Thick Eyebrows Can Help You Look Younger

by: Linda Robison / Facial Fitness Specialist @ ABZ

I always had dark,full eyebrows. But over the years, they faded, became sparse and thin. Then I wondered, can thinning brows make me look older?

Over time, my naturally thick eyebrows thinned out so much I could barely see them!

Now, instead of just plucking, I had to pencil in eyebrow hairs every day just to make them visible. đź«¤

Before and after comparison of sparse eyebrows transformed into full, thick eyebrows.

Studies suggest that thick eyebrows enhance facial contrast, which is key to maintaining a youthful look.

When eyebrows are full and well-defined, they help frame the face and keep features looking fresh and expressive.

But here's the kicker: without my full brows, I look totally different. I look tired, washed out. And, dare I say, older!

Before and after comparison of sparse eyebrows transformed into full, thick eyebrows.Do thicker eyebrows look younger?

Can thicker eyebrows make you look younger?

Could brows make that much of a difference in your appearance and perceived age? Apparently so.

According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, enhancing the appearance of the eyebrows can significantly improve the overall youthful appearance.

Beauty experts say fuller eyebrows shape the face, highlight the eyes, and make you look younger. Well-shaped brows also help balance your features.

Celebrity makeup artist Debra Rubin-Roberts, founder of Mommy Makeup, explains: "Well-shaped eyebrows frame the face and enhance your look, while thin brows can draw attention downward, making the face appear bottom-heavy."

Why sparse eyebrows may age you?

Women often ask: Do lighter eyebrows make you look younger? The answer is probably not.

In fact, studies show the opposite is true: Thin, sparse, faded eyebrows can make a person look older than their chronological age.

Why?

Eyebrows define expression and create contrast in the face. When they fade or thin, the lack of contrast can cause facial features to appear less distinct, leading to an overall aged look.

Studies suggest that high contrast of certain facial features (like eyebrows, eyelashes, and lips) against skin tone can make you appear younger.

Facial color contrast and youthful apperance

Facial color contrast probably explains why wearing a little makeup as we get older can help us look more youthful.

When we are young, our facial features—such as brows, eyelashes, and lips—naturally have a deeper contrast against the skin. Over time, these features fade, reducing contrast and making us appear older.

Faces with higher contrast appear more youthful, according to studies.

Adding subtle enhancements—like filling in brows, defining lashes, and using soft lip color—can help restore that natural contrast and create a fresher, more youthful appearance.

"Eyebrow contrast may be specifically important for age perception since facial hair becomes gray and of lesser quality with age." Porcheron A, Mauger E, Russell R., Aspects of Facial Contrast Decreases with Age and Are Cues for Age Perception

However, as we age, the opposite is true. The hair on our head and eyebrows start to thin, fade or turn gray. The once vibrant color of our eyes and lips fade too.

As a result, there is less contrast between our features and skin tone, making us look faded, washed out, or tired. This happens to everyone, no matter their background or skin color.

Before basic eyebrow makeup. This picture shows a woman with thin eyebrows and no eyebrow makeup.Before:Thin sparse eyebrows
eyebrows asain womAfter: Thick full eyebrows

Regardless of how dark your skin tone or eyebrow color is, when it fades to the point where there is not much contrast between facial features and surrounding skin tone.

This could make you look older than you are.

Ways to get thicker, fuller eyebrows

Achieving thick, fuller eyebrows is not that hard. There are many choices from at-home makeup methods to professional treatments, each designed to boost your brow game.

Got Thin Eyebrows? Try These Fixes

You can simply fill in sparse or bald spots using the at-home methods below. Try using a slightly darker color if your eyebrows have faded or turned gray.

  • Eyebrow Pencil: An eyebrow pencil offers a convenient way to fill in any sparse sections and define your overall brow shape.  Choose a shade that complements your natural brow color and use light strokes to mimic real hair for the most natural look.
  • Brow Pomade: If your eyebrows are particularly sparse, eyebrow pomade can help. The waxy texture makes it easy to control the application, and it is excellent for filling in scarce areas to enhance thickness.
  • Brow Powder: Brow powder can give your eyebrows a softer, fuller look by adding depth and creating a smooth blend with natural hair.
  • Brow Tint: This lovely combination is my favorite! It's like a cross between a gel and pencil. And, it's waterproof. Tinted gels can also help set brow hairs in place while adding definition to lighter or thinning brows.

Note: Mine stays on until I take it off with makeup remover. Watch this tutorial on how to use brow tints.

mommy-makeup-eyebrow-tint-vs-balm.-video-picture

ABZ Tip: Keep it light!  Over-darkening your eyebrows can look harsh and unnatural. Stick to a shade close to your natural brow color for the most flattering, youthful effect.

If you have a hard time getting it right? Watch this eyebrow makeup tips tutorial on how to fill in thin or sparse brows.

If you’ve lost a significant amount of eyebrow hair, these are good options to consider.

  • Growth Serums: There is a wide variety of eyebrow growth serums that can help fix thin eyebrows. They can help you grow thicker and healthier-looking eyebrows over time. Make sure to review the ingredients to ensure they are safe for your skin type.
  • Microblading: This semi-permanent tattooing technique can drastically enhance the appearance of your eyebrows. A professional artist will manually add pigment to your skin with a special microblade to create natural-looking hair-like strokes.
  • Eyebrow Tattooing: This is a permanent solution for thin eyebrows. It can provide a uniform shape and consistent thickness, but it requires a professional aesthetician and a larger commitment.

ABZ Tip: If you're experiencing hair loss on the outer 1/3 of your eyebrows, consider speaking with your doctor, as may be associated with low thyroid function.

Wear Eye Makeup:

Don’t be afraid to wear a little eye makeup. To add more contrast to your facial features, try lightly lining the rims of your upper and lower eyelids.

If done correctly, wearing eyeliner can make your eyes standout more.

Final takeaway: Thicker Eyebrows

Your Experience? Let’s Talk Brows!

Have your once-thick eyebrows thinned over time?

The secret to youthful brows is restoring what you naturally had. Instead of following trends, focus on bringing back your original shape, thickness, and color.

If you never had very dark or perfectly straight brows, forcing that look can appear unnatural—or even age you. Look at old photos for guidance and aim for the most natural version of your brows.

Remember, brows that are too dark or thick can sometimes be harsh if they don’t suit your features.

The best strategy? Enhance what was already yours!

Have you found the perfect eyebrow pencil or technique? Do you have before-and-after brow transformations? We’d love to hear your tips and tricks—share your favorite brow-enhancing methods!



Thick eyebrows: FAQ's

Q: Can eyebrows make you look younger?

A: Yes! Studies even prove it! Research indicates that creating a noticeable contrast between specific facial features such as darker or thicker eyebrows against the skin tone has the potential to create a more youthful appearance.

Q: What eyebrow shape makes you look younger?

A: It's important to keep the natural eyebrow shape you were born with. For a more youthful look, you want to highlight your natural aches. This will help lift your eyes and faces.

Q: What color eyebrows do you need to look younger?

A: To achieve a youthful look, your eyebrows should be slightly darker than your hair color. This subtle contrast can define your facial features and provide a youthful appearance. 

Q: Do thick eyebrows make you look older?

A: Thick eyebrows are associated with youth.

Q: Can bushy brows make you looking older?

A: No, it's just the opposite. As we get older our brows thin and fade which can make our face look tired and washed out. Filling in your brows and following their natural shape can brighten the whole face. 

However, unruly, unshaped, or droopy brows can make your face look older. So it's important when you fill in your brows that you follow their natural shape.

If you're uncomfortable or not sure what your natural shape is, try having them done professionally first. Then just follow that shape each time you pencil them in.

Question: What Eyebrow Shape Makes You Look Younger?

Answer: A softly arched or slightly lifted eyebrow shape can make you look younger by opening up the eyes and creating a more lifted appearance. Avoid overly thin or highly arched brows, as they can make the face look older or more severe. A natural, fuller shape with a slight arch enhances youthful features.

Question: Do Straight Eyebrows Make You Look Younger?

Answer: Yes, straight eyebrows can make you look younger. They create a softer, more relaxed appearance, reducing the severity that a high arch can sometimes add. Straight brows also provide a more youthful, natural look that mimics the fuller brows seen in younger individuals.

Question: Which Looks Best: Thick Eyebrows, Dark Eyebrows, or Fuller Eyebrows?

Answer: Thick eyebrows can create a youthful effect by framing the face naturally and balancing facial features. While dark eyebrows can add definition, but if too dark, they may look harsh and unnatural, which can age the face.

For a youthful look, fuller and naturally thick eyebrows with a soft arch or a slightly straight shape tend to be the most flattering.

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References:

1. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0057985

2. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01208/full

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