You might have heard of brow mapping, or eyebrow mapping, and wondered what exactly that means. It might seem complicated, but brow mapping is actually a simple process that you can do at home.
If you want to find out more about brow mapping, keep reading for a step-by-step guide and diagram to help you find your ideal brow shape.
What Is Brow Mapping?
To put it simply, brow mapping is a process used to find the most flattering eyebrow shape and size for your face. It often entails a 3-step process to find the ideal points for the front of your eyebrow, the arch, and the tail that will bring symmetry to your face.
This technique is often done at salons where experts are able to give you an accurate “map” of your eyebrows. You can choose between mapping and tinting your eyebrows, or mapping your eyebrows and then using microblading techniques to keep the shape you want. To learn more about microblading, click here.
However, you can also do this at home with a few simple techniques. Although it might not be as perfect as an expert’s results, it will be a lot more affordable and is still a good way to achieve symmetrical brows on your own.
Why Is Brow Mapping Important?
This technique is super important to find the eyebrows that will most flatter your unique face shape. Everyone’s face and eyebrows are different, meaning your eyebrow map will be different from anyone else’s.
Eyebrow mapping can help you highlight areas of your face that you love, as well as tone down areas that you don’t. Although you aren’t technically changing anything about your face, it’s all about tricking the eyes. Eyebrow placement is key to the illusion of symmetrical features.
What Do You Use For Eyebrow Mapping?
At a salon, a professional often uses an eyebrow pencil or inked string to map out your ideal brow shape. They can then tint your eyebrows or use microblading to finish the look.
It’s important to note that not all eyebrow artists use eyebrow mapping before microblading or other techniques, so it’s super important to ask before you start your appointment.
If you’re trying it out at home, you can simply use an eyebrow pencil and a mirror to mark the appropriate points and then fill in your brows. Some people also use an eyebrow ruler, and some use tweezers to pluck their eyebrows into the shape they desire. Just be careful with those tweezers! You don’t want to overpluck and create an eyebrow disaster.
How To Map Your Eyebrows
Eyebrow mapping is all about the golden ratio that is found in nature, which is 1.618 to 1. This ratio is often used in design and art but is also found naturally in things like flower petals. It is considered the most pleasing to the eye in comparison to any other ratio.
If you’re doing this at home, finding the golden ratio will take some serious math skills. However, you can find your ideal eyebrow shape without including math (phew!). Here are the three simple steps:
- First, take your eyebrow pencil or angled brush and place it at an angle along the dimple of your nose, then align the top with the inner corner of your eye. Where the pencil or brush falls on your eyebrow is where your eyebrow should start. Mark it with your pencil.
- Next, take the pencil or brush and lay it at an angle from the end of your nose to the outside of your iris. This is where your arch should reach its highest point. Mark it with your pencil.
- Lastly, with your pencil still on the edge of your nose, tilt the top of it toward the outer corner of your eye. Where it meets your eyebrow is the place where the tail of your eyebrow should end. Mark that spot, then connect your three dots and fill in with the product of your choice!
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Brow Mapping Diagram
An eyebrow mapping diagram will be unique to each person’s face. It will usually entail a pattern of lines around your eyebrows, like the picture above.
Many eyebrow artists will draw the measurement around your eyebrows before starting any procedure to ensure the perfect shape for you.
FAQs
How Long Does Brow Mapping Take?
If you’re mapping your eyebrows at home, it shouldn’t take more than 10-15 minutes. However, at a salon, it usually takes between 30 minutes to 1 hour.
How Much Does Brow Mapping Cost?
Basic brow mapping itself usually costs around $30-$120. However, if you want to add other services such as tinting or microblading, this can cost anywhere from $400-$2000.
To Sum It Up
All in all, brow mapping is an excellent way to find your ideal brow shape and take your brow game to the next level. Whether you choose to do it at home or to take it to the professionals, eyebrow mapping will help bring symmetry to your face and create the illusion of lifted eyes.
You can try it out on yourself with a basic eyebrow pencil, but if you’re serious about your brows, we recommend seeing a professional eyebrow artist!
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