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Revised 10/01/26
beauty, brows and lashes
Fake Eyebrows: How to Apply and Care for Human Hair Eyebrow Wigs
How our human hair eyebrow wigs work, which shape and color to choose, and how to put them on, wear them and make a pair last. Our founder created the first gel-backed eyebrow wigs.
Brows do more for a face than almost anything else.
An eyebrow wig gives you real brows, made of human hair, that go on in the morning and come off at night.
Shopping for a pair? see every shape, color and price, or if yours just arrived, go straight to putting them on.
what an eyebrow wig is
and why ours look real
An eyebrow wig, also called a brow wig or fake eyebrows, is a wig for your eyebrows. Women wear one when their own brows have thinned or gone. Unlike a wig for your head, it needs an adhesive to stay on, and there are adhesives made specially for the job.
do fake eyebrows look real?
Ours are made by hand from 100% real human hair, as close as anything on the market to real eyebrow hair. Each hair is placed by hand on a clear, flexible gel backing and angled the way brow hair grows, so it looks like hair growing from your brow line.
Because every pair is handmade, no two are exactly alike. Those small differences help them look real, since natural brows are not perfect or identical either.
Not every eyebrow wig is made this way. Some use synthetic fiber, and some sit on a lace backing. We carried lace-backed brows for a while and stopped, because they were itchy and did not look as real. Because of the way our hairs are placed by hand along the gel, there is no raised ridge down the center.
“These gems didn't just give me back my eyebrows they gave me back my face.”Callie, who lost her brows to alopecia
who wears eyebrow wigs
Women and men, for all sorts of reasons. Some chemotherapy drugs cause eyebrow loss, and radiation can too when the brows are in the treatment area. So can alopecia areata, thyroid problems, trichotillomania and some skin conditions.1 One of our customers wears a #17, trimmed to fit, over a scar where her brow never grew back. Men's brows are fuller, so we make a men's eyebrow wig too.
when to see your doctor first
If your brows are thinning and you do not know why, start with your doctor. Thinning at the outer ends of the brows can be a sign of an underactive thyroid, and many causes of brow loss can be treated.1
if you are in treatment
Not every chemotherapy treatment causes eyebrow loss. When one does, they often go weeks or months after the hair on your head, sometimes after treatment has ended.2,3 For most women they grow back once treatment is over, though they can come back thinner or patchier at first.4
In the meantime, eyebrow makeup, temporary eyebrow tattoos and eyebrow wigs all fill the gap without breaking the skin. To compare them side by side, along with salon options like microblading, see eyebrow replacement options.
While your brows are still there. Take a close-up photo of them, straight on and in good light. It shows you their shape and color when you choose a pair.
choosing your shape and color
and whether to wear them over your own brows
Each shape suits a different face, and each color goes with a range of hair colors. Think of the face shapes as a starting point. You can also choose the shape closest to the brows you had, or simply the arch you like. If you are torn between two, call us.
| shape | length and arch | suits |
|---|---|---|
| #12 | Shorter, with a very subtle arch | Oval and oblong faces |
| #15 | Longer, with a rounded arch | Heart and diamond faces |
| #17 | Medium length, with a defined arch | Round, square and heart-shaped faces |
| men's | Fuller, and easy to trim to the shape you want | Men, and women who want a thicker, bolder brow |
Not sure of your face shape? Our guide to eyebrow shapes helps you find it.
Eyebrow wig #12
Shorter, with a very subtle arch. Oval and oblong faces.
shop →Eyebrow wig #15
Longer, with a rounded arch. Heart and diamond faces.
shop →Eyebrow wig #17
Medium length, with a defined arch. Round, square and heart faces.
shop →Men's eyebrow wig
Fuller, and easy to trim to the shape you want.
shop →which color?
| color | looks best with |
|---|---|
| Blonde | Light natural blonde, platinum or white hair |
| Light Brown | Dark blonde, red, auburn, light brown and medium brown hair |
| Dark Brown | Medium or dark brunette hair |
| Brownish Black | Very dark or black hair |
If your hair has gone gray, choose the color closest to your hair before it turned. And if a color is a shade off, a little brow pencil or powder over the top closes the gap. If your hair is blonde, our blonde eyebrows guide has more on choosing a brow color.
can I wear them over my own brows?
Yes, if your brows are thin or patchy. The backing needs to touch your skin to hold, so a full brow gets in the way and the wig will not stay put.
Many of our customers wear them over their own brow hair without losing any of it. To keep it that way, soften the glue before you lift them off. Peeling a wig straight off patchy brows can pull out hairs you still have.2
Every shape and color is in our eyebrow wigs collection. You will need an adhesive too, and ours is Secure Hold.
putting them on
how to apply fake eyebrows
Eyebrow wigs stay on with adhesive. We recommend our Secure Hold adhesive every time. It is specially formulated to hold brows, and it is very strong. It dries clear, it is latex-free, and it keeps your brows in good condition the longest.
Regular eyelash adhesive will do in a pinch, but it likely will not hold as well. Spirit gum also works, if you prefer it. We stopped carrying it because it is so strong. It holds, but your brows will not last as long, and Secure Hold is much gentler on the skin.
what you need
- Your eyebrow wigs and our Secure Hold adhesive.
- Cotton swabs, and a toner if you use one.
- Our eyebrow glue remover, for cleaning the backing once the brows are off, and an oil-based eye makeup remover, so you never peel them off dry.
- A brow pencil or brow powder, if you want to finish the look.
- A spoolie brush or a clean comb, for pressing them down without touching the hair. The spoolie also brushes the hairs into place and blends makeup through them.
Try the adhesive first. Like any new cosmetic, try a little on a small patch of skin first, such as the inside of your wrist.2 If any adhesive irritates your skin, stop using it, and see your doctor if the irritation does not settle. Do not wear them while the skin around your brows is inflamed, or while you have an eye infection.5
getting your skin ready
Clean the skin well before every application. For the strongest hold, the brow area should be clean, dry and free of makeup. Many of our customers wipe it with a toner on a cotton swab first.
Do the rest of your makeup after the brows are set. Some customers put them on over foundation. If you do, keep it very light under the brows, because anything on your skin sits between the glue and the skin.
Check the placement.
Before any adhesive goes on, hold each brow up to your brow bone. Line the inner edge up with the bridge of your nose, and let the tail end at a point 45 degrees out from the outer corner of your eye. As a simple check, the start sits above the inner corner of your eye, the arch roughly above the center of your eye, and the bottom edge along your brow bone. Our temporary eyebrow tattoo guide walks through these reference points with a drawing. If you need to trim, do it now.
Glue the backing.
Spread a thin, even layer of adhesive over the whole gel backing, on the side without hair. Too much can seep through and look shiny; too little will not hold.
Let it get tacky.
Wait about 30 to 45 seconds. Glue that goes on too wet slips.
Place it on your brow line.
Set the inner edge first, nearest your nose, then lay the brow along your brow bone toward the tail, forming the shape and arch you want.
Press it down, then let it set.
Press gently with the spoolie brush or the teeth of a comb for about 10 seconds. Your fingertip can get glue on the hair and clump it. Then give the adhesive two to three minutes to set fully.
Finish with makeup, if you like.
A brow pencil or powder can deepen the color and blend the edges. Use a light hand and short, feathery strokes.
customizing your eyebrows with makeup
Eyebrow makeup lets you shape your new brows to suit your face, and it makes fake eyebrows look even more natural. Put the brows on first, then the makeup. Our guide on how to draw on eyebrows covers the pencil and powder techniques.
- Darker or lighter than you need? Add a little brow pencil or brow powder until the shade is right.
- Want more volume? Fill in with powder or pencil.
- Too short? Extend the tail with a pencil, using short strokes at the end of the brow.
- Blend it through. A few short strokes across the whole brow avoid the band-aid look of makeup in only one spot.
- A little shine at the edges? That is extra adhesive. Pat on a little translucent powder for a matte finish.
- Expert tip: blend with a spoolie brush for a finished look.
what goes with them
Secure Hold Eyelash & Eyebrow Glue by Cardani
Very strong, latex-free and gentle on the skin. Dries clear.
shop →Eyebrow Glue & Adhesive Remover
Lifts leftover glue from the backing.
shop →Refine Brow Liner by Cardani
A waterproof brow pencil for color and length.
shop →Cardani Eyebrow Powder
Buildable powder for filling and blending.
shop →Dual Angle Eyebrow Brush & Spoolie by Cardani
Blends makeup through the brow.
shop →wearing them day to day
showers, swimming, sleep and sweat
We suggest putting them on with your makeup each morning and taking them off at night, or before you shower. They last longer that way, and your skin gets a break from the adhesive. Cleaning the glue off the backing each time also gives you a smooth, fresh surface. Many of our customers do wear the same pair for two or three days in a row.
| when you are | what we suggest |
|---|---|
| showering | Take them off first. Water, soap and shampoo loosen the glue and wear on the hair. |
| swimming | Take them off first. Chlorine and salt water loosen the glue and wear out the brows. |
| sleeping | Take them off. If you do sleep in them, a silk pillowcase cuts the friction. |
| exercising | Usually fine. Try them at home first, and keep a little adhesive handy for an edge that lifts. |
| wearing them for days | Many customers do. A pair lasts longer if you take it off each night and put it on with your makeup each morning. |
can I take a shower with my eyebrows on?
We suggest taking them off before you shower. They can be worn in the shower, and some customers wear stick-on eyebrows there without any trouble, but water, soap and shampoo can loosen the adhesive and wear on the human hair.
If you do keep them on, avoid long soaks and try not to let water, soap or shampoo run over them. Taking them off first helps them last longer, and you will not risk losing them.
can I swim in my human hair eyebrows?
Some customers do, and many have worn them at the beach or in pools without trouble. We still advise caution. Water, especially chlorinated or salt water, can weaken the adhesive, and the brows may come off. Friction from the water and the chemicals in it also wear them faster. Chlorine in particular can change the color and weaken the backing, and harsh chemicals can weaken the brow hairs and make them shed.
If you do swim in them, clean them well and let them dry completely afterward. To keep them in their best condition, we recommend taking them off before you swim.
can I sleep with my eyebrows on?
We recommend taking them off before bed, for four reasons:
- They last longer. The less time you wear them, the longer they keep their quality.
- Less wear and tear. Friction and movement while you sleep strain the adhesive and the hair.
- You will not lose them. They cannot come off in the night and go missing.
- Your skin gets a rest. Sweat and oil can build up under the backing overnight, so a night without them keeps the skin underneath clean.
If you do sleep in them, our silk pillowcase reduces the friction against your face and gives them the best protection.
can I wear the eyebrows during sports or when I sweat?
Many of our customers find they hold up well to sweat during sports, and we recommend our Secure Hold adhesive for the best results. Like eyelash glue or makeup, adhesive reacts with each person's skin and sweat a little differently, so try them first during exercise at home, such as yoga, a jog or a workout video. If an edge starts to lift after a long, sweaty session, tuck a small amount of glue right under the edge.
my eyebrows used to stay on. Why won't they stick now?
Usually the skin has changed. Skin can change with life changes, and it can get oilier than it used to be. Oil sits between the glue and your skin, so the brows lose their grip.
Clean the skin well before every application, and clean the old glue off the backing each time, so the new layer goes onto a smooth, clean surface. If you have been using another glue, switch back to our Secure Hold adhesive. If they still will not stay on, call us at 281-334-4287.
taking them off and looking after them
removing, cleaning, trimming and replacing
Go slowly when you take them off. Softening the glue first protects the brows and any hairs of your own underneath.
Soften the adhesive.
Dampen a cotton swab with an oil-based eye makeup remover, one made for use around the eyes, and run it along the edges of the backing.5
Peel gently from the inner edge.
Start at the end nearest your nose and lift slowly. If it resists, soften it a little more.
Clean the backing.
Once the brows are off, use our eyebrow glue remover on a cotton swab to lift any glue left on the backing. It is for the backing only. Never put it on your face or near your eyes, and do not soak the brows in it.
Rinse and air dry.
Rinse the brows carefully in cool water and let them air dry.
how do I clean eyebrow wigs?
Clean the glue off the backing after every wear. To wash them, swish them gently in a bowl of cool water with a small amount of mild shampoo, rinse in cold water, and pat them dry with a towel. Do not rub them, and keep them away from heat.
can I trim eyebrow wigs?
Yes. You can trim the backing to change the shape, or trim the hairs to change the length.
- To change the shape, part the hairs and move them out of the way of the backing, then cut between the hair roots with fine scissors, so you do not cut off hairs you want to keep.
- To shorten the hairs, bend the backing slightly so the hairs lift, then trim them to the length you want with fine scissors.
Our up-close video shows how.
how long do fake eyebrows last?
You can wear the same pair every day. Most of our customers use one pair for about two to four months. How long yours lasts depends on how often you wear them and for how long each time.
Heat, chemicals, sweat, rubbing, careless cleaning and sleeping in them all shorten their life. Cleaning the glue off the backing after every wear gives you a smooth, clean surface each time and helps them last. Store them in their original container at room temperature, away from sun, heat and humidity.
It is time for a new pair when the clear backing turns cloudy or yellow, the hairs start to shed, or the edges will not stay down even with fresh adhesive.
more questions
how much do eyebrow wigs cost?
Prices and photos for every shape and color are in our eyebrow wigs collection. Most of our customers wear one pair for about two to four months, and you will also need an eyebrow adhesive.
eyebrow wig, eyebrow tattoos or microblading: what is the difference?
If you still have some brows, eyebrow makeup or temporary eyebrow tattoos may be all you need. Our temporary tattoos go on with water in 30 seconds to a minute and last two to three days. Our guide to temporary eyebrow tattoos shows how to put them on.
An eyebrow wig adds real hair, so it has texture and depth, and one pair lasts months. It works best when you have little or no brow hair left.
Microblading is a semi-permanent tattoo that lasts about one to three years, fading gradually. It breaks the skin, so if you are having chemotherapy, check with your oncologist before you have it done. It may be safer to wait until treatment is over, and your care team can tell you when it is safe for you.2 To compare every option side by side, see eyebrow replacement options.
can men wear eyebrow wigs?
Yes. Our men's eyebrow wig is fuller, and easy to trim to the shape you want. Women who want a thicker, bolder brow wear it too.
I'm buying eyebrow wigs as a gift. What should I know?
Shape and color both matter, so if you can, look at the shapes and colors together and let her pick. If you would rather keep it a surprise, a gift certificate lets her choose for herself.
why we care about this
specialists in hair loss since 1995
In 1990 my mother Carol went through breast cancer treatment and could not find anything comfortable or attractive to wear. She was a professional hairstylist, so if she could not find it, nobody could. She made it through on limited options and made a vow: if she survived, she would make it easier for every woman who came after her. In 1995 she and I started Headcovers together.
My mother invented our eyebrow wigs. When she lost her own brows to chemotherapy, she dreamt of something that would look real, with hair on the skin. More than 25 years ago, she created the first pair of gel-backed eyebrow wigs. They were her pride and joy.
Each pair is made the way she designed it, by hand, one hair at a time. Making a pair is a true art, and only a few people in the world have the skill to do it. We have worked hard on these.
Not sure which shape or color is yours?
Call us at 281-334-4287, Monday to Thursday, 9am to 5pm, or Friday, 9am to 3:30pm Central. A person answers, and they'll get you to the right one.
keep learning
eyebrow replacement optionsMakeup, tattoos, wigs and salon options compared.
temporary eyebrow tattoosBrows that go on with water, step by step.
how to draw eyebrowsDraw on brows that suit your face.
eyebrow shapesFind the brow shape for your face.
blonde eyebrowsThe right brow color for blonde hair.
how to apply false eyelashesNatural-looking lashes, step by step.
chemo makeup guideGentle makeup during treatment.
wig buying guideHow to choose your first wig.
how to buy hair loss hatsSoft, comfortable hats for hair loss.
1 Cleveland Clinic, Madarosis (Eyebrow and Eyelash Hair Loss).
2 Breastcancer.org, Eyelash and Eyebrow Loss After Chemo.
3 Macmillan Cancer Support, Changes to your eyebrows and eyelashes during treatment.
4 Breast Cancer Now, Will I lose my eyelashes, eyebrows or body hair during chemotherapy?
5 U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Eye Cosmetic Safety.
This guide is for informational purposes only. It does not replace advice from your physician. If you have questions about your specific situation, please consult your care team.
© 2026 Headcovers Unlimited, Inc. · All rights reserved.
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