To Bleach or Not to Bleach the Brows

Eyebrow bleaching is taking the color completely out of the eyebrows which can be quite harsh in general, but it gives a stronger, often more editorial look. This “futuristic effect” is in high demand with over 203 million views on TikTok. It's popularized by celebrities like Lizzo and Kendall Jenner and in fashion shoots and on runways. Individuals are wanting to reinvent their look and this process provides a blank canvas that allows them to just that. A bleached brow look alters the appearance of the face because the brows give structure to the face by defining the lines of the bones underneath. While this look can be stunning on many, it can also be startling to most. Bleached brows create the illusion that one’s eyes look rounder or bigger because there is no longer an outline of the eye, the full space is opened up.

It is important to consult with your clients and manage expectations because the look is dramatic and transformative. There are a few options to share with your clients to guide them on their decision. The first option is to achieve the bleached brow look with makeup by using concealers; the client will be able to visualize how they look and then decide if they truly want to bleach the brows. The second option is eyebrow lightening which lifts the color a few shades lighter than the original brow color. This option allows a gradual transition for a client to appreciate the change and determine if they truly want to continue to full bleached brows. If a client does decide to bleach the brow but doesn’t like the look after a few days, they have options. The look is temporary because the original color of the brow hairs will grow back in over time or a client can have their brows tinted to deposit color back to the original color.

The act of erasing eyebrows is a great way to open up the area around the eyes, which allows for much more freedom in terms of makeup possibilities. Since the "frame" is gone, makeup can be applied with any shape and size to create something dramatic. From drawing on entirely new brows to extending the shape of a graphic eye design to extreme effect, it opens up a whole new world.

As you work with bleached brows and are retinting back to the original color, use a tint that is one shade lighter than the original brow. The bleached brows will deposit and soak up color quickly and go dark easily; ensure that you reduce the processing time as well.

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