Eyebrow Shape Preference Across Age, Gender, and Self-reported Ethnic Group

Abstract

BACKGROUND Preference in eyebrow shape has been studied in young women, but less so in older adults, men, and a wide variety of ethnic groups. OBJECTIVE To identify preference in eyebrow shape across age groups, genders, and ethnic groups for both the survey responder and the observed subject. METHODS Digital images of subjects from 3 age groups (18–39, 40–59, and 60+ years), 2 genders (female and male), and 4 self-identified ethnic backgrounds were edited to correspond to 5 brow shapes (Anastasia, head-up, horizontal, rounded, and tail-up). Panels of images representing the same subject with different brow shapes were displayed and responders ranked them in order of attractiveness via an online survey. RESULTS Six hundred fifty-two responders answered the survey. Survey responders generally preferred the Anastasia shape, but not in all subgroups. Strength of preference in eyebrow shape was more marked when observing images of women and less marked when observing men. CONCLUSION An arched brow, such as the Anastasia shape, was the preferred eyebrow shape. This study is limited by its survey nature, underrepresentation of self-identified Black study responders, and categorization of data. Despite these findings, the authors advocate determining eyebrow shape preference individually with patients during cosmetic consultations.