Eyebrow Extensions Are the Secret to Fuller, Fluffier Brows

In the beauty world, when there's a need or a want, there's almost always a solution. In the pursuit of fuller, thicker, and fluffier-looking browsThere are many options; if long-term commitment isn't your thing, consider eyebrow extensions. It's a trendy new way to add texture, thickness, width, and length to the brows. Clementina Richardson, celebrity lash and brow expert, says people always want fuller eyebrows, and adding color alone doesn't usually cut it. "They want texture, too," she adds.

Here, with the help of brow experts, we unpack everything you need to know about the treatment.

What Are Eyebrow Extensions?

Like lash extensions, which add length, volume, and curl to natural lashes, eyebrow extensions involve attaching small hair-like extensions to the eyebrows for added fullness, texture, and length to enhance the brows' shape. Celebrity brow expert Sania Vucetaj explains that brow extensions consist of fine mink fibers or synthetic hairs glued onto the brows using clear medical-grade adhesive glue to create a natural look. 

Why Eyebrow Extensions Are Becoming Popular

"Over the years, people have struggled with not having brows or wanting fuller ones for a desired look," says Bames. "Hair extensions and lash extensions have been around for a while, so why not brow extensions? Plus, unlike microblading, a semi-permanent brow tattoo that creates fine brow strokes to mimic brow hair, brow extensions create a look of natural brows that mimic real brow hair."

Besides the fullness factor, Richardson shares that eyebrow extensions are a good option for those looking to frame their face and enhance facial features by creating a more youthful appearance. "The trend right now is thick, dense brows as seen on celebrities, and eyebrow extensions create a bold, beautiful brow or fill in existing brows, eliminating the need for any makeup," she says.

How Eyebrow Extensions Are Applied

Before doing anything, Richardson recommends a consultation to ensure that eyebrow extensions suit the look you are trying to achieve. "During a consultation, we can also determine the desired shape and size of the ideal brow." Next, your technician will clean the eyebrows and surrounding areas (it's best to show up at the appointment makeup- and skincare-free) and map out the overall shape and thickness. "The brow extensions are then either applied directly onto the skin for someone with alopecia or very sparse brows, or, for clients with existing brow hairs, on the shaft of the hair," Bames says. Clear or light-colored adhesive glue is used to adhere the extensions, which will vary in thickness and length. Richardson says the fibers are added one strand at a time to achieve the desired shape and volume. Then, in some cases, trimming is necessary to refine the overall look further. The entire process takes between one to two hours.

Maintaining Eyebrow Extensions

For the first 48 hours after getting extensions, the list of post-care rules to follow is pretty stringent. "You need to avoid any water exposure to the eyebrows and sleeping on your face," Vucetaj says. Other “don’ts” include using oil-based products on and near the brows, wearing brow makeup on top of them, or brushing or rubbing them, which can cause them to break. To clean the brows periodically, gently dab them with a soft, damp cloth.

Eyebrow extensions are temporary and last anywhere from four to 10 days or more—if you can squeeze a few extra days out of them, consider yourself lucky. However, Richardson says that when the extensions are applied directly to the existing hair, they should last about two to three weeks. “However, you must be extremely careful to ensure longevity with eyebrow extensions,” she adds.

Potential Risks and Precautions

The adhesive glue used in eyebrow extensions can be problematic for some who opt for the treatment. Vucetaj cautions that super-strong glues can cause damage to the brows. "Some people notice hair loss in the brows after getting extensions because, when the extensions fall out, the glue residue also pulls out the natural brow hairs," she explains. "Also, naturally oily complexions may not hold the glue well." And then there's the potential for allergic reactions to the faux hair fibers and brow glue used. But on the flip side, unlike needles used in microblading, there's far less chance of infection and no healing time. And if you don't like the results, you can wait for the extensions to fall off.