While the eyes are the window to the soul, it’s often said that the eyebrows are the frame. Your eyebrows have several important jobs: shaping your face, highlighting your eyes, and even showing your emotions. This is why it’s so important to give your eyebrows the love and attention they deserve — as if you needed a reason beyond the feel-good vibes of a fresh wax!
But that may leave you wondering, “What eyebrow shape is best for me?” You asked, we’re answering — and we’ve tapped the expertise of Waxing the City Co-Founder Alex Arlotta to help you build brows that wow.
We’ll cover:
- How to know what eyebrow shape suits you
- The benefits of eyebrow mapping
- Our guide to the best eyebrow shape for each face type
- How to make your eyebrow shape last after waxing
- Three bonus tips to build your best brows
How to know what eyebrow shape suits you best
With TikTok trends and throwback brows popping up every week, finding your best eyebrow shape can be confusing. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back (and your brows!). Arlotta recommends these three methods to simplify the process:
- Professional waxing: Waxing professionals like our Cerologists are trained to give you the best results possible through personalized consultations and our specially formulated waxes, working to enhance your brows’ natural appearance. No cookie-cutter shapes here!
- Eyebrow mapping: This is a special technique that our Cerologists use to determine the ideal brow shape for your features (more on this later!).
- Personal style: Into clean and natural? Love a bold, editorial brow? Let your Cerologist know at your appointment so you can work together to create the best shape for your face and style.
Our brow shaping holy grail: Eyebrow mapping
Every brow waxing service starts with a one-on-one brow mapping consultation with your Cerologist. “We know how nerve-racking a brow wax can be, so we guide you through the process as much as possible,” says Arlotta.
During your consultation, your wax technician will give you a mirror and show you the three important points of your brow:
- The lowest point (the beginning of the brow)
- The highest point (the arch)
- The end of the brow (the tail)
These three points serve as a guide for your Cerologist to determine your final brow shape, so you can rest assured you’re in good hands when you step into the studio!
Where should eyebrows start?
This is one of the most common questions we get from clients. Arlotta has the answer: “Draw an imaginary line straight upward from the sides of your nostrils. This is where both of the brows should begin.”
Style guide: The best eyebrows for your face shape
So, is there an ideal brow shape based on your face shape? The short answer: There are no hard-and-fast rules for which eyebrow shape is most attractive or flattering — the best brow shape for you is the one that you can wear confidently! However, there are some general guidelines you can follow for inspo.
At your appointment, your Cerologist will take your face shape into consideration as they do a comprehensive analysis, ensuring your brows complement your face while maintaining a full appearance.
Here are the recommended best eyebrow shapes for each face type — use this guide to find your best shape and amp up your brow game!
Best eyebrow shape for square face
For a square face, a strong brow with a defined arch can add balance.
Best eyebrow shape for oval face
Soft angles with shallow arches suit the gentle features of oval faces best.
Best eyebrow shape for round face
A lifted and angled arch helps to lengthen the appearance of round faces.
Best eyebrow shape for long face
A flat brow with less arch will make a long face appear shorter.
Best eyebrow shape for heart face
High arches are best for heart-shaped faces, as they complement your face’s natural contours.
Best eyebrow shape for diamond face
For diamond-shaped faces, rounded brows add balance by creating a softer, more narrow appearance.
Should your eyebrow shape change as you get older?
Age is another factor that can affect the appearance of your eyebrows. As we mature, brow hair tends to thin out, and your natural eyebrow shape may even become more arched.
Arlotta says, “Many mature [clients] like to keep as much of their brow as possible, as a fuller brow often looks more youthful.” But, as always, how your brows look is up to you!
How to make your brow shape last after waxing
Once you’ve achieved your ideal eyebrow shape, the next step is maintaining it. Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered here, too!
Products like gel or pomade are essential to brow upkeep in between waxing appointments as they keep hairs in place even as regrowth happens. You can also use a highlighter — like our Kelley Baker CamoLight® Highlighter Pencil (hint, hint) — to highlight the shape and hide some of the regrowth under your brows.
Finally, remember that regular waxing can help you manage hair growth (and even help unwanted hair grow back thinner) so your brows hold their shape longer.
Related: The Benefits of Waxing Year-Round
3 more ways to achieve your best brow shape
Professional waxing isn’t the only way to shape and define your brows. If you want to take your brow game to the next level, try adding one of these methods to your beauty routine. (You can thank us later!)
1. Use makeup to enhance your natural look
Meet your new brow best friends: brow pencils and brow powder. Arlotta says, “Both products can give a soft or bold look depending on how you layer them. Remember to always blend the product as you go!”
Use the pencil to create fine, natural lines that mimic hair strokes to fill in areas where hair might be missing. Then, go in with powder to add depth and a pop of color to your eyebrows.
2. Turn up the glam with brow tinting
Brow tinting* gives even the finest, fairest brow hairs a boost of color for a bold, full look that enhances your natural features. It’s a low-maintenance way to preserve or build up your brow shape for two to three weeks — you’ll be able to say, “I woke up like this!” and mean it.
*Not available at all studios. Check with your local studio for availability.
3. Boost your brow game with lamination
Want an even more defined look? Enter: brow lamination. This two-step eyebrow perming, treatment corrects your brow shape and sets hairs in place using a safe chemical solution. The result: brows that stay in place for up to eight weeks with proper aftercare. At Waxing the City, our lamination service also includes a tint* to give you the fullest look.
*Only available at studios that offer lash tints. Check with your local studio for more information.
PSA: Avoid overplucking!
If you prefer to pluck your eyebrows, the golden rule is “less is more.” As Arlotta puts it, “You can always take more off but you can’t put it back on. Start off slow!” Or better yet, leave your brows to the pros and experience the unexpected benefits of professional waxing that your skin will love. Arlotta says, “We often find clients who have fuller brows don’t want to wax because they don’t want them to get thinner — we don’t want them thinner, either! For our fuller brow clients, a clean-up of the vellus hair around the brow and a little shaping can make such a difference.”
If you do happen to overpluck, here are a few tips to help your brows regrow:
- Seek professional advice to determine which areas need to regrow.
- Try an eyebrow regrowth serum.
- Be patient and allow your brows to fully grow back before removing any hair.
- Use makeup to fill in areas that may be thin during the regrowth period.
What eyebrow shape is best for me? The one that feels like you
“Makeup or no makeup, a good set of brows rarely goes unnoticed,” Arlotta says — and we’re firm believers that the best brows are the ones that make you feel flawless. Through an artful blend of brow mapping and personalization, our Cerologists work with you to create a flattering eyebrow shape that you’ll want to flaunt. Confidence looks good on you!
Find more ways to build your best brow yet
Our Cerologists have you covered — from questions like “what eyebrow shape is best for me?” to “how often should I wax?” Find your nearest studio to book an appointment and get a personalized consultation plus expert waxing to glow from head to toe.
