5 common eyebrow shapes

The aim of an eyebrow wax is to neaten and showcase the very best of an existing brow shape. You should never try to overhaul a client's natural brow pattern in favour of another because it will look unseemly and won't 'sit right' on your client's face.

Always identify your client's natural brow shape at the start of their treatment so you can follow the existing pattern, remove strays, neaten up the outline and improve symmetry. Here are 5 common eyebrow shapes to help you recognise what you're working with before you start applying that wax:

1. S-shaped -- these brows dip up and down, creating a loose s-shape, which works to elongate and lengthen the face.
2. Steep arch/high angled -- this type of brow shape has a sharp arch on a steep gradient. These high angled brows often look glamorous and 'done.' Some people like to emphasise the arch even more with highlighter and concealer to give the face an instant lift.
3. Arched/soft angled -- these brows arch up in a gentler incline so they look softer than a steep arch. This subtle variety of arch suits many face shapes.
4. Rounded -- these brows don't have a typical, lifted arch that rises and falls but a softer, curved arc. They work brilliantly with almond-shaped eyes.
5. Straight -- often described as 'boy brows', straight brows don't have an arch at all, featuring a thicker, steady line all the way across. They tend to make the eyes look bigger.

We recommend maintaining your client's natural eyebrow shape as far as you can but if your customer requests a change, take it slowly and make gradual adjustments that they can view in the mirror as you go along instead of revealing a full-on makeover at the end.