Column

May 2006

What's So Great About Eyebrows?

Ｄon't you sometimes wonder what eyebrows are for? They don't see, breathe or eat!

So I did some research to find out why we need eyebrows - apart from the fact that you would look scary without them! Apparently, scientists aren't entirely sure either. The most logical reason is that eyebrows keep sweat or rain out of our eyes and the arch shape diverts any moisture to the sides of our face, keeping the eyes dry.

If this is the only function eyebrows have, then why do we pay them so much attention?

It's because eyebrows talk. Eyebrows are one of the most expressive features on the face and people can tell what a person is thinking just by looking at their eyebrows. For instance, when you are surprised, you raise both of your eyebrows. When in doubt, you unconsciously raise only one eyebrow. When you are upset, you lower them. In some countries like Greece, people whose eyebrows naturally meet across the bridge of the nose are seen as someone who is mean and annoying.

According to "The Practical Art of Face Reading" (Simon G. Brown), children with downward sloping eyebrows will grow up to be gentle, kind and caring. For those people with long eyebrows that stretch from close to the bridge of the nose to the outside of the eyes; longevity, strength and endurance are the main traits. People with bushy eyebrows have a powerful presence in social situations and tend to succeed in life through being noticed for their strong personality. However, eyebrows also grow bushy with age, so you can be perceived as older than you really are.

Because eyebrows frame the eyes, they are always noticed. If you have thin eyebrows, eyeliners can be used to fill in the gaps to create a clean look. If you have thick, bushy hair, then waxing, plucking or threading your eyebrows will create a young, successful, or even a sexy look. Eyebrow threading parlours can be found anywhere these days - at Selfridges, for instance, eyebrow threading costs a very reasonable 15 pounds. There are many other places that do it for less.

Whether you are a man or a woman, well-groomed eyebrows can go a long way. Don’t ignore them. Honestly, they can do you wonders.

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