All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors.

However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through links in this article.

Safety aside, there are also aesthetics to consider.

closeup of  a model’s eyebrows and eyes backstage at Milan Fashion Week

Getty Images

Recently, thebrow scenefeels like a pretty crowded party withmicrobladingandbrow laminationstealing the limelight.

Curious to find out more?

What is eyebrow waxing, exactly?

portrait of a beautiful woman with wellgroomed eyebrows backstage at Milan Fashion Week

Getty Images

Eyebrow waxing starts with a thin layer of warm wax applied to the hairs you wish to remove.

Then, the strip is swiftly pulled away, pulling the hairs out directly from the root.

What are the benefits of brow waxing over other kinds of hair removal?

box of cortizone 10 hydrocortisone

Equally, eyebrow waxing is said to be gentler on the hair follicles than using tweezers.

The procedure is also dermatologist approved.

What are the downsides and potential risks of eyebrow waxing?

Drunk Elephant Beste No.9 Jelly Cleanser black and white patterned tube with orange cap on white background

Overall, eyebrow waxing is considered a safe and noninvasive treatment.

But that’s not to say that there arenorisks, explains Dr. Marmur.

“These include, burning, scarring, or irritating the skin when done incorrectly,” she notes.

Blue bottle of Augustinus Bader The Cream Cleansing Gel on a white background

However, she does warn against the grooming technique for those with extremely sensitive skin.

For the same reason, women of color should proceed with caution.

“Eyebrow waxing can result in the post-procedure lighteningor darkeningof melanin-rich skin,” Dr. Gohara says.

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

If you notice any pigment changes, talk to your dermatologist who may recommend a fading cream.

“I usually steer clear of oils meant to soothe or calm,” she says.

“Retinoic acidsandalpha hydroxy acids, in particular, turn over cells more quickly by exfoliation.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream white jar with blue label, silver chrome stripes, and red text on white background

This can make skin more susceptible to burns and the top layer being ripped away during waxing.”

She recommends giving the skin a three-day reprieve beforeandafter waxing when using active ingredients.

You should also stop tweezing your brows for at least four weeks prior to a wax, says Evans.

Skinfix Barrier+ Lipid-Peptide Cream on white background

What is the process like?

Brow waxing sessions are fast, usually lasting around 20 minutes, says Evans.

Typically, the actual waxing process goes like this: A brow artist will cleanse the area first.

two jars of glossier after baume stacked on top of each other. the jar is a light green and the top is alight pink. It’s on a green table with a white background that has water droplets

De la Garza swears that eyebrow waxing is relatively painless.

“It can almost be meditative having the warm wax applied and removed,” he says.

“Several of my clients even fall asleep.”

light green/teal-ish tube of Urban Skin Rx Barrier Cream on a white background

Although, if you are menstruating, it may be worth rescheduling your waxing appointment, says Dr. Gohara.

What about aftercare?

Needless to say, the biggest complaint about eyebrow waxing is the temporaryred haloit leaves behind.

bottle of MMSkin MMRevive Serum on a white background

Dr. Marmur echoes this advice, recommending Hytone 1% Cream where necessary.

If you could’t find it, a littleCortizone 10or another hydrocortisone cream should suffice.

A fragrance-free cleansing gel is ideal, she says.

Honeyskin Organic Aloe Vera Leaf Gel

Lam-Phaure’s personal favorites includeDrunk Elephant’s Beste No.

9 Jelly CleanserandAugustinus Bader’s The Cream Cleansing Gel, which touts amino acids to promote wound healing.

TheCeraVe Foaming Gel Cleanseris a great drugstore option if you’re not trying to shell out the coin.

clear tube of Milk Makeup Kush Brow and Lash Gel on a white background. The part of the applicator that’s in the bottle is bright translucent green

All the experts we spoke to also recommend basic skin protection in the form of barrier creams.

De la Garza’s picks are for keeping your brows on point in the long term.

He favorsMilk Makeup Kush Lash + Brow Serumand 100 percentorganic castor oilto strengthen hairs and prevent breakage.

How often should you get your eyebrows waxed?

“But if they’re a natural shape, you might stretch to eight weeks.”

How much does eyebrow waxing cost?

“But a specialist eyebrow artist can cost upwards of $40 to $100,” he notes.

Now that you’re armed with all the info, get your butt to the brow bar ASAP.

Check out these stories:

Now, watch this professional dancer’s entire beauty routine: