Reviving the Eyebrow Slit: A Fashion Trend Resurrected in 2023

In the early 2000s, Neymar Jr, Iris Law, and David Beckham collectively championed an unconventional fashion trend – the subtle eyebrow cut. This distinctive style introduced a deliberate disruption in the seamless flow of eyebrow hair, a remarkable choice that has resurfaced with a newfound fervor in 2023. Notably featured on television screens, an increasing number of young individuals are opting to incorporate this intriguing “eyebrow slit” into their personal aesthetic.

This audacious fashion statement imparts a sense of rebellion, alternative flair, and effortless coolness to those who boldly embrace it. As a result, the hashtag #eyebrowslit is currently commanding the limelight on social media platforms. This resurgence bears a striking resemblance to the 1990s, a time when icons such as Luke Perry and the members of Take That left an indelible mark on the walls of teenagers’ bedrooms, eliciting waves of nostalgic reminiscence.

From Silent Films to Hip-Hop: The Ever-Evolving Story of Eyebrow Trends and the Rebellious ‘Cut’

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How to slit your eyebrows: Step 1: have a breakdown

♬ Yoncé – Atsuko Okatsuka

Throughout history, eyebrows have been a canvas of transformation, continually evolving in shape and thickness to follow the ever-shifting tides of fashion. The journey of eyebrow manipulation commenced in the 1920s, coinciding with the dawn of silent films. Actresses of the era resorted to shaving their brows into slender, downward arches, a technique that accentuated their facial expressions in the absence of spoken dialogue. This marked the onset of an era where eyebrows flirted with perilous thinness, as evident during the Y2K era, or the bold, fragmented style sported by Iris Law in recent times.

Yet, it wasn’t the realm of modeling that initially infused character into the arch of the brow through deliberate cuts. While the precise origins remain obscured by the sands of time, it is widely conjectured that this look can trace its roots to real scars borne by individuals who had engaged in brawls during the turn of the century. A simple knife or a shard of glass sufficed to etch an enduring mark in that region of the face. Consequently, those sporting these eyebrow cuts were regarded as possessing an air of danger, an untamed spirit, exuding masculinity with a dark, rebellious allure.

As the years rolled on, this distinctive style found increasing resonance in hip-hop culture and subsequently within the LGBTQI+ community. One of the earliest pioneers of the “slit” – or rather, the original “cut” – was none other than the American rapper Big Daddy Kane, who boldly sported multiple cuts during the late 1980s, subtly referencing the signs of urban gang affiliation. His daring look served as a beacon, influencing numerous other luminaries of the music scene at that time, including Bow Wow, the dynamic duo Kriss Kross, Soulja Boy, and the iconic Vanilla Ice.

The trend also transcended musical boundaries, captivating the worlds of sports and pop culture. Figures like Luke Perry, famed for his portrayal of Dylan in Beverly Hills 90210, and David Beckham during the early 2000s, all incorporated eyebrow cuts into their signature styles, further propelling this distinctive aesthetic into the spotlight.

Cutting-Edge Eyebrows: The Evolution of the ‘Slit’ Brow in Fashion and Culture

Originally, the “slit” eyebrow found its roots within a distinctive subculture, but as the trend expanded its reach, the once-rebellious demeanor it conveyed gradually waned. Today, notable figures who proudly sport the “slit” eyebrow include football sensation Neymar Jr, the globally acclaimed music group BTS, former One Direction member Zayn Malik, Giacomo Giorgio, renowned for his portrayal of Ciro in the italian television series Mare Fuori ( SEA OUTSIDE), and the esteemed actor Jason Momoa. In Momoa’s case, this unique feature is not a mere fashion choice but rather the result of a harrowing incident where a beer glass was maliciously hurled at him, resulting in a genuine scar.

Nonetheless, in the cases of all the aforementioned individuals, it transcends mere vanity, evolving into a fashion statement that has been rejuvenated by the ever-evolving world of style. It’s worth noting that fashion has the remarkable ability to reintroduce the “slit” eyebrow into contemporary trends, including a resurgence in the feminine sphere. Miuccia Prada notably revived this look during Miu Miu’s Spring/Summer 2021 fashion showcase, featuring models with distinctive dual eyebrow slits. This artistic concept found resonance once again on the runway of Poster Girl’s Spring/Summer 2023 collection, masterminded by the talented Isamaya Ffrench.

In this instance, Ffrench skillfully employed her ISAMAYA Browlacq brow concealer to fashion the models’ brows into elegant peaks, leaving ample visible skin between the hairs to artfully mimic a cut. The final effect exuded an intriguing and somewhat unconventional allure, echoing the 2023 trend where brow concealers seek to capture an edgier and more defiant aesthetic, reminiscent of iconic figures like Lesley-Ann Brandt, known for her role as Mazikeen Smith in the series Lucifer, or those who embrace alternative and daring appearances.

Eyebrow Slits: A Bold Journey into Unconventional Aesthetics

Iris Law, a model known for her dedication to a rebellious and unconventional aesthetic, particularly in matters of style, has boldly ventured into the realm of extreme buzzcuts and pixie hairstyles, accentuated by statement makeup and fashion choices that blend Y2K nostalgia with elements of cutecore. What sets Iris apart is her distinctive approach to eyebrow styling. She has opted for eyebrow slits, a trend she has embraced with both precision and creativity. These diagonal and symmetrical slits serve to elongate her eyes, bestowing them with an added level of glamour while infusing a touch of edginess into her otherwise angelic visage.

For those contemplating a similar eyebrow transformation, there are some key considerations. First and foremost, one must have a clear vision of the desired outcome, determining whether a single or multiple slits are preferred, and whether they should adorn one eyebrow or both, much like Iris Law‘s striking example. The next decision revolves around the angle of the cut: straight or diagonal. It’s important to note that a straight line can open up the gaze, while a diagonal cut can lend it a lengthened appearance.

The process begins with grooming the eyebrows, meticulously removing any superfluous or unruly hairs. The choice of the trimming tool is crucial. Those with patience might opt for a classic eyebrow tweezer, while those seeking enhanced precision and definition should consider an electric razor or a disposable razor.

Before embarking on the actual trimming, it’s advisable to outline the area to be shaved using eyeliner or tape, ensuring accuracy and preventing unintended deviations. To facilitate the process, it’s helpful to moisten the hair before applying gentle pressure to carefully shave along the predetermined lines.

Once the transformation is complete, it’s time for self-reflection. Are you content with the result, reveling in your newfound style, or do you find yourself contemplating a potential change of heart? The world of eyebrow slits beckons, offering an avenue for self-expression and experimentation, where one’s personal style can truly shine.

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