"Statement Brows" Are Trending, But Do They Mess With Hair Growth? 

Back in 2020, when masks covered up most of the makeup real estate, we predicted more beauty fans would experiment with eye looks. The market certainly responded with vigor: From graphic liners to eye gems to eyelighters, it was all eyes on eye products. Now, nearly three years later, people's interests still haven't changed—they've just shifted a few more inches north.

Statement brows have become all the rage recently—think bleached, alien-like arches, rhinestone decals, and ethereal, pastel hues. But your brows are finicky little face framers; if all that pizzazz sounds like a recipe for weak, overworked brows, well, you might be on to something.

Your eyebrows help you convey emotion—for example, you might furrow them in confusion or raise them in surprise. And makeup is a form of self-expression, no? A bold "party" brow can help draw the focus to those face framers. After all, little stands out more than a glittery set of arches.

"The idea of wanting to 'live out loud' is why I think a lot of people are participating in this statement brow trend," adds brow expert Joey Healy. Of course, iconic pop cultural moments like HBO's Euphoria have also inspired the masses to embrace an avant-garde, editorial makeup style. Eye decals are now part of the everyday—it makes sense why folks want to draw attention to their eyebrows, too.

I'd also be remiss not to mention the chokehold the Y2K aesthetic has on fashion and beauty as of late. The trend extends into eyebrows, too, but in a much more elevated, modern manner, says Healy.

Here's the unfortunate truth: "Statement brows can absolutely affect hair growth," says Healy. Dye and bleach can be harsh on the strands, especially when done in excess, and even glues and soaps used for a glittery, laminated brow can cause damage over time. "If your hairs are a bit more sensitive or fragile, these products can actually cause you to remove the hairs," Healy says. And as those who fell victim to the over-plucking craze of the '90s and early aughts will tell you: Brows can take a while to grow back.

Sure, pasting on a couple of rhinestones may sound harmless, but these still have the potential to tug out hairs. "Anything that dries down with too much adhesive [is] not great," Healy says.

It's not all doom and gloom! Technically, you can lean into the statement brow trend without wreaking havoc on those poor strands. Says Healy, rely on color cosmetics (like shadow or brow powder) rather than dyes. "These products are easy to apply and easy to remove," he notes.