Managing your eyebrows might as well be a competitive sport. From routine threading and waxing appointments to help maintain their shape to microblading and eyebrow tinting to keep their fullness — achieving perfect eyebrows is a never-ending commitment.
Even though a consistent brow regimen may feel necessary, there’s a fine line between following through with regular upkeep and overdoing it. If we’ve learned anything from the ‘90s skinny brow era, it’s that overdoing it is a very real thing. While your arches are always going to need some form of maintenance, the best way to tell when it’s time for a touch up is to look at your eyebrows versus following a set schedule. Take a look as we share four signs that indicate it’s time to get your eyebrows done.
Featured Products
How Often Should I Get My Eyebrows Done?
Knowing how often to get your eyebrows done really depends on how fast they grow. Generally, getting your eyebrows done every 12 weeks is a good model to follow but you may be able to go even longer. Eyebrows don’t have a universal growth schedule that they all follow, so if you can go longer than 12 weeks before your brows start to become unruly, or affect your makeup application, then go for it.
4 Telltale Signs That Indicate it’s Time to Get Your Eyebrows Done
It’s natural to want to book an eyebrow appointment at the first sign of new hair growth, but if that is your main indicator, you’re probably getting your brows done too often. Check out the four major signs that suggest it’s time to book a brow appointment.
1. Your Eyebrows Are Affecting your Eyeshadow Application
If your eyebrows have grown to the point where they're affecting your eyeshadow application, especially in the area under the brow and towards the arch, that’s a good indication that it’s time to get them done. Another thing to keep an eye out for is when the tail of your eyebrow extends past your eyes. If you notice that — it’s time to book an appointment to clean them up.
Many fixate on the area between the brows and take new hair as a sign that a touch-up is needed but that can lead to premature and unnecessary fixes. Plucking your eyebrows is a great way to maintain their shape between appointments. While you don’t want to overpluck or change the shape of your brows, removing the random hairs that pop up will keep your brows clean and extend the time needed between your next threading or waxing appointment.
2. Your Eyebrows Are Unruly
If your eyebrows are unruly and difficult to style, that is another telltale sign that it’s time to get them done. This especially applies to those with curly or coarse brows that need to be trimmed. While your overgrown brows might not need a cleanup with threading or waxing, trimming your eyebrows to maintain their shape is just as important.
Using a clear eyebrow gel is a great way to tame unruly brows. Simply sculpt your brows into place with the L’Oréal Paris Unbelieva-Brow Longwear Brow Topcoat, Waterproof Universal Transparent, which offers 30-hour wear and a quick-dry finish.
3. Your Eyebrows Are Faded
Unwelcomed hair growth isn’t the only sign that it’s time to get your eyebrows done. For those that get their eyebrows microbladed or tinted, faded brow hair is a significant indication that it’s time to book a touch-up. While this doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll need your eyebrows shaped or plucked, maintaining the color is what creates the illusion of a fuller brow.
Microbladed brows need a touch-up once or twice a year to counteract fading pigment whereas a brow tint needs to be touched up every four to six weeks. To keep your brows vibrant and full between appointments, turn to the L’Oréal Paris Unbelieva-Brow Longwear Waterproof Brow Gel to coat your brows with waterproof, long-lasting color.
4. You Want to Try a New Shape
If you’re switching up your eyebrows with a new shape like a higher arch or a skinny silhouette — it’s time to book an eyebrow appointment. Rather than taking matters into your own hands and plucking an entirely new shape, let a professional help you make the change so that it’s proportional to your face and most importantly, to make sure your brows are symmetrical.
Editor’s tip: Before taking to the salon to test out a new brow shape, an easy eyebrow hack is to block your brows with glue or re-shape them with concealer like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer up to 24H Full Coverage. Once you’ve masked your brows, use the L’Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Definer Mechanical Waterproof Eyebrow Pencil to pencil in a new shape. The ultra-fine, waterproof tip is great for creating small, hair-like strokes.
Next: This Soap Brow Inspired Topcoat Is a Must-Have
Written by: Reece Andavolgyi, Photographer: Chaunte Vaughn, Art Director: Hannah Packer, Associate Creative Producer: Becca Solovay, Digital Tech: Katy Andrascik, Photo Assistant: Sam Kang, Makeup Artist: Jonet Williamson, Hair Stylist: Akihisa Yamaguchi, Wardrobe Stylist: Melina Kemph, Wardrobe Assistant: Kayla Martinez, Model: Adrianne Kiara