How To Do Eyebrow Slits With And Without Tweezers

Eyebrow slits are one of the most versatile brow trends around - subtle enough for everyday wear, bold enough to make a statement, and reversible if you change your mind. This guide covers how to do them with tweezers, with a razor, and with makeup alone - plus the different styles available, how to choose placement, and what to expect if you decide to grow them out.

Always start with clean tools. Tweezers and razors that have been cleaned before use reduce the risk of irritation and infection around the brow area.

Table of Contents

• What Are Eyebrow Slits?
• Eyebrow Slit Styles
• How To Do Eyebrow Slits With Tweezers
• How To Do Eyebrow Slits Without Tweezers
• How To Do Eyebrow Slits Without Shaving
• Do Eyebrow Slits Grow Back?
• What Are Other Eyebrow Trends Now?
• Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Eyebrow Slits?

An eyebrow slit is a thin vertical or angled gap shaved or plucked through the brow hair, creating a deliberate break in the brow line. The slit is usually narrow - just enough to be noticeable - and can be placed at any point along the brow.

The trend has deep roots. Eyebrow slits were prominent in the hip-hop community and among athletes through the 1980s and 1990s, with figures including David Beckham and Vanilla Ice helping to bring them into the mainstream. At the time, a slit could signal affiliation or simply be a form of self-expression and style. The trend faded during the early 2000s when thin brows took over, then returned strongly in the 2010s. Today, celebrities including Zayn Malik and Jason Momoa have helped keep slit brows firmly in fashion, and the style is now popular across genders.

Modern eyebrow slits are a self-expression and fashion choice. They can be a single fine line at the tail of the brow or a bold double slit with added colour - the range of options is broader than ever.

Eyebrow Slit Styles

Before you start, it helps to decide which style you want. Placement and direction make a significant difference to how the finished look reads.

Straight slit
The most common style: a single vertical line running perpendicular to the brow hairs. It can sit near the front (inner) section of the brow, through the arch, or at the tail end. A slit at the tail tends to read as edgier; one near the front is subtler.

Angled slit
An angled slit runs diagonally through the brow rather than straight across. The result is sharper and more graphic, particularly effective on thicker brows.

Double slit
Two parallel slits, spaced approximately 3-5mm apart, cut through the same brow. Bolder and more deliberate-looking than a single slit.

X-shape slit
Two slits crossed to create an X through the brow. Popular in K-pop culture and a strong statement look that requires more precision to execute cleanly.

Placement options
The slit can go anywhere along the brow. Placing it at the outer third or tail creates a directional, subtle look. Through the arch is more attention-grabbing. Most people start with a single straight slit at the outer portion of one brow and adjust from there.

How To Do Eyebrow Slits With Tweezers

Tweezers give the most control, because you are removing individual hairs rather than shaving a line. Use a pair of clean, sharp tweezers for best results.

What you need:

• Sharp tweezers
• Two short strips of tape
• An eyebrow pencil or white eyeliner
• A brow pencil or powder to finish

Steps:

1. Clean and dry the brow area. Remove any makeup or oil from around the eyebrow so the tape adheres properly and the result lasts longer.
2. Decide on the placement of your slit. Use a brow pencil to mark the exact position you want on the brow.
3. Place two strips of tape on either side of the marked position, leaving a channel of your desired slit width (approximately 2-4mm). The tape acts as a straight-edge guide and prevents you from removing too much.
4. Using sharp tweezers, pluck the hairs within the channel one by one from the root. Work carefully and remove only the hairs between the tape strips.
5. Remove the tape and assess the gap. If it needs slightly more definition, pluck carefully at the edges.
6. Use a brow pencil to define the brow on either side of the slit for a clean, sharp finish.

Tips:

• Do not over-pluck. A slit should be narrow - approximately 2-4mm. Wider than this risks creating a bald patch rather than a clean line.
• Pluck in good, direct lighting so you can see exactly which hairs are within the channel.
• If creating a double slit, use the tape guide for each channel separately to keep spacing consistent.

How To Do Eyebrow Slits Without Tweezers

If you prefer shaving over plucking, a small eyebrow razor (also called a brow shaper or dermaplaning razor) gives clean, precise results. The tape guide method is especially important here, because a razor removes hair faster than tweezers and is harder to correct if too much is removed at once.

What you need:

• A small eyebrow razor or disposable brow shaper
• Two short strips of tape
• An eyebrow pencil or white eyeliner
• A brow pencil or gel to finish

Steps:

1. Clean and dry the brow area thoroughly. A razor works best on clean, dry skin with no oil or product residue.
2. Mark the position of your slit with a brow pencil or white eyeliner so you can see the exact hairs you plan to remove.
3. Place two strips of tape on either side of the marked area to create a guide channel of your chosen width.
4. Using the eyebrow razor, carefully shave the hairs within the channel with short, controlled strokes. Shave against the direction of hair growth (usually downward along the brow) for the cleanest cut.
5. Remove the tape and wipe the area with a clean cloth. Check the slit in a mirror from a few angles.
6. Use a brow pencil or brow gel to define the remaining hairs on either side of the slit.

Tips:

• Work slowly - a razor covers the area quickly, and short strokes give you more control than long ones.
• Shave against the direction of hair growth for a cleaner cut.
• If you use professional tweezers for general brow maintenance, a razor is a useful complement for the slit itself - it creates a crisper edge than plucking alone.

How To Do Eyebrow Slits Without Shaving

If you want the look of a slit without removing any hair, a makeup-only method works well. This is ideal for anyone not ready to commit, for testing placement before picking up tweezers or a razor, or for switching the slit position regularly.

What you need:

• Concealer matched to your skin tone
• A thin, flat concealer brush
• A brow pencil or brow powder
• Setting powder or setting spray

Steps:

1. Apply a small amount of concealer directly onto the section of the brow where you want the slit to appear. Use a thin, flat brush rather than a sponge - you want a precise, defined edge rather than a blended finish.
2. Pat the concealer carefully into the brow hairs to lighten the area. For dark brows, two or three layers may be needed - allow each to dry before the next application.
3. Set the concealed area with a small amount of loose powder to prevent smudging.
4. Using a brow pencil, fill in the brow on either side of the concealed area, building contrast between the brow colour and the lightened gap.
5. Set with a light spray to extend wear through the day.

The makeup method washes off at the end of the day, which makes it easy to experiment with different styles - straight, angled, double, or an X-shape - before committing to hair removal.

Do Eyebrow Slits Grow Back?

Yes - eyebrow slits do grow back. Whether plucked or shaved, the follicles remain intact and hair will regrow.

Growth timeline

Shaved slits grow back noticeably faster than plucked ones. Stubble typically appears within a week, and a shaved slit usually fills back in within 3-4 weeks. A plucked slit takes longer: brow hair grows at approximately 0.16mm per day, meaning a plucked slit takes 4-6 weeks to fill in noticeably and up to 3-4 months for full regrowth, depending on the individual.

Factors that affect regrowth

• Age - brow hair growth can slow gradually over time
• Genetics - individual growth rates and density vary significantly
• Frequency of plucking - repeatedly plucking the same follicle over many years can reduce regrowth density, though a single slit is very unlikely to cause permanent damage

During regrowth

Use a brow pencil to draw fine, hair-like strokes through the gap and blend the slit back into the brow as hair grows. A brow tint such as Eylure Dybrow can help even out and darken patchy regrowth. If you want to support the process, a brow serum such as RapidBrow Eyebrow Enhancing Serum can create better conditions for the follicle during the active growth phase.

What Are Other Eyebrow Trends Now?

Eyebrow slits are just one of several brow trends that have gained traction recently. Here is a look at the others worth knowing about.

What's So Great About Soap Brows?

Soap brows use a bar of soap (or a purpose-made soap brow product) and a damp brush to set the brow hairs upward into a full, fluffy shape that stays in place all day. The look became popular via TikTok and suits naturally thick or textured brows particularly well.

1. Clean the brow area to remove any dirt or makeup residue.
2. Dampen a clean brow brush and swipe it lightly over a clear bar of soap.
3. Brush the brow hairs upward from the base, working outward along the brow until you achieve the desired full, set shape.
4. Finish with a clear brow gel to lock the shape in place.

What About Natural Brows?

Natural brows focus on grooming and defining what you already have, rather than dramatically altering shape or density. The result should be a neat, well-maintained version of your natural arch.

1. Clean the brow area and trim any unusually long hairs with small scissors, cutting at a 45-degree angle for a natural finish.
2. Brush hairs upward and outward using a spoolie to see the natural shape clearly.
3. Pluck only hairs that fall clearly outside the natural browline and in the space between the brows. Avoid plucking below the brow - over-plucking this area is one of the most common brow mistakes.
4. Fill in any sparse areas with a brow pencil or brow powder, using short hair-like strokes.
5. Set with a brow gel for a longer-lasting finish.

What's The Point Of Bleached Brows?

Bleached brows involve lightening the brow hairs to a shade much closer to the skin tone, creating a barely-there, editorial effect. The look has appeared regularly on runways and among fashion-forward wearers.

Approach brow bleaching with care. Brow hair may not reliably return to its exact original colour after bleaching, and the skin around the eye is sensitive. Always use a product formulated specifically for facial hair or brows - standard hair bleach is not safe near the eye area.

Skinny Brows: Who Are They For?

Very fine, narrow brows were last at their peak in the late 1990s and early 2000s and have seen some revival as an intentional retro or editorial choice.

The main consideration is long-term: repeatedly removing brow hair over many years can reduce the density and rate of regrowth. If you decide to grow them back later, the result may be thinner than your original brows. For this reason, achieving the skinny brow effect with concealer and brow pencil is lower-risk than extensive plucking or waxing.

If you do want to trim for a thinner effect:

• Use scissors to trim rather than plucking excessively from the root
• Brush hairs upward first and trim only the tips
• Never pluck above the natural browline

Should You Try Straight Brows?

Straight brows have a minimal arch and a near-horizontal run from inner to outer corner. This shape is more common naturally in East Asian features and has been popular in Korean beauty trends for several years.

• Trim hairs that create an arch, keeping the brow line level across its length
• Fill in any sparse areas with a brow pencil
• Set with a brow gel for a longer-lasting finish

Frequently Asked Questions

How wide should an eyebrow slit be?
A standard eyebrow slit is approximately 2-4mm wide - narrow enough to look intentional and clean without removing too much brow hair. Use two strips of tape as guides when plucking or shaving to keep the width consistent and the edges straight.

Can you do eyebrow slits on both brows?
Yes. Wearing a slit on just one brow is a popular choice for a more asymmetric or subtle look. Matching slits on both brows give a bolder, more symmetrical result. If you are new to the style, starting with one brow lets you try the look before committing to both.

Do eyebrow slits hurt?
Plucking with tweezers causes the same brief discomfort as any eyebrow plucking. Shaving with a razor is generally painless. If you experience significant redness, swelling, or pain after creating a slit, leave the area alone and let it settle before any further treatment.

How do you fill in an eyebrow slit to cover it up?
Use a brow pencil in your natural brow colour to draw fine, hair-like strokes through the gap. Set with a brow gel to hold the strokes in place. A brow tint can provide a longer-lasting base for covering, particularly while waiting for regrowth.

Will eyebrow slits grow back if I repeat them regularly?
Single and occasional slits are very unlikely to cause lasting follicle damage. However, repeatedly plucking the exact same narrow channel over many years can gradually weaken the follicle and reduce regrowth density. Shaving preserves the follicle entirely and is the lower-risk option if you plan to maintain the slit long-term.

How do you keep an eyebrow slit straight?
The tape guide method is the most reliable approach. Place two strips of tape parallel to each other to create a channel of your chosen width, and pluck or shave only within that channel. Check from a few angles in a mirror before removing the tape.

Are eyebrow slits suitable for all brow thicknesses?
Slits are most visible on thicker, denser brows. On fine or sparse brows, the gap may be less defined. In this case, the makeup-only method - concealer and brow pencil - often creates a cleaner result than actual hair removal, as it allows you to control the contrast more precisely.

What tools do I need to do eyebrow slits at home?
For the tweezers method: clean sharp tweezers, tape, and a brow pencil or powder. For the razor method: a small eyebrow razor or brow shaper, tape, and a brow pencil. For the makeup-only method: a concealer matched to your skin tone, a thin concealer brush, a brow pencil, and setting powder or spray.

How long do eyebrow slits last?
A shaved slit typically shows stubble within a week and fills in within 3-4 weeks. A plucked slit usually lasts 4-6 weeks before noticeable regrowth, and up to 3-4 months for complete coverage. The makeup-only slit washes off at the end of each day.

Should I see a professional for eyebrow slits?
If you are uncertain about placement, style, or technique, a professional brow technician can advise on which style suits your face shape and brow density before you remove any hair yourself. This is particularly useful for more complex styles such as an X-shape or double slit.

Can you tint an eyebrow slit?
A brow tint such as Eylure Dybrow can be applied to the brows on either side of the slit to make the gap more defined and the overall look more polished. Apply the tint after the slit is created rather than before.

Is it safe to do eyebrow slits at home?
Yes, when done carefully with clean tools. Always clean tweezers or a razor before use to avoid introducing bacteria near the eye area. Work slowly, use tape as a guide, and avoid plucking or shaving beyond the channel you have marked. If the area becomes red or irritated, leave it to settle before continuing.