Don’t be brow beaten: A guide to brushing up like the Kardashians

In the ’90s, eyebrow haircare involved over-plucking and under-styling. Just take a look at Lily James’ barely-there brows in the Pam & Tommy series on Disney+ if you don’t believe us!

Now, the trend has shifted in the other direction, with women around the country desperate to grow bold, bushy, beautiful brows that make a statement. Heather McDowall, owner of Glasgow’s Niche Brow Bar, admits there is only one look her salon clients want to emulate.

“Most show us pictures of the Kardashians as their inspiration,” she explained. “The skinny brow trend is well and truly gone. A polished, full brow is the look most women are trying to achieve. However, the ‘fluffy’ brow trend is still very much a requested look since brow lamination hit the beauty scene in 2019, too.”

So, how do the follicly challenged compete with Kim and co? Here, McDowall shares all you need to know.

Care and condition

“It’s more important now than ever before to condition your brows, particularly with the popularity of brow lamination,” said McDowall.

Using a chemical solution, brow lamination straightens and lifts the hairs into place, fillings gaps and patches.

She continued: “If you don’t complete the aftercare, conditioning your brows daily, the hair can become brittle and weak, which leads to breakage over time. It’s just the same as if you were bleaching your own hair every month or so. You have to really lock in that condition.

“Designed with this in mind, our Grow Up Brow Enhancer (£50, nichebrowco.co.uk) is a keratin-infused serum blended with amino acid peptides to stimulate hair follicles and condition your existing brow hairs.”

Ditch the tweezers

If you are tempted to bully your brows into submission with plucking, McDowall says leave it to the professionals.

She said: “Ideally, you want to commit to a regular routine with a reputable brow artist, who can build the perfect shape for you. Using face mapping techniques, they will work out the best shape to complement your bone structure – something that’s really difficult to do yourself because most people get carried away with over-plucking!”

Different strokes

McDowall added: “When using a pencil to fill in gaps, first brush your brows into the preferred shape. Then, use a fine tip to mimic hair strokes, drawly lightly up in the direction of growth.

“If you do use too much pressure, use a spoolie to blend the product into the natural brow. Finish with a brow gel to hold the hairs in place and set your shape for the day.”