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And it’s not the result you might think.
Maskot / Getty
Eyebrows are out!
Maskot / Getty
At least, that’s what any runway show or red-carpet event would have us believing.
Never thought you’d be bleaching your brows?
It might be time to reconsider.
Byrdie
(Unless of course a platinum brow speaks to you, then go forth!)
For example, I am not Lady Gaga, nor do I have a catwalk appearance anytime soon.
But I did want to know whether bleached brows could work for us non-celebs IRL, too.
Meet the Experts
What Is Eyebrow Bleaching?
“Brow bleaching lifts pigment (melanin) andkeratinin the hair to lighten the color,” Ninh explains.
In other words, bleach removes the natural color in your brow.
Hairstylists and estheticians can bleach brows using salon-grade products.
In other wordsand hopefully, this point is obviousbrow-bleaching isnotan at-home DIY Clorox situation.
(This would be similar to a brunette orraven-haired persontrying to go platinum in one fell swoop.)
“The darker the hair, the trickier the process,” Sumstad admits.
“It may need to be done more than once to achieve the desired lightness.”
As with all beauty processes, slow and steady is the best way forward.
A subtle transition, repeated several times over, will deliver the best and healthiest results.
Your brow hair needs to be in good shape, too.
Bleaching is best for virgin brow hair, i.e., hair that hasn’t been processed.
“I wouldnt recommend bleaching your eyebrows if youve had them laminated,” Sumstad suggests.
Bleaching agents, whether applied to the scalp, body, and especially the face, can be sensitizing.
If you’re thinking about bleaching your brows, your skin should be the picture of health.
If you don’t have a reaction within 72 hours, you should be good to go.
Right before your bleaching treatment, wash and dry your face.
Then apply a barrier cream to the skin around your eyebrows, Sumstad instructs.
Even the most gorgeous models struggle to pull off that one.
Before and After
So what did my social circle think of my new look?
First, I showed off my brows around the office.
“I really love the lighter ones,” our assistant editor said.
“Your eyebrows were great before, but this makes you look fairer and sun-kissed.
Byrdie
Eyebrow Bleaching vs. Eyebrow Tinting
Is brow bleaching anything likebrow tinting?
Only bleach can do that.
Instead, brow lamination is the process of straightening the brow hairs for a fuller, more fluffy appearance.
“I wouldnt recommend at-home eyebrow bleaching because it varies with every person,” she says.
However, if you’re confident in your abilities, you’ll need to start with the right formula.
Most products intended for brow bleachinglike Gafni’s fave, Jolen Creme Bleach have a hydrogen peroxide base.
and remove with a damp towel when finished.
Set a timer to avoid over-processing and burns; severe burns can lead to permanent hair loss.
If that happens, flush your eyes with cold water and call your doctor, stat.
The Cost
DIY brow bleaching is shockingly affordable.
When you’re ready for a touch-up, the entire brow is re-bleached.
This is why it’s so important to start with healthy brow hair, Ninh says.
I’m considering postponing my appointmentat least until those dark roots come through.
Brow bleaching is safe as long as you use formulations made specifically for the face and follow instructions.
In general, touch-ups are needed every three weeks.
Most safe-to-use products will have a hydrogen peroxide base.
A professional brow bleaching service will cost around $50, depending on where you live.
