history. You might be surprised by what was considered fashionable.
Watch: The Fascinating Evolution of Eyebrow Trends
When Unibrows Were the Ultimate Beauty Standard
In ancient Greece and Rome, a strong, connected brow (yes, a unibrow) was considered a mark of intelligence, purity, and beauty. Women like Frida Kahlo would have been the supermodels of their time.
If you didn't naturally have a unibrow, you'd fake it. Women used crushed minerals, soot, or even goat hair to create the appearance of fuller, darker brows that met in the middle.
Middle Ages: Brows? What Brows?
During the Middle Ages, the "ideal" face was all about a high, rounded forehead. Women would pluck their brows almost entirely off to create the illusion of a larger forehead.
Some even removed their hairline to make their foreheads appear even more prominent. (Yes, really.)
The result? Barely-there brows that would make today's Instagram crowd gasp in horror.
1920s-1930s: Thin, Dramatic, and Drawn-On
The roaring twenties brought pencil-thin brows into fashion, thanks to silent film stars like Clara Bow and Greta Garbo. Women would shave or pluck their natural brows and draw them back on with dramatic, downward curves.
This look was all about drama and glamour—think flappers, jazz clubs, and bold red lips. The thinner the brow, the more sophisticated you appeared.
1940s-1950s: Bold and Defined
Post-war beauty shifted toward a more polished, feminine look. Actresses like Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor popularised thick, defined brows with a strong arch. This was the era of grooming and precision. Brows were shaped, not overplucked, and the goal was a natural but polished appearance.If you've ever admired Audrey's brows in Breakfast at Tiffany's, you're looking at 1950s perfection.
1960s-1970s: Natural and Untouched
The '60s and '70s brought a natural beauty movement. Think Twiggy's soft, barely-there brows in the mod era, then shifting to fuller, bushier brows with icons like Brooke Shields and Lauren Hutton in the '70s.
The message? Let your brows grow. Don't fight your natural shape.
This was peak "au naturel"—and a stark contrast to what was coming next.
1990s-2000s: The Great Over-Plucking Disaster
Ah, the '90s. The decade of ultra-thin, over-plucked brows.
Blame it on Kate Moss, Gwen Stefani, and Drew Barrymore—thin brows were everywhere. Women (myself included) went wild with tweezers, plucking their brows into oblivion.
The problem? Many of us plucked so aggressively that our brows never entirely grew back. This is why so many women in their 40s and 50s struggle with sparse, patchy brows today.
If you were a teen in the '90s, you probably owe your brows an apology.
2010s: The Brow Renaissance
Enter the era of bold, sculpted brows. Cara Delevingne kicked off the full-brow trend, and suddenly everyone wanted thick, defined, Instagram-worthy arches.
Microblading, brow gels, and growth serums exploded in popularity. The goal was no longer "invisible"—it was statement brows.
This is also when precision tools became essential. You couldn't fake a perfect brow without the right tweezers, brushes, and products.
2020s & Beyond: Natural, Full, But Groomed
Today's trend? Natural fullness with intentional shaping.
We've learned from the over-plucking mistakes of the '90s. The modern brow is full, feathered, and shaped to enhance your natural arch—not fight it.
Lamination, soap brows, and precise tweezing are all the rage. The key is looking polished without looking "done."
And here's the truth: great brows start with a great tool ...
Why Precision Matters More Than Ever
Whether you're maintaining bold 2020s brows or correcting damage from decades of over-plucking, the right tweezers make all the difference.
Match your Tweezers to your Brow Goals
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For fine, stubborn hairs: Princess Pointed Tweezers – ultra-fine tips grab even the tiniest regrowth.
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For everyday shaping: Serene Slant Tweezers – ergonomic and precise for smooth, controlled plucking.
Ready to Perfect Your Brows?
Download the free Expert Guide to Eyebrow Grooming—packed with pro techniques, tool recommendations, and insider tips for flawless brows every time.
