Brows Through the Ages: A Journey of Trends from the 1920s to Today
It’s safe to say that brows have seen quite the evolution. From over-plucked to perfectly laminated, they’ve gone through every imaginable transformation. Brow trends have been as varied as the decades they’ve graced, changing with fashion, culture, and the icons of the time. Let’s take a look at some of the standout brow styles from the 1920s to now—and see which ones are your favourites!
1920s: The Elegant Arch
In the roaring twenties, brows were thin, defined, and rounded, often with a slight downward sweep at the tail. This gave the face a soft, whimsical look—perfect for the glamorous stars of the silent film era. Think Greta Garbo and her sophisticated, dreamy arches. Brows were all about drama and mystery.
1930s: Dramatic and Drawn On
By the 1930s, brows were almost non-existent—pencil-thin and heavily drawn on. Women often shaved off their natural brows and replaced them with high, sharp arches. The effect? A bold, authoritative look that conveyed strength and elegance. This style framed the face in a way that amplified the sleek, polished look of the time.
1940s: Embracing Natural Shape
The 1940s saw brows return to a more natural shape, but with a defined arch. Brows were thicker than the previous decade, adding softness and balance to the face. Stars like Lauren Bacall popularised the fuller look that felt effortlessly feminine while still maintaining a touch of glamour.
1950s: Bold and Beautiful
By the 1950s, brows became darker and more dramatic. Women embraced full, arched brows that added a sultry edge to their appearance. This was the era where a strong brow was celebrated—thick, groomed, and squared off at the front. Icons like Audrey Hepburn helped make this bold, structured brow the signature look of the time.
1960s: A Decade of Dual Trends
The 1960s were a mixed bag for brows. On one side, there were those who embraced thick, natural brows, while others went for ultra-thin, pencil-drawn arches. Depending on your style (or your favourite celebrity), you might have gone either way. From Twiggy’s sleek thin brows to Sophia Loren’s more natural arches, there was something for everyone.
1970s: Disco Brows (or Lack Thereof)
Ah, the disco era—when brows were plucked within an inch of their lives! The 1970s favoured high, thin brows that often faded into the background, making room for shimmering eyeshadow and bold lashes. This was the time to let your eyes do all the talking while your brows took a minimalist approach.
1980s: Big, Bold, and Bushy
The 1980s brought brows back in full force. Bold, bushy brows became a statement look, celebrating natural growth and thickness. Stars like Brooke Shields championed this trend, inspiring women to put down their tweezers and embrace the fullness of their natural brows. Brows were all about that ‘I woke up like this’ vibe, with a youthful, carefree energy.
1990s - 2000s: The Pencil-Thin Era
Tweezer companies had a heyday in the 1990s as pencil-thin brows made their big return. Often over-plucked and drawn on with a pencil, this era's brow trend was all about thin, arched lines that framed the face. While it was the look of the time, many of us are still working to regrow those 90s brows today!
2010s - Today: The Brow Renaissance
Finally, brows are getting the respect they deserve. Over the past decade, we’ve seen brows go from thin to full, with brow lamination taking centre stage. Brow lamination helps create fullness, fills in gaps, and delivers that perfectly groomed yet natural look. It’s the ultimate brow upgrade, designed to enhance your natural shape without needing constant maintenance. From influencers to everyday brow lovers, this is a trend that’s definitely here to stay.
Where Are Brows Going Next?
As we move into the future, brow trends continue to evolve—but the focus remains on enhancing what you’ve got. Laminated, fluffy, and natural brows are leading the way, giving clients the look of fullness and precision without over-plucking or harsh lines. Whether you want to give your clients the perfect laminated look or help them recover from the thin brow era, brow treatments are more versatile than ever.
Ready to Get Brows on Point?
At The London Brow Company, we’re all about helping you create perfect, timeless brows. Whether you’re laminating, shaping, or simply enhancing natural brows, we’ve got the tools, products, and expertise to keep you at the forefront of brow trends.
If you’ve been through the ups and downs of brow trends, it’s time to embrace the future of brow beauty with products and techniques that give you the best of both worlds—natural and refined. Explore our brow lamination products and training, and let’s take your brow game to the next level!
