Eyebrow trends can be dangerous territory. Some of us have learnt the hard way that too much plucking can permanently change the shape of our brows – the rest of us have heard the horror stories. Which is why we all raised our brows (then waited to suss the situation) when Bella Hadid put '90s skinny brows back on the agenda earlier last year.
Have they made it into 2022? Hmmm debatable. Aesthetic specialists Vera Clinic were thinking the same thing, which is why they analysed millions of views and posts via Instagram data to work out what's hot and what's not. And while ‘90s brows have secured a spot in the top 10, you can breathe a sigh of relief, because the major headliners aren’t so heavy on the pruning (there might be some bleaching involved, though).
Here's the most popular eyebrow trends you need to know for 2022.
1. Brow lamination
#2,100,000
The most popular eyebrow trend for 2022 by far, is brow lamination. The semi-permanent treatment provides perfectly placed, brushed up brows that last for months. The process basically involves restructuring brows and setting them into the most desirable shape using a fixing product that helps straighten curved hairs and improve symmetry. The brushed up shape can also help to fill gaps and give the appearance of fuller-looking brows. Plus the trend counts celebs like Gigi Hadid and Dua Lipa among its high-profile fans.
2. Natural brow
#896,000
Natural brows is the second most popular with 896,000 hashtags (and the easiest to do). This trend is about sticking to your natural shape, just maybe slightly more groomed. It's not too skinny or thick, it's more minimalist and simplified.
3. Fluffy brows
#517,000
Fluffy brows have been building momentum and they're staying put for 2022. The trend has been spotted on Billie Eilish and involves brushing up brow hairs but still leaving them relaxed and natural, which means less time spent pencilling them in.
4. Feather brows
#303,000
This is different from micro-feathering, a semi-permanent tattooing technique. Instead it's another spin on fluffy brows that takes its cues from feathers. The idea is to use a spoolie to create definition and flick the brows out to give an airy, lightweight look that still looks full. Check out our fave TikTok tutorials here and here.
5. Bleached brow
#33,400
We've spotted so many celebs taking the bleached brow trend for a spin, including Kim Kardashian, Lady Gaga and Lizzo. But despite sounding scary and making a major statement, there's a sneaky hack making the rounds on TikTok that gives the look of bleached brows, without the commitment.
6. Eyebrow transplants
#27,300
Not your average brow trend, Chrissy Teigen sparked interest in the eyebrow transplants when she took to her Instagram to tell followers she'd had the procedure to avoid having to wear so much makeup. Hair grafts (or plugs) are taken from the back of your head and transferred to your eyebrow area to increase fullness. It's definitely more of a commitment than picking up a new eyebrow gel, so her advise to Gen Z? “Teens: Do not pluck them all off like I did!!”
7. Straight brow
#9,400
Forget nike tick brows, this straighter style is a classic that was loved by Audrey Hepburn and is still a hit in 2022 with Zendaya and Cara Delevigne. It features a more minimal arch and a straighter tail.
8. Coloured brow
#5,600
Best for those who like to experiment, play and have fun with their makeup. The coloured brow is an easy way to add a pop of colour into makeup and it's definitely not boring.
9. '90s brow
#2,500
The throwback ‘90s brow sees skinny, low-arched brows making a comeback. Bella Hadid’s on board, but are you?
10. Fox brow
#1,300
Fox brows may be a new trend, but they make use of a technique that's been used by makeup artists for years. Tape is used to pull brows back into a flatter shape, whilst it also helps to lift the face as a side-hustle. TikTok users have also recreated the style by elongating the end of their brows with brow pencils for a shape that's closer to Kaia Gerber and Kendall Jenner.
This article was originally published on Glamour UK.