When Jenna Ortega showed up to promote Wednesday Season 2 with nearly invisible brows, everyone lost their minds. This is Wednesday Addams we’re talking about, the ultimate goth queen who made deadpan stares and black eyeliner a whole vibe and suddenly, her brows were so faint they practically ghosted. And you know what? People ate it up.

But Ortega isn’t the only one jumping on the invisibile brows trend train. Kendall Jenner turned heads at the Met Gala with her bleached brows against dark hair, while Bella Hadid has made invisible brows her editorial signature. Julia Fox uses them to completely transform her face, and Lady Gaga? She’s been the queen of brow erasure for years.

Invisible brows used to be strictly high-fashion fantasy, you know, the kind of thing only models and Lady Gaga could pull off. But now? They’re 2025’s most unexpected and wearable trend. And honestly? I can see why.

The Story Behind Bleached Brows

This trend isn’t as new as your TikTok feed might suggest. Back in the ’90s, fashion visionaries like Alexander McQueen and John Galliano were stripping models’ brows to create otherworldly beauty looks. The goal? Force viewers to see bone structure, skin texture, and makeup artistry in completely new ways.

Lady Gaga caught onto this early in her career, pairing bleached brows with metallic lips and dramatic eyeliner for that signature alien-glam effect. By the mid-2010s, supermodels like Kendall and Gigi were bringing invisible brows to Givenchy and Marc Jacobs runways, slowly introducing the look to mainstream consciousness.

Now? What used to be a niche high-fashion flex is popping up everywhere: Zara ads, your fave influencer’s selfies, even the barista who makes your oat-milk latte at that hip coffee shop you like. Blame (or thank) TikTok and Instagram.

Invisible vs. bleached brows

So here’s where it gets a bit confusing, people use “invisible brows” and “bleached brows” like they mean the same thing, but they’re actually slightly different.

Bleached brows specifically means you’ve used actual bleach / dye to lighten the brows.

Invisible brows is more of an umbrella term for any look where your eyebrows basically disappear. You could get there by bleaching, sure, but you could also shave them off completely, use concealer to cover them up, or even just have naturally super light brows that barely show up.

The thing is, most people say “invisible brows” when they really mean “bleached brows” because it sounds less scary. Like, telling your mum you’re getting “invisible brows” sounds way more chill than saying you’re bleaching your eyebrows off, you know?

But when celebs like Jenna Ortega or Bella Hadid rock this look, they’re usually going the bleach route because it gives you more control. You can go just light enough to create that ethereal effect, or push it all the way to practically invisible. Plus, bleached brows still have texture and shape, they’re just really, really light.

Technically different, but people use both terms for the same look anyway.

Why Invisible Brows Work So Well

Brow expert Fides Baldesberger, founder of Rubis Tweezers, says:

“Invisible brows are the next evolution of the Y2K wave a minimalist, high-fashion move toward ethereal elegance. They highlight bone structure, let skin and eyes take centre stage, and shift brows from being just facial frames to statements in their own right.”

Makeup artist Chantelle Phillips agrees, but also loves the look for how versatile it can be in practice:

“Bleached brows are a game-changer. They give you this clean, open look that’s perfect for trying out wild colors one day and going super minimal the next. I love playing with them, throw on some colored brow gel or eyeshadow, and boom, instant vibe switch. And if you hate it? It washes right off.

They also have this cool way of making the rest of your face stand out, your cheekbones look sharper, your highlighter glows harder. It’s like a filter IRL.”

What I love about this trend is how it works with literally everything. Throw on some warm, earthy eyeshadow and you get a dreamy, soft look. But then you can also do a bold red lip or dramatic smoky eye, and suddenly those pale brows make everything else pop in this unexpected way. It doesn’t matter if you’re a ‘less is more’ person or someone who loves full glam, invisible brows somehow work for both.

The best part is, you can ease into it however you want. If the idea of fully bleached brows scares you and you are not quite ready for a dramatic change, just go lighter a shade or two, you’ll still get that special effect without the commitment. But if you’re feeling brave and want to go full on editorial mode, you can bleach them until they’re practically invisible. There’s no right or wrong way to do it, which is probably why so many people are willing to try it.

Three Ways to Get Invisible Brows

1. The Full Bleach For Maximum Impact

This is the Jenna Ortega route, we’re talking complete brow transformation here. If you’re ready to fully commit, your best bet is finding a brow specialist who knows what they’re doing. They’ll use proper brow bleach (not the stuff for your hair, which is way too harsh for the delicate skin around your eyes) and won’t overprocess things. Make sure you always ask for a toner afterward. Without it, you could end up with brassy yellow brows instead of that clean, editorial look you’re going for. This is especially important if you have naturally dark hair.

If you’re going the DIY route, invest in a kit that’s actually made for eyebrows, not a regular hair bleaching kit from the drugstore.

2. Tinting

Perfect for testing the waters. A softer, more wearable option is to tint brows one or two shades lighter than your natural hair. This works well for lightening eyebrows before and after comparisons, giving a softer, airbrushed effect without completely removing definition.

Perfect if you want to test the waters without jumping into the deep end. Instead of going full bleach, you can tint your brows just one or two shades lighter than what you naturally have. This is actually a good way to see how you feel about lighter brows before committing to the full bleach situation. Plus, if you hate it, it’s much easier to fix or grow out.

.

3. The Makeup Illusion

Want to try invisible brows for a night out without any permanent changes? Strategic concealer application coupled with tinted gel can create the effect for hours, then wash away completely.

How to DIY Bleached Brows Without Disaster

• Always do a patch test first. It’s boring, I know, and you just want to get on with it, but even the gentlest products can give you a bad reaction. Test a tiny bit on your inner arm and wait a full day before going anywhere near your face. You’ll be grateful you did.

• Protect your skin with petroleum jelly. Grab some vaseline and carefully smear it around your brows (not on the actual hairs though). This stops the bleach from staining your skin and turning you into a patchy mess.

• Set a timer and don’t cheat. Seriously, the difference between looking like an delicate fairy and a traffic cone can be literally two minutes. Set that timer and step away from the mirror.

• Take your time with application. Use a clean spoolie or a fine brush to work the product through your brows evenly. Rushing this bit is how you end up with one brow lighter than the other, and that’s not the editorial look you’re going for.

• Show your brows some love afterward. Bleaching is pretty harsh on hair, so follow up with some nourishing brow serum or even just a drop of oil to keep everything soft and healthy.

Keeping Your Invisible Brows Looking Fresh

Even invisible brows need love. In fact, the lighter they are, the more crucial shape and condition become. Once brows are bleached or lightened, the hair can feel a little drier or more fragile, so regular conditioning is key. A nourishing brow serum or lightweight oil will help keep them soft, smooth, and less prone to breakage.

Everything You Wanted To Know About Bleached Brows

Q: How long does brow bleach last?

A: On average, bleached brows hold their lighter tone for 4–6 weeks before new growth comes in. The exact timing depends on your hair growth cycle — some people notice regrowth in as little as three weeks, while others can stretch it to two months. Touch-ups can keep the look fresh, but always allow a little recovery time between bleaching sessions to avoid dryness or breakage.

Q: Can you reverse bleached brows?

A: Absolutely. You can tint them back to your natural colour in a single salon session or at home with a brow tint kit. If you’d rather avoid more chemicals, simply let them grow out and trim as needed until the bleached hairs are replaced by new growth.

Q: Do bleached brows damage hair?

A: When done professionally or using gentle, purpose-made at-home kits, the risk of damage is minimal. That said, bleaching does slightly lift the cuticle of the hair, so some dryness is inevitable. This is why brow experts recommend following up with a nourishing brow serum or lightweight oil to keep hairs soft and healthy.

Q: Will invisible brows suit me?

A: Invisible brows are surprisingly versatile. They tend to be especially striking on those with defined bone structure or bold eye colours (think deep green, ice blue, or rich brown). But because the look removes the visual “frame” around your eyes, it’s worth experimenting first with a concealer-and-brow-gel combo to see how you like the effect before fully committing.

Q: How do you prep your brows for bleaching?

A: Start by cleansing the brow area to remove oils and makeup. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly around (but not on) the brows to protect the surrounding skin. If you’re using an at-home kit, read the instructions carefully and do a patch test 24–48 hours before to rule out sensitivity or allergic reactions.

Q: How do I keep bleached brows from turning brassy?

A: Just like blonde hair, bleached brows can develop warm or yellow tones over time. To keep them cool-toned, you can use a purple-toning brow gel or conditioner once or twice a week. Avoid prolonged sun exposure on your brows, as UV can speed up brassiness a little SPF on the brow area can go a long way.