Eyebrow Trends Through the Decades: From Thin Arches to Wild Creativity
Explore a century of eyebrow trends, from Hollywood’s silent era arches to Instagram’s creative experiments.
Eyebrows have long been a distinctive feature of beauty and self-expression, shifting shapes and styles in response to changing cultural trends, film icons, and social influences. From pencil-thin curves to bold, feathered arches, every decade reveals unique approaches to brow grooming and the icons that set the standard for an era. This guide traces the arch, thickness, and personality of eyebrows from the 1920s to today.
1920: Thin and Rounded Arches
The silent film era crowned the thin, rounded brow as the symbol of cinematic glamour. Actresses like Clara Bow led the trend by heavily penciling their brows into highly dramatic, downward-arched shapes. The intent was expressive: these brows could convey emotion for the camera, emphasizing eyes in the absence of spoken dialogue.
- Brows were penciled in dramatically thin and round.
- Shapes often drooped at the end, amplifying the theatrical effect.
- The prominence of silent film icons brought this look into mainstream fashion.
1930: Strong and Arched Brows
The 1930s marked a slight turn from pure roundness, favoring bolder, more arched shapes. Screen stars like Billie Holiday and Jean Harlow inspired women to maintain a well-defined, high arch. The brow’s shape became even more exaggerated, with a crisp, elevated peak that suggested confidence and sophistication.
- High, angular arches defined the decade’s silhouette.
- Brows were still thin but appeared more pronounced and dramatic.
- Use of eyebrow pencils continued as foundational beauty tools.
1940: Full and Natural Arches
World War II induced a shift to natural-looking, fuller brows, mirroring an era that prized practicality and subtlety. Joan Crawford represented this shift, with brows that retained their shape without exaggerated thinning or over-arching. Less makeup overall meant brows were manicured but not mask-like, supporting newly appreciated natural beauty.
- Shape was guided by the natural brow line, with gentle grooming.
- Fullness replaced extreme thinness for a healthier look.
1950: Arched and Brushed Eyebrows
The postwar era celebrated refined glamour: think Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor. The brows remained full but gained a more pronounced, tailored arch. Brushing upwards created a neat but soft appearance. The look was polished, mirroring the emergence of structured hairstyles and defined lips during the decade.
- Signature feature: a defined arch angled towards the temple.
- Brow gel and powders began to be regularly used for shape and hold.
- Eyebrow tails were often subtly extended for a longer line.
1960: Short and Mod Brows
As makeup trends (notably bold lashes and liners) took precedence, brows became understated, short, and soft. The look echoed the “mod” style of icons like Twiggy, with brows playing a supportive—not starring—role in facial features.
- Brows were kept short in length and neatly groomed.
- Shape was minimal, mainly intended to define rather than dominate.
1970: Waxed and Arched Eyebrows
Disco and glamour influenced beauty with heavily arched, sculpted brows. Icons such as Donna Summer led this trend, pairing bright shadows and dramatic blush with thin, defined arches. Brow-waxing became more accessible, supporting sharper, more precise shapes.
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- Brows were thin and highly arched.
- Wax and tweezers were used to perfect and elongate the brow arch.
1980: Thick and Natural Brows
The 1980s reversed the skinny brow obsession by celebrating thick, bold, and full brows. With icons like Brooke Shields and Madonna, the era defined youthfulness and individuality through bold arches. This trend was partly a reaction to the ultra-groomed styles of past decades.
- Brows followed their natural line and were often left untouched except for subtle grooming.
- A full, dark, and often bushy look was embraced.
1990: Skinny Brows
The pendulum swung sharply again in the 1990s, returning to painstakingly plucked, ultra-skinny brows. Influencers like Kate Moss popularized minimalist, barely-there brow lines. Plucking and waxing routines were rigorous, often at the expense of natural growth. The era’s “heroin chic” aesthetic made even the faintest arch appear avant-garde.
- Brows were thin, straight, and neutrally arched.
- Bleaching and shaping tools became household staples.
2000: Pencil-Thin Arches
The trend for ultra-skinny brows intensified in the early 2000s, especially for pop stars and reality TV icons. This look was marked by even lighter, narrower lines—Christina Aguilera’s brows being a prime example. Brow pencils were critical, often used alone to “draw on” the brow shape, further distancing from natural hairlines.
- Brows were barely-there, with rounded or high arches.
- Penciling and powdering replaced much of the natural hair.
2005: The Natural Brow Returns
Reacting to over-plucked and pencil-thin arches, the mid-2000s ushered in a return to natural, full brows. Stars like Angelina Jolie epitomized clean, lightly sculpted brows with soft definition. Rather than shaping a new form, makeup aimed to enhance what was there.
- Brow gels and powders were used for minimal sculpting.
- Brow maintenance focused on cleanliness but left the bulk and natural shape intact.
2010: Bold Brows Dominate
The early 2010s saw the rise of bold, statement brows, coinciding with the influence of social media and celebrities like the Kardashians. Strong, dark arches framed the face, often highlighted with concealer for added drama and symmetry. Brow shaping and filling became essential makeup skills.
- Brows featured a sharp, angular arch and extended tails.
- Heavy use of pencils, pomades, and gels to enhance intensity.
2011: Thick and Manicured Arches
Subtle distinctions arose with elongated, groomed brows, especially among stars with round face shapes (e.g., Selena Gomez). The emphasis lay in clean lines—thick but precisely brushed and often extending further than in previous years.
- Brow shape: strong, horizontal lines with flat or gently curved arches.
- Meticulous grooming yielded a blend of fullness and polish.
2012: Strong and Powerful Arches
Cara Delevingne’s iconic brows supercharged the power brow movement. Her thick, bushy, and deeply arched brows contrasted starkly with her hair color, often becoming a deliberate focal point. Bushiness and volume became coveted attributes, and brow “growth serums” spiked in popularity.
- Brows intentionally contrasted with hair color, creating boldness.
- Trends shifted towards growth and volumizing products.
2013: Brushed-Up Brows
A new technique emerged for those preferring thinner brows: brushing hairs upward to simulate fullness. Beauty personalities like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley made this look popular by creating extra volume without dramatically changing the brow’s shape or width.
- Brow gels and brushes were used to set hairs standing upright.
- The brushed-up effect offered “volume without width.”
2014: Accessorized Arches
Eyebrows entered experimental territory as designers and makeup artists, like James Kaliardos at Rodarte, featured models with faux eyebrow rings and piercings on runways. This creative disruption opened the door to all things bold—glitter, beads, and jewels made brief appearances in both editorial photography and avant-garde makeup looks.
- Accessory brows revealed the potential for self-expression via brow modifications.
- Runway trends inspired social media experiments with temporary adornments.
2015: The “Instagram Brow” & #OnFleek Era
The mid-2010s launched the Instagram Brow phenomenon, fueled by beauty influencers like Patrick Starrr and the viral #OnFleek hashtag. Brows were intensely sculpted: the inner brow was brushed up for a gradient effect, transitioning into a sharp, defined tail. This look demanded high-maintenance grooming and expert use of pencils, pomades, and concealers.
- Brows started off full and faded into super-defined points.
- Concealer was often applied around the eyebrows for a “cut out” precision look.
- Shapes ranged from bold arches to straight, tailor-made brows.
2016: Bleached and Whispery Brows
Breaking with traditional brow definition, bleached, nearly invisible brows surfaced as an avant-garde fashion statement. Celebrities and models alike experimented with brows several shades lighter than their natural color, creating a ghostly, ethereal look. This trend prompted more open-mindedness toward unconventional brow choices, paving the way for even wilder shapes and expressions.
- Bleaching rendered brows almost imperceptible for a high-fashion edge.
- The look often paired with bold eye makeup or a bare-faced effect.
2017–Present: Wild Creativity and Social Media Experiments
With the explosion of Instagram and TikTok, brow experimentation reached new heights. Artists, makeup lovers, and beauty influencers continuously debut boundary-pushing looks. Trends have included feathered brows, bow-shaped brows, colorful pigments, and even intricate designs mimicking natural and abstract forms. The only rule is to stand out and express individuality.
- Feathered brows: Hairs are brushed upward and out, sometimes set with soap for a laminated effect.
- Bow brows: Social media users shaped arches into actual bows, showcasing playful artistry.
- Multicolored brows: Use of vibrant shades from pink to green, sometimes matching hair color.
Table: Summary of Notable Eyebrow Trends by Decade
| Decade | Trend Name | Iconic Look | Key Influencer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1920s | Thin & Rounded | Dramatic, downward arch | Clara Bow |
| 1930s | Strong Arch | High, angular arch | Billie Holiday, Jean Harlow |
| 1940s | Natural Fullness | Soft, lightly groomed | Joan Crawford |
| 1950s | Brushed & Arched | Polished, tailored arch | Marilyn Monroe |
| 1960s | Short & Mod | Minimal, understated | Twiggy |
| 1970s | Waxed & Arched | Thin, highly arched | Donna Summer |
| 1980s | Thick & Natural | Full, unmanicured | Brooke Shields |
| 1990s | Skinny Brow | Sparse & straight | Kate Moss |
| 2000s | Pencil-Thin | Ultra-narrow, defined by pencil | Christina Aguilera |
| 2010s | Bold/Instagram | Full, sculpted & gradient | Kardashians, Cara Delevingne |
| 2020s | Creative/Experimental | Feathered, colorful, accessorized | Social Media Influencers |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What decade had the thinnest eyebrows?
A: Both the late 1920s/early 1930s and the late 1990s/early 2000s featured especially thin brows. The 2000s were notable for pencil-thin, barely-visible arches popularized by pop culture icons.
Q: How are ‘Instagram brows’ different from previous trends?
A: Instagram brows are characterized by a well-groomed, full look with a gradient that fades from soft at the start to sharp and highly defined at the tail. This trend relies on meticulous grooming and layered products, emphasizing precision and perfection compared to previous decades.
Q: What tools or products are essential for achieving full or bold brows?
A: Key products include brow pencils, pomades, powders, clear or tinted gels, angled brushes for sculpting, and spoolie brushes for blending. Growth serums and conditioners are also used for naturally fuller brows.
Q: Why did brows become natural in the 1940s, and then again in the 2000s?
A: Social and cultural factors often drive beauty trends. In the 1940s, WWII shifted focus to practicality and natural beauty. In the mid-2000s, backlash against over-plucking and desire to restore natural hair health led to a more natural approach again.
Q: Are there any risks with frequent brow bleaching or heavy plucking?
A: Yes. Bleaching can weaken brow hair, making it more prone to breakage, while excessive plucking can cause permanent hair loss or patchiness over time. Moderation and careful technique are crucial for maintaining brow health.
Conclusion: The Ever-Changing Art of Brows
Eyebrows serve as both personal signature and social trend barometer, evolving with the icons, industries, and attitudes of each era. Today, brows are more customizable than ever—whether brushed-up for a full, fluffy look or bleached for editorial edge, the only limit is individual style. As fashion continues to evolve and technology democratizes beauty trends, expect even more creative brow moments to inspire the next generation of iconic arches.
References
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/g19586274/eyebrow-trends-decades/
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/beauty/8686-these-bow-shaped-brows-are-insanely-cute
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/makeup/a62626797/things-i-wish-i-knew-before-microblading/
- https://gb.readly.com/magazines/cosmopolitan-uk/2024-07-16/669253cb6b06127741c4b386
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