How to Tell if Someone’s Eyebrows are Drawn On: A Comprehensive Guide
Determining whether someone's eyebrows are drawn on can be a subtle yet important factor in assessing their overall look. Whether you're curious for fashion reasons or simply want to know, there are several key signs that can help you make a more informed judgment. In this guide, we'll explore the telltale signs to look for when assessing the naturalness of someone's eyebrows.
Uniformity: A Dead Giveaway
Uniformity is one of the most obvious indicators that someone's eyebrows may not be naturally occurring. Drawn-on eyebrows often exhibit a very uniform shape, thickness, and color across the entire arch. In contrast, real eyebrows typically display some natural variation in density and color. These slight differences can be a crucial clue about their authenticity.
Sharp Edges and Limited Tapering
Natural eyebrows tend to have sharp defined edges that seamlessly transition into the rest of the facial hair. In comparison, drawn-on eyebrows may exhibit sharp, almost unnatural edges, without any natural tapering or fading. This sudden and clear boundary can be a key indicator of artificial enhancement.
Color Consistency
Another important sign to look for is color consistency. If the eyebrows appear significantly darker or a different shade compared to the person's natural hair color, it may suggest that they have been filled in or drawn on. Natural eyebrows often blend in seamlessly with the surrounding hair for a more cohesive look.
Texture and Density
The texture of natural eyebrows is one of their most distinctive features. Real eyebrows have a natural, feather-like texture with individual hairs contributing to a fuller appearance. In contrast, drawn-on eyebrows tend to lack this natural texture, appearing flat and artificial. By closely examining the texture and density, you can often discern the difference between natural and enhanced eyebrows.
Positioning: An Important Clue
Natural eyebrows usually fall into a standard position relative to the brow bone. Overly high or low positioning of the eyebrows can indicate that they have been enhanced through drawn-on techniques. By observing the relationship between the eyebrows and the bone structure, you can often determine whether a deviation exists.
Smudging and Fading
Another subtle sign is the presence of smudging or fading, particularly around the edges. Real eyebrows naturally fade into the surrounding hair, without any harsh lines or unnatural boundaries. If you see signs of smudging or fading, especially around the edges, it may suggest that the eyebrows are not natural.
Extreme Shapes: Drawn-On Signatures
Overly exaggerated shapes, such as extreme arches or very straight lines, can be a clear indication of drawn-on eyebrows. Natural eyebrows typically have a more organic and flowing shape, with subtle variations in height and angle. When eyebrows exhibit overly exaggerated features, it's a strong sign that they have been enhanced through artificial means.
Close Inspection: The Ultimate Test
The most definitive way to discern the authenticity of someone's eyebrows is through a close inspection. By using your thumbs to smear the eyebrows gently, you can remove any makeup or pigment and see what remains. If there are barely any eyebrow hairs left on your fingers, the eyebrows are likely real. However, if your fingers are covered in makeup or pigment, it's a strong indicator that the eyebrows have been drawn on.
Tattooed vs. Microbladed Eyebrows: The Difference
A tattoo can often appear quite solid and defined, with hard lines and minimal texture. This can lead to a noticeable difference from natural eyebrows. For example, the author of this guide got tattooed eyebrows about 10 years ago and they looked very much like tattoos, with hard lines and little texture. Poorly executed tattoos can make the difference even more pronounced.
In contrast, microblading involves inserting pigments under the skin to create a more natural look. This technique can create a soft, feathery texture that blends well with surrounding hair. However, like tattoos, microbladed eyebrows can also fade over time, requiring touch-ups. A well-executed microblading session can produce results similar to very natural-looking eyebrows.
The Dominant Enemy Test
There are also some unconventional methods to test the authenticity of someone's eyebrows. One such technique involves approaching the person and making them feel nervous by looking them in the eye with a firm expression. Then, using your thumbs to press against the starts of both brows and smear the eyebrows. If there are only a few eyebrow hairs left on your fingers, the eyebrows are likely real. If your fingers are covered in brown makeup or pigment, the eyebrows are drawn on. This method, while not as reliable as close inspection, can still provide some clues.
Remember, the most accurate way to determine the authenticity of someone's eyebrows is through careful observation and close inspection. By paying attention to the signs of uniformity, color consistency, texture, positioning, and any smudging or fading, you can often make an informed judgment about the naturalness of someone's eyebrows.