In 2016, there can be little more important to one's beauty game than having amazing eyebrows. Aside from the current cultural recommendation that we be #onfleek at all times, having well-shaped brows can totally transform your face. But actually getting your eyebrows to that state of perfection? Yeah, that takes work.
That’s where eyebrow professionals come in. It’s their job to ensure that you get the perfect brow shape FOR YOU — because one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to eyebrows, after all. But actually sucking it up and booking an appointment with a pro? Yeah, it can be pretty scary. It took me years to bite the bullet and accept that I needed professional help — so I know that the fear is real.
So here’s everything — and I do mean everything — you need to know before you get your brows done by a pro for the first time.
1. Figure out your eyebrow situation.
Are you looking to get your eyebrows fully reshaped, or just cleaned up? Do they grow so fast that you have to clear-cut them every two days? Have you over-plucked and need a recovery program? Or do you just want to learn the proper care and feeding of your eyebrows for maximum fleekness? All of these things will affect the professional that you go see. Assessing your beauty needs beforehand will go a long way in making sure you get what you want.
If you need them shaped or made over, an aesthetician who specializes in eyebrows is the person you want. If you need minor upkeep, a waxing or threading salon — which you research ahead of time, obvs — will work. And if you need help growing them back, you might want to start at your dermatologists; if it’s serious enough, you might need a prescription to aid in the regrowth.
2. Wax, thread, or pluck?
Again, assess your needs. A professional tweezing is extremely precise, but it can hurt, and you’ll need to go in every two weeks to keep it up. Threading is super-fast and relatively painless, but because it removes multiple hairs at once, it also has the highest risk of going wrong. Waxing lasts the longest — four to six weeks — and is great for people with A LOT of brow hair real estate, but it hurts, and may not suitable for sensitive skin.
If you’re having a hard time deciding (or if you’re worried about your skin), talk to your dermatologist. They'll help set you on the right path.
3. Do your homework!
A lot of people will tell you something like “Make a Pinterest board of eyebrows that you like to take to your appointment.” Don’t actually do that; the eyebrows that you like are not always the eyebrows that you can get, or will work for you. I love Beyonce's super-arched brows — but since my eyebrows are long and flat, I will never in my life be able to get those.
Instead, look at your brows and the way they fit on your face. Play with a brow pencil; see how you look with different shapes before your appointment. Remember that you can always have your eyebrows made thinner or more arched — it’s really hard to put them back in the other direction.
4. Prepare.
So you’ve chosen your brow hair-removal method of choice, found an amazing salon, and made your appointment. GOOD FOR YOU. Now prepare yourself for B-day — that’s brow day — by following some simple steps.
A week before your appointment, stop plucking or trimming your eyebrows completely</strong>; let ‘em run free! You want your brow artist to have enough hair to work with!
Two hours before your appointment, take an over-the-counter pain reliever, preferably something that also reduces inflammation (this is a tip from my mum, an RN for 30 years, and has been very useful to me). DO NOT drink a glass of wine before your appointment to calm your nerves — it may make you loosey goosey, but it will also eff with your judgement.
One hour before, wash your face. Make sure you have no makeup, dirt or gunk on your skin.
You are now ready. Go with God.
5. BE SPECIFIC about what you want.
Women are socialized to be POLITE which often means we feel awkward speaking up about the things we want. Getting your eyebrows done is not the time to give in to this — you really need to be explicit about what you want.
If you want your eyebrows cleaned up just a little, say so. If you want them totally reshaped and you want to inspect the shape as you go, say so. If you don’t want the brow hairs trimmed, sing out, Louise. Eyebrows grow back really slowly — speaking up during an appointment can save many tears down the road.
And if you’ve never, ever had your eyebrows done and you have no idea what you want, book a consultation FIRST. This way you and your eyebrow pro can talk about shaping, trimming, and maintaining before the actual appointment, so you really know what you’re getting in to.
6. Chill.
Stress makes everything worse, especially pain — so keep calm and think of amazing eyebrows. I know this is easier said than done, especially when a stranger with tweezers or hot wax is coming at your face, but flinching away from the aesthetician is a bad move. Breathe deeply, stay calm, and I guarantee that getting your brows done will become a way more pleasant experience.
