It’s a question nearly every beauty lover has asked at some point. Should eyebrows be lighter or darker than hair colour? The answer isn’t always black or white. And it shouldn't be. Your brows are one of the most expressive features on your face. Choosing the right shade should feel intentional and empowering, not like you're following a rigid trend.
At Relume Cosmetics, we believe brow colour should complement your hair, skin tone, and overall style in a way that enhances, not overpowers, your natural beauty. The right brow colour can lift your features, bring harmony to your look, and give you that subtle polish we all crave.
Should Eyebrows Match Your Hair Exactly
Not necessarily. Matching your brows to your hair exactly can flatten your features or make your look feel too monochrome. A slight contrast usually brings better balance and definition. That’s why the general guideline is this: if you’re blonde, go one to two shades darker. If you have black or deep brown hair, go one to two shades lighter. But even that depends on the effect you’re after.
Do you want your brows to frame your face softly or make a statement? Are you filling in sparse areas or reshaping completely? The answer to “Should eyebrows be lighter or darker than hair colour?” starts with your beauty goals.
For Blondes
Blonde hair tends to soften facial features, so darker brows can add definition without looking harsh. A warm taupe or light brown is often the sweet spot. Cooler-toned blondes may benefit from ashy brow shades that don’t skew orange. The goal is definition with harmony, not a jarring contrast.
For Brunettes
Brunettes often ask if they should lighten their brows. The answer depends on your skin tone and the density of your brows. If your natural brows are already full, you may simply enhance their shape with a soft brown. If your hair is deep brown or black, a slightly lighter brow can help soften your expression. That’s why Relume’s Full On Brow Pencil comes in natural, balanced shades that work with your colouring instead of competing with it.
For Redheads
Red hair is unique because of its warmth. If your brows are naturally light or barely visible, adding a neutral brown or soft auburn shade can help bring balance. The mistake many redheads make is choosing a brow product that’s too orange. Stick with neutral or slightly warm tones for a flattering finish.
For Grey Or Silver Hair
One of the most common brow frustrations for mature clients is that their hair has gone grey, but their brows haven’t. Or worse — they’ve thinned and disappeared. The key here is creating definition without adding harshness. A soft taupe or cool brown usually works beautifully. It’s less about matching your hair and more about reviving contrast in a gentle, natural way.
Skin Tone Also Matters
The decision around whether eyebrows should be lighter or darker than hair colour isn’t just about hair — it’s about skin, too. For lighter skin tones, a darker brow can create structure. For deeper skin tones, bold brows already hold their own, and over-lightening them can feel disconnected. That’s why choosing a product that glides on smoothly and blends well is so important.
Why The Right Brow Colour Matters
The right brow colour can change how you feel in your skin. It pulls your look together, frames your face, and gives the illusion of more lifted, youthful features. Too dark can look severe. Too light can disappear under makeup or lighting. The goal is always the same, a natural-looking definition that reflects your personal style.
How To Find Your Best Brow Colour
Here’s a quick guide to choosing the right shade based on your hair colour and beauty goals:
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Blonde hair: Go one to two shades darker for definition
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Dark brown or black hair: Go one to two shades lighter to soften
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Red hair: Choose neutral or soft auburn tones, not orange
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Grey hair: Use taupe or cool brown for natural contrast
Once you know where to start, the rest is about finding the right formula. Relume Cosmetics offers expert-developed brow pencils that allow for hair-like strokes, blendable texture, and foolproof results, even if you’re just getting started.
Should You Change Your Brow Shade With Hair Colour
Yes, and no. If you’re drastically changing your hair colour, say from dark brown to platinum, it’s worth reassessing your brow shade. But you don’t need to overcorrect. A subtle shift in product colour is usually enough. If you’ve gone warmer or cooler with your hair, adjust your brow tone to match. That could mean choosing a more neutral or ashy pencil, or layering a tinted gel like our upcoming Sky Rise Brow Gel for added dimension.
So, Should Eyebrows Be Lighter Or Darker Than Hair Colour
The answer is: whichever choice gives you confidence, harmony, and natural definition. Brow colour isn’t about perfection. It’s about feeling seen, polished, and put together in a way that feels like you. That’s what Relume Cosmetics is here to help you achieve.
Our products are designed with every skill level in mind, from beauty beginners to seasoned enthusiasts. And with expert guidance baked into every product, you’ll never be left guessing. You deserve a beauty routine that fits into your life — easy, approachable, and built on education, not hype.
Ready to find your perfect brow match?Shop our easy-to-use brow tools orbook a virtual brow coaching session today.
