The Most Flattering Brow Tint for Every Hair Color
Despite the onslaught of bleached brows we’ve seen on the runways, we think it’s pretty safe to say you’re more of a natural brow kind of gal. And we have celebs like Lily Collins, Sofia Vergara, and Solange Knowles to thank for the fact that the bushy and bold brilliance of the heavy brow isn’t going out of style any time soon. “There is something very sexy and feminine about a strong eyebrow,” says Lauren E. Hack, hairstylist and co-owner of LAUREN+VANESSA Salon in New York City. “And adding a tint can bring out your facial features in a way that looks great on every woman.”
But what brow color is right for you? Follow this guide to find your perfect match (and have them colored at the salon or try tinting them at home).
(Photograph by Featureflash / Shutterstock)
If You Have Blonde Hair…
Lucky you! You have the flexibility to either darken or lighten your brows depending on your skin tone and how light you’re going with your hair color. “We prefer our blondes to color their brows up to one shade darker,” says Hack. “Darkening brows is great for natural blondes who have light brown hair because the darker tint will color any blonde hairs, making them appear thicker and more defined.” Added bonus: Darker brows help make blonde highlights stand out more—think Sienna Miller, Jennifer Aniston, and Cara Delevingne.
If you’re platinum, bleached brows can look harsh, so Hack advises sticking with a darker brow shade à la Gwen Stefani, Michelle Williams, and Rita Ora.” Light blondes are best suited with a golden blonde hue to add definition without being too dark, medium blondes should go with a light, taupe brown to achieve that same goal, and dark blondes should opt for a rich, neutral brown. “This will really make the white in your eyes pop, while still giving you that soft, natural appearance,” says Joey Healy, a New York City brow specialist.
Photograph by DFree / Shutterstock.com
If You’re a Brunette…
“For brunettes, darkening your brows a shade or two is ideal,” says Hack. “A groomed, darker brow can define or soften your bone structure and make your eyes appear larger and stand out more like Mila Kunis, Jenna Dewan-Tatum, and Angelina Jolie.” Light brown-haired gals should go for a rich, neutral brown, says Healy. “You still want to darken, but [you] want to make sure you’re doing it carefully and not too abruptly.” The cooler your shade of brown, the darker your brows should be, which is why Healy suggests a more full-bodied brunette hue for medium-brown hair color. If you’re more dark brown or chestnut, a nice espresso shade will give more fullness to your shape. Flaunting the darkest dark brown out there? Healy recommends a dark-neutral shade of brunette. “Since the natural hair color is pretty dark, this will add a touch more of basic brown in there to negate a jet-black appearance,” he says.
(Photograph by Tinseltown / Shutterstock.com)
If You’re a Redhead…
Then you know that the idea of all redheads having naturally red brows is totally not true. While it can be (in rare instances) the case, most natural redheads don’t have matching red brows. “If your hair is copper red, a slight hint of darker copper in the brows or even a dark blonde tint can soften your look like Julianne Moore, Lily Cole, and Emma Stone,” says Hack. If your hue is more crimson than copper or cinnamon, Healy suggests a soft strawberry blonde. “It settles the look and complements the natural tone of the hair,” he says. Cooler, more auburn-toned redheads can get away with a brown arch nicely—think of Isla Fisher, Kate Mara, and Drew Barrymore as your inspirations.
Photograph by s_bukley / Shutterstock.com
If You Have Black Hair…
Leave those puppies alone, say the pros. “I tend to stay away from black and recommend that my clients not go for this shade when tinting,” says Healy. “It gives somewhat of a harsh look to the brow and can make them a little too overwhelming.” Your best brow-shade bet if you’re flaunting stunningly dark brows like Kim Kardashian, Demi Lovato, and Solange? Embrace what you’ve got!
More from Women’s Health:
7 Ways to Cut Your Blow-Dry Time in Half
5 Cute and Functional Ways to Wear Your Hair to the Gym
By Jenn Sinrich
