Mastering the art of brow mapping and shaping achieves perfectly sculpted brows suitable for every individual. This systematic approach requires precision and careful execution to create the ideal brow shape for each client’s unique facial features. We’ve curated this comprehensive guide that covers everything you need to know about brow mapping and shaping, including the essential tools, a step-by-step guideline, and aftercare tips that ensure your clients get the symmetrical brow shape that brings out their beauty!
What Is Brow Mapping and Why Is It Important?
Brow mapping is a technique that measures eyebrows using several fixed points to create an even and symmetrical brow shape. It involves measuring and outlining the ideal brow shape for each individual based on their facial features and bone structure. This provides a basis for finding a brow shape that flatters and complements the face shape of your client. Brow mapping also lays a foundation for shaping and tinting eyebrows, and during client counselling, this allows clients to visualise the proposed brow shape in advance and allows room for adjustments when necessary.
There are two approaches to brow mapping: basic mapping and advanced mapping. Basic brow mapping involves using three fixed points (the length of the brow, the highest point and the beginning of the brow) and is suitable for clients with well-shaped eyebrows (needing minimal changes only) or for regular clients needing ongoing shape maintenance.
On the other hand, advanced brow mapping involves precise measurement of eyebrows using a coloured thread and individual fixed points to create a template for subsequent colouring or brow shaping. This method is suitable for new clients (needing detailed assessments), clients with uneven or asymmetrical brow shapes, and those needing a complete brow shape remodel.
Tools You’ll Need for Brow Mapping and Shaping
Having the right tools in your mapping kit is important to properly execute a successful brow mapping and shaping session. Investing in high-quality products like RefectoCil products will yield the best results for your clients.
Here are the necessary tools you’ll need for this process:
Make-Up Remover: Gentle cleansing around the eye area before brow mapping ensures that the brows are clean and free from any cosmetics. This allows a more accurate client assessment and application. The RefectoCil Micellar Eye Make-Up Remover has an oil-free formula that cleans the eye area thoroughly without rubbing or aggravation, suitable for sensitive areas around the eyes.
Brow Mapper: It is a specialized tool used to mark and outline key points on the brow during the mapping process. The RefectoCil Brow Mapper in white makes markings on different skin tones more visible for the accuracy and precision of drawn brow shapes. This helps assist when pre-drawing the right shape before colouring or can also be used for the first step of Brow Styling Services (brow mapping for optimal shaping).
Angled Brush: The RefectoCil Browista Tool Kit is the perfect set for lash and brow artists and beauty professionals for brow styling. It includes a soft, angled brush for precise application of brow tint and a wider angled brush suited for lash tinting. In brow mapping, an angled brush is needed to measure the fixed points with the brow mapper. This is also used to fill in brows for colouration post-mapping.
Tweezers: For brow shaping, good-quality tweezers are needed for fine-tuning the shape of the brows after mapping is completed. This also minimises discomfort for the client while ensuring neatness in the final result. TheRefectoCil Precision Brow Tweezerhas a slanted tip designed for accurate hair removal and a better grip on individual hairs, making it easier to achieve a clean, defined brow shape and less painful tweezing.
Brow Gel: A brow gel sets the brows in place after shaping. The RefectoCil Styling Gelprovides a flexible hold, allowing the brows to maintain their shape throughout the day without feeling stiff or crunchy. It shields the hair with a special colour-protect formula for longer-lasting results. It also has active ingredients like D-Panthenol to help retain moisture and add shine.
Step-by-Step Guide (Basic Mapping)
Step 1: Preparation
Begin by cleaning the brow area to remove any makeup or oils using the RefectoCil Micellar Eye Make-Up Remover. This will provide a clear canvas for defining the brows.
Dry the eye area and brush the eyebrows upwards with the spouli before application.
Step 2: Measure and Map
Now, you need to identify key points on the client’s brow. Measure the following 3 points using the RefectoCil brush then mark them clearly with the RefectoCil Brow Mapper by drawing 2 cm long lines above the eyebrow.
Beginning of the eyebrow: Hold the brush to the nostril. This is where the eyebrow begins.
End of the eyebrow: Hold the pencil at an angle from the wing of the nose to the outer corner of the eye. This is where the eyebrow ends.
The highest point: Hold the brush diagonally over the eye, through the outer edge of the pupil. This is where the arch begins.
Step 3: Colouration
Connect the mapped points to create a soft outline that visualises the template of the ideal brow shape. You may make subtle adjustments individually to the shape of the client’s face and eyes.
Using the Browista Tool Kit, colour the eyebrows with the chosen RefectoCil brow tint.
Step 4: Shaping & Aftercare
Wipe off the tint with a damp cotton pad. This leaves the lines visible which aids the subsequent tweezing with the Precision Brow Tweezer to remove hair outside the mapped outline carefully.
Wipe off any colour residue and visible lines with the Eye Micellar Make-up Remover.
Apply the Styling Gel to set the brow hairs in place for a lasting definition. For hygienic purposes, do not repeatedly use the same brush on all clients. You must remove the styling gel from the tube with a clean brush and apply it with the rubber spouli.
Tips for Maintaining Beautifully Shaped Brows
Here are simple and effective tips for your clients to keep their eyebrows well-defined between appointments.
Regular Maintenance: Encourage your clients to schedule regular brow appointments, typically every 3-6 weeks, depending on hair growth. They may set reminders for their next appointment to ensure consistent care.
Use the Right Tools: Provide clients with tips on at-home brow maintenance using the right tools such as recommending a high-quality tweezer like RefectoCil Precision Brow Tweezer for minor touch-ups.
Follow the Natural Shape: Advise clients to follow their brow’s natural arch to avoid over-plucking.
Protective Products: Suggest brow gels like the RefectoCil Styling Gel for your clients that moisturises the hair while preventing colour fading and exposure to environmental stressors.
Beauty professionals who are expertly skilled in brow mapping deliver precision in brow shaping, which highly contributes to client satisfaction and repeat business. With brow mapping and shaping, you can significantly transform your client’s look with the right, well-defined eyebrows that make them come back. Take your skills to the next level with the right quality products you need. Discover the wide range of Refectocil Eyelash and Eyebrow Products that will help you deliver exceptional and personalised brow styling services for your clients’ needs.