Eyebrow grooming is no longer just for women. Now more and more men are committed to looking “put-together,” which includes not having wild and/or bushy eyebrows. As a matter of fact, eyebrow grooming is now a significant part of many men’s grooming routine. This grooming can be through tweezing, waxing, threading, or any other innovative way that has become a common practice across the globe.
What is about eyebrows that have made this such a trend? Did a man just wake up and say he was fed up with caterpillars on his eyes? While that is probably not the case, it is possibly because of the significance the eyebrows have on complimenting the eyes. And even more, eyebrows also give context and shape the face. This is why it’s important to get the right shape when you do have them groomed.
So how do you get the right shape? Here are a few eyebrow grooming secrets you should know about:
Scissor Trimming
It is very common for men to have bushy, overgrown eyebrows because the hair is thick and long. Eyebrows could also be this way because of genetics or higher levels of testosterone (yes, even this varies in men). A great way to bring the shape back into your eyebrows without over-plucking is through trimming with scissors. Simply brush your eyebrow hair up and trim a little and then brush your eyebrow hair down and trim some more. This will take off length and thickness and give your brows more definition without the shape looking too “feminine.” Because you are not removing hair from the follicles, you maintain the natural hairline of the brow.
Waxing
Another secret is to get rid of your unibrow (unless a unibrow is a look you want). Removing a unibrow will immediately give a clean look to your face and with minimal effort. Waxing is a great option since it is the fastest way to remove the hair between the eyebrows and with the best precision to get the right shape. While shaving the area may have less discomfort, it certainly will not in the long run, and it is much more complicated when trying to even the brows. Shaving also will not last as long as waxing either. The other downside is that it can grow back thicker and more coarse if you shave. Consistent waxing has been shown to thin the hair and over time can kill the follicle, which will result in the unibrow not growing back at all.
Tweezing
If you want to do a quick clean-up for a few stray hairs that are out of place, tweezing is the best option. This will allow you to remove unruly brow strands that will not easily brush into place. While it may have some discomfort, it is bearable. Plus, this option is only good if you want to pull five to ten strands (and not really give yourself a full hair removing arching session). To minimize the discomfort from tweezers, you can warm the area you are going to pluck (which tweezing is best right after a hot shower). This will open your pores and allow the hair follicles to come out easier. You can also take a warm cloth and press it to the brow area so that the steam and warmth from the cloth can open the pores.
Taming Your Brows
Once you have your eyebrows plucked, trimmed, tweezed, or whatever you chose, the next secret is knowing how to to keep them tamed. Taming the eyebrows is pretty easy since the secret is using a good, moisturizing brow gel. Clear eyebrow gel will hold the brow hairs in place a lot longer than just with brushing. You don’t have to use a lot either, and using a clear gel does not have color, so you will not have a tint to your brows. Using too much brow gel can result in flaking, so less is really more to have the best outcome. Remember, you want to get the right shape, not have your eyes flake.
Eyebrow grooming can be easy and effortless to get and maintain. It is also not inexpensive. The goal is to find a technique that will work for you; and one that is comfortable for you. If tweezing or waxing is too painful, you can also use a brow razor. Just remember, any razor will result in the hair returning faster and sometimes much thicker. The other reminder is to get the right shape; it is about the eyes. If you groom yourself, remove hair a little at a time to ensure you don’t take too much off.