How Do I Know What Shape My Eyebrows Should Be?

To find the best eyebrow shape for your face, choose one that balances your features. Go with an arched brow if you have a round or soft face to add definition and opt for a rounded or soft-arched brow if your face is more angular to soften sharp lines. Most brow shapes fall into one of four basics: rounded, straight, arched, or S-shaped. From there, you can customize the look by adjusting the arch, tail length, and thickness. While trends come and go, choosing a shape that complements your natural features will always look good. If you’re shaping eyebrows at home and want to clean up fine facial hairs, check out our tips on how to remove facial hair safely and effectively. Feeling a little overwhelmed? Don’t worry, you’ve got this. Let’s start with the basics of brow shaping for beginners and map out your dream brows before you dive in with your wax kit or tweezers.

Eyebrow shape chart

How Can I Map My Eyebrows at Home?

Mapping your eyebrows is the secret to getting that flattering, face-framing shape, no salon visit required. By identifying a few key points on your face, you can create brows that enhance your natural features and add balance to your overall look. All you need is a mirror, a brow pencil, and a little know-how. Let’s break it down step by step.

Step 1: Locate Your Brow’s Starting Point

Hold a pencil vertically against the side of your nose, lining it up with the outer edge of your nostril. Where the pencil meets your brow bone is where your eyebrow should start. Lightly mark this spot with your pencil so you can use it as a guide.

Step 2: Define Your Natural Arch

Keep the pencil anchored at the outer edge of your nostril, then tilt it so it crosses over the center of your iris while you're looking straight ahead. Where the pencil intersects your brow is where your natural arch should be. Every brow has an arch, but how sharp or soft you make it can change your whole look. This is where the real brow magic starts.

Step 3: Shape Your Endpoint

Endpoints can be adjusted to create different looks, some people shave off their brow tails to draw them higher and shorter for that trendy, “snatched” effect. Because of this, the endpoint is the most subjective part of mapping your brows. For a classic, natural brow, simply extend the pencil outward, just like when finding your arch, until it lines up with the outer edge of your eye. Make sure to place the endpoint at least as high as the bottom of the front of your brow to avoid an unnaturally long tail. Now that you’ve mapped out the three key points of your brow, it’s time to experiment with eyebrow styles. By tweaking the arch height, tail length, or brow thickness, the styling possibilities are endless.

Popular Eyebrow Styles to Suit Your Look

Choosing the right eyebrow shape can completely transform your face, highlighting your best features and expressing your unique style. With so many options out there, it can be tricky to know where to start. To help you on your brow journey, we’ve rounded up eight of the most popular eyebrow styles, each with its own vibe and flair. Whether you want bold and dramatic or soft and natural, there’s a perfect shape waiting for you. Let’s dive in!
Style Description Best For Celebrities/Influence Tools/Techniques
Rounded Brows Soft, curved shape with no sharp arches. Creates a gentler, more approachable look Diamond-shape faces Julia Roberts, Gigi Hadid Natural brow shape, fill lightly if needed
Straight Brows Flat shape with minimal arch, popular in Korean beauty trends. Adds width and softens facial features. Oval faces Common in K-beauty culture Fill brows in a straight-line using pencil or powder
Arched Brows Defined arch that can be subtle or dramatic. “Fox brow” trend can lift and elongate the face. Most face shapes (adjust arch) Bella Hadid (fox brow), classic brow style Pencil/powder to enhance arch, gels for lift
S-Shaped Brows Unique brow with a slight dip before the arch, forming a subtle S-curve. Adds drama and mystique. Angular or defined face shapes Penelope Cruz Add dip in front half, brush downward then up
Bushy Brows Natural, thick, full look with minimal shaping. Focuses on volume and texture. All face shapes “Boy brow” trend, 2020s natural beauty push Use hairlike strokes and clear brow gel or pomade
90s Brows Ultra-thin, minimalistic brows reminiscent of the 90s/Y2K era. Bold and fashion-forward. Bold, statement styles Rihanna (British Vogue) Nair™ waxing strips, brow mapping, tweezing
Bleached Brows Eyebrows lightened to a pale or invisible tone. High fashion and avant-garde High contrast, fashion-forward Runway trend, viral on TikTok Bleach kit; option to dye brows later
Rhinestone Brows Brows decorated with rhinestones for dramatic, Euphoria-inspired glam. Night-out or editorial looks Maddy Perez (Alexa Demie in Euphoria) Clear lash glue and rhinestones or face gems

Eyebrow Shaping for Men

Eyebrows for men are just like anyone else’s; they’re simply hair on your face that can be groomed to look sharp and clean. If you’re new to men’s grooming, start simple: brush through your brows with a spoolie to tame stray hairs and create a polished look. If your brows are naturally thick or bushy, use our eyebrow mapping guide to identify where to tweeze or trim—though with unibrows making a bit of a comeback, you might even choose to skip that step! For a more refined touch, try trimming your eyebrow hairs by pushing them upward and carefully snipping along the top edge. This keeps your brows neat and prevents hairs from sticking out throughout the day. And while you’re at it, consider extending your grooming routine to manscaping. Removing unwanted hair from your face or body can boost confidence and keep you looking fresh. For an easy, effective solution, try Nair™ Sensitive Wax Ready Strips for Face and Bikini or Nair™ Sensitive Wax Ready Strips for Legs & Body, perfect for quick and gentle hair removal.

Brow Shaping Tools

Shaping and styling your eyebrows might feel tricky at first, but with a little practice and confidence, you can master any look you want. When it comes to grooming at home, trust the expertise of Nair™, with over 80 years of experience in hair removal. Nair™ Wax Ready-Strips make it simple: no heating or fuss, just apply and enjoy up to four weeks of smooth, hair-free skin. For those tiny strays you might miss, tweezers or threading have got you covered. Remember, there’s no right or wrong when it comes to your brows, own your style and wear it proudly!