Having dark hair can make choosing the right eyebrow pencil color seem tricky. The key is finding a shade that complements your hair color without being too overpowering. With so many brow pencil options on the market, it can be difficult to know where to start. This guide will walk you through how to select the perfect eyebrow pencil shade for black hair.
Determine Your Undertones
The first step is identifying your natural undertones. Undertone refers to the color pigments underneath the surface of your skin. Knowing your undertones will help you find an eyebrow pencil that flatters your complexion.
There are three main undertone categories:
- Warm – yellow, peach, golden undertones
- Cool – pink, red, blue undertones
- Neutral – a mix of warm and cool undertones
To figure out your undertone, take a look at the veins on the inside of your wrist in natural lighting. If your veins appear greenish, you likely have warm undertones. Bluish veins indicate cool undertones, while hard to distinguish veins point to a neutral undertone.
You can also pay attention to what metal jewelry flatters you most. Warm complexions tend to look best in yellow gold. Cool complexions shine in silver. Neutral skin tones look great in both gold and silver.
Brow Pencil Colors for Black Hair
Once you know your undertones, you can start narrowing down eyebrow pencil shades. Here are some recommendations for different undertones:
Warm Undertones
- Taupe
- Ash brown
- Dark soft brown
- Chocolate brown
Taupe and ash brown work well for warm undertones because they have a subtle grayish-brown tone that complements yellowish skin nicely. Dark soft brown and chocolate brown add warmth while still harmonizing with black hair.
Cool Undertones
- Ashy brown
- Charcoal
- Dark granite
For those with pinker skin, gray-based shades like ashy brown, charcoal, and dark granite are ideal. These colors counteract redness in the skin while matching seamlessly with dark tresses.
Neutral Undertones
- Medium brown
- Espresso
- Soft black
If you have a neutral skin tone, you can’t go wrong with versatile mid-range browns like medium brown and espresso. Soft black is also a great match for neutral complexions.
How to Apply
Once you’ve selected the right eyebrow pencil color, proper application is key for making your brows look full and natural:
- Outline the bottom of your brow first in short, hair-like strokes.
- Then fill in sparse areas in the same direction as your brow hairs grow.
- Use a light hand and blend as you go to prevent harsh lines.
- Brush brows upward and outward with a spooly brush to soften and finish.
When filling in your brows, avoid going too heavy or dark. You want the color to look like an enhancement, not an obvious makeup application. Extend the tail just slightly and watch out for unnatural block-shaped arches.
Product Recommendations
Here are some top-rated eyebrow pencils for black hair in a variety of color shades:
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz
| Color | Price |
|---|---|
| Taupe | $21 |
| Medium Brown | $21 |
| Dark Brown | $21 |
| Ebony | $21 |
This cult favorite brow pencil has a super slim tip for mimicking fine brow hairs. The long-wearing formula glides on easily and stays put all day.
NYX Micro Brow Pencil
| Color | Price |
|---|---|
| Ash Brown | $10 |
| Espresso | $10 |
| Black | $10 |
This budget buy has a tiny triangular tip to help create hair-like strokes. The color range includes neutral ash brown and rich espresso shades.
Benefit Precisely, My Brow Pencil
| Color | Price |
|---|---|
| 3.5 Warm Medium Brown | $24 |
| 4 Neutral Medium Brown | $24 |
| 5 Cool Soft Black | $24 |
This waterproof brow pencil features a custom teardrop nib for filling in and defining. The Shade Finder quiz helps you find your perfect match.
Tips for Black Hair
Here are a few additional tips for choosing an eyebrow pencil shade when you have black hair:
- Look for cool undertones like ash, granite, charcoal.
- Steer clear of warm shades like auburn or caramel.
- Stick to matte finishes versus shimmery ones.
- Pick a color one to two shades lighter than your hair.
- Try waterproof formulas to avoid fading.
With black hair, you want an eyebrow shade that complements the tone without blending in. Stay away from going too warm or red-based. Aim for neutral taupe to dark brown shades.
You also want the color to look natural against your skin. Choosing a pencil one to two shades lighter than your actual hair prevents the brows from looking too overpowering.
How Light or Dark to Go
Deciding how light or dark to go with your eyebrow pencil shade depends on a few factors:
- Your natural brow color – Match the shade to your original brow shade as closely as possible.
- Your hair color – Go a bit lighter than your current dyed hair color.
- Your skin tone – Complement your complexion with the right undertone.
- The look you want – Slightly darker gives more definition.
Look at photos of yourself with your natural brow color for reference. You want the shade to blend seamlessly. Typically for black hair, a dark brown is the safest bet for looking natural but still visible.
If you want a bolder look, go a shade darker. For a softer everyday look, use quick feathered strokes in a slightly lighter color. You can always layer and build up to the desired intensity.
Consider an Eyebrow Gel Too
Using an eyebrow gel in addition to a pencil is a great way to lock in color and add fullness. Apply the gel after filling and shaping with the pencil.
Clear brow gels help tame unruly hairs and keep brows groomed all day. Tinted gels boost color payoff and definition. They come in various shades to suit any brow color.
Look for long-wearing, waterproof gels that resist fading and smudging. Popular picks include:
- Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel
- Benefit Gimme Brow+ Tinted Volumizing Gel
- NYX Control Freak Eyebrow Gel
- Maybelline TattooStudio Brow Gel
Know Your Eyebrow Pencil Contents
Eyebrow pencils contain a mix of waxes, oils, pigments, and other ingredients that allow them to glide on smoothly and stay put. Here’s an overview of some common contents:
- Pigments – Provide color and coverage. Usually mineral or synthetic pigments.
- Waxes – Help formulas adhere to brows and create definition. Beeswax, carnauba wax, rice bran wax.
- Oils – Condition brow hairs and make application creamy. Castor, coconut, olive oil.
- Polymers – Give a flexible hold and waterproofing. Acrylates, PVP.
- Preservatives – Keep products stable and prevent bacterial growth. Parabens, phenoxyethanol.
Look out for nourishing oils, long-wearing waxes, safe preservatives, and non-irritating pigments when selecting an eyebrow pencil. Avoid anything that could potentially cause redness or sensitivity.
FAQs
What if I can’t tell my undertone?
If you’re having trouble determining your skin’s undertones, look at your veins and jewelry as a starting point. You can also drape different colored fabrics like gold, silver, white, ivory, and rose gold against your face. See which shades make your complexion glow for clues about your undertones.
Should I choose a cool, warm, or neutral shade?
Those with warm undertones do best with warm-toned brows in shades like taupe, soft brown, caramel, and auburn. Cool undertones are complemented by cool-toned brows in hues like ash brown, dark granite, and black. Neutral skin looks great with both warm and cool shades, so focus on finding a flattering intensity.
How do I make the color look natural?
Use a light hand when filling in brows so it looks like an enhancement, not an obvious makeup application. Blend the pencil color by brushing through brows with a spooly. Also be careful not to create harsh lines or blocky shapes. Follow your natural brow shape for the most natural look.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect eyebrow pencil for black hair comes down to identifying your undertones and finding a complementary color. Look for shades like taupe, ash brown, dark brown, charcoal, or soft black depending on your skin tone. Apply using hair-like strokes and blend thoroughly. Pair with a brow gel to lock in the look. With the right shade, your brows will look beautifully defined and natural.
