Image source: Getty/Pierre Suu
- The shaved eyebrow trend is gaining popularity, thanks to many celebrities.
- If you’re considering shaving your eyebrows, there are a few things you need to think about first.
- Find out if your brows are growing back thicker, what tools you need for the job, and more, from two pros.
The “invisible” brow trend is alive and well, mostly thanks to Gen Z. Unconventional beauty trends like this, as well as others like the nose bridge makeup and aura eyeshadow, thrive and grow. But at the same time most people choose to dye Where whiten their eyebrows – We’re Watching You, Noah Cyrus, Nicola Peltz Beckham, Dove Cameronand Willow Smith, to name a few – some people go a completely different route to get the look and shave them off instead.
In August on Instagram Live, Doja Cat shaved her eyebrows in front of her fans, saying “I feel like I was never supposed to have hair anyway” as she did. In the months that followed, she proceeded to decorate the space where her eyebrows were with various makeup designs. Now, it’s not uncommon to find tiny white flowers, cheeky smiley faces, and other neon graphic designs in place of the hair on the singer’s face.
If you’re inspired by the boldness of Doja and want to shave your eyebrows, there are a few things you need to know before picking up the razor. Keep reading to do a little research before taking the plunge.
Is it safe to shave your eyebrows?
Perhaps the first question that might come to mind is whether it is even safe to shave your eyebrows, and the answer is yes, usually. “It’s safe to shave your eyebrows as long as you do it carefully and use the right tools and products and clean them properly,” Fides Baldesberger, eyebrow expert and CEO of Ruby tweezerssays POPSUGAR.
But before picking up your razor, Baldesberger recommends that you really take the time to think about your choice. “It’s definitely going to change your whole look, so it’s not something to be taken lightly,” she says.
It is important to keep in mind that the skin under your eyebrows is sensitive. “That means there’s an increased risk of nicks, cuts and bleeding,” says Baldesberger. Additionally, “potential risks of shaving your eyebrows include trauma to the area which could lead to scarring, infection, and an acne-like rash,” a board-certified dermatologist said. Lauren Penzi, MD, says. That’s why having the right tools is an absolute must (more on that to come).
Do eyebrows grow back after shaving?
Most of the main questions surrounding the shaved eyebrow trend relate to hair regrowth. Just like your leg, armpit, or head hair, it will. “When you shave, you don’t remove the hair at the root,” says Baldesberger. “Instead, you cut the hair at the surface where it breaks through the skin.” As long as you don’t damage the hair follicle, which is located at the root, via tweezing or waxing, it will grow back over time – they might just look a little different at first.
“You will see stubble very quickly because you are not removing the hair in its entirety. The regrowth will appear coarse and stubble-like. The hair is likely to stand on end and grow straight out of the skin, instead of lie flat, which can make it look unnatural,” says Baldesberger.
It’s a myth that hair regrows thicker after shaving, but there’s a reason it’s so widely believed. “The ends of the hair won’t have their natural taper and will instead be more blunt,” says Dr. Penzi. “It can make the eyebrows appear thicker than their original state.”
Fortunately, this is only temporary during the initial regrowth phase. “If done correctly, your brows should not suffer long-term damage,” says Dr. Penzi.
How long does it take for eyebrows to grow back?
The time it takes for your eyebrows to grow back after you shave them varies from person to person. “Generally, though, you’ll notice faster regrowth after shaving your eyebrows than you would after removing hair from the root by waxing or tweezing,” says Baldesberger. You will have stubble a few days after shaving your eyebrows, but it can take up to six weeks for them to return to their former state.
Image source: Getty/Pierre Suu
What tools do you need to shave your eyebrows
Many people wonder if you can shave your eyebrows with a normal razor just like you would your legs, and while it might work, it’s not recommended. “For this job, you’ll need an eyebrow-specific blade,” says Baldesberger. “Regular razors are often too big and can be a bit too rough for facial skin.”
Instead, you’ll want to get a New small face blade, like a dermaplaning razor. “Avoid using an old or used razor, as these blades are likely duller and won’t perform as well as a fresh, new razor,” Dr. Penzi says. We like it Sephora Collection Metal Facial Razor ($18), Kitschy dermaplaning tool set ($14) and the Schick Hydro Silk Touch-Up Multi-Purpose Exfoliating Dermaplaning Tool ($6).
“Also be sure to use a small amount of shaving cream or gel which will reduce the risk of trauma to the hair follicle while shaving and prevent any cuts or bleeding,” Dr. Penzi says. Just keep in mind that the skin on your face is much more sensitive than the skin on your body, so you’ll want to do a skin test before you dive.
How to shave your eyebrows
Once you’ve decided that the shaved eyebrow trend is right for you and you’ve gathered all the necessary tools, you’re ready to get started.
Step 1: Clean the area
“Before you shave your eyebrows, be sure to gently cleanse the area with soap to avoid introducing bacteria into the hair follicles which could lead to infection,” says Dr. Penzi.
Step 2: Start shaving
Smoothing out taut skin will help you get a clean shave. “You’ll want to use your non-dominant hand to hold your skin and your dominant hand to shave,” says Baldesberger. Then, begin to gently shave the hair in short, light strokes. Both experts recommend shaving in the direction of hair growth and not making multiple passes over the same section to avoid irritation.
If you have textured areas on your skin, such as blemishes or moles, avoid shaving over them and try plucking hair from those areas instead. Shaving these areas “can cause irritation and infection,” says Baldesberger.
Step 3: moisturize the area
Finally, once you’ve shaved off all the hair, you’ll want to treat the skin with moisturizer to help reduce the risk of irritation. Baldesberger recommends using a topical aloe vera gel to soothe the area.
