Bella Hadid and Olivia Rodrigo are bringing back this eyebrow shape forgotten for 30 years
In 2026, nostalgia is dictating beauty trends. The ultra-thin eyebrow shapes of the 1990s, known as skinny brows, are making a major comeback. This time, however, the version embraced by younger generations is softer and decidedly more modern.
Skinny brows: a trend that goes back much further than the 1990s
Contrary to popular belief, this eyebrow shape didn’t originate in the 1990s. According to Marianne Lecocq, trainer and national eyebrow expert at Benefit Cosmetics, speaking to Madame Figaro, the trend is far older. She explains:
“It first appeared in the 1920s. Eyebrows were extremely thin and very rounded in shape, like those of Edith Piaf and Joséphine Baker.”
Over the following decades, fashion saw eyebrows gradually grow thicker. Then, in the 1990s, the ultra-thin eyebrow shape came roaring back on runways and in films.
The 1990s icons who popularised the look
During that era, women shaped their eyebrows this way because the style was everywhere, on screen and on the catwalk. Stars such as Kate Moss, Pamela Anderson, and Naomi Campbell all embraced the trend.
After the skinny brow era, trends swung in the opposite direction. Bold, bushy eyebrows then dominated the beauty scene for many years.
The eyebrow shape making a comeback in 2026, but with a modern twist
Today, younger generations seem hungry for nostalgia. They’re gravitating back towards thinner shapes, without going to the ultra-slim extremes of the 1990s. The eyebrow shape having its moment in 2026 is therefore more natural and wearable.
We’ve seen it on stars like Olivia Rodrigo and Bella Hadid. Both have sported a straight, slightly arched brow, refined only at the tail. This style also fits neatly into the broader retro wave that includes Bratz-inspired highlights, the sharp lob, and pearl nail art.
The trending eyebrow shape of 2026 is therefore not a carbon copy of the 1990s look. It’s a softer reinterpretation, designed to suit contemporary faces and tastes.
- Skinny brows first emerged in the 1920s, with very thin, rounded arches.
- In the 1990s, Kate Moss, Pamela Anderson, and Naomi Campbell popularised this eyebrow shape.
- In 2026, the updated version is a straight, slightly arched brow, refined only at the tail.
- Olivia Rodrigo and Bella Hadid embody this refreshed trend.
- You can try the thin eyebrow shape with makeup before committing to any waxing or threading.
Testing the trend without committing, thanks to makeup
If you want to try this eyebrow shape without any permanent changes, makeup is your best friend. Specialists at L’atelier du sourcil recommend applying a full-coverage concealer beneath the brow line to visually slim it down, then redrawing the shape with a pencil to achieve the desired effect.
This method is the perfect halfway house for deciding whether to go ahead with hair removal or not. It also lets you see exactly how the result will look before making any lasting changes.
How to shape your eyebrows for a thinner look
For those ready to take the plunge with hair removal, it’s worth visiting a salon for the first session. This gives you a clean base and lets you define your ideal eyebrow shape with the help of a professional.
After that, maintaining the shape at home is perfectly manageable. That said, it’s important to go slowly to avoid creating gaps.
This risk increases with age, as regrowth becomes more unpredictable over time. An over-plucked eyebrow shape can also be very difficult to correct in the long run. Patience and a light touch are always the wisest approach.
