Wigs, tattoos, stamps: The bizarre techniques we're using to enhance our brows

Like anything in fashion, brow trends are cyclical.

While the 1970s gave us pencil-thin brows, the 1980s ushered in Brooke Shields-esque untamed brows. In the 1990s, twig-like brows à la Gwen Stefani were back. It wasn't until the 2010s that models like Cara Delevingne and celebrities like Kim Kardashian reclaimed the bigger brow. And as we know, huge, groomed-to-perfection brows became the new beauty must-haves.

"Amongst the trendsetters and fashionistas, the bigger and bolder, the better," said Veronica Tran, owner of Pretty In The City lash and brow bar in Toronto.

But she added: "This does not mean big, bold, brows are for everyone."

Tran said people should aim to work with their natural brow shape, creating a look that suits their face, not go big just because Kim Kardashian does.

Still, plenty of people are going to extreme lengths for bigger brows. To find out the process required to get a perfect, artificial brow — and any risks involved, we talk to Canada's grooming pros and take look at the bizarre world of eyebrow enhancements.

Microblading

If we told you a face tattoo could give you the brows of your dreams would you go for it? Microblading is a cosmetic procedure in which a trained professional uses a handheld tool to etch hair patterns into the skin with pigment, giving the appearance of hair strokes, said Tran. It's semi-permanent and touch-ups are typically required every 18 to 24 months, she said. Done well, it can provide a natural, long-lasting look but there are risks. "[With] anything that breaks the skin, there is the risk of blood-borne infection transmission, as well as other kinds of skin infection," said Courtney Hesketh, B.C.'s Interior Health spokesperson. Hesketh advises microblading-seekers to only visit establishments properly inspected and licensed by a health authority.

Cost: Upwards of $350

Powder ombre brows

Don't be scared off by the thought of dark roots and light ends, a la ombre hair. Powder ombre brows are basically a less dramatic version of microblading that can look as natural as well-applied makeup. The procedure requires the handiwork of a trained professional who uses a micropigmentation tattoo device and fine needles to deliver a semi-permanent "mist of colour" on the brows, said Tran. "Healed results look just like your makeup, and you have nicely defined brows." The procedure isn't dangerous but, just like microblading, your risks of infection and scarring increase if the tools are unhygienic or your "professional" is poorly trained, she said.

Cost: Around $550

Tinting

Those looking for a non-permanent brow boost might consider tinting. This semi-permanent treatment involves applying a dye to the brows that darkens existing brow hairs and, if you have fair hair surrounding the brows, can give you a fuller brow look, said Amy Minhas, co-founder of Bombay Brow Bar in Vancouver. Results last between four to eight weeks. Irritation and inflammation are possible side effects, so be sure to visit a reputable, sanitary establishment for your procedure.  

Cost: Upwards of $20

Stick-on "wigs"

Eyebrow wigs might sound silly, but for those who've lost hair due to chemotherapy or alopecia they're a realistic alternative to the real thing. The stick-on brows are typically made with human hair and a net-like fabric and adhere to skin with a glue. As for how natural they look, reviews are mixed.

Cost: Upwards of $45

Stamps 

In theory, eyebrow stamps are genius – easy-to-use, fool proof and cheap. In reality… not so much. The stamps involve what you might imagine, a right and a left brow-shaped cushion that you press into a brow powder and then apply to your face. A quick Google search will give you plenty of examples of women testing out eyebrow stamping and failing miserably. Luckily, it's temporary, so no real worries if you look like a clown on your first attempt(s).

Cost: $15

Extensions

Think eyelash extensions for your brows. Eyebrow extensions are individual hairs applied to your existing eyebrows or to your skin using glue, giving you the appearance of fuller brows. They last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. The downside? You're not supposed to touch your brows or get them wet. Some products can also irritate the skin, said Tran, who does not offer the procedure because of the tedious maintenance required, length of time to apply the hair and the short lifespan of the finished product.

Cost: Upwards of $75

Katrina Clarke is a Vancouver- and Toronto-based journalist who writes about relationships, health, technology and social trends. Find her on Twitter at @KatrinaAClarke.