Eyebrow trends through the decades and how you can recreate them

1920s Thin & downward brows

Icon: Clara Bow (The “It” Girl of the silent film era)

In the 1920s, eyebrow trends were all about drama and expression. With silent films dominating the entertainment scene, actresses like Clara Bow led the way with super thin, penciled-in brows that curved downward, giving a sad, mysterious allure.

These ultra-thin brows were often completely shaved off and redrawn well below the natural brow line - elongated and curved downward to mimic a melancholic gaze. It wasn’t just a style; it was a statement. Brows became part of the storytelling on screen, and the more dramatic, the better.

Recreate the 1920s Brow with Supercilium:

Want to channel that vintage screen siren look?

1. Start with the Brow Micro Pencil in your shade to outline a thin, downward brow, perfect for testing out the shape before committing.

2. Love the look? Go bolder with Brow Henna. Choose a shade darker than your usual color.

3. Use the Medium Angled Brow Brush to draw a long, thin, precise line, following the 1920s curve.

4. The Brow Henna will stain the skin for up to 11 days, giving you that dramatic, long-lasting vintage effect.

This brow style is perfect for themed shoots, vintage makeup looks, or creating a moment of high fashion drama. Let’s move to next one!

1930s Rounded arch eyebrows

Icon: Jean Harlow or Greta Garbo

The 1930s were all about refinement. Brow trends softened from the sharp sadness of the 1920s and moved into the world of rounded, lifted arches, bringing a touch of class and mystery to the face. Beauty icons like Jean Harlow and Greta Garbo led this movement with ultra-thin brows, carefully shaped into smooth arches that perfectly framed their expressive eyes.

This was the dawn of Hollywood glam - silk gowns, dramatic lashes, and soft, glowy skin. Brows needed to be camera-ready, shaped to give that lifted, feminine look we still associate with vintage beauty today.

Recreate the 1930s Brow with Supercilium:

1. Lift the brow by using the Brow Micro Concealer as a concealer tool, or apply any full-coverage concealer using the Concealer & Blending Brush. Gently clean under the brow arch to define and visually lift the shape.

2. Fill in the beginning of the brow with the Brow Micro Pencil -  use light pressure and avoid individual strokes. The result should be soft, seamless, and rounded.

3. Keep the arch smooth and not too sharp, staying true to the 1930s elegant aesthetic.

1940s Soft & full brows

Icon: Lauren Bacall or Gene Tierney

In the 1940s, eyebrows became fuller, softly arched, and more structured - a style that perfectly matched the poised and powerful women of the era. This decade marked a shift from ultra-thin brows to a shape that felt strong, elegant, and balanced.

Actresses like Lauren Bacall wore brows that were soft yet defined, filled in to perfection (no messy edges, no fluffy hairs) just a polished powder-like finish that framed the eyes with confidence.

It was the era of glamour waves, red lips, and that unmistakable screen siren stare. The brows? Bold in shape, soft in texture.

Recreate the 1940s Brow with Supercilium:

Doesn’t this look like perfect Brow Henna brows to you? It does to us!

1. Use Brow Henna in darker shades, depending on your client’s natural coloring. These shades create that signature 1940s softness while adding rich pigment.

2. Apply with the Medium Angled Brush, working in clean lines, no need to mimic brow hairs. The goal is a solid, softly powdered shape that defines the brow without any visible strokes.

3. The Brow Henna stains the skin for up to 11 days, giving that long-lasting “makeup” brow that looks like powder-filled perfection. On hairs, it lasts up to 6 weeks.

1950s Defined with pointed arch

Icon: Marilyn Monroe or Elizabeth Taylor

In the 1950s, brows became sharper, more defined, and always camera-ready. Pin-up culture and Hollywood icons like Marilyn Monroe made the high, sculpted arch the beauty ideal. This era introduced brows that were curved, slightly thicker at the beginning, and tapered into a soft tail - all while keeping the look feminine and clean.

Every beauty look was perfectly polished, from curled lashes to red lips, and the brows? They framed the face with precision and elegance.

Recreate the 1950s Brow with Supercilium:

1. Make sure you perfectly trim the eyebrows. A clean shape is essential to achieve that signature lifted arch.

2. Choose a lighter shade of Brow Henna like Blonde, Light Brown, or Auburn to add subtle definition without overpowering the face. These shades give a soft yet structured result that mimics the makeup styles of the era.

3. Apply using the Medium Angled Brush to create a clean arched shape, keeping the front slightly fuller and tapering off at the tail.

This look is perfect for clients who want lifted, defined brows without going too dark or dramatic - just like the classic starlets of the ‘50s.

1960s Bold & Straight Brows

Icon: Audrey Hepburn

In the 1960s, brow trends became more natural and full, with a straight and clean shape. The dramatic arches from the '50s were out. Instead, stars like Audrey Hepburn made bold, low-arched brows popular. Her brows made the face look elegant and youthful, without being too much.

This simple style is still loved today. In recent years, Cara Delevingne brought back the same kind of brow - bold, straight, and timeless. It’s proof that this brow shape will always stay in style.

Recreate the 1960s Brow with Supercilium:

Want to master that timeless Audrey-meets-Cara look?

1. Map the brows slightly higher than the client’s natural shape using Brow Mapping Paste. 

2. Choose a Brow Henna shade one level darker than the client’s natural brow hair - like Medium Brown for blondes or Dark Brown for brunettes.

3. Apply using the Medium Angled Brush, working in gentle, horizontal strokes to build a full, straight line across the brow. Avoid emphasizing the arch.

4. Finish by cleaning underneath with the Brow Micro Concealer to sharpen the shape and keep the look clean.

1970s Natural shape & unplucked brows

Icon: Aretha Franklin or Ali MacGraw

In the 1970s, the trend was all about natural beauty. Brows were left in their natural shape - no heavy shaping, no sharp arches. But that didn’t mean messy. The look was still clean and neat, just softer and more relaxed.

Stars like Aretha Franklin and Ali MacGraw showed how beautiful natural brows can be. This was the era of low-maintenance beauty - bronzed skin, soft makeup, and brows that looked exactly how they grow, just groomed.

Recreate the 1970s Brow with Supercilium:

We are keeping the brows the way they are and just giving them a little extra love.

1. Brush the brows to keep them neat.

2. Use the Brow Micro Pencil to fill in any sparse spots, especially at the front and tail.

3. Stick to soft strokes, and don’t reshape the brow. The goal is to elevate their natural look without changing it.

1980s Bold & Bushy Brows

Icon: Madonna (also Brooke Shields)

In the 1980s, brows were big, bold, and unapologetic, just like the decade itself. No more tiny arches or over-plucking. Instead, icons like Madonna rocked thick, dark brows that matched her edgy, rebellious style.

Alongside her, stars like Brooke Shields wore brows that were wild, full, and totally untamed - and suddenly, bold brows became a symbol of power, youth, and freedom.

From MTV to glam rock, brows in the '80s were about attitude. No trimming. No rules. Just volume and confidence.

Recreate the 1980s Brow with Supercilium:

Want to recreate the bold brow moment of the '80s? Perfect for an 80' themed party!

1. Don’t trim or pluck, this look is all about natural fullness!

2. Use Brow Henna or Liquid Dye to give the brows a strong base stain and amplify the color.

3. Finish: Grab the Brow Micro Pencil and draw hair-like strokes where needed, especially in the front or upper part of the brow to add texture.

1990s Skinny brows

Icon: Pamela Anderson or Drew Barrymore

In the 1990s, brows were super skinny, highly plucked, and drawn on with a fine line. It was the total opposite of the bushy ‘80s look. Celebs like Pamela Anderson made barely-there brows the ultimate beauty trend - and every Brow Artist knows: once you plucked too much, there was no going back.

It’s one of the most memorable - and risky - brow trends of all time.

Recreate the 1990s Brow with Supercilium:

We have to say one thing: Be careful! There is no way back when you over pluck your eyebrows to recreate this look. We recommend first not going too thin so you don’t regret your choice afterwards and can save it!

1. Trim and shape the brows thinner - you can tweeze, wax, or thread to get a fine, defined line.

2. Fill in the new shape using the Brow Micro Pencil to keep it precise and soft.

3. Or, for a longer-lasting result, use Brow Henna to stain the skin in a super clean, narrow shape.

Perfect for creative clients who love the vintage 90s aesthetic, or those bold enough to try the ultimate skinny brow comeback.

2000s Needle thin brows

Icon: Christina Aguilera or Gwen Stefani

The 2000s took skinny brows to the extreme. Brows were super thin, overplucked, and often arched way too high. Celebrities like Christina Aguilera and Gwen Stefani made this look famous, but also left a generation of people struggling to grow their brows back.

Tweezers were overused, and brow hairs were often removed permanently. This trend caused serious brow damage that many still regret today.

Don’t recreate this look:

As much as we love looking back at brow trends - this is one you should never bring back. Overplucking can lead to permanent hair loss, and this trend is best left in the archives. Instead, focus on keeping your brows healthy and full. Your future self will thank you.

2010s The Kardashians brows

Icon: Kim Kardashian or Kylie Jenner

The 2010s were the decade of the Instagram brow - sharp, bold, and always filled in to perfection. Inspired by makeup tutorials and online beauty influencers, everyone wanted brows that looked full, dark, and defined.. with clean edges and perfect symmetry.

Celebs like Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner led the trend, making brows a key part of the full-glam routine. The look was all about precision: bold front, defined arch, crisp tail.

Recreate the 2010s Brow with Supercilium:

1. Map your desired shape using the Brow Mapping Paste.

2. Use Liquid Dye for high pigment but natural results.

3. Apply with the Medium Angled Brush, following a clean brow map to keep the lines crisp and even.

4. Optional: Use the Brow Micro Pencil to sharpen the tail or fill in any gaps with soft pressure.

2020s Laminated & Lifted Brows

Icon: Dua Lipa or Zendaya

The 2020s brought in a new brow era: brushed-up, fluffy brows that still feel polished. With the rise of Brow Lamination, everyone wanted that lifted, full look - brows that stay in place, open up the face, and give a clean, modern vibe.

Celebs like Dua Lipa and Zendaya show us how brows can be both natural and styled, not too bold, not too bare, just beautifully lifted and soft.

Recreate the 2020s Brow with Supercilium:

This look is all about the Lamination + Liquid Dye combo - the secret to brows that stay styled but still look natural.

1. Start with a Lamination treatment using the Brow & Lash Glaze Kit to give the brows a lifted and brushed-up shape.

2. Then, apply Liquid Dye in a matching shade to add soft definition and rich brow color.

3. Use the Medium Angled Brush for precise application, keep the front light and the tail more defined.

This look is perfect for clients who want fluffy brows that stay styled all day long, without looking heavy or overdone.

Which Brow Era are you?

From the paper-thin brows of the 1920s to the bold Brow Lamination trends of today, one thing is clear: brows will always make a statement. Every decade has brought something new!

Want to try a new trend or help your clients find theirs?

Explore our full range of Brow Henna, Liquid Dye, and Lamination to recreate any iconic look - with a modern twist.

Brows tell a story. Which one will yours tell next?