Research
The characteristics associated with an attractive male eyebrow can be described as follows, noting that the concept of an “ideal” brow is subjective and influenced by factors like age, culture, ethnicity, and fashion.
Shape and Arch: Male eyebrows tend to be described as straighter and flatter in contour, with little arch present. They are generally less arched than female brows and may have no arch in the outer third. Some sources state the male brow arches along the supraorbital rim rather than above it. Straight eyebrows have also been related to the perception of trustworthiness, and straight bushy eyebrows are identified as a feature that would attract attention in terms of male attractiveness.
Thickness: Male eyebrows tend to be thicker and heavier, and are described as denser than those of women. Thick eyebrows are listed as a feature indicating maturity in an attractive man’s face. A thick swatch of hair across the brow of some older human males is mentioned as giving a lowered, protruding appearance. Research suggests an important role for eyebrow thickness in discriminating between male and female faces, where relative thinness can signal femininity. Studies on preferences have indicated that naturally thicker eyebrows are preferred in men. One study specifically hypothesized that darker and thicker brows would be rated as more attractive in men, although its results found that the original eyebrow was preferred overall, and within younger participants, darker eyebrows were preferred, while older participants preferred thicker eyebrows. Another study, unexpectedly contradicting previous research, found thicker eyebrows were rated as more attractive for female faces than male faces, although it also noted prior findings that thicker eyebrows are typically perceived as more masculine and dominant and are more attractive in male than female faces.
Color/Luminance: Preferences regarding eyebrow color in men have been explored, with one study hypothesizing that darker brows would be perceived as more attractive for males. The results of that study indicated that only lighter eyebrows were significantly less attractive than the original for male participants. Within younger participants, darker eyebrows were preferred, and naturally darker eyebrows are preferred in men. Facial contrast, including the luminance difference between the eyebrow and surrounding skin, is a sexually dimorphic trait.
References
- Changes in Eyebrow Position and Shape with Aging. Val Lambros, M.D. Newport Beach, Calif.
- The Beautiful Eye. Charles R. Volpe, MD, Oscar M. Ramirez, MD
- The Beautiful Eye: Perception of Beauty in the Periocular Area. Adam G. Buchanan and John B. Holds