Brows are big business. From tinting and threading to microblading and HD brows – there are so many different treatments available in-salon. Out of salon, you can also find surplus supplies of brow maintenance products including pencils, pomades, gels and even glue (yes, it’s a thing) in most, if not every beauty hall. The largest hair and beauty bookings website in Europe, Treatwell saw a 62% growth in brow treatments pre-Covid-19. And during lockdown, Google searches for DIY waxing and threading (watch how to thread your own eyebrows here) went up a whopping 429%. Whether you're out and about or isolating - our brow maintenance is never far from our mind.
And while HD brows (meaning High Definition) isn’t new, it’s a popular treatment choice that held the UK’s number one spot for brow treatments back in 2018. Why? It’s bespoke to suit your eyebrow needs and the results speak for themselves.
To find out more about HD brows, read on…
What are HD brows and how our HD brows done?
The whole appointment usually takes around 40 minutes. First you’ll have a consultation where the Brow Stylist talks you through your brows - the shape, the colour and how you want them to look. It's here where you can talk about any issues you have with them – whether there are sparse areas or you're unhappy with the shape, and they can advise on where to go from there.
If you are looking for fuller brows, it might be that you and your Brow Stylist decide on a regrowth programme. If the eyebrows are over plucked, you'll work with them to target growth in certain areas and you'll be shown how to fill them in properly in between appointments. If you're on this programme, the Brow Stylist will probably encourage you to use the lash and brow booster which promotes hair growth.
The next step is tinting the brows. The colour is matched to the hair colour so that they don’t look out of place. The dye is applied, catching on to any baby and stray hairs that will give the appearance of fuller brows.
Once the dye has taken, the shaping starts. This is a mixture of waxing (this helps with the precision of the shape), threading (for the areas the wax may have missed) and plucking for any final stray hairs.
Are HD brows permanent and how much does it cost?
No, they’re not. Although if you’re put on a regrowth programme, the hairs you accumulate during this process obviously are – which is the point. The tint as well as the shape need upkeep as there will be fading and regrowth over time. According to the website, regular treatments can last between four to six weeks although this can vary from person to person.
Prices vary depending on the outcome of your consultation but prices start from £25. It’s worth chatting with your local salon about an estimate price before you book so you have a better idea.
Are HD Brows worth it and does it hurt?
This is obviously very much down to the person. Grazia contributor, Chemmie Squier shares her thoughts below:
'I'm already pretty well endowed in the eyebrow department but I was super pleased with mine – I'd never had them tinted or waxed (only ever threaded or plucked) but the combination of all the techniques meant they were really well defined and I didn't have to fill them in at all. If you're someone who's struggled with sparse brows, it is definitely the treatment to try.'
'They hurt in the sense that there is waxing, threading and plucking involved so it really comes down to the individual person and their pain threshold. You’ll probably experience some discomfort or stingy although it is by no means unbearable and it is only brief.'
HD brows before and after
Here's Chemmie's eyebrow before and after...
Looking to keep your brows in check at-home? Shop our favourite brow must-haves below:
Best Eyebrow Products
1 of 6RevitaBrow Advanced, £70
With growth-boosting peptides and nourishing vitamins, this daily strengthening serum helps speed up growth and fill out sparse brows. An investment for fuller, thicker brows.
2 of 6BBare Brow Balm, £24
A double whammy – this innovative brow balm can be used to achieve that laminated brow look (simply use with a spoolie and brush and buff brows into place) while conditioning and stimulating healthy brow growth. A future cult classic.
3 of 6Benefit Gimme Brow in 10 shades, £22.50
With a comprehensive shade range, the OG, budge-proof micro fibre gel boosts thickness and adds definition in seconds.
4 of 6Max Factor Brow Revival Gel | Sweep-On Eyebrow Gel in 5 Shades, £8.99
Another brilliant gel option, fluff hairs up and out with this fine-tipped brush. The formula contains conditioning oils to nourish your brow hairs, too.
5 of 6Urban Decay Brow Blade in 9 shades, £20
One one side, an ink stain in a felt tip pen applicator (for expert definition). On the other, a waterproof pencil (for a softer finish). Smart.
6 of 6Glossier Brow Flick in 3 shades, £15
If felt tip pen applicators are your jam, this is a bona fide classic, loved by make-up artists worldwide. It takes a little while to get the knack for it but once you do, the brow world's your oyster.