How To Groom Bushy Brows: A 7-Step Routine

Even with the recent resurgence of skinny brows, thick eyebrows will always have a place in our hearts. Full, bushy eyebrows make a bold statement and easily draw attention to your eyes. But they don't come without a downside—namely, that thick brows can take a bit of elbow grease when it comes to grooming.

If you’re looking to embrace your full brows but aren’t sure how to groom your eyebrows properly, keep reading. We’ll explain everything you need to know about taming your arches ahead and introduce you to some of our favorite brow products to add to your routine.

How To Groom and Manage Thick Eyebrows

When grooming bushy brows, there are a handful of steps you’ll want to follow for the best results. We break them all down below.

Step 1: Pick your eyebrow shape

Before you pick up the tweezers, you’ll want to figure out what shape you’d like your eyebrows to be. Generally speaking, you’ll want to choose an eyebrow shape that complements your face shape, as this will yield the most flattering results. If you need help determining yours, check out our guide to the best eyebrow shapes for different face shapes.

Keep in mind that if your brows are currently a different shape than your ideal, you may need to sit back and let them grow in for a few weeks before trying to shape them again. Be patient—it’ll be worth it in the end.

Step 2: Sketch out your shape

When you’re ready to start grooming, use an eyebrow pencil to sketch out an outline of your ideal brow shape. Don’t worry about drawing it flawlessly—this outline is just there to guide you as you shape your brows. For a precise, defined outline, we suggest using the L’Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Definer Mechanical Waterproof Eyebrow Pencil. It boasts a spoolie brush on one end (you’ll need this later!) and a fine-tipped retractable pencil on the other for sketching out your brow shape.

Step 3: Remove stray hairs

If you have thicker eyebrows, chances are good there are some stray hairs that fall outside of the outline you drew in step two. Start grooming your brows by using tweezers to pluck away these unwanted hairs. If you prefer to wax your brows, you can do that instead—just be sure to be precise with your application so you don’t end up removing more than intended.

Step 4: Trim your brows

Next, use the spoolie on your eyebrow pencil to brush your eyebrow hairs upward. If your brows are on the longer, bushier side, you may notice that some of your brow hairs extend beyond the outline you drew earlier. Use a pair of angled eyebrow scissors to trim away any excess length until you achieve your desired brow shape.

When trimming, remember that less is more. Trim just a little hair at a time—you can always go back in for touch-ups if needed.

Step 5: Wipe away your outline

Once you’re satisfied with the shape of your brows, you can remove the outline. Use a makeup remover wipe or dip a cotton swab into L’Oréal Paris Eye Makeup Remover and gently wipe away the pencil.

Step 6: Fill in with an eyebrow pencil

If you spot any sparse or uneven areas that you’d like to touch up after removing your outline, use the same brow pencil you used earlier to to fill in your brows. Use light pressure and draw short, fine strokes where you’d like added definition or color.

When you’re done filling in your brows, flip the pencil over and use the spoolie to blend the lines for a natural-looking bushy brow effect.

Editor’s tip: If you’re stuck between two eyebrow pencil shades, we suggest opting for the lighter one. Following this simple eyebrow tip will help ensure a subtle, natural-looking finish.

Step 7: Set your eyebrows with a brow gel

Lastly, you’ll want to set your brows to keep them in place. We recommend doing this with an eyebrow mascara or gel, such as L’Oréal Paris Volumizing 24H Wear Infallible Brow Mascara. Use the tinted mascara’s 3D micro-grip brush to coax your brows into your desired shape, then let it dry.

Alternatively, try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24HR Brow Lamination. This clear brow gel applies easily and helps lift and hold brows into place for up to 24 hours. The sweat-resistant formula dries down with no stickiness or residue, and it can be used alone or with a brow pencil for a laminated look (sans the salon visit).

How To Make Eyebrows Look Thicker

It’s easy to fake the appearance of thicker eyebrows—you just need the right tools (and products). When it comes to grooming, you’ll actually want to follow all the same steps as some with naturally thick eyebrows. So, determine your preferred shape, trace your brows, and trim, tweeze, or wax your brows until you achieve your ideal brow shape. Styling is where a slight difference will come into play.

Step 1: Draw faux eyebrow hairs

The first thing you’ll want to do to fake the appearance of thicker eyebrows is draw faux brow hairs. We recommend using the L’Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Micro Ink Pen by Brow Stylist, Up to 48HR Wear for this step. It boasts a comb-tip applicator that creates thin, evenly-spaced strokes to mimic the appearance of natural brow hairs. Starting from the front of your brow, draw light strokes to fill in sparse or thin areas. Continue as you move toward your brow tail, adjusting the angle of the pen as needed so your strokes match up with the direction of hair growth. Once complete, you’ll enjoy thicker-looking brows that’ll stay in place for up to 48 hours.

Step 2: Brush up your brows

After you’ve filled in your brows, brush your brows upward with the aforementioned L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24HR Brow Lamination. As you brush the gel through your brows, be sure to coat every brow hair so you’re left with a full, feathery look. Then, give yourself a pat on the back—you’ve just faked your way to thick eyebrows.

Step 3 (Optional): Consider eyebrow lamination

If you’re looking for a longer-lasting brow solution, consider opting for professional brow lamination. This in-salon treatment shapes and “freezes” brow hairs into a brushed-up, fluffy, and groomed position with results lasting for up to two months (with proper upkeep). If you choose to go this route, make sure to visit a reputable salon for the best results.

Next Up: How To Get an Ombré Powder Brow Look at Home

Photo Courtesy of L'Oréal Paris