If you ever had the urge to cut your own bangs but were afraid that you were going to instantly regret it, then you know how conflicted I am with the rise of bleached brows. The idea of doing it, hating it and having to live with it...I’m just not sure. To be honest, this is one ‘90s trend that I was convinced was going to fade into oblivion, but I was shocked to see it pop up again. Now, everyone seems to be grabbing a box dye to try it themselves and all the coolest stars are convincing us to take the plunge. And yet, I’m torn.
Are Bleach Brows Cool or Just a Beauty Regret Waiting to Happen?
A beauty editor and a cosmetologist weigh in
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Published Oct 7, 2025
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So, Why Are Bleach Brows Suddenly So Popular?
It’s no surprise that this trend is having a resurgence. Fall always brings out moodier and edgier looks (it’s spooky season after all). In fact, I was first drawn to the trend when Jenna Ortega showed off her bleach brows during her press run for Wednesday earlier this season. The 22-year-old star has been making the case for ‘em ever since with her lightened brows complementing her dark locks and fair skin tone. Also, Beyonce. Her Cowboy Carter tour photoshoot had me *this* close to trying it out.
“Beauty trends are moving further away from the predictable ‘clean girl aesthetic.’ People are craving looks that are bold and expressive. Bleached brows give you that instant wow factor. They’re a statement that communicates confidence, creativity and individuality,” shares Stanley Nolan, a master cosmetologist and beauty education specialist at Ogle School. “Whether you want a soft, ethereal vibe or a bold, high-fashion look, bleached brows can really be adapted to your personal style. It’s a fun way to experiment and make your features pop in a fresh, unexpected way.”
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FYI: It’s not only cool for Gen-Zers. Millennials are doing it too and even a few Gen Xers like Michelle Yeoh and Janet Jackson have been spotted with bleach brows. Simply put, there’s no age limit to trying out this rising trend.
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But Is It Actually Safe to Bleach Your Brows?
While it’s cool, edgy and rockstar material, is it harmful to our little delicate hairs? Similar to brow tinting, it’s pretty safe and easy to do…if done correctly. Nolan recommends letting a brow specialist or hairstylist bleach your brows at the salon. Or you can try it at home—just remember to follow instructions carefully and be mindful as you’re working near your eyes.
The only downside to bleaching your brows? The constant upkeep. Just like getting your hair colored (especially if you’re going from brown to blonde), it takes frequent salon trips to avoid your natural roots showing up (usually around 3 weeks). And although you’re dealing with a much smaller area, bleaching frequently isn’t good as it can cause brittle hairs, halt growth and irritation. Nolan adds, “Eyebrow hairs are a little more delicate than hair in other areas and misuse of bleach could leave you with damage you don’t want.”
How to Achieve Bleach Brows
But if you are going to bleach your brows, TikToker Dylan Davii provides a great tutorial above. Nolan also shared helpful steps to achieving it right at home (safely).
- Apply Vaseline around your brows to prevent the bleach from touching your skin.
- Use a spoolie to apply the bleach evenly through your brow hairs. Nolan notes, “You want to make sure every strand is coated from root to tip, using any excess to fully cover the brow.”
- Cover your brows with plastic wrap to let it process and prevent it from drying.
- Wait about ten minutes before checking the results. “You may need to repeat the process a few times to achieve the blonde you want, but don’t overdo it. Stop immediately if you feel more than a mild tingling sensation,” adds Nolan.
- Rinse and tone with purple shampoo to avoid brassiness.
Would I Try It?
Truthfully, I don’t have it in me to bleach my brows once or twice a month (depending how quickly it’ll grow out). I also know I would regret it the second I do it…but it’s been very tempting. Thankfully, there is a way to dabble in this trend and lighten your brows without actually applying bleach.
Original photography by Chelsea Candelario
If you have lighter brows, a pop of brow mascara or tinted gel may do the trick. But if you have dark hairs (like me), a simple hack is concealer, clear brow gel and a spoolie. I watched a ton of Tiktok tutorials religiously and attempted to do it myself. The verdict? It doesn’t look too bad. It would never be as natural as actually bleaching it, but it gets the job done of looking different. Add a smokey eye and vampy lips, and I feel like a badass.
