The Banshees of Inisherin is a very funny film with lots of good knitwear and one strong set of eyebrows. Colin Farrell's eyebrows, specifically. Worthy of an Oscar all on their own, opined one GQ writer. But in truth, the actor cemented the powerbrow as a thing of wonder way back when he first burst onto our screens in the early 2000s in eardrum-rupturing blockbusters like Tigerland and Minority Report. If you're blessed with the genetics for a brow that can furrow with fury and forgiveness and frustration and fear all at once, embrace it. The powerbrow is a glorious thing.
It's always been this way. While culturally speaking, strong eyebrows have long been associated with heightened masculinity and thus, heightened hotness (hello toxic tradition!), that sexual response may also be chemical. A 2018 study by the University of South Carolina found a direct relationship between eyebrow size and relative attractiveness. In short: data found that the bigger the brow, the more likely a respondent was to smash. The exact reasons why are unclear. But it may be that old thing about traditionally masculine features tapping into the mind's fixation with mating and fertility. A 2009 study found conventionally masculine features like big old brows were favoured most by sample group members who were at the peak of their menstrual circle. Like most things, it could all boil down to the simple matter of sex.
Of course, thirst is not built on big eyebrows alone. Farrell is a Hollywood star proper. There are a lot of moving parts to his mass appeal. But while grooming (and beauty at large) can get stuck in a quagmire of sculpted perfection, we can happily embrace our bushy brows – with an important caveat. According to the experts, even big brows need a little maintenance.
“Big brows can certainly enhance the overall appearance, bringing attention to the eyes and framing the face beautifully,” says Shavata Singh, a brow artist with Adele on her books. “There is nothing worse than uncontrolled brows which can swiftly transform an attractive man into an older, unkempt version of himself.” This is where Farrell hits the sweet spot. “His brows may look entirely natural – which is the whole point – but they will be shaped and groomed to appear rugged, but not out of control.”
Singh recommends a brow plan that is simple, but effective. “A professional can thread or wax every month or so, with clear instructions that you want rugged and natural," she says. “You may choose to tweeze out the occasional stray hair yourself between appointments, but remember that you’re aiming to keep a fairly straight brow rather than creating an arch.” And if you need a little more brow to play with, there's something useful in the kitchen cupboard. “If you’re looking to make your brows fuller, I’d suggest nothing better than applying castor oil to them every day to stimulate growth.”
Ultimately, the blessed appeal of having brows like Farrell is not just sex appeal. They also project maturity, and as the actor shows in all his roles, can communicate a wide range and depth of feeling. So if your eyebrows are on the bushy side, count yourself lucky.
