A new and trendy term, “brow blindness,” is making the rounds on social media, highlighting the brow blunders many of us commit by following trends that don’t suit our faces. Ruth Atkins, Refectocil UK's head trainer, explains, “It's about someone falling for a trend that might not necessarily suit them but can’t see it for themselves.”
PB UK spoke to Atkins about "brow blindness" and how to help clients avoid it...
Why is Everyone Talking About Brow Blindness Now?
"Brows have been a hot trend for the last few years. Whether super dark with sharp dimensions or over-the-top brow laminations giving a ‘werewolf’ look, brow blindness is a hot topic," says Atkins. "It's a positive discussion point, allowing us to address the issue of 'the wrong brow' for a better outcome. Brow blindness has been around for decades—you only need to look at old passport photos for proof!"
How to Explain Brow Blindness to a Client
"The best way to tactfully explain to clients that their brows don’t suit them is to demonstrate with makeup the difference that can be made by changing the shape, color, start, finish, and upper arch measurements," Atkins advises. "Showing the difference and explaining why can help clients transition to a brow that suits them perfectly. This may not be achieved in one session, but opening a discussion about potential improvements is a good start. If a client insists on a particular style, it's up to you as a professional to decide whether to proceed. A balanced approach, giving them a bit of what they want while doing what needs to be done, usually works."
When Does Brow Blindness Most Often Occur?
"Brow blindness can happen at any time, but it usually occurs when someone wants to jump on a trend," Atkins notes. "Social media is largely to blame for this. On the other end of the spectrum, older clients who have had bad brows for decades have learned to live with them. Explaining mapping rules and necessary changes, often due to past over-plucking, can help. Brow serums and growth enhancers can encourage sparse brows to grow back, though this takes time. For some clients, a lesson in makeup for the brows might be the way forward unless they are interested in permanent makeup."
Preventing Brow Blindness in Teens
"Preventing brow blindness in teens can be challenging. Sometimes, the only way is to highlight our own brow mistakes by admitting we once fell for brow trends like over-tweezing in the 80s or 00s. However, many teens might think you're out of touch with fashion," Atkins explains.
Current Trends That Could Lead to Regret
"One treatment that some might regret in the future is microblading/SPMU, as clients must maintain these procedures to keep the color fresh. The brows that suited them in their 20s may not suit them as they age. Considerations include fading pigments and the effects of muscle-relaxing injections, which can lower and uneven brows," warns Atkins.
Common Brow Faux Pas
"Common brow mistakes include black brows on pale skin, over-tweezed brows with a high arch, brows cemented to the face and brushed up too high, undone brows that are too relaxed, and super-thin brows that never grow back. Encourage clients to keep brows as natural as possible—neat, fitting their face, and professionally colored or laminated. Don’t let them become a brow fashion victim!" says Atkins.
Encouraging the Right Brow Trends
"Current brow trends are much more toned down compared to last year’s bushy, brushed-up brows. Today’s styles are more natural and manageable, with professional tinting using various shades to create the right warm/cool tones. Precise shaping through waxing and tweezing leaves sharper, well-manicured brows. With minimal maintenance, these looks can be recreated daily with a quick brush and brow holding gel," advises Atkins.
What is Brow Shock and How Can It Be Avoided?
"Brow shock is the result of a rapid brow makeover. Avoid this by not addressing all mistakes in one go. Focus on correcting the shape first, followed by color at another appointment. Taking baby steps and following correct brow mapping rules ensures a bespoke brow that fits clients perfectly, preventing brow shock," concludes Atkins.
