While until recently thick, neatly combed, and defined eyebrow arches were an absolute imperative in the world of beauty, the beauty scene is once again proving its cyclical and unpredictable nature. One of the most controversial and avant-garde trends has made a grand return from the fashion runways and red carpets directly to social media – the no-eyebrows look. This bold aesthetic expression, known as the "no eyebrows" trend, has divided the public, evoking both admiration and astonishment, and has become an unavoidable topic in beauty circles. It's no longer just about the thin, almost invisible eyebrows we remember from the nineties, but about the complete erasure or transformation of eyebrows by shaving, bleaching, or covering them, achieving an almost alien, ethereal, and androgynous look.

A Revolution on the Face: Why Have Eyebrows Disappeared?

Eyebrows play a key role in framing the face and expressing emotions. Their removal or bleaching achieves a "blank canvas" effect, which allows for unlimited creativity in makeup. The face becomes like a painter's canvas on which completely new shapes and expressions can be drawn, which is particularly attractive to makeup artists and lovers of experimental makeup. This trend is not just an aesthetic choice, but also a powerful statement about individuality, the rejection of conventional beauty standards, and the questioning of gender norms. In a world that increasingly celebrates fluidity and diversity, the disappearance of eyebrows symbolizes liberation from imposed frameworks and the acceptance of one's own, unique identity. Transforming the face in this way allows individuals to explore new aspects of their personality and to play with the perception others have of them, turning an everyday look into an artistic performance.

The popularity of this trend is further fueled by the dominance of platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where visual content spreads quickly, and unusual and shocking looks go viral. Influencers and content creators have embraced it as a way to stand out in a sea of similar faces, showing their followers that beauty doesn't have to be uniform. Through detailed tutorials and transformation videos, they have demystified the process and encouraged many to take this brave step themselves, whether it's a permanent change or a temporary experiment.

Celebrities as Leaders of the Avant-Garde Movement

As with most beauty trends, celebrities have played a crucial role in its popularization. The list of stars who have embraced the "no eyebrows" look is growing longer and more diverse, confirming that this trend is not just a passing fad but a serious fashion and cultural statement. One of the most prominent figures is the singer Doja Cat, who went a step further than bleaching and shaved her eyebrows and hair during a live Instagram broadcast. Her decision caused an avalanche of reactions, and she explained that she feels liberated and creatively inspired without the "burden" of hair and eyebrows, using her face as a canvas for incredible makeup creations.

Models and sisters Bella and Gigi Hadid, as well as Kendall Jenner, regularly appear in high-fashion shows with bleached eyebrows, which has become a trademark of brands like Versace, Givenchy, and Burberry. Their ethereal look further emphasizes the clothing and shifts the focus to the overall aesthetic of the show. Actress and fashion icon Julia Fox is known for her fearless approach to fashion and beauty, and bleached eyebrows have become an integral part of her signature style. Actress Maisie Williams, the star of the series "Game of Thrones," is also one of the pioneers of this trend, wearing bleached eyebrows with incredible self-confidence. Even the controversial musician Kanye West, now known as Ye, shaved his eyebrows at one point, further cementing this trend in mainstream culture.

A Journey Through Time: The Unexpected History of Absent Eyebrows

Although it is perceived as modern and subversive today, the trend of removing eyebrows has a long and fascinating history that goes back centuries. In ancient Egypt, for example, shaving eyebrows was a sign of mourning. When a family cat, considered a sacred animal, died, all household members would shave their eyebrows as a sign of grief. In medieval Europe and the Renaissance, a high forehead was considered the pinnacle of beauty and intelligence. To achieve this ideal, women would pluck not only their eyebrows but also the hair along their hairline, creating the illusion of a more elongated face. Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa is the most famous example of this aesthetic ideal – her face is almost devoid of visible eyebrows and eyelashes.

In the 20th century, the trend continued in a slightly different form. In the 1920s, "flapper" girls wore extremely thin, straight, or sadly downturned eyebrows that gave them a melancholic and dramatic look. In the 1930s, Hollywood divas like Marlene Dietrich and Greta Garbo popularized extremely thin, drawn-on, and highly arched eyebrows, which were achieved by completely shaving the natural ones and drawing new ones with a pencil. This trend was a symbol of glamour and sophistication of that era. We must not forget the influence of drag culture, where covering natural eyebrows with glue and makeup has been a standard practice for decades to create space for drawing new, higher, and more expressive eyebrows, which is a key element of drag transformation.

A Guide for the Brave: How to Achieve the No-Eyebrows Look?

For all those who want to try this bold trend, there are several methods, from temporary to more long-lasting ones. The choice depends on the desired effect, skin and hair type, and the level of commitment to the trend.

1. Bleaching

Bleaching is the most popular method because it makes the eyebrows almost invisible without physically removing them. The process involves applying a special bleach for facial hair. Although there are at-home kits, a visit to a professional is recommended, especially for the first time. The skin around the eyes is extremely sensitive, and improper handling of chemicals can lead to serious irritation, burns, or even vision damage. A professional will know how to assess the necessary processing time to achieve the desired shade without damaging the hair or skin. The result lasts for several weeks, depending on the growth rate and natural color of the hairs.

2. Shaving

Shaving is the quickest and easiest way to completely remove eyebrows, as demonstrated by Doja Cat. A small, precise razor is used, often one designed for the face (a dermaplaning razor). The advantage is that the process is painless and instant, but the disadvantage is rapid regrowth. Sharp, dark dots can appear in just a day or two, and maintenance requires almost daily shaving. There is also a risk of cuts and ingrown hairs.

3. Covering with Makeup

This is the ideal method for those who want to try the trend without any permanent consequences. The technique originates from the world of theatrical and drag makeup. The process begins by combing the eyebrows upwards with a glue stick (which is non-toxic). Several layers are applied, with each one drying before the next, to completely flatten the hairs against the skin. After that, a layer of setting powder is applied, followed by a high-coverage concealer and liquid foundation to completely neutralize the texture and color of the eyebrows. Although it requires patience and skill, this method allows for a complete transformation for one evening.

The Aesthetics of Emptiness and New Canons of Beauty

The return of the "no eyebrows" trend fits perfectly into the broader context of questioning beauty in the 21st century. After the era of Instagram-defined, perfectly shaped, and filled-in eyebrows, this minimalist, almost raw approach feels like a refreshment and a rebellion. It defies the idea that there is only one correct way a face should look. By removing one of the most dominant facial features, the focus shifts to other features – the eyes, bone structure, lips. This opens up space for a new kind of harmony and beauty that is unconventional, a bit strange, but precisely for that reason, fascinating. It is a beauty that does not strive for classic appeal, but for authenticity and artistic expression, confirming that the rules in the world of beauty are made to be broken.