A unibrow or a monobrow is a genetic trait that leads to the two eyebrows meeting above your nose. While they are more common than you might think, not everyone is comfortable with one. So, they struggle to learn how to get rid of a unibrow both temporarily and permanently.
Unibrows have no specific known cause. However, a 2016 study on facial hair involving more than 6,000 people identified a gene called PAX3 associated with this phenomenon (1). This gene is found more in men, leading to hair growth at the center of their forehead.
While fighting your genes isn’t an option, finding ways to remove an unwanted unibrow cant be your forward. This article lists some great tips to get rid of unwanted hair between your eyebrows. Read on.
Keep In Mind
- Waxing: Do not wax your unibrow if you are on acne medication as it can injure the skin.
- Natural wax: You can make it by mixing brown sugar, honey, and water and microwaving the mixture for 30 seconds. Stir every 10 seconds to ensure a soft and thick consistency.
- Aftercare: If you experience irritation after using depilatory cream or wax for hair removal, you can apply hydrocortisone cream to soothe the area.
In This Article
- How To Get Rid Of A Unibrow Naturally
- Infographic: 4 Easy Ways To Get Rid Of Unibrows
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Key Takeaways
How To Get Rid Of A Unibrow Naturally
There are various ways through which you can get rid of the unwanted hair between your eyebrows. Most people resort to plucking, waxing, or trimming. Below is a list of all the options available for unibrow hair:
1. Plucking
Plucking is the most inexpensive way to get rid of unwanted facial hair, and many beauty bloggers advocate it. All you need is a pair of tweezers, and you are ready to start.
Madeline, a blogger, reminisces about how she tried to tackle her unibrow as a teen and what resulted in a hilarious result with plucking them. After trying a hair removal cream and enduring a chemical burn, her cousin eventually helped her in plucking her brows. She shares, “An hour or so later my face was transformed – the extreme thinness and noticeable ‘groomed look’ of my new brows made me feel older and sophisticated. The dozens of pictures from the event, however, serve as historical records of the truth: I had a great time that day and there were sperm-shaped patches of hair above my eyes. Thankfully, their shape has gradually improved over the years and just like my mom said, I’ve grown to really like my eyebrows (i).”
The best time to pluck your unibrow is right after you take a shower. Hot showers open your pores, making it easier and less painful to tweeze. You can also place wet washcloths on your brow for some time before plucking.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Stand in front of the mirror and start plucking one hair at a time. A magnifying mirror will best suit the purpose, but normal ones are also fine.
- Using one hand, gently stretch your skin and make it taut. With the other hand, pull each hair out firmly in one swift motion.
- While plucking a unibrow, remember to pull in the direction of the growth. It will prevent breaking and make the process more comfortable.
- Also, ensure that you do not pluck too much hair. Step back after every few plucks and check to see how much further you want to go.
- Do not forget to apply an antibacterial soap and soothing lotion once you are done. It ensures that you do not get bacteria in your newly empty pores.
- Plucking can also cause slight irritation or redness. Beauty bloggers advise rubbing ice cubes in such cases as it can soothe the affected area.
The process of plucking each eyebrow can be quite time-consuming. But the good news is that the result lasts for a substantial period.
2. Depilatory Creams
Depilatory creamsmany beauty enthusiasts
Before you apply a hair removal cream directly to your face, it is advisable to test it on other parts of your body. Try a dab of the cream on a small area of your hands or legs to see if it causes irritation or redness. People with sensitive skin are particularly prone to such side effects. Leave the cream on your hand as long as instructed. If there is no redness, then you are good to go. But if there is, you should switch to a different cream or try another hair removal method.
Also, you have to be very careful while applying the depilatory cream to your unibrow. You do not want to get the cream on any part of the eyebrow that you do not wish to remove. Since these creams have a high chemical content, be careful not to get them in your eyes.
Another thing to note about hair removal creams is that they are only meant for surface-level hair removal, and the hair is not pulled out from the roots. So, do not be surprised if your hair grows back faster than you expected.
Quick Tip
Always outline your eyebrows before applying the cream. Apply the cream to hair that falls outside the outline to avoid any mishaps.
3. Waxing Your Unibrow
The waxing process generally involves applying hot wax over the unibrow and then using a strip of cloth to rip off the wax in a swift motion. Waxing is known to be one of the most effective hair removal methods used by several influencers. It removes the hair follicle from the root, giving you long-lasting results. Also, it removes all the unwanted hair in one go, so you will not have to waste time plucking your hair one by one.
While most people use hot wax, cold or room temperature wax will also work great. You can purchase an at-home waxing kit to cover all your waxing needs and get rid of the bushy unibrow. However, if you are not comfortable waxing yourself, you can get it done at a salon.
You should carry out a full waxing session at home only when you are familiar with the process, as there is a danger of burning yourself when using wax for the first time. If you are a newcomer to the waxing world, you can purchase readymade wax-covered strips. Simply press the waxed strip against the unibrow area. Pat the strip firmly to its place. Then, holding the skin around the area with your other hand, swiftly peel off the strip.
Waxing can be painful for first-timers. It can also lead to burns, ingrown hair, or small red bumps on the skin if not done right. Hence, one has to be cautious while doing the job.
The good thing about waxing is that your hair will not grow back for quite some time. Thus, it is considered a long-term solution by many. If you can endure pain, waxing can save much of your time.
4. Shaving Your Unibrow
We have all resorted to shaving our hands and legs one time or another in case of an emergency. The same method is now being popularized by many beauty bloggers for the unibrow as well. This temporary fix can come to your rescue when you have access to no other methods.
There are specially designed eyebrow razors that will give you a precise shave. The best time to shave is after your shower when the hair is wet and soft. Here’s what you need to do:
- Apply shaving cream between your brows and let it sit for a few minutes before you start shaving.
- Never hurry through the process of shaving your unibrow. Instead, take slow, steady strokes from the brow line to the top of the bridge of your nose.
- Use tweezers to pluck away any stray hair.
- Applying a good quality shaving gel or cream will prevent redness and irritation. Also, shave in the direction of the hair growth to prevent ingrown hair.
- Finish off by applying an antiseptic or a lotion to soothe the area.
Some people believe that shaving causes the hair to grow back thicker and darker. However, there is no proof supporting the claim. The downside to shaving is that the results are not long-lasting as the hair is only cut on the surface and not pulled from the roots. Thus, if your facial hair grows back quickly, you might have to repeat the process every few days. Also, shaving does not give you much control over which hair to remove, as in the case of plucking.
5. Electrolysis
If you want to get rid of the trouble of removing your unibrow at home, go for electrolysis instead. It is a permanent hair removal method performed by a medical professional, such as a dermatologist or an esthetician. During electrolysis, electric currents are passed through fine needles to kill the hair roots. The session can take up to several hours, and you might require several sessions to remove your unibrow permanently.
Electrolysis works on the skin of any complexion and hair of any color. However, the downside is that the process is expensive and not covered by insurance. There are also chances of side effects, such as scarring or infection. But if you still decide to go for it, make sure you choose a licensed professional for the job.
6. Laser Hair Removal
Similar to electrolysis, laser hair removal is another semi-permanent method of getting rid of unibrows. It involves directing strong beams of laser light at your unibrow. The laser beam damages the hair follicle, slowing future hair growth.
This procedure is performed by a professional and can take up to half a dozen sessions before it becomes permanent. It is also costly and not covered by health insurance. The chances of side effects are generally low if performed by a professional.
7. Threading
Threading is an ancient way of removing facial hair and is employed by many fashion influencers for unibrows, too. It works in the same way as waxing or plucking, removing the hair from its root. Threading is generally done by a professional in a salon. You can expect the results to last between 1 to 2 months.
Trivia
The unibrow is considered a desirable feature in Tajikistan, Oman, and Central Asian countries. It symbolizes beauty and purity in women and is associated with virility in men.
8. Rocking The Unibrow
While unibrows are frowned upon in the United States, certain Asian nations like Tajikistan consider it a sign of beauty and purity. Women in Tajikistan even go to the extent of creating a fake unibrow using a special herb, usma. It all boils down to how you feel about it.
9. Egg White Mask
Apart from using different tools and hair removal methods, some natural masks can also help you get rid of a unibrow. An egg white and cornstarch mask is one such DIY beauty treatment. Egg white and cornstarch form a sticky mixture that exfoliates the skin to get rid of dead skin cells and impurities and facial hair while nourishing it. Mix one egg white with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and apply it to the section of the unibrow that you want to remove. Let it dry and peel the mask. Use the mask twice a week to get rid of the unibrow easily and naturally within a week.
Infographic: 4 Easy Ways To Get Rid Of Unibrows
Hate it or love it, but unibrows or two brows have again become a talking point in the beauty industry. While unibrows have become one of the most popular eyebrow trends, we all know trends keep coming and going. Also, if the idea of perfectly arched brows is on your mind and you want to desperately get rid of unibrows, we are here to help you. Check out the infographic below to learn some tricks and tips to get rid of unibrows and get clean, well-groomed eyebrows.
Unibrows are slowly growing into a trend these days, with more and more women embracing them and influencing others to do the same. They are undoubtedly becoming a style statement. Similarly, you can always choose to learn to be confident about your natural appearance and own your unibrow. However, if it makes you uncomfortable, you can choose to get rid of it through simple grooming methods. This article on how to get rid of a unibrow will help you every step of the way, and depending on your time, money, and endurance for pain, you can choose the best option for yourself. You may alternatively consult a dermatologist to achieve eyebrows groomed to your desire. This way, you can also protect yourself from side effects like infections, cuts, and burns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does plucking the unibrow make it grow thicker?
No, plucking unibrows cannot make them grow back thicker as hair growth and texture depends on factors such as genetics. However, plucking in the same pattern repeatedly may make more hair to regrow in the same area as the body tries to recover the damage plucking causes. Also, over plucking your eyebrows will cause them to stop growing at some point after waxing and plucking and trends change all the time.
Does shaving a unibrow make it grow back thicker?
No. Shaving does not make unibrows grow back thicker. However, the new growth may seem darker as it hasn’t yet been exposed to sunlight or products which naturally lighten hair over time. In addition, the new growth may appear coarser than unshaven hair which has a finer tip. However, if you let it grow out completely, shaved hair may become lighter and softer with time.
Can I get a unibrow transplant?
Eyebrow transplant is a proven and successful cosmetic surgery method to improve the fullness of the brows. It involves the grafting of hair follicles from the scalp to the eyebrows. The same procedure applies to unibrow transplantation.
Is unibrow lucky in Hinduism?
There are several cultural beliefs associated with unibrows. According to Samudrik Shastra, men with unibrows are considered lucky, while women with unibrows are hot-headed and short-tempered. However, these are merely beliefs and do not necessarily have a strong connection with reality.
Key Takeaways
- We inherit the trait of having monobrows from our genes.
- Unibrows are a source of pride for some cultures, but those who wish to get rid of them choose to do so based on time, money, and pain tolerance.
- Generally, plucking and waxing are the most common treatments used; however, you can speak to your dermatologist about the right option for you.
Want to know how to get rid of your unibrow? Follow this easy video tutorial for a step-by-step guide to achieve smooth and sculpted brows that appear natural.
Personal Experience: Source
StyleCraze's articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. My Unibrow and I
https://shewantsablog.wordpress.com/2012/09/16/my-unibrow-and-i/
References
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.
- Synophrys: Epidemiological Study
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC5596643/
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Shelly ShimoniHair & Makeup Artist
Shelly's journey within the makeup and beauty industry started at one of London's leading colleges, LCBT. She then furthered her training at LSMM, where she was trained by some of the leading names in the makeup industry.
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