brows

Brows are the patches of hair above the eye sockets that form the upper outline of the eye region. They sit atop the brow ridge of the skull and are part of the facial feature set that helps convey emotion and identity. In addition to their aesthetic role, brows help shield the eyes from sweat, moisture, and debris.

Anatomically, brows consist of hair follicles arranged in a curved contour over the underlying bone. The movement of the eyebrows is produced by facial muscles, most notably the frontalis (which raises the brows) and the corrugator supercilii (which lowers and draws them together). The density and growth patterns of brow hair vary among individuals and can change with age, hormonal status, and health.

Variation in brows is influenced by ethnicity, age, gender, and personal grooming. Natural brow shapes range from thin and arched to thick and straight, and brows can become lighter or sparser with aging. Across cultures, brows have held different aesthetic and symbolic roles, and grooming trends have shifted over time from full, natural shapes to highly defined or minimally treated forms.

Common grooming practices include plucking, waxing, threading, and trimming to alter shape and thickness. More permanent methods such as microblading or tattooing are used to simulate fuller brows. Safety and skin health considerations are important in grooming, as improper techniques can cause irritation or infection.

Health-wise, eyebrow appearance can reflect general aging or certain medical conditions. Sudden or patchy loss of eyebrow hair may warrant medical evaluation, as it can accompany thyroid issues, autoimmune conditions, or other dermatologic concerns.