National Eyebrow Day

Young woman with perfectly shaped eyebrows, using an eyebrow pencil, sitting at a makeup vanity with a modern, minimalist backdrop.. — National eyebrow day illustration

Did you know there's an entire day dedicated to those two curved bits of hair sprouting above our eyes? Yes, that's right! We're talking about National Eyebrow Day. A day when we revel in the beauty of these often underappreciated features. So grab your grooming kit, invite your friends over for a plucking party, or just set aside some time to appreciate those bushy browed celebrities we all love.

When is Eyebrow Day?

It's national eyebrow day on the 9th April.

From Obscurity to Recognition

The saga of the eyebrow has been a tumultuous one. From moments of being in vogue with severe plucking in the 90's to bushy brows being the rage in the 2010's.

The Origins of National Eyebrow Day

Stepping back in time to our findings, it's clear that National Eyebrow Day isn't a day just plucked from the beauty calendar. Our research has shown that the first major spike in mentions of National Eyebrow Day occurred on April 9th, 2015. Of course, the question on everyone's lips is, why then? Grooming influencers? A beauty brand? Unfortunately, the answer remains as elusive as the perfect arch.

Celebrating National Eyebrow Day

The beauty of National Eyebrow Day is that it can be as simple or extravagant as you want. Take the time to learn a new brow technique or invest in a high-end product. Share your favorite eyebrow transformations on social media or even host an Eyebrow Party. The only limit is your imagination and commitment to the brow cause.

The Importance of Eyebrows

Eyebrows, apart from serving the functional purpose of keeping sweat and rain from getting into our eyes, also play a crucial role in non-verbal communication. Their slight twitch or lift can express a range of emotions, from surprise to skepticism. So let's use National Eyebrow Day to not only appreciate them aesthetically, but also understand their inherent worth in our daily life.

History behind the term 'Eyebrow'

15th century

Origins in Middle English

The term 'eyebrow' finds its roots in Middle English, where it was referred to as 'eyebroue'. It was a combination of the word 'eye' and 'brow', meaning the arch or ridge of hair above the eye. Although not widely documented, the concept of shaping and grooming eyebrows has been practiced since ancient times.

1540

The Origins of the Term Eyebrow

The term 'eyebrow' can be traced back to the 16th century. It is derived from the Middle English word 'ebroue,' which had roots in the Old French word 'ebreu.' The Old French word referred to the edge or ridge of the eyebrow. The concept of eyebrows as a distinct feature of the face was becoming more prominent during this time.

16th century

Eyebrows as a fashion statement

During the 16th century, when the Renaissance was in full swing, eyebrows became a significant fashion statement among the upper classes. Women would pluck or shave their eyebrows entirely and then draw thin, delicate lines with charcoal or other forms of makeup. This fashion trend persisted for several centuries.

1798

Eyebrows and Facial Expression

In the late 18th century, the significance of eyebrows in conveying facial expressions gained attention. Artists and actors recognized the importance of eyebrows in expressing emotions such as surprise, anger, or sadness. The term 'eyebrow' became commonly used to refer to this distinct feature of the face, emphasizing its role in non-verbal communication.

18th century

Eyebrow wigs

In the 18th century, elaborate hairstyles were in vogue, and women desired extravagantly shaped eyebrows to match. To achieve this look, they would wear eyebrow wigs made of mouse fur or horsehair. These wigs were meticulously crafted to mimic the desired shape and arch, showcasing the importance placed on eyebrows as a fashion accessory.

1890

Eyebrows and Beauty Standards

During the late 19th century, beauty standards were evolving, and eyebrows played a pivotal role in shaping perceptions of attractiveness. The term 'eyebrow' became associated with grooming and shaping techniques, as cosmetic products and tools specifically for eyebrows started emerging. It became an important part of beauty routines around the world.

1920

Eyebrow Trends and Hollywood Influence

In the 1920s, Hollywood began to influence popular culture and shape beauty trends. Celebrities like Clara Bow and Greta Garbo popularized the 'thin, rounded' eyebrow look. The term 'eyebrow' became synonymous with following the latest eyebrow trends. People sought to imitate the styles of their favorite stars, leading to various eyebrow shapes and sizes coming into fashion.

20th century

Natural and prominent eyebrows

The 20th century marked a shift towards embracing natural and prominent eyebrows. Iconic figures like Audrey Hepburn and Brooke Shields popularized the trend of thicker, more distinct eyebrows. This departure from the previous thin and precise styles reflected changing beauty standards and a desire for a more authentic look.

21st century

Eyebrow grooming and enhancement

In the 21st century, eyebrows have become the focal point of beauty routines. Eyebrow grooming, shaping, and enhancement using various techniques such as threading, waxing, and microblading have gained immense popularity. Social media platforms have played a significant role in popularizing bold, well-defined eyebrows, with countless tutorials and influencers sharing tips and tricks.

2010

Eyebrows in the Digital Age

The rise of social media platforms and online beauty influencers in the 2010s led to a renewed focus on eyebrows. The term 'eyebrow' gained significant popularity as beauty tutorials and eyebrow styling tips became widely shared and discussed online. The concept of 'eyebrow goals' emerged, with individuals striving to achieve perfectly shaped and defined eyebrows.

Did you know?

Did you know that here's a very real phenomenon known as 'The Mona Lisa Effect.' It appears that her eyes are following you, right? Nope. The secret is in the brows. They are what make it look like Mona Lisa's gaze is on you, regardless of the angle!