Unibrows have no specific known cause. However, a 2016 study on facial hair involving more than 6,000 people identified a gene called PAX3 associated with this phenomenon (1). This gene is found more in men, leading to hair growth at the center of their forehead. While fighting your genes isn’t an option, finding ways to remove an unwanted unibrow cant be your forward. This article lists some great tips to get rid of unwanted hair between your eyebrows. Read on.
1. Plucking
Plucking is the most inexpensive way to get rid of unwanted facial hair, and many beauty bloggers advocate it. All you need is a pair of tweezers, and you are ready to start. The best time to pluck your unibrow is right after you take a shower. Hot showers open your pores, making it easier and less painful to tweeze. You can also place wet washcloths on your brow for some time before plucking. Here’s what you need to do:
Stand in front of the mirror and start plucking one hair at a time. A magnifying mirror will best suit the purpose, but normal ones are also fine. Using one hand, gently stretch your skin and make it taut. With the other hand, pull each hair out firmly in one swift motion. While plucking a unibrow, remember to pull in the direction of the growth. It will prevent breaking and make the process more comfortable. Also, ensure that you do not pluck too much hair. Step back after every few plucks and check to see how much further you want to go. Do not forget to apply an antibacterial soap and soothing lotion once you are done. It ensures that you do not get bacteria in your newly empty pores. Plucking can also cause slight irritation or redness. Beauty bloggers advise rubbing ice cubes in such cases as it can soothe the affected area.
The process of plucking each eyebrow can be quite time-consuming. But the good news is that the result lasts for a substantial period.
2. Depilatory Creams
Depilatory creams are hair removal creams that you can easily find in a pharmacy or a cosmetic store. They are used by many beauty enthusiasts and allow you to get rid of your unibrow painlessly in a matter of a few minutes. Depilatory creams might just be the best way to go for those who do not have a high endurance for pain. However, make sure to pick the cream suitable for your skin type to prevent any reactions. Before you apply a hair removal cream directly to your face, it is advisable to test it on other parts of your body. Try a dab of the cream on a small area of your hands or legs to see if it causes irritation or redness. People with sensitive skin are particularly prone to such side effects. Leave the cream on your hand as long as instructed. If there is no redness, then you are good to go. But if there is, you should switch to a different cream or try another hair removal method. Also, you have to be very careful while applying the depilatory cream to your unibrow. You do not want to get the cream on any part of the eyebrow that you do not wish to remove. Since these creams have a high chemical content, be careful not to get them in your eyes. Another thing to note about hair removal creams is that they are only meant for surface-level hair removal, and the hair is not pulled out from the roots. So, do not be surprised if your hair grows back faster than you expected.
3. Waxing Your Unibrow
The waxing process generally involves applying hot wax over the unibrow and then using a strip of cloth to rip off the wax in a swift motion. Waxing is known to be one of the most effective hair removal methods used by several influencers. It removes the hair follicle from the root, giving you long-lasting results. Also, it removes all the unwanted hair in one go, so you will not have to waste time plucking your hair one by one. While most people use hot wax, cold or room temperature wax will also work great. You can purchase an at-home waxing kit to cover all your waxing needs and get rid of the bushy unibrow. However, if you are not comfortable waxing yourself, you can get it done at a salon. You should carry out a full waxing session at home only when you are familiar with the process, as there is a danger of burning yourself when using wax for the first time. If you are a newcomer to the waxing world, you can purchase readymade wax-covered strips. Simply press the waxed strip against the unibrow area. Pat the strip firmly to its place. Then, holding the skin around the area with your other hand, swiftly peel off the strip. Waxing can be painful for first-timers. It can also lead to burns, ingrown hair, or small red bumps on the skin if not done right. Hence, one has to be cautious while doing the job. The good thing about waxing is that your hair will not grow back for quite some time. Thus, it is considered a long-term solution by many. If you can endure pain, waxing can save much of your time.
4. Shaving Your Unibrow
We have all resorted to shaving our hands and legs one time or another in case of an emergency. The same method is now being popularized by many beauty bloggers for the unibrow as well. This temporary fix can come to your rescue when you have access to no other methods. There are specially designed eyebrow razors that will give you a precise shave. The best time to shave is after your shower when the hair is wet and soft. Here’s what you need to do:
Apply shaving cream between your brows and let it sit for a few minutes before you start shaving. Never hurry through the process of shaving your unibrow. Instead, take slow, steady strokes from the brow line to the top of the bridge of your nose. Use tweezers to pluck away any stray hair. Applying a good quality shaving gel or cream will prevent redness and irritation. Also, shave in the direction of the hair growth to prevent ingrown hair. Finish off by applying an antiseptic or a lotion to soothe the area.
Some people believe that shaving causes the hair to grow back thicker and darker. However, there is no proof supporting the claim. The downside to shaving is that the results are not long-lasting as the hair is only cut on the surface and not pulled from the roots. Thus, if your facial hair grows back quickly, you might have to repeat the process every few days. Also, shaving does not give you much control over which hair to remove, as in the case of plucking.
5. Electrolysis
If you want to get rid of the trouble of removing your unibrow at home, go for electrolysis instead. It is a permanent hair removal method performed by a medical professional, such as a dermatologist or an esthetician. During electrolysis, electric currents are passed through fine needles to kill the hair roots. The session can take up to several hours, and you might require several sessions to remove your unibrow permanently. Electrolysis works on the skin of any complexion and hair of any color. However, the downside is that the process is expensive and not covered by insurance. There are also chances of side effects, such as scarring or infection. But if you still decide to go for it, make sure you choose a licensed professional for the job.
6. Laser Hair Removal
Similar to electrolysis, laser hair removal is another semi-permanent method of getting rid of unibrows. It involves directing strong beams of laser light at your unibrow. The laser beam damages the hair follicle, slowing future hair growth. This procedure is performed by a professional and can take up to half a dozen sessions before it becomes permanent. It is also costly and not covered by health insurance. The chances of side effects are generally low if performed by a professional.
7. Threading
Threading is an ancient way of removing facial hair and is employed by many fashion influencers for unibrows, too. It works in the same way as waxing or plucking, removing the hair from its root. Threading is generally done by a professional in a salon. You can expect the results to last between 1 to 2 months.
8. Rocking The Unibrow
While unibrows are frowned upon in the United States, certain Asian nations like Tajikistan consider it a sign of beauty and purity. Women in Tajikistan even go to the extent of creating a fake unibrow using a special herb, usma. It all boils down to how you feel about it. Does plucking the unibrow make it grow thicker? No, plucking unibrows cannot make them grow back thicker as hair growth and texture depends on factors such as genetics. However, plucking in the same pattern repeatedly may make more hair to regrow in the same area as the body tries to recover the damage plucking causes. Also, over plucking your eyebrows will cause them to stop growing at some point after waxing and plucking and trends change all the time. Does shaving a unibrow make it grow back thicker? No. Shaving does not make unibrows grow back thicker. However, the new growth may seem darker as it hasn’t yet been exposed to sunlight or products which naturally lighten hair over time. In addition, the new growth may appear coarser than unshaven hair which has a finer tip. However, if you let it grow out completely, shaved hair may become lighter and softer with time.
