The Tadpole Brow - most common

If you don't know how to fix this brow, you are in trouble because this is the most common shape of the misshapen.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jennifer Johnston on November 15, 2011 at 11:45am

Hi Cricket,

I call these ' comma' brows !! This is exactly what I would do to correct a clients brow. Draw them in to show what they should be allowing to grow back in so they can have fabulous brows!!!

Permalink Reply by Sally Connor on November 15, 2011 at 12:42pm

I'm with you Jennifer. In this situation, I also often draw them in prior to waxing just to make sure I wax outside the area the client is trying to patiently allow to grow in. Then I suggest they do not mess with their brows between appointments. It can take some time and patience, but the results are much more attractive.

I also show the client how to apply a little brow powder or a few quick little hair-like strokes with a brow pencil to help.

Permalink Reply by Crickett Enos on November 15, 2011 at 5:32pm

Super ladies! Whatever you call them, commas, tadpoles, squiggles or sperm :) They are NOT attractive on anyone. Once your client see's how much better they look when their brows are in balance you will have a client for life.

Permalink Reply by Erica Estrada on February 7, 2012 at 12:04am

Do you use stencils or is this just free handed?

Permalink Reply by Crickett Enos on February 7, 2012 at 7:45am

I'm a free-hander, for me stencils are too hard to work with.

Permalink Reply by Sally Connor on February 7, 2012 at 8:52am

Free-hand for me, too.

With returning clients who I have a clearly formed brow shape, you're not reinventing so it's easier to see exactly where to wax.

I use facial reference points as a guide to beginning, ending and arching the brow. It's easier to see the diagram than to explain it, but here goes... it can be helpful to use a wax stick to see the how the reference points line up.

beginning brow - either directly inline with the edge of the nostril or the flare of the nostril

beginning arch - begins directly above the outside of the pupil

ending brow - along a diagonal line from the bottom edge of the nostril to the outside edge of the eye to find the point (in that diagonal line) where the brow should end.

Under the brow - I also visualize a diagonal line from the begining of the brow (underneath) to where I want to arch which helps leave this area nice and full and avoid creating the arch too soon. These are basic guides. Sometimes adjustments come into play depending on, for instance, how close or far the eyes are set apart.

I think you could goggle and find a diagram. Sometimes it's easier to see in picture form.

For clients - explaining the reference points particular to their facial bone structure (browbone) while they hold a mirror above their face is a chance to educate them about the shaping that would create a most attractive and positive impact on their face.

It's like a further consultation.

Permalink Reply by Kyong on February 18, 2012 at 11:19pm

I lovingly refer to tadpole brows as 'spermies'- if it feels appropriate...

My query is this-

Say I have a client with 'spermies', but she L O V E S them-

In any eyebrow design, even during maintenance, I check in with my clients and reiterate the importance of what I call 'the beautifully balanced brow.' I describe features of balance, relationship to brow bone, nose, etc.

So what would you recommend for said client when she loves her current spermie shape? While trying to maintain professional grace and respect for her wishes.

Permalink Reply by Sally Connor on February 19, 2012 at 7:15am

I think what you do to educate that client about "the beautifully balanced brow" is perfect.

Beyond that, we are working for the client and should respect their wishes and in this case "likes".

Permalink Reply by Jennifer Johnston on February 19, 2012 at 8:06am

Its probably a little like a hairdresser who's client hasn't changed their hair style since 1979 and they still look like 'Leather Tuscadero'. As mentioned above, educate them but hopefully with the powers of your Estheticians persuasion and recommendations, show them how they should look after using a brow pencil and they will soon come to trust your professional opinion and expertise.

Permalink Reply by Crickett Enos on February 23, 2012 at 1:36pm

LOL Jennifer you are too crazy :)

Permalink Reply by Sally Connor on February 19, 2012 at 12:31pm

I should have mentioned along with educating I would absolutely demonstrate...a visual is important. They can hold a hand mirror right up over their face and watch you educate and demonstrate.

Ok, then they have to decide what they want and, as Jennifer said, hopefully they will go with the most flattering look.

Permalink Reply by Kyong on February 19, 2012 at 1:01pm

@Sally and @Jennifer, Thank you for your constructive feedback-

(I am loving this site, specifically for that reason. I decided to make a more conscious effort to review posts on a regular basis and I am so very thrilled with the professionalism and wealth of knowledge.)

I will definitely start implementing this visual demonstration. I love visuals and I am sure my clients would appreciate them too. I am a solo esthy operating out of a small, private studio. I don't offer make-up application and I don't have a go-to for brow pencils. Do either of you have a line that you love?